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James Madison University | Official Athletics Site
Bourne Dialogue - Football Coaching Search
1/6/2016 8:42:00 PM | Administration
I wanted to take the time to answer a few questions regarding the recent departure of Coach Withers and our current search for a replacement. Obviously, the head football coach is a significant role in our department, so I'd like to share a few details regarding the process.
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Why did Everett Withers leave JMU?
From my standpoint, any coach who experiences success at James Madison is going to draw interest when other opportunities come available. It's the nature of college football today. We hire the best coach we can and, if they have success, we are prepared for the likelihood of them drawing interest for other positions.
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What is the next step and what is the timing?
We will move expeditiously while also ensuring that we hire the right candidate. As stated in the media release, we will work with CarrSports to identify candidates and work through the process as quickly as we can. The work with Bill Carr puts us in a good position to move quickly.
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What kind of work was done to prepare for a possible departure?
As stated, we expect that our coaches will have opportunities when they have success. To that point, we have been working with Bill Carr since the conclusion of the regular season. As a director of athletics, it's my responsibility to be prepared for these types of scenarios. While we were hopeful that Everett would be here for the 2016 season, we are prepared to move quickly and feel confident with the potential candidates.
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What will be done to help the student-athletes?
Our current student-athletes have been notified; we have shared information and have sought to answer their questions. We will be in touch with them continually during this transition period. Additionally, Coach Withers and his staff have done a commendable job throughout the recruiting process and are leaving us with detailed information about the incoming class with extensive records. We will work with the prospective student-athletes as best we can during the transition period until we officially welcome the new coaching staff.
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What will you look for in a new coach?
In the big picture, we will look to identify a coach who is the right fit at JMU and who embodies our Engaged in Excellence vision of providing the model student-athlete experience. That includes all aspects of running a program, such as recruitment, coaching, skill development, physical development, personal wellness, academic success, NCAA compliance and interacting with our fans and other external constituents. In today's world of college football, the job requires a lot of energy, excitement, passion, motivation, mentorship and an ability to connect with young people. It is vital that we find someone who can continue the success of the JMU program.
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How will you address discussions regarding conference movement and the FBS level with candidates?
The subject of conference movement is one that involves ongoing work on our end. Our message with candidates will be consistent with what we've said in the past. If there is an opportunity that we feel might be a good fit for James Madison University, then we will evaluate that scenario and address it with the Board of Visitors. Most importantly, we will identify a coach who will compete at a consistently high level.
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Why did Everett Withers leave JMU?
From my standpoint, any coach who experiences success at James Madison is going to draw interest when other opportunities come available. It's the nature of college football today. We hire the best coach we can and, if they have success, we are prepared for the likelihood of them drawing interest for other positions.
Â
Â
What is the next step and what is the timing?
We will move expeditiously while also ensuring that we hire the right candidate. As stated in the media release, we will work with CarrSports to identify candidates and work through the process as quickly as we can. The work with Bill Carr puts us in a good position to move quickly.
Â
Â
What kind of work was done to prepare for a possible departure?
As stated, we expect that our coaches will have opportunities when they have success. To that point, we have been working with Bill Carr since the conclusion of the regular season. As a director of athletics, it's my responsibility to be prepared for these types of scenarios. While we were hopeful that Everett would be here for the 2016 season, we are prepared to move quickly and feel confident with the potential candidates.
Â
Â
What will be done to help the student-athletes?
Our current student-athletes have been notified; we have shared information and have sought to answer their questions. We will be in touch with them continually during this transition period. Additionally, Coach Withers and his staff have done a commendable job throughout the recruiting process and are leaving us with detailed information about the incoming class with extensive records. We will work with the prospective student-athletes as best we can during the transition period until we officially welcome the new coaching staff.
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What will you look for in a new coach?
In the big picture, we will look to identify a coach who is the right fit at JMU and who embodies our Engaged in Excellence vision of providing the model student-athlete experience. That includes all aspects of running a program, such as recruitment, coaching, skill development, physical development, personal wellness, academic success, NCAA compliance and interacting with our fans and other external constituents. In today's world of college football, the job requires a lot of energy, excitement, passion, motivation, mentorship and an ability to connect with young people. It is vital that we find someone who can continue the success of the JMU program.
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How will you address discussions regarding conference movement and the FBS level with candidates?
The subject of conference movement is one that involves ongoing work on our end. Our message with candidates will be consistent with what we've said in the past. If there is an opportunity that we feel might be a good fit for James Madison University, then we will evaluate that scenario and address it with the Board of Visitors. Most importantly, we will identify a coach who will compete at a consistently high level.
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