college football
Irish assistant new hired as new MU coach
AD says Haywood, the first black head coach in RedHawks history, has high expectations.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
OXFORD — It was 44 years ago that Notre Dame hired a Miami University graduate and former coach, Ara Parseghian, to be its new head football coach. Parseghian went on to become the most successful coach in Notre Dame's modern history.
Miami hopes history, this time, will reverse itself.
Notre Dame offensive coordinator Mike Haywood was named Tuesday, Dec. 23, as Miami's first black head football coach.
Haywood, a 1986 graduate of Notre Dame, becomes the sixth black head football coach among the nation's 119 Football Bowl Subdivision programs and the 33rd coach at Miami.
Miami Athletic Director Brad Bates said Haywood has high expectations for the program.
"He has a clear vision for Miami football to be exceptional and win championships," Bates said.
He replaces Shane Montgomery, who resigned last month after compiling a 17-31 record during his four seasons as the RedHawks' head coach.
Haywood, who is finishing his fourth season at Notre Dame, will remain with the team for its Hawaii Bowl game appearance tonight, Dec. 24, against Hawaii.
He will be introduced to the local media on Tuesday, Dec. 30, at Miami's new Voice of America Learning Center in West Chester Twp.
Haywood is in 21st year as a college coach. In 2005, his first season at Notre Dame, he was named NCAA Division I-A Assistant Coach of the Year by the American Football Coaches Association.
Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2197 or pconrad@coxohio.com.
Mike Haywood
at a glance
Age: 44
Birthplace: Houston, Texas
The job he's leaving: Offensive coordinator and running backs coach, Notre Dame (2005-08)
Other coaching experience: Minnesota (1988), Army (1989-90), Ohio (1991-92), Ball State (1993-94), LSU (1995-2002), Texas (2003-04)
Playing experience: Notre Dame, wide receiver (1982, 13 receptions, 128 yards), cornerback (1984-86, 78 tackles, five interceptions)
Education: Bachelor's degree from College of Arts and Letters, Notre Dame, 1986
Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2197 or pconrad@coxohio.com.



Comments
By New H-town Supporter
December 24, 2008 6:14 PM | Link to this
What a great hire for Miami. Mike will bring great excitement to the University. As for the ND offense you can thank big Chuck for their problems. With the keys to the car Haywood will bring a winning tradition to Miami. Best of luck Coach.
By CraneTrainer
December 24, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this
FIRST BLACK COACH? 115th WHITE - 3rd INDIAN - 2nd Female. Why do the reporters even eject these terms into the stories? How about the persons skill and possible benefits? Is anyone else tired of the Race and Gender Titles spewed by the media?
By Rob
December 24, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this
As an alum - I just hope it’s not a turn towards let’s win championships - at any cost. The Hawks have been woeful the last two seasons, but they never embarassed the school, and Shane did a reasonable job graduating his kids. It’s good to see they got a guy from a school (Notre Dame) that leads BCS schools in graduation rates. Let’s win games, sure - but keep the program clean and keep the bad apples out of Oxford, as much as you could reasonably expect.
By Simpleman1970
December 24, 2008 12:56 PM | Link to this
It’s about time MU has looked outside the box, now if everyone can give him a chance, just maybe the REDSKINS can get back to where they belong, if not MR BATES should get in line at the unemployment office!
By Mark Roberts
December 24, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this
Color of the skin means nothing. As an Miami (Redskin) graduate all of our expectations should be nothing but MAC domination. We have a class school and we expect a class football team, nothing less. No pressure Mr. Haywood, but we need to put Miami University football back on the national map! Bo, Johnny, Ara, Paul, and Jim would have it not other way!
By jlo'67
December 24, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this
Super,super,super,super selection!!!! Now, if the ENTIRE Miami administration supports the program (I’m talking MONEY) so that good, qualified assistants can be hired and a generous budget for recruiting can be established, Miami will return to be where it should be-the class of the MAC. Nothing less is acceptable.
By Sufferer
December 24, 2008 9:18 AM | Link to this
As a grad and a season tix holder since Yager opened, I’ve seen great teams and not so great. This last season has been particularly painful. BB has made his choice and there will always be mixed emotions when a hire is made. MH’s credentials are solid and he appears emotional and a “dynamic” presence. I may be in the minority but I like Shane and wish him the best. He, however, was not a dynamic presence and that hurt him our program. This was not the “easy” hire for BB, but the right one.
By gurgler
December 24, 2008 8:38 AM | Link to this
Outside the family great.
ND offensive coordinator the last 3 yrs? They were terrible!
By Wes
December 24, 2008 8:38 AM | Link to this
While I think it’s nice they got someone from a Big school, you have to look at the production of the Notre Dame offense. They’re awful. Even with Charlie’s added 14 points a game just because he’s such a great schemer (GAG ME). Their offense is offensive. I just hope he can do better in the MAC.
By Gabby-class of 52
December 24, 2008 7:51 AM | Link to this
After a few years of buying season tickets, I was ready to call it “enough.” Now that a new coach has been hired, I just might renew my tickets for one more year. I can be comfortable in my home during ball games or I can be miserable sitting in the stands. I’ve got some thinking to do.
By bass*
December 24, 2008 6:54 AM | Link to this
I think the hiring of Mr. Haywood is a great move and I wish him all the best. Finally Miami has gone outside the family. It will be fun to see the stadium filled to capacity again!
By skinshead
December 24, 2008 5:27 AM | Link to this
I don’t really care what race he is. I want someone who will turn the RedSKINS around and bring us back to the MAC dominance that we once enjoyed! I hope he will create enthusiasm to fill the stands!
By miamikev97
December 24, 2008 5:20 AM | Link to this
He certainly can’t do worse than Montgomery has done. I am glad that Miami has FINALLY gone outside the Miami family. I do hope that he will bring an entirely new coaching staff with him. Time will tell! Good luck and welcome, Mr. Haywood!