FB: North Coast Athletic Conference

[smedindy]

Well, if ER wants a challenge, then Savannah State is definitely a challenge. The last coach resigned after going 2-32 over three seasons in the MEAC. It's an HBCU. Support seems to be friends and family type in the stands.

Their 2016 schedule has two open dates. They play Georgia Southern and Southern Mississippi next year, both of whom went to bowl games last year.

Savannah State makes Creighton's job at EMU seem like a cakewalk.

WOW, they must be BA-A-AD!  I've never before seen EMU and 'cakewalk' in the same sentence (except perhaps describing the situation of the opponent).

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Savannah_State_Tigers_football

22-140 since joining 1-AA (or FCS or whatever)

[Joe Wally]

So does the staff otherwise stay the same except finding an O-coordinator, or does Morel change the staff at all. I do not  see that happening this year.

Pump the brakes.  Don Morel has been the HC for, like, an hour. 

The team went to the national quarterfinals about 15 weeks ago.  That's not exactly a clean-the-house situation.

Not cleaning house, but ER certainly could be taking guys with him.  So turnover is certainly possible, if not probable, with assistants too.

Just threw up in my mouth a little bit.

[jknezek]

I'll stay away from the hand wringing and simply congratulate Coach R. That is a big step, even if he is going to a terrible program, and it reflects very well on the fine job he did at Wabash and the way he conducted himself during the interview process. Given the bios of the other two coaches, I am surprised they chose a DIII guy and think it really is a strong testament to Coach R and the program he ran at Wabash.

Good luck Coach, and I have faith that Wabash will do well under Coach Morel.

[sigma one]

Let's take a pause and a deep breath.  Good luck to Erik, and congratulations on an amazing run at Wabash.  Fully one-eighth of the student body is on the football team.  Four all-north region players return, and a strong group of others supports them.  The team will be "all in" with Morel and the other coaches, all or most of whom will stay I predict.  Word is that Wabash is poised to have as strong a recruiting class as the college has had in years, and a smooth, and fast, transition will help retain most or all of those recruits. Most of them are coming to Wabash for the football program and academic experience, and few will alter their plans because of the coaching change. 
     Wabash is in the middle of spring practice, and the work ethic won't change either, and may even ramp up now that the team isn't waiting to see what is going to happen next.    It's really Morel's offense.  He has called almost all the offensive plays for several years; he has been a steady presence on the sideline, and even more so after ER moved into the press box a third of the way through last season.  Jeff Ramsey is an able replacement for BJ (yes, he's not BJ, but he will do fine with the defense that's returning). 
     It's not as though the team was ignorant of ER's looking to leave.  This did not come as a shock to them.
     BJ never owned a home in Crawfordsville, and he made his choice knowing that Erik was looking around.  I hope he rejuvenates the Gators, but his time at Wabash is over--for now at least.
     Does this stink?  I come down solidly on the No side.  "Uh oh."  We will see in mid-November, Bear.  Seven and counting, thank you. 

[bashbrother]

I like having Ramsey on this staff..  I also, in some ways,  like not having a head coach that we knew was going to bolt when the right opportunity presented itself..,.  Wish ER the best and thank him for what he did for this program.  Timing sucks,  but he didn't have control over that.

Tons of talent in the program.

Onward and Upward! 

WAF!

[smedindy]

I'd much rather have the coaching turnover be coaches moving upward to other divisions or coordinators becoming head coaches. Beats the alternative...

[Dr. Acula]

Obviously as a Mount guy I'm a homer for ER, but I think Wabash has proven it's bigger than a HC.  It's a unique place and kids are going to be drawn to it for any number of reasons beyond the HC.  The school and the tradition of the program are draws of their own.  If we want to give credit to ER I would think he deserves it most for raising the bar and developing consistency at that higher level. 

[Joe Wally]

I have nothing but praise for what Raeburn and Hammer have done in their time with the Little Giants.  Moreover, I can't find any fault with two young coaches taking steps to advance their career. 

All of that said, losing two good young coaches in one off season creates a challenge for the program.

[badgerwarhawk]

Congrats to ER and good luck.

It's just a hunch but I suspect Wabash will do just fine.  I agree with Dr Acula.  There's a lot more involved than just the head coach. 

[Li'l Giant]

Obviously as a Mount guy I'm a homer for ER, but I think Wabash has proven it's bigger than a HC.  It's a unique place and kids are going to be drawn to it for any number of reasons beyond the HC.  The school and the tradition of the program are draws of their own.  If we want to give credit to ER I would think he deserves it most for raising the bar and developing consistency at that higher level.

This is my thought as well. ER took a program that was in a good spot and made it better. What we've gotten used to the last 5 years has been great.

I think ultimately we'll be fine. Wabash's players on social media were excited for the selection of Coach Morel as HC and I think that says something about this team going forward. There's still a lot of talent on that roster and the senior leadership will need to be on display in this transition.

I would be surprised if there was any let down next season.

[wally_wabash]

I have nothing but praise for what Raeburn and Hammer have done in their time with the Little Giants.  Moreover, I can't find any fault with two young coaches taking steps to advance their career. 

All of that said, losing two good young coaches in one off season creates a challenge for the program.

Man, you've been hand-wringing over this for over a week now.  Take a deep breath.  Find your steel.  It's going to be ok.  I promise. 

[Joe Wally]

I have nothing but praise for what Raeburn and Hammer have done in their time with the Little Giants.  Moreover, I can't find any fault with two young coaches taking steps to advance their career. 

All of that said, losing two good young coaches in one off season creates a challenge for the program.

Man, you've been hand-wringing over this for over a week now.  Take a deep breath.  Find your steel.  It's going to be ok.  I promise.

LOL!!!!  I'm in risk management.  I worry for a living.  I worry about my college football team to take my mind off of work.

[BayernFan]

Wow.... The new guy hasn't even been in coaching the last five years.  And when he was coaching, had a sub 500 record.  I guess wabash mailed it in on a coaching search.  Oh well.  All good things must come to an end I guess.

[jknezek]

Wow.... The new guy hasn't even been in coaching the last five years. And when he was coaching, had a sub 500 record.  I guess wabash mailed it in on a coaching search.  Oh well.  All good things must come to an end I guess.

Umm... the new guy has been the offensive coordinator I believe for the last 3 years at Wabash and a qb coach before that. Not exactly out of coaching.

[SaintsFAN]

Agree with Little Giant here - Raeburn continued to build on what was a strong program under CC and while there could be a temporary hiccough or two, Wabash will continue to "Always Fight."  While conjecture and "what ifs" are major post contributions on these boards, timing and opportunity seldom coincide with individual needs, values, and motivations unless one controls all of them.  Being located in Georgia and familiarity with both Savannah's campus and some SSU alums as friends, I wish the Raeburns' good luck with their decision and strength to conquer challenges ahead.

Love Savannah.. He'll need to raid SCAD for a PK.