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The Daily OrangeFB | HOMECOMING: Syracuse hires alum from New Orleans Saints after 26-day national search
By Matt Gelb
Posted: 12/12/08, 8:05 PM EST Section: Sports
"Doug Marrone is a lifer," Gross said. "He bleeds Orange, he will be here to be the steward of this program. We'll all be here to support him."
That, it seems, could have put Marrone ahead of other candidates. Gross said he offered the position only to Marrone, despite a whirlwind search that produced plenty of intrigue.
At first, another SU graduate, Connecticut head coach Randy Edsall, appeared to be Gross' No. 1 pick. But Edsall repeatedly denied interest in the position. Lane Kiffin, whom Gross knew from his time at Southern California, took the job at Tennessee. Oregon offensive coordinator Chip Kelly was named head coach in waiting by the Ducks after Syracuse showed a great deal of interest in him.
And until Thursday, East Carolina head coach Skip Holtz seemed to be the odds-on favorite. Gross spent three days with Holtz in New York City for the College Football Hall of Fame induction ceremonies. On Thursday afternoon, Holtz issued a statement through East Carolina that he was no longer interested in the position.
That's when Marrone emerged as the leader, an unlikely scenario at the beginning of the search.
Marrone has never been a head coach at any level. He's spent the last three years with the New Orleans Saints as offensive coordinator and offensive line coach. Before that, he was the offensive line coach for the New York Jets from 2002-05. His last college job was in 2001, when he coached the tight ends and tackles at Tennessee.
Because of that, Marrone will likely face the same questions his predecessor, Robinson, did. Robinson was fired after going 10-37 in four years as SU head coach. He came to Syracuse in 2005 with an NFL pedigree and limited recent collegiate experience, and just like Marrone, had never been a head coach.
"I think that's shallow thinking," Gross said, when asked to compare the similarities between Marrone and Robinson.
Marrone consistently cited his ability to maintain Northeast recruiting pipelines he fostered while with the Jets. He said he worked with local high school programs and coaches, giving clinics and raising money to restore equipment.
That, it seems, could have put Marrone ahead of other candidates. Gross said he offered the position only to Marrone, despite a whirlwind search that produced plenty of intrigue.
At first, another SU graduate, Connecticut head coach Randy Edsall, appeared to be Gross' No. 1 pick. But Edsall repeatedly denied interest in the position. Lane Kiffin, whom Gross knew from his time at Southern California, took the job at Tennessee. Oregon offensive coordinator Chip Kelly was named head coach in waiting by the Ducks after Syracuse showed a great deal of interest in him.
And until Thursday, East Carolina head coach Skip Holtz seemed to be the odds-on favorite. Gross spent three days with Holtz in New York City for the College Football Hall of Fame induction ceremonies. On Thursday afternoon, Holtz issued a statement through East Carolina that he was no longer interested in the position.
That's when Marrone emerged as the leader, an unlikely scenario at the beginning of the search.
Marrone has never been a head coach at any level. He's spent the last three years with the New Orleans Saints as offensive coordinator and offensive line coach. Before that, he was the offensive line coach for the New York Jets from 2002-05. His last college job was in 2001, when he coached the tight ends and tackles at Tennessee.
Because of that, Marrone will likely face the same questions his predecessor, Robinson, did. Robinson was fired after going 10-37 in four years as SU head coach. He came to Syracuse in 2005 with an NFL pedigree and limited recent collegiate experience, and just like Marrone, had never been a head coach.
"I think that's shallow thinking," Gross said, when asked to compare the similarities between Marrone and Robinson.
Marrone consistently cited his ability to maintain Northeast recruiting pipelines he fostered while with the Jets. He said he worked with local high school programs and coaches, giving clinics and raising money to restore equipment.
Viewing Comments 1 - 10 of 10
Chris
posted 12/13/08 @ 4:39 AM EST
Initially I was nervous about hiring Marrone, but after reading this article I am much more optimistic. It seems he was vetted very thoroughly (if Art Monk approves, I approve). (Continued…)
Marc LeVine
posted 12/15/08 @ 11:26 AM EST
I wonder how many alumni or fans saw this coming?
I like the choice of an alumni coach from a winning period in their alma mater's program, as head coach. (Continued…)
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posted 1/19/09 @ 6:54 PM EST
We hoped he wouldn't break down today because not a lot of times in ones life can you actually accomplish your dream.
Jacqueline Attwood
posted 3/11/09 @ 11:35 AM EST
Nice review! Thanks!
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Caroline Card
posted 3/13/09 @ 3:04 AM EST
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Gloria Capel
posted 3/16/09 @ 7:36 AM EST
This sounds like a great program and a great way to improve education in our schools!
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posted 3/19/09 @ 4:02 PM EST
This article is amazing. I'm going to spend so much time procrastinating on here. I'm not quite sure if I should be thanking you, or cursing you
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Linda Gangwer
posted 4/08/09 @ 8:39 AM EST
I have to agree with teh poster above... :/ looks like a lot of hot air to me.
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