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Haywood aware of Miami tradition
New RedHawks football coach no stranger to MAC, having coached at Ohio and Ball State.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
OXFORD — Mike Haywood said he intends to build Miami University football into a program in which he and his players will expect "to win on a consistent basis, not just once in a while."
Haywood, 44, Notre Dame's offensive coordinator and running backs coach, was named as the RedHawks' new head coach Tuesday, Dec. 23.
Haywood, who has experience coaching in the Mid-American Conference, will remain with the Fighting Irish for their appearance tonight, Dec. 24, in the Hawaii Bowl against Hawaii, and will meet with the local media for the first time Tuesday, Dec. 30, at Miami's new Voice of America Learning Center in West Chester Twp.
Haywood, who has coached in the MAC at Ohio University and Ball State, said he has been aware of Miami's Cradle of Coaches tradition for about 25 years.
"Ara Parseghian, Bill Mallory, Jim Tressel ... What a great tradition. It's a great opportunity and I'm anxious to get started right away," Haywood said by phone late Tuesday afternoon.
Haywood noted that Miami has a fan and alumni base that is nationwide and added that "Ohio is a great state for high school football ... We are looking forward to developing a relationship with the high school coaches and to recruit their student-athletes to Miami."
He replaces Shane Montgomery, who resigned last month after the RedHawks posted a 2-10 record for the second time in three years.
Prior to his four-year stint at Notre Dame, Haywood spent two seasons at Texas (2003-04) as running backs coach and co-special teams coordinator, and in 2004 he was named recruiting coordinator.
Haywood began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Minnesota in 1988. He spent two seasons at Army (1989-90) as defensive backs coach and special teams assistant.
He worked the next four years in the MAC, first at Ohio University (1991-92) as outside linebackers coach and special teams assistant, and then Ball State (1993-94) as running backs and receivers coach and co-special teams coordinator.
Haywood's next eight years were spent at LSU (1995-2002). The Tigers appeared in six bowl games during that span while Haywood coached running backs and spent five years as special teams coordinator.
Haywood is a 1986 graduate of Notre Dame who played flanker and then cornerback for the Fighting Irish.
He reportedly interviewed for the head coaching vacancy at Washington earlier this year and was a finalist last year for the same position at Minnesota.
"We are very excited to have Mike join the Miami family," Miami President Dr. David Hodge said in a release. "His extraordinary experience with some of the most successful football programs in the country makes him an outstanding choice.
"He is passionate about the future of our program and has a well-thought out plan to assure success both on and off the field," Dr. Hodge added. "Mike's values align exceptionally well with Miami and he is a great fit for our institution."
Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2197 or pconrad@coxohio.com.
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!