Spring Break
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
One by one, they walked down the steps of the auditorium at the Iocolano-Petty Football Complex to greet the new Syracuse University football coach. Doug Marrone only recognized a few faces, but as the former Syracuse football players and alumni shook his hand, they didn't care. He was one of them.
"My son is on the team," one said. "He's very excited."
"I played with Joe Morris," another said. "It's great to meet you."
Marrone turned to his right for a brief respite and saw a Syracuse athletic department official, who adjusted a crooked block "S" pin on Marrone's jacket.
"This is crazy," Marrone said.
Marrone was prepared for just about everything else on the day he became Syracuse's next head coach. This was all he dreamed about since he took a job coaching the tight ends at Cortland State in 1992. He talked of the three binders full of plans he presented to the Syracuse search committee, detailing his ideas and prospects for the job.
"I hope I don't break down today because not a lot of times in your life can you actually accomplish your dream," Marrone said.
It was a dream that seemed highly improbable 26 days ago when Syracuse Director of Athletics Daryl Gross began the national coaching search when he fired Greg Robinson Nov. 16.
A seven-member search committee, which included SU legends Art Monk, Floyd Little, Tim Green and Dick MacPherson, assisted Gross in the search. They settled on Marrone, a Syracuse alumnus who played on the offensive line from 1983-85. He became the first alumnus to serve as head coach since Reaves H. Baysinger in 1948.
Marrone met with Chancellor Nancy Cantor on Friday morning before he was formally offered the position. And at 8:46 a.m., Marrone, 44, began his tenure as the 28th head coach in Syracuse history by making a phone call to a potential coaching staff member, whom he declined to name.
"My son is on the team," one said. "He's very excited."
"I played with Joe Morris," another said. "It's great to meet you."
Marrone turned to his right for a brief respite and saw a Syracuse athletic department official, who adjusted a crooked block "S" pin on Marrone's jacket.
"This is crazy," Marrone said.
Marrone was prepared for just about everything else on the day he became Syracuse's next head coach. This was all he dreamed about since he took a job coaching the tight ends at Cortland State in 1992. He talked of the three binders full of plans he presented to the Syracuse search committee, detailing his ideas and prospects for the job.
"I hope I don't break down today because not a lot of times in your life can you actually accomplish your dream," Marrone said.
It was a dream that seemed highly improbable 26 days ago when Syracuse Director of Athletics Daryl Gross began the national coaching search when he fired Greg Robinson Nov. 16.
A seven-member search committee, which included SU legends Art Monk, Floyd Little, Tim Green and Dick MacPherson, assisted Gross in the search. They settled on Marrone, a Syracuse alumnus who played on the offensive line from 1983-85. He became the first alumnus to serve as head coach since Reaves H. Baysinger in 1948.
Marrone met with Chancellor Nancy Cantor on Friday morning before he was formally offered the position. And at 8:46 a.m., Marrone, 44, began his tenure as the 28th head coach in Syracuse history by making a phone call to a potential coaching staff member, whom he declined to name.
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…)
bUdGEtVaNLiNeS mOVerS
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!
Susan Goatman
posted 3/12/09 @ 11:58 AM EST
Cheers for writing about this. FYI - here's some more info about watch bones you might like!
Caroline Card
posted 3/13/09 @ 3:04 AM EST
Thanks to author! I like articles like this about , very interesting.
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!
Online dating free
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
And Russian Girlfriend
posted 3/24/09 @ 7:17 AM EST
Wait for next writes!
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.
Post a Comment