BLOG 4: Ferris has done a great job retooling its coaching staff

By Sandy Gholston

BIG RAPIDS – Ferris State University ’s football coaching staff underwent some tough losses during the period since the close of the 2007 campaign.

Ferris State defensive line coach Whitney Bell, a former standout tackle for the Bulldogs, works with his group during a practice at Top Taggart Field this fall. (Photo/Sandy Gholston)

In the spring, the staff lost defensive backs, video coordinator and special teams coach Ted Egger. That was just the start of things, however, as veteran offensive line coach Ken Conlin, defensive line coach Jason Rebrovich and offensive assistant/H-backs coach Tony Rosso also left for other opportunities – some inside of coaching and some outside of coaching.

Conlin, Rebrovich and Rosso all stepped down very close to the beginning of the season as head coach Jeff Pierce and his coordinators Matt McCarthy (offensive) and Duane Wilson (defensive) were in a scramble to fill those slots. Chris Reese quickly stepped in during the spring season for Egger as defensive backs coach and video coordinator. More recently, the team added former Ferris standout tackle Whitney Bell as defensive line coach, Allen Curtiss as special teams coordinator and running backs coach and Eric Ravellette as offensive line coach and recruiting coordinator.

Considering the losses and the timing of the losses, the Bulldogs have managed to make a strong recovery on the fly with some fresh new faces that bring a combination of youthful energy and experience to the table. Pierce, as his new coaches have had to make this adjustment on the fly during training camp, has been keeping a watchful eye over the whole team to help his new coaches make a smooth adjustment.

In addition to Pierce, Wilson, McCarthy, Ravellette, Curtiss and Bell are long-time kickers/punters coach Rick Williams as well as volunteer coaches Max Huntoon, Phil Fortier and Bob Maynard.

So far, the transition look good for the coaches who will get their first real test this weekend when the team travels to Ohio to take on Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference newcomer Tiffin with kickoff scheduled for 2:30 p.m.

If you have any questions, ideas or comments feel free to contact Sandy Gholston at sgholston2@netzero.com