NEW UCA COACHES

The University of Central Arkansas football coaching staff has, for the most part, stayed intact the last couple of years, probably less relative turnover than on the staffs of most universities at its level.

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But there’s a challenge on both ends with stability at the Division I Football Championship Subdivision, where budgets are more restricted and revenue sources more limited. Success can breed turnover because head coaches at other institutions are constantly looking for bright, young up-and-coming talent. The frustration and the downward spiral from a lack of success can also create turnover as folks look for an open door and greener pastures. Some of the most stable situations can be created by mediocrity, especially when nobody really cares to a significant degree.

UCA’s immediate success at the Division I level certainly has prompted inquiry concerning its assistants.

The Bears have developed the reputation of having, in general, a crop of good young assistants who are also good, hard-working recruiters. Two of those assistants, wide receiver coach Bobby Rhoades (Illinois State) and Josh Scroggins (high school in Mississippi), have moved on. UCA coach Clint Conque has replaced them with some up-and-coming coaches themselves, Jerry Mack, a former Arkansas State receiver who comes from Jackson State, and defensive coach Jordan Malone, who has experience at various Division II institutions and minor league pro football.

Mack, in particular, has strong contacts in Mississippi, Arkansas and Tennessee. With its growing reputation in the Mid-South and proximity to many institutions just across the Mississippi River, UCA has had strong recruiting success in Mississippi junior colleges and Tennessee high schools. Mack seems to have the contacts to keep that pipeline growing.

David McCollum
Conway Log Cabin Democrat
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