Sears Fired

[SDHornet]

Sears was fired by Orr. This is the type of move a D1 caliber AD makes. Thank you Orr. :clap:

So much for all those garbage excuses in the past about not having resources and blah blah blah about not getting rid of Sears sooner. Good riddance, no HC in Hornet history has done less with more.

This was the easy part for Orr, now the heavy lifting is at hand. Glad to see he is keeping his options open on a national level. :clap:

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Director of Athletics Mark Orr announced today that Jody Sears will not return as Sacramento State's head football coach for the 2019 season.

The Hornets completed the 2018 season with a 2-8 overall record and an 0-7 mark in Big Sky Conference games.

Sears completed his five seasons at Sacramento State with a 20-35 overall record. He was named the Big Sky Co-Coach of the Year in 2017 after leading the team to a 7-4 overall record and a 6-2 mark in league games.

"Decisions like this are never easy," Orr said. "I would like to thank Coach Sears for his dedication to the student-athletes and the program over the last five years."

A national search for the next Sacramento State head coach will commence immediately.

http://www.hornetsports.com/sports/fball/2018-19/releases/20181126tcute2

 

[Kadeezy]

Wow!!! Speculation online that Folsom Coach Kris Richardson is being targeted??? P

 

[GreenArmySwarm]

Alright, we're gonna make Orr job really easy for him.

1. Angus McClure, OL/Asst. HC, Nevada (Would love this hire, but I don't think McClure would accept and if he does, it feels like a stop gap)

2. Jon Osterhout, HC, ARC :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: This would be my number one choice without a doubt. Though the same "stop gap" sentiment applies especially with Osterhout being so young. I do strongly believe that he will accept the job, take 2-3 year to bring the program to his liking. Above .500 team in year 4 & 5 and leave for a FBS assistant job.

3. Jimmy Collins, HC, CCSF. I think this could also be another amazing hire. Pretty much in the same mold as the Jon Osterhout hiring

 

[Green Laser]

Wow Shocker! We were never given the details of last year's extension, maybe it had a performance clause out in it.
As we look for another head coach remember the criticism of Sperbeck because of his JC head coaching background.
That would seem to eliminate the two JC head coaches and the high school coach mentioned.
One candidate to consider, (if he would be interested) is Troy Taylor. Both Taylor and Orr played football at Cal, and Taylor coached there when Orr was playing. Probably a considerable pay cut from being the OC at Utah to the HC at Sac State but maybe we could sweeten it up a bit. Maybe Troy would want to come home and build something of his own.

 

[HornetHope]

I am going to be contrarian here. No team from the Sky has won the National Championship in a while. Personally I would like to see an assistant from the MVFC or CAA. Matt Entz, defensive coordinator at NDSU, Clint Brown at South Dakota State. At the very minimum we should have a very deep dive in FCS or look at some coordinators from mid tier FBS successful programs.

Now is the time to fully hit the reset button!

 

[Green Laser]

I am going to be contrarian here. No team from the Sky has won the National Championship in a while. Personally I would like to see an assistant from the MVFC or CAA. Matt Entz, defensive coordinator at NDSU, Clint Brown at South Dakota State. At the very minimum we should have a very deep dive in FCS or look at some coordinators from mid tier FBS successful programs.

Now is the time to fully hit the reset button!

Agree 100% Hornet Hope, this is a great opportunity to hit the reset button. I never thought Sears would get fired this year after the recent extension but Orr has shown in his short time here that he is willing to make bold moves to become competitive. I wouldn't have a problem with a good ambitious coach from the MVFC etc. I think our situation would be very attractive to many of them, access to a large talent pool and a lot of returning talent. Despite this year's record, we have a lot of potential. For years people have been saying that Sac State is a sleeping giant, maybe one of those guys from the Midwest will bring a cattle prod and wake him up!

 

[BuckeyeHornetFan]

It. Is. About. Time.

Count me in with those that were skeptical the firing would occur this soon after the extension. Perhaps the 'out' clause theory is correct. Otherwise you don't typically see a program like Sac State able to pay concurrent HC contacts. But who knows.

JoeD of the Bee speculated the obvious names of Osterhout, McClure and Taylor -- but also prefaced it with 'if there is mutual interest'.

I'd personally love to see Troy Taylor take the job (I floated his name on this board several years ago while he was still with Folsom) but I think it's a long shot (which I also speculated would happen if they waited too long and he became successful). Same likely goes for McClure. Although his kid is on the team. Not sure if that'd help or hurt the odds of landing him.

Lastly, I know there's roster attrition (players transferring out of the program) every season and likely more so after a coaching change. But I sure hope we don't lose any studs such as Elijah Dotson. That kid is the only reason I kept following the team after it became clear the season was over.

 

[superhornet]

1. Angus
2. Jonny O
3. Placerville-El Dorado HC Bruce Pielstick
4. UTEP OC Mike Canales
5. John Volek

 

[SDHornet]

From what I heard the extension was only a 2 year deal. With 2019 being a 12 game season with 2 body bag games, the timing really worked here. Good on Orr for keeping the extension as short as possible so the numbers can work out. I have a hard time seeing 2 or more years of a contract being eaten. Also given that the campus was closed all of last week due to the fires, this decision/announcement probably was loaded and ready to go last week following the humiliating Causeway loss. Sears is finally gone and now this program can move forward.

I'm less worried about the names being floated on the board or in the Bee about who will be hired next. Orr (with Nelsen's blessing) isn't making this move only to turn around and scrounge the local JC and HS FB coaching scene for their next guy. This program is in no position to take a flier on a JC or HS guy who will be learning the job on the fly, and I'm sure Orr (and more importantly Nelsen) understands this.

As I've stated before, all Orr has to do is offer a competitive compensation package and reach out to coaches with potential interest (either personally or with a search committee/consultant) and the "who" part of the equation solves itself. The national search tells me Orr is taking a "coaches without D1 coordinator and/or D1 HC experience need not apply" approach.

 

[just a sac state fan]

1. Angus
2. Jonny O
3. Placerville-El Dorado HC Bruce Pielstick
4. UTEP OC Mike Canales
5. John Volek

5. John Volek; is this a joke.

 

[HornetHope]

From what I heard the extension was only a 2 year deal. With 2019 being a 12 game season with 2 body bag games, the timing really worked here. Good on Orr for keeping the extension as short as possible so the numbers can work out. I have a hard time seeing 2 or more years of a contract being eaten. Also given that the campus was closed all of last week due to the fires, this decision/announcement probably was loaded and ready to go last week following the humiliating Causeway loss. Sears is finally gone and now this program can move forward.

I'm less worried about the names being floated on the board or in the Bee about who will be hired next. Orr (with Nelsen's blessing) isn't making this move only to turn around and scrounge the local JC and HS FB coaching scene for their next guy. This program is in no position to take a flier on a JC or HS guy who will be learning the job on the fly, and I'm sure Orr (and more importantly Nelsen) understands this.

As I've stated before, all Orr has to do is offer a competitive compensation package and reach out to coaches with potential interest (either personally or with a search committee/consultant) and the "who" part of the equation solves itself. The national search tells me Orr is taking a "coaches without D1 coordinator and/or D1 HC experience need not apply" approach.

This firing sends a clear message to the coaches in all sports: we are done with the “ mediocre is good enough” message of prior regimes. We want to Win and if you can’t get it done we will find a coach who will take the challenge. With the talent on this team, I could see some young coordinator at FBS level trying to take to the next level. We are not the dumpster fire we were when Sperbeck took over.

 

[BuckeyeHornetFan]

The national search tells me Orr is taking a "coaches without D1 coordinator and/or D1 HC experience need not apply" approach.

With the talent on this team, I could see some young coordinator at FBS level trying to take to the next level. We are not the dumpster fire we were when Sperbeck took over.

That means my #1 get, Troy Taylor, fits the bill. He's got a year experience at EW and 2 years now at Utah. The Utes won the Pac-12 South this season and have one of the better offenses in the conference. He's obviously got ties to the area and a connection to Orr.

Make. It. Happen.

 

[superhornet]

1. Angus
2. Jonny O
3. Placerville-El Dorado HC Bruce Pielstick
4. UTEP OC Mike Canales
5. John Volek

5. John Volek; is this a joke.

You should know me by now. I'm serious about this. When I was with the program, he was our coach, and he had integrity. I loved being on his teams. That also explains why most of my other choices are from that era, too. Call me crazy if you want, but that's the way it is....

 

[just a sac state fan]

1. Angus
2. Jonny O
3. Placerville-El Dorado HC Bruce Pielstick
4. UTEP OC Mike Canales
5. John Volek

5. John Volek; is this a joke.

You should know me by now. I'm serious about this. When I was with the program, he was our coach, and he had integrity. I loved being on his teams. That also explains why most of my other choices are from that era, too. Call me crazy if you want, but that's the way it is....

This happens when you forget your medication. Hell one day, I think we will make the playoffs. Call me crazy too,

 

[Green Laser]

Last night Michelle Dapper on Channel 3 said that Orr wanted to have a coach in place before early NLI signing day Dec 19th. The last time we had a full coaching search to hire Sperbeck it took until Jan 13th.
I suspect that Orr has a short list in mind and may have made some contacts to judge interest before he pulled the plug on Sears. Nice to have real D1 Athletic Director in place with a vision for the program instead of "Athletic Manager "!

 

[Green Cookie Monster]

Last night Michelle Dapper on Channel 3 said that Orr wanted to have a coach in place before early NLI signing day Dec 19th. The last time we had a full coaching search to hire Sperbeck it took until Jan 13th.
I suspect that Orr has a short list in mind and may have made some contacts to judge interest before he pulled the plug on Sears. Nice to have real D1 Athletic Director in place with a vision for the program instead of "Athletic Manager "!

Brainiacs are finally figuring it out that you have to run the athletics department like a business and not the DMV.

Socialism doesn't work!

This is the greatest news for Hornets athletics since it was announced the Surge would be playing at Hornet Field in 1992 and a new erector stadium would be built!

Only 2,452ish total attendance in Reno for Causeway, writing was on the wall change had to be made.

Hire a HC who doesnt have Prevent Defense 101 in their playbook.

 

[SDHornet]

Last night Michelle Dapper on Channel 3 said that Orr wanted to have a coach in place before early NLI signing day Dec 19th. The last time we had a full coaching search to hire Sperbeck it took until Jan 13th.
I suspect that Orr has a short list in mind and may have made some contacts to judge interest before he pulled the plug on Sears. Nice to have real D1 Athletic Director in place with a vision for the program instead of "Athletic Manager "!

She's just parroting the State Hornet article from 2 days ago:

Orr said that since the announcement made on Monday night, several “qualified” coaches from across the country have inquired about the opening. He said that he wants to hire someone soon, with early national signing day happening Dec. 19.

“We won’t settle until we find the right person,” Orr said. “I anticipate a very competitive national search.”

https://statehornet.com/2018/11/sac-state-fires-head-football-coach-jody-sears-after-2-8-season/

We'll see how fast this moves, but Orr (or someone acting on his behalf) has likely been reaching out to potential candidates well before the firing if the goal is to get a new HC in place in order to salvage the early NLI deadline. Interesting times ahead.

 

[SDHornet]

Brainiacs are finally figuring it out that you have to run the athletics department like a business and not the DMV.

It's good to finally have leadership with a clue in place. :nod:

 

[HornetHope]

Last night Michelle Dapper on Channel 3 said that Orr wanted to have a coach in place before early NLI signing day Dec 19th. The last time we had a full coaching search to hire Sperbeck it took until Jan 13th.
I suspect that Orr has a short list in mind and may have made some contacts to judge interest before he pulled the plug on Sears. Nice to have real D1 Athletic Director in place with a vision for the program instead of "Athletic Manager "!

And the last time we had a national search it was because of need and not want. We were a don’t wander dumpster fire waiting for the next sacrifice on the altar of wasted and destroyed coaching careers. I agree a short list exists and has since day one. Every leader worth their weight in salt has one of these, and they are all stretch hires. They also have a list of leaders that would far and away are an upgrade over current status. My guess is at least 2 of the stretch hires responded positive and he pulled the trigger. This could be a, you got who? moment for this program.

 

[GreenArmySwarm]

Alright, I'm going to tackle two topics. First Orr himself/the firing and then the search for the new head FB Coach.

1. I hope we weren't all TOO surprised by this, yes? Orr could not have possibly fired Sears of last year 7-5 "success" season. As the new AD, he probably wanted to bring his own guy in from the gecko but due to the contract Sears already had, he had to wait it out. I personally* believe the only reason Orr left St.Mary's, a private school with tremendous endowment and resources (they want to keep the intimate bball arena, it's not that they don't have the $ to build it) and a basketball program that is consistently considered a top program in the country to "return home" to Sac St is simply because we have a football team. And somewhere in Orr's game plan is to be an AD for a P5 school (preferably is alma mater Cal). So, how can he do that? Show that he can turn around a losing program ever since entering the D1 era and he can ONLY do that with his own hand selected HC. After what went down this season, Orr pounced on the opportunity to make his mark.

With this conspiracy(?) theory in mind, he might try to fill a position with a like-minded coach that *ALSO has a mindset of Sac being a stop-gap for an FBS Head coaching job. I honesty wouldn't even be surprised if that's part of the conversation during the searching process...this all leads to the next topic...the HC selection.

Those who thinks that we should* reach for the stars and land someone who has no connections with the HS coaches in this region is kidding themselves. It could very well be that someone like that is a person we end up with but look at it this way. We're a historically BAD* FCS program. It's not like we're Ohio State or Notre Dame where a guy gets the job and the whole country is his recruiting map. We have to hire a guy that knows the CA/WestCoast low D1 talent landscape. Hiring a CA JC coach might not be the sexy choice, but it's probably the right choice. The fact that we have two guys
1. Jon Osterhout not only is he an ex-Hornet, but the head coach of a NATIONALY RANKED JC program in the Sacramento region who KNOWS not only the Sac/but CA recruiting landscape and we're trying to go far and wide to find someone who's a better fit.

Same thing applies for 2. Jimmy Collins of CCSF. Just replace the word Sacramento with San Francisco.

That's my take on this. Truthfully, I think we're gonna end up with like an assistant from either G5 or P5 program.

Other notable FCS note, JMU HC is leaving and going to Charlotte. JMU (a top-5 FCS program in like last half a decade) is a FCS program that probably has more resources than Charlotte but the letters FBS goes a long way for a lot of HC.