FB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[hazzben]

I think it's Jordan Langs if he wants it. I don't however think he leaves IWU.

Agree it's Langs if he wants it 100%.   I don't think Langs will be at Indiana Wesleyan long.   He has done a pretty amazing job there and has potential to be a D1 coach someday (or the Wheaton job for life).  He reminds me of a less over-the-top version of PJ Fleck. 

I'd be shocked if the job doesn't end up going to a former Wheaton player.

How about Steve Ryan?  He's done an incredible job at Morningside.  I guess Wheaton has a lot of great candidates.  Congrats to Coach Swider!  He's been an amazing coach and has touched many lives throughout his tenure at Wheaton and has been a great representative of the CCIW.

I'm from NW Iowa and was recruited by Morningside when they were still D2. It's really impressive what they've accomplished. USF jumping to D2 helped get them over the edge, but they've had elite teams for the past 6+ years. Ryan's done an amazing job. He also has I-29 on lockdown for almost any recruit who isn't going D2/FCS. He's got things humming there.

That said, I've always wondered what the pull of Wheaton would be. Does he have the Bear Bryant style "momma called" mindset? Would his NAIA success translate? I think from an X's and O's perspective, absolutely. They went toe to toe with some excellent UWW teams and they came right down to the wire. On the flip side, Morningside has drastically lower admissions standards, and is known for being "flexible" with the NAIA recruiting rules. Both of those would be much different animals at a school like Wheaton.

Not knowing Ryan personally, I also don't know what component the faith piece would play for him. He's a Wheaton grad. Morningside is the definition of a nominally religious school (really in name only). Has that been an odd fit for him there? Is he a stereotypical "Wheaton guy" who has always wanted to be at an institution that more closely aligned with his values? Don't have answers to it.

But if he was interested, that's where I would start my search from Wheaton's perspective. Some guys with limited knowledge look down on NAIA football. Like D3, there are bad teams and bad conferences. But the Top 25 of each has always seemed very even to me. And he's had incredible success at that level.

[hazzben]

Also, should have led with this ...

Congrats to Swider on a truly remarkable career. From afar he always reminded me a lot of Coach J at Bethel (though Swider inherited a much better program). Great program, great teams, great sustained success. An incredible representative of Wheaton and mentor of young men. He was easy to cheer for. Good luck to Wheaton on their search!!

[D O.C.]

Wheaton .... Please pick Rod Sandberg.
Thanks ahead of time.

[USee]

From what I know the process will happen somewhat quickly I would expect a coach to be named sometime in mid to late January. Probably a good bet that many of the names mentioned are candidates.

[bluenote]

I remember when North Central came out to the CatDome.... and they had and all american QB and all american running back.... those guys were studs! But we kicked your guys asses!.... I saw your coach walking of the field after the game and he was PISSED! Anyway you guys are going ALL THE WAY! 

[bleedpurple]

I remember when North Central came out to the CatDome.... and they had and all american QB and all american running back.... those guys were studs! But we kicked your guys asses!.... I saw your coach walking of the field after the game and he was PISSED! Anyway you guys are going ALL THE WAY! 

You remember things? 

[D O.C.]

😁  🤣  😋

[Joe Rockhead]

North Central folks coming to Allentown this weekend, take note. Parking will be VERY limited on the Muhlenberg campus. Liberty Street, that runs alongside the stadium will be off limits for parking as will the lots immediately surrounding the stadium. There will be parking in the other lots on campus and other streets surrounding the school. Nothing will be very far from the field. Most of the students will have headed home for the holidays. The stadium is smaller than what your probably used to and the visitors' stands aren't very big at all.  Still a nice place to see a game. Forecast is for rain and 50 degrees.  If you want some info on where to stay or places to get a burger and a beer, let me know.

[thunderdog]

Wheaton .... Please pick Rod Sandberg.
Thanks ahead of time.

I'm sure there's a whole truckload of Linfield fans that would LOVE to see Rocket Rod head back to Wheaton... just leave Whitworth 

[USee]

Plenty of CCIW reps on the North All Region team (Including some DB's that UWW fans think aren't any good 

https://www.d3football.com/awards/all-region/2019/index

Congratulations to all. This is the group that will result in AA list announced at the Stagg.

[mdrem7]

From what I know the process will happen somewhat quickly I would expect a coach to be named sometime in mid to late January. Probably a good bet that many of the names mentioned are candidates.

Another name I'd add that I don't believe I saw, former Thunder DL coach Andy Studebaker.

[cciw83]

I did not realize how many college head football coaches came from Wheaton. I wonder if there is any other CCIW school that comes close to it.

It's good to see all the positive comments and respect for Coach Swider.  You don't see that often about coaches on blogs.

[New Tradition]

A not-unexpected massive congrats to Broc Rutter on being named a Gagliardi Trophy finalist!  Very well deserved.  Congrats to the other 4 finalists, as well. 

[79jaybird]

All of these worthy candidates is just another testament to how great a coach/mentor/fatherly figure/etc.  Swider is/was to everybody.   

[DuffMan]

There were four freshmen at WC that would say otherwise.