Syracuse University football fans can hope that the new orange coach will have the same success as he had in his previous stop. Dino Babers was named as SU's new football coach Saturday, taking over for Scott Schafer, who coached his last game last Saturday - a win over Boston College.
Babers is fresh off a win himself. His Bowling Green team won the Mid-American Conference Championship Friday Night. He'll be stepping up to stiffer competition in the Atlantic Coast Conference with the Orange. Babers' team played in two straight conference title games, losing a year ago before winning this year. The coach had nothing but praise for the orange program he will be taking over.
''There were many coaching opportunities out there but none more attractive or exciting than this one,'' Babers said in a statement. ''I've always admired Syracuse Football's scrappy demeanor, grit, and winning mentality, but what attracted me to this position even more is the University's intense focus on preparing its student-athletes for a lifetime of success. This is an incredible opportunity and one I am thrilled to have been offered.''
Babers went 18-9 in two seasons heading the Bowling Green program. Prior to that he led Eastern Illinois' football team to a 19-7 record, including two appearances in the FCS playoffs.
It was the decision of SU's new athletic director Mark Coyle to make the change, firing Shafer after 3 seasons, in which his teams went 7-6, 3-9 and 4-8.
"We wanted a leader who had a proven track record and a strong commitment to student welfare," said Mark Coyle, Syracuse's Director of Athletics in a statement. "Dino's background as a former student-athlete combined with his head coaching experience, and dynamic offensive mind make him a great fit for our program. We are committed to building a winning Syracuse Football program and today reinforces that commitment."
Syracuse University Chancellor Kent Syverud also expressed support for the new hire.
"Syracuse University has hired the best person for this job," said Chancellor Kent Syverud. "Dino's success in previous head coaching roles is a testament to his character, his ability to motivate young student-athletes, and his can-do attitude. Under Dino's leadership, we are going to build a competitive program in the ACC and continue to foster an environment where success in the classroom is equally as important as success on the field. On behalf of the Syracuse University community, I wish to extend a warm welcome to Dino, his wife Susan and their family."
Babers is the first African American head football coach at SU. He'll be counted upon to improve SU on the offensive side of the ball. The team has had respectable defensive performances in recent years, most notably holding both powerhouses LSU and then Clemson to 34 and 37 points respectively. SU stayed within 10 points in losing both games. Babers spent part of his coaching career under Baylor Head Coach Art Briles, which runs a high-powered offense. It remains to be seen if some of those strategies can be implemented successfully here. It also remains to be seen which current coaches might be kept under Babers' new staff.
Accroding the a Cuse.com article, Babers' resume also includes stints at the University of California, Los Angeles, the University of Pittsburgh, Texas A&M University, the University of Arizona, San Diego State University, Purdue University, Northern Arizona University, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Arizona State University, and the University of Hawaii, his alma mater.
Dino Babers will officially be announced as SU's 30th head coach at a press conference Monday morning at 10:00 a.m.
