State college notebook: Northeastern State looking for defensive coaches

“He will be mentoring young kids who need help in life, and I applaud him as a person to be able to take on a challenge like that,” Northeastern State head coach Kenny Evans said. “Greg was a young coach that was great for us. I think he would have a bright future in this profession, but he has a chance to do something that is extremely important and fulfilling for him.”

In a recent interview with The Oklahoman, Richmond said he was grateful to many people for pointing him in the right direction.

“I grew up in an environment where it was easy for a kid to go left,” he said. “But my coaches, my mom and dad, they made such an impact on my life.”

GRID BITS

*The departure of Langston football coach Mickey Joseph remains a mystery. Langston did not return messages left by The Oklahoman, and Joseph could not be reached for comment. Joseph spent two successful seasons at the NAIA school, leading the Lions to a 13-7 record. LU fell a victory short of winning the Central States Football League championship in 2011; the Lions finished 6-4 this season after starting 1-3.

Athletic director Mike Garrett announced assistant Dwone Sanders would move to head coach. Sanders spent two seasons under Joseph as defensive coordinator.

*Bacone football coach Trevor Rubly said 90 percent of the team is participating in offseason workouts but some “who are still being a little hardheaded about buying into what we want to do.” The results are on paper, though. More minutes in the weight room helped Bacone finish 7-3 this season, one of the best records in school history.

“In the back of your mind, you always think about what changes could be made to make things better,” Rubly said. “Before I was here (as head coach), we were maybe 50-50 or 60-40 on the bad side about offseason work. Now we are doing things about 90 percent good.”

*With just four teams, the Central States Football League was inactive this past season, but it should return in 2013 with the addition of Wayland Baptist and Oklahoma Baptist. Other CSFL teams will reportedly be Bacone, Langston, Southwestern Assemblies of God (Texas) and Texas College. Some schools want to change the name of the league.

*Southern Nazarene will play a full Great American Conference schedule next season, which includes five home games. That's better than the two SNU hosted this season.