Jeff Thiede, Damonte Ranch's Athletic Director announced earlier today that Ty Gregg would not return as head football coach for the Damonte Ranch Mustangs next season. This comes after a season where Northern Nevadans saw Gregg lead the Mustangs to a 4-7 record with only one of those wins coming in league play. Due to the new realignment rules put forth by the NIAA Damonte Ranch finds themselves relegated from the 5A Division 2 to 5A Division 3 next season.
The Mustangs find themselves searching for a Head Coach at a key point in the football programs history as much of Shawn Dupris staff that were so successful have mostly departed and the Ty Gregg era proved to be a tumultuous one in comparison.
After talking to a few sources around the area and pondering who would want the job I thought I would write about 5 potential Head Coaching Canditates that could fill the position.
I want to disclose none of these canditates were told of this article and neither told me they are interested this purely based upon what I know in regard to Northern Nevada Athletics.
1. Anfernee Sloan - Current Fernley Head Coach
WHY IT'S A GOOD IDEA...
Anfernee Sloan currently is a head coach and has head coaching experience within the high school ranks.
Former player that knows offense (something Damonte Ranch needs to improve)
WHY IT'S A BAD IDEA...
He has not coached in the 5A & currently a HC elsewhere
Runs the triple option (an offense that has had trouble finding success in the 5A)
WHY I AM WRITING ABOUT THIS COACH...
Anfernee is a young well respected in the area coaching the Fernley Vacqueros the previous two seasons he has found some success and would be an interesting canditate if he is willing to depart from his current team. Is he ready for the promotion to the 5A or are the Mustangs a true upgrade from what he has built so far in Fernley. According to a source close to the Fernley Football Program the idea of him being a canditate "isn't a crazy idea."
2. Mark Jamieson - Current Assistant Coach Damonte Ranch
WHY IT'S A GOOD IDEA...
Current coach from within the program with tons of player and parent support
Has multiple decades of coaching experience within Northern Nevada
WHY IT'S A BAD IDEA...
Has not been a HC in the 5A
Not currently a teacher on campus at Damonte Ranch
WHY I AM WRITING ABOUT THIS COACH...
Mark is/was not only one of Ty Gregg's most trusted coaches but one of Shawn Dupris as well. He has proven at the SYFL/Freshman/JV and now varsity level his offensive knowledge can translate at any level. He as stated above is a favorite by many parents, former players, and former players which could be key in turning this program around.
4. Joe Lawrence - Current Defensive Coordinator Galena
WHY IT'S A GOOD IDEA...
Been a part of Damonte Ranch Football in past seasons
A very well respected coach within the area
WHY IT'S A BAD IDEA...
Did not coach at Damonte Ranch last season
Mustangs may need more offensive help than defensive
WHY I AM WRITING ABOUT THIS COACH...
Joe is considered by many one of the best defensive minds in all of Northern Nevada. He has proven that he can not only be successful under Shawn Dupris but also this previous season under Aaron Cook at Galena. I'm not sure if Joe would be interested in leaving Galena but a return to Damonte Ranch would be something all of the defensive players would embrace as he was one of the key architects in the Mustangs being "Fast and Mean"
4. Ben Cofield - Former Assistant Coach Damonte Ranch
WHY IT'S A GOOD IDEA...
Been a part of Damonte Ranch Football in past seasons
Offensive specialist
WHY IT'S A BAD IDEA...
Did not coach in Northern Nevada last season
Does not have experience as a coordinator at HS level
WHY I AM WRITING ABOUT THIS COACH...
Ben knows how to get the most of the players he coaches just look at the receivers during the Shawn Dupris Era. Ben was the receivers coach and has proven he could be a young up and comer in the coaching ranks in Northern Nevada. This past season Ben was an Athletic Director so would definitely understand the administrative side of things and could help overcome any inexperience he may have. Cofield is a known name and a canditate that could be hungry to turn things around for Damonte Ranch.
5. CANDITATES OUTSIDE OF NORTHERN NEVADA
WHY IT'S A GOOD IDEA...
Fresh perspective
Unknown commodity
WHY IT'S A BAD IDEA...
Does not understand the DR staff, coaches, or players
Unknown commodity
WHY I AM WRITING ABOUT THIS COACH...
Jeff Thiede has proven with the hire of Shawn Dupris and Patrick Archord (While short lived still hired) he has no problem getting a new Head Coach from outside of Northern Nevada. Dupris was a diamond in the rough found while Archord's name was barely remembered in Northern Nevada. This could be good for the Mustangs to bring in some fresh perspective or it could be a disaster as Northern Nevada is unlike any other area but only time will tell if this option is chosen.
Final Thoughts
This is a huge opportunity for Damonte Ranch to hire a head coach that can take the program back in the right direction. These past two seasons saw an offense that had trouble getting 1st downs and a defense that had trouble in coverage. Damonte Ranch has an opportunity to hire it's 5th Head Coach in school history and with relegation an opportunity to compete to get the Mustangs to their first realistic chance at playing for a state title.