It didn't turn out so great for Hornet basketball. From 6 league wins under Coach Laird, increased to 7 with lots of transfers, but only 4 last year w DP.
Only one DI win this year w interim coach, then likely at least one rebuilding year. I'd say that hiring doesn't-commit Coach David Patrick was a poor choice by AD Mark Orr.
Coach Laird wasn't flashy but provided stability and had the team on an upswing. The high school gym and minimal support means only a local coach has a chance of staying for even 3-5 years. Orr likely felt jobbed by Coach Katz' late departure, and DP left in late May. He has a history of moving every two years or less.
But it seems like building on the west side is really complicated by the press box / Edwards Room. Unless we tear that down, and add in corporate suites w seating above?
I believe it's the first time we elevated a career position coach. In RG defense, he likely inherited Biggs' minimal budget, and it sounds like Hawk helped increase that. Did we also increase scholarship dollars under Hawk?
They probably keep in contact w recruits they connected with but didn't sign, as well as star camp attendees.
He's in high demand, and the early moves are completely understandable. Coaches like him, Nathaniel Hackett, Khari Jones, Burl Toler, Gus Argenal (basketball) move, learn from lots of people, absorb, and move on.
Up-and-coming African American coaches are in especially high demand. It's easier, and more visible, to hire a black coach than a black chemistry professor.
FBSchedules.com: Mercer, UC Davis to play in 2025 FCS Kickoff
"As part of the agreement, Mercer will pay UC Davis a $25,000 guarantee for the game and ESPN will provide the Aggies with 400 complimentary tickets. The contest, which has not yet been officially announced by ESPN, can be moved to Macon, Ga., if it cannot be played in Montgomery."
"Marion’s up-tempo offense is specifically designed to run the ball downhill. It’s about tempo and spacing, using multiple formations to get favorable matchups to run the ball. Its main formation is aligning the quarterback in the shotgun with two backs to one side. Marion, in an earlier interview with the Athletic website, said the go-go offense is predicated on chunk plays, which come from teams overcommitting to stop the run.
“ 'How you play without the ball determines how much you love your teammates,” Marion said during a coaching clinic, emphasizing that selflessness and spreading the ball around are among the keys to success. While most college offenses average 60-65 plays per game, the go-go offense strives to average 80.' "