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Players react well to news of new RedHawks coach
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
OXFORD — Miami University's all-star punter won't get a chance to play for the RedHawks' new head coach, but Jake Richardson said Mike Haywood sounds like a good fit.
Miami announced Haywood, offensive coordinator and running backs coach at Notre Dame, as its new head football coach Tuesday, Dec. 23.
"Notre Dame has a strong academic background," Richardson said Tuesday night from his home in Reily Twp. "(Haywood) will know exactly what kind of player to recruit, who can handle (Miami's academic standards) and who can't."
Miami freshman offensive lineman Andrew Phelan, a graduate of Lakota West High School, will get a chance to play for Haywood.
"He's definitely been at great colleges and has been a part of some great teams, so I'm excited about it," Phelan said. "He'll try to bring back some of the great tradition Miami has had. I like the decision."
Richardson said he wasn't surprised at the hiring of Haywood. Little would have surprised him.
"To be honest, I had all these people saying to me they had the inside scoop and all the names (of likely candidates) were different," he said.
Haywood will take over a program that had some discipline problems near the end of the season, when more than a half-dozen players were suspended for all or parts of games.
"Obviously there were some problems," Richardson said, "but everybody will get a fresh start. It'll be tough starting over with a new coach, but if it clicks, it'll build year after year."
Richardson, Miami's team MVP for 2008, has been selected to play in the East-West Shrine Game on Jan. 17 in Houston.
Although Miami finished a dismal 2-10 season with five straight losses, Richardson said he never stopped having fun playing for the RedHawks.
"I love football and those guys," Richardson said. "Just being able to play, it was fun being on the team. Not as fun as I wanted it to be, but it was worthwhile and I'd never take it back."
Other reactions
Charlie Weis, Notre Dame head coach: "The Notre Dame program is very happy today for Michael Haywood and wishes him only the best at Miami University. They made a great selection of a coach who is very well prepared for an assignment like this — and although we will dearly miss him we realize it's time for him to run his own program."
Mack Brown, Texas head coach: "Mike is a perfect hire. He has earned the right to be a head coach with his great work at places like Texas, Notre Dame and LSU. He's a great recruiter, respects the game, and is the kind of young person we need in college athletics."
Floyd Keith, Black Coaches Association executive director: "I can't tell you how ecstatic I am, both personally and as a representative for the BCA. He understands how to win. Brad Bates couldn't have hired a better candidate."
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!