Written by Kyle Roberts
Richmond, Louisiana.For the Firmly Founded, there will be new faces among more than just the football players.The coaching staff will also be adding a number of new employees to the sidelines, which is unusual for a staff that has largely remained consistent under head coach Jerrod Baugh.
All all, the video coordinator and four coaches from the previous season will no longer be present. Former D-Line coach Josh Mote recently got married and moved to South Mississippi, former defensive coordinator Kyle Williams is currently at LSU, and Former freshmen coach and interim head coach for basketball Corey Deans has accepted a head coaching position at another school, while David Taylor is currently at West Monroe. The former video coordinator, Gregg Hawkins, has stepped away to focus on his personal endeavors.
It’s business as usual for Baugh, who will rely on his hiring philosophy to keep the program moving in the right direction, even if the churn feels higher than typical.
According to Baugh, “I tell the kids and I genuinely believe this football program is bigger than any one player, coach, or head coach.” The success of this football program may be attributed in large part to all of the coaches who have been involved and all of the players who have participated. However, I have also informed them that we wish them well when they depart. We move on as best we can because this is a natural part of life and growing up.
Baugh has already filled these roles by hiring new coaches or moving current ones around.With the assistance of Frasier Hogan, Anthony Freeman from Bastrop will take over defensive line duties, Bryan Beck and B.J. Phillips from Ouachita will co-coach the offensive line, and Marcus Yanez has been promoted to defensive coordinator. Colt Dunbar and C.J. Gatlin will replace Hawkins as video coordinators, however Dean’s position with the freshman and cornerbacks hasn’t been filled yet.
It always comes down to selecting the most qualified candidate for Baugh’s position, whether that candidate is internal or foreign.
According to Baugh, I simply look for the greatest men to begin with, and then we determine how things stand and make adjustments. We want them to have their areas of expertise and comfort, as well as the ability to identify what secondary sport they can assist with. Of course, occasionally everything is determined by the available teaching post.
There are many factors to consider, but I believe that my top priority is to find a decent individual who can lead the children. I don’t ask people to sketch plays or this and that on the marker board during interviews. Usually, I’ve done my research on them before they even enter the room. I’ve consulted with men whose opinions I value.
According to Baugh, the new hires are already settling in nicely with the faculty and the school and are helping the children who are without a coach.
In closing, Baugh remarked, “These kids are resilient.” They have developed strong bonds with these coaches, so they are sad to see them go. However, I also remind them that they will graduate and go away one day, and I simply cannot continue to coach them when they move on. Whether I or anyone else leaves, it has no bearing on the bond we have built with you. Every time a new coach takes over, I believe they grasp what I’m trying to convey.
