Quote from: Pat Coleman on December 23, 2009, 11:01:44 AM
I believe the runner-up for that honor got to coach the Lions.

In 2006 I was notified that I had been named "Detroit Lions Coach of the Week" and was horrified until I realized it was an honorary title awarded to a HS coach each week.

Thought I was actually going to have to coach Millen's losers and misfits for seven days...

So, their "national search" extended all of about 10-15 miles!   

Nevertheless, Hulkow is a fine coach who will do a good job at Olivet.

Some MLive posts (you know how reliable they are!) ate suggesting Herb Haygood.

Haygood was standout WR at MSU, played in NFL and other peripheral leagues.

Coached at OC in 2006, has been WR coach at Saginaw Valley State last threee seasons.

Has no head coaching or coordinator experience, and there also some internet posts that say he may be headed to Western Kentucky.

Look for Olivet to hire internally - Sparks, Smith, or Kubiak.

db,

Good points all.

Let me clarify: It's hard for a college's administration to sell alumni and fans that they're serious about winning when they hire internally from a staff that has done poorly (one win) the last two years. It's about perception to a large degree.

Sparks, Smith, and Kubiak all have things in their background that would recommend them for the job. And any of those three would probably do as well as anyone from the outside could. Players of course almost always want a current staff member promoted because like all human beings they are resistant to change. "The devil that you know..."

And yes, I know about Irv's success and the Comets making the playoffs in 2007. Which makes the precipitous descent back to the MIAA basement all the more alarming - and hard to comprehend - if you're an OC grid supporter.

Although he might just be what OC needs, especially being an alum, I doubt Olivet can match what Dean is making as a a public school teacher-coach with a dozen or so years in at Lowell.

Haygood has a grand total of four years' coaching experience, none as a coordinator much less as a head coach. Can OC take a chance on somebody who's never written a practice plan much less managed a game?

Sparks was defensive coordinator for teams that went 1-19 last two years and ranked last or next to last in MIAA in every defensive category. Are they going to hire someone who evidently was "part of the problem"?

Elmhurst new HC - Todd Nichols or Tim Lester? Decision supposedly due by next Monday.

Stinger,

Nice pronouncement by the president. Easy to say though - sounds pretty short on specifics.

I'm skeptical - Wait and see or I'll believe it when I see it, especially re football.

Is Livedoti going to give up the head football coaching duties now that he is AD (I know press release said he would remain HFC)?

There are rumblings in this area that Holt HS's Mike Smith may be replacing him in the coaching position.

Hard to believe Olivet would pass up Bob Kubiak to bring in a HS coach, hower successful, over him as head guy.

Stinger, agreed Sokol would be a fine candidate too.

Also Brian Coon, offensive coordinator under Rogers. He may be looking to get out of Cornell and might welcome a chance to come back to Michigan.

However - none of these three have head coaching experience, which may have been part of Brooks' struggles. On the flip side, they are familiar with the college - its philosophy, strengths, weaknesses.

I think Ferentz' name is coming up more because Michigan's president, Mary Sue Coleman, came from Iowa than anything.

Ferentz is a good coach, but would be a tough sell to Wolverine fans because of his record the last three years.

Last winter when the K-College recruiter came to our school he said that prospective student-athletes had to have a 3.8 and a 30.

Throw in the cost and low financial aid packages at 'K' and it's not hard to see why their football program isn't even competitive.

I am not an Adrian insider but know some MIAA football people very well. My speculations are based on what I've been told.

The new Adrian president reminds me a lot of Don Lubbers, the former GVSU president for whom their football stadium is named. He used athletics to help make a name for the school (and himself).

The bar has been raised on US-23. With the investments in facillities, staff, etc., there better come a return. He has already "promoted" Mensing. If Lyall doesn't win, I don't think he'll get a pass for long just because of his years of service or because he's a good guy.

I wonder, given the mindset of the new college president:

If Adrian finishes sixth (or even fifth) if Coach Lyall will still be there in 2008?

Unfortunately db you (unintentionally) highlight another area where 'K' falls behind in MIAA football: The Hornets do not have the numbers to play JV games, so their freshmen lose game experience.

Of course, one recruiting "selling" point for 'K' football is, if you go there, you are on the varsity immediately - in some cases, second string right away! But obviously freshmen won't get the same experience as at other MIAA schools. And if too many of them play significant time, they're going to lose anyway.

Another area that impacts 'K' football occasionally is the lack of a track and field program. It has been a deciding factor between schools for some kids who have wanted to compete in both sports.

Hope has more freshmen, and as many juniors and seniors combined, as Kazoo's entire roster!

Good job, Pat - way to be heads up!