In late February 2013 I was named to the search committee to select a new Head Football coach at Millersville University.
As one of 10 members on the committee that consisted of faculty, students, staff and alumni; (and 1 of 2 teaching faculty) we had the important responsibility of recommending three unranked finalists to the Vice President for Student Affairs for consideration as described in the lead story appearing in The Snapper student newspaper article written by Danielle Kreider titled: “A New Search Commences: Looking for a New Head Football Coach” (shown below).
Over my career, I have been a member of numerous higher education search committees for new faculty as well as for administrators, coaches, and staff-support positions having chaired several such committees myself. This was my first opportunity to participate in the search for a new Head Football Coach.
Football in America has evolved into a cultural phenomena that cannot be overlooked. Whether it be pregame tailgating activities to the homecoming festivities revolving around competition with a local rival school, at many colleges and universities football impacts numerous entities. Moreover, media coverage about wins and loses to graduation rates of student-athletes appear in the local newspaper or on the TV evening news, with everyone seemingly having an opinion about the team.
As expected, the coverage of the new MU football coach and search process garnered newspaper articles as published in the Lancaster Intelligencer Journal/New Era on March 28, 2013 titled: “MU Grid Candidate Has Swift Reversal In Mind” (shown below), and April 6, 2013 titled: “Breitbach Relishing Challenge at MU.”
Indeed, the Head Football coaching position is a highly visible one in the community with a distinctively unique role that influences countless aspects of college life. From online media coverage and press conference interviews, to booster clubs, call-in shows, and 503 (c)3 charity foundations organized with support from alumni all get woven into the culture which is college football — a culture which the Head Football Coach is charged with managing. This was clearly illustrated from the open forums that were held with each coach who interviewed for the position and the feedback forms that were distributed to the people in attendance.
I appreciated the opportunity to serve my University by providing valuable insights based on my experiences as a faculty member in the Sport Management graduate degree. I was able to draw upon my experiences as a full-time faculty member and licensed athletic trainer, as well as chair of numerous search committees and combine it with my peripheral knowledge of football having earned Variety Letters and participating in district playoffs as a running back and member on special teams. Now of course, my high school football playing days are vastly different from the game played at the D-II college level, but that said, I do have an unique appreciation for the game and a deep understanding of concepts such as “two-a-days,” “cover 3,” and “skull session” that proved beneficial during the search process.
Below is the posted job announcement as it appeared and a few of the public relations materials produced by the university. Also shown is a photo taken with Lancaster County Commissioner and MU football alumni Mr. Martin at his office. He and I worked together on several occasions during the search process conducting phone inquiries, performing reference checks, and later asking questions during interviews.
“The Head Football Coach is responsible for leading a program that has enjoyed a rich tradition in the PSAC and NCAA Division II. The Coach will direct all phases of the football program, by establishing and maintaining a high standard of excellence that includes recruiting academically qualified student-athletes, scheduling, scouting, conditioning, supervising the coaching staff, managing the program budget, generating revenue and other duties as assigned. The Head Coach is responsible for ensuring all duties are executed in compliance with NCAA, PSAC and institutional rules and regulations. Millersville University, a comprehensive, student-centered institution, is highly regarded for its dedication to quality instruction and principles of diversity and client services. The University employs 550 staff and 350 full-time faculty and has an honored history of providing excellent teacher education and a strong liberal arts curriculum in the arts, sciences, and humanities. It has received national recognition as a top regional public institution and among the 100 best values in the nation. Required: Bachelor’s degree; evidence of successful football coaching experience at the intercollegiate level for a minimum of five years; demonstrated record of promoting the academic success of student-athletes; demonstrated excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills; knowledge of and experience in recruiting; evidence of working effectively with student-athletes of diverse races and cultures; evidence of complying fully with NCAA regulations. Successful interview. Preferred: Previous successful head coaching experience at intercollegiate level. Revenue-generating experience. Full consideration given to applications received by March 20, 2013. A cover letter, resume and the names, addresses and phone numbers of three professional references are required.”
