SMU Head Coach Search: Third times a charm?

Is the most not wanted head coaching vacancy at Saint Mary’s?

Sources have confirmed that two different candidates were offered the position; however have turned it down so far.

The most prolific of the two is recently named interim Head Coach of the Guelph Gryphons Kevin MacNeill. Previous to getting his stint (first head coaching position he’s obtained at CIS level), MacNeill served as the team’s Defensive Coordinator for six years.  During his tenure, he has instructed 23 OUA All-Stars.  In 2015, MacNeill’s defence played a prominent role in the team to the Yates Cup over the Western Mustangs.

Additionally, MacNeill also has experience coaching with both Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks and University of British Columbia (UBC) Thunderbirds.  Among the positions he held at the schools included Recruitment Coordinator and Linebackers Coach.  Not only has he instructed at the CIS level, but MacNeill has also completed stints in the Ontario Varsity Football League (OVFL) and on the Canadian Junior National Team.

However, MacNeill was not the only candidate to turn down the offer to take the head coaching reins with the Huskies.  UBC Thunderbirds Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Backs Coach James Colzie III also declined the job,  Before the Thunderbirds, Colzie III was the Defensive Coordinator with NCAA Division 2’s Simon Fraser Clan.

Colzie III’s coaching career began in 2000 with Florida International University as Assistant Special Teams Coordinator where he was in charge of cornerbacks and returners.  Soon after in 2004, he returned to his alma mater, NCAA Division 1’s Florida State where he began a three year stint as Cornerbacks Coach under Bobby Bowden.

In 2007, he moved on to NCAA Divison 2’s Valdosta State where he helped the team to the Division 2 National Championship as Special Teams Coordinator and Defensive Backs Coach.  Then, he joined University of West Georgia where he wore several different hats including Defensive Coordinator, Special Teams Coordinator, Assistant Head Coach and Defensive Backs Coach. Colzie III has also been previously invited to instruct the CFL’s Toronto Argonauts.

With two candidates saying no to SMU, what direction will the team go next?  Maybe third time is the lucky charm and the next candidate in line will accept the opportunity to take over the head coaching reins.

SMU is expected to name a new Head Coach for their football program by the end of this month.