This is what I posted in the prospective coaches thread:
When things went south last week, one name emerged. That’s Will Healy, head coach at Austin Peay. My first reaction was “WHO THE HELL IS THIS GUY.” So I did some research, and I really like him.
A wise man once told me that in order to succeed at football, you either have to be really good, or really different. Will Healy is the latter.
The basics: He turned around the worst program in college football. He inherited a team on a 29 game losing streak. I mean like had to practice around animal feces on the practice field bad. first season 0-11, next season went 8-5. He was 5-6 last year. I recognize that doesn’t look great. He is known for his recruiting. Several times had the best class in FCS as recruiting coordinator at UTC, and had the best class at APU a couple years ago. For reference, they were about 10 spots behind our program, but he’s at FCS Austin Peay.
He’s not an offensive guru, or a defensive guru, he’s a people guru. He is high energy, and high character. The guy is a CEO, salesman, Dabo Type.
The first thing he did when he got to AP was change the logo. The reason was the confusion of the general public as to what (and where) in the world Austin Peay is/was. (Does this sound familiar? because it should)
Another thing he does, is he demands his kids go out and introduce themselves to anybody who is interested in the program. The reason: “Austin Peay needs fans.” Sound Familiar?
I listened to some of his tape about culture building from a clinic, and so many things just struck a nerve with who and what we are as a program.
- Local recruiting should always be first
- Uniforms need to be exciting. kids can be shallow about this.
- Jucos can really help your football team
- Filming body language
He fund raises like a bat out of hell. When is the last time we had someone who honestly stated their dedication to fund raising?
The part that struck the biggest nerve with me was his statement in the clinic video about not being afraid to make enemies with the people who are stuck to doing things the “old way,” and if he feels like he’s making kids better, he doesn’t care about making people angry. My goodness what a concept.
I know if we hire this guy, some of y’all are gonna want to scream, but I really think he’s worth a shot.