FB: Ohio Athletic Conference

HScoach · May 08, 2013, 03:41:00 PM

^ I agree. The timing was good, and not a big surprise. There was no way LK was leaving Mount after a loss in the Stagg. Winning #11 was the icing on the cake. We should all send thank you cards to Whitewater. If not for UWW, this day could have come a few years ago. There was speculation back in 2003 that LK was leaving after they won that Stagg. Maybe we should send Randall Knapp a thank you for dropping that 4th down pass.......

I'm very comfortable in predicting that Larry did everything possible to set Vince up for success. He wasn't going to hand over empty cupboard to his son. They're absolutely loaded on defense, have one of the best QB's in D3 and a stud TB that are both going to be juniors this fall. I'm not willing to guarantee what Mount will be in 4 or 5 years, but the short term looks very good.

HScoach · May 08, 2013, 03:42:38 PM

Do you think there are football pep rallies occurring in Berea, U Heights and Tiffin today? If I was on any of those coaching staffs, there would be a HUGE party thrown tonight!

SaintsFAN · May 08, 2013, 03:44:56 PM

Quote from: HScoach on May 08, 2013, 03:41:00 PM
^ I agree. The timing was good, and not a big surprise. There was no way LK was leaving Mount after a loss in the Stagg. Winning #11 was the icing on the cake. We should all send thank you cards to Whitewater. If not for UWW, this day could have come a few years ago. There was speculation back in 2003 that LK was leaving after they won that Stagg. Maybe we should send Randall Knapp a thank you for dropping that 4th down pass.......

I'm very comfortable in predicting that Larry did everything possible to set Vince up for success. He wasn't going to hand over empty cupboard to his son. They're absolutely loaded on defense, have one of the best QB's in D3 and a stud TB that are both going to be juniors this fall. I'm not willing to guarantee what Mount will be in 4 or 5 years, but the short term looks very good.

But I think the timing was a little bit different as in which month of the year this took place. Either way... congrats on a helluva career.

I'll still be seeing you guys in Alliance for the National Semi's in December.

Dr. Acula · May 08, 2013, 04:44:59 PM

The thing that gives me comfort is that VK has recruited and developed ridiculously consistent defenses for years. He's clearly a skilled recruiter and coach on that side of the ball. And to me that's comforting because it gives you a lot more margin for error if you run out an elite defense every year.

The biggest question in my mind is who is going to be calling plays next year? Who is that OC that has to call plays in place of the legend? Tough gig, but more than a few guys would surely love a crack at it.

hazzben · May 08, 2013, 05:14:47 PM

Quote from: Shark on May 08, 2013, 11:27:58 AM
The timing is a little strange but certainly cements Vince taking over and should provide a seamless transition.

I think the timing is brilliant. Sounds like he left his son with the keys to the Ferrari and a full tank of gas. Not to mention, if you know, and LK is the AD, that your son will get the job as soon as you step down, it's a great move to announce in May. There's no chance of even a dip in recruiting. They preserve all the momentum of the 2012 Stagg Bowl, bring in another super strong class and give Vince a season with a stacked roster to prove to the next recruiting class that it's business as usual.

Strong exit strategy IMO.

Congrats to LK on one historic career.

Pat Coleman · May 08, 2013, 05:34:51 PM

Exactly. There's no pressure to open up the job for outsiders if you announce in May. Perfect timing.

rscl70 · May 08, 2013, 06:19:07 PM

Thanks Larry for all the great memories! Your contributions to the University have been and will continue to be, beyond measure.

Five years ago I would not have thought Vince the best choice to lead the program, but now I cannot think of any better. Vince is ready, he has all the qualifications. The only thing that remains to be seen is whether or not he has inherited his father's "magic." We will be there rooting for him!

Go Raiders!

emma17 · May 08, 2013, 06:39:31 PM

Quote from: Pat Coleman on May 08, 2013, 05:34:51 PM
Exactly. There's no pressure to open up the job for outsiders if you announce in May. Perfect timing.

This is probably a dumb question- Why doesn't Mt have to open up the job to outsiders (I'm not saying they should)?

Coach Kehres has given all of the Mt faithful so many great memories and examples of his abilities. For me, I think it's great he left not just as champion, but after making the player personnel decisions he made to position Mt for success in 2012. Moving D linemen to O line, D end to OLB and giving the job to a Soph QB are decisions made by a truly great coach that knows his players.
I'm a big fan.

PurpleSuit · May 08, 2013, 07:20:04 PM

Quote from: emma17 on May 08, 2013, 06:39:31 PM
Quote from: Pat Coleman on May 08, 2013, 05:34:51 PM
Exactly. There's no pressure to open up the job for outsiders if you announce in May. Perfect timing.

This is probably a dumb question- Why doesn't Mt have to open up the job to outsiders

Private institution, can pretty much do whatever they want

formerd3db · May 08, 2013, 07:54:45 PM

I would just like to join in on congratulating Coach L. Kehres on a fantastic and historic career and all he did for his players, not just in their football careers, but what was more important beyond that as well as his dedication, devotion and passion for his university. Also congrats to Coach V. Kehres on being named the next head coach at Mount Union. As most of you have said already, I doubt there will be a drop off in productivity this season.

BTW, congrats to Raider 68 on your 1,000th karma! Well done.

willbstar · May 08, 2013, 08:34:39 PM

"The apple does not fall far from the tree!" Someone near and dear to me had the opportunity to speak with VK today and it will be business as usual at UMU. The 2013 recruiting class is stacked!

badgerwarhawk · May 08, 2013, 08:57:59 PM

I suspect both UW-LaCrosse and UW-River Falls are glad they didn't hire Vince or they'd be looking for someone new two years later. Not that Vince wouldn't have been a good choice, I'm sure he would have, but I suspect most realized he would be succeeding his father when the time came and now it has.

PurpleSuit · May 08, 2013, 09:27:45 PM

Quote from: Dr. Acula on May 08, 2013, 04:44:59 PM

The biggest question in my mind is who is going to be calling plays next year? Who is that OC that has to call plays in place of the legend? Tough gig, but more than a few guys would surely love a crack at it.

http://www.cleveland.com/pluto/index.ssf/2013/05/mount_union_football_remains_a.html

Looks like Dartt has the inside track to become OC. Gonna be a young staff in Alliance

ADL70 · May 08, 2013, 10:15:36 PM

Timing?

Is it too cynical to note that it came after freshman had made deposits?

bleedpurple · May 08, 2013, 10:52:57 PM

Congratulations to Coach Kehres on an amazing career. As ridiculous as his won-loss record is, it pales in comparison to the impact he has had on thousands of young men. When you compound that with the positive difference those men have made and will make, it gets downright staggering. I've always said most people don't really consider the unique opportunity a football coach has to build values and character into young men at a very teachable age. LK may not have won a Time Magazine "Man of the Year" award, but his net positive impact probably exceed many who did. Best wishes to him as he moves into this phase of his career.