Meet Mike (of) Locksley

by Dr. Charley West on Dec 21, 2007 9:43 PM EST

Well, there's apparently another "candidate" on the WVU coaching horizon: Mike Locksley. If you haven't heard that name, don't fret. Before this week, neither had I -- neither had most anyone else. Of course, when you have your name show up on a message board 4 million times in 2 days, people start to know who you are.

If you still don't know, Mike Locksley is the offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach at the University of Illinois. Locksley started his major coaching career at Maryland in 1997, first serving only as the running backs coach and then assuming the title of recruiting coordinator in 1998. He joined the staff of Ron Zook at Florida in 2003 in the same capacity. When Zook was fired in 2004, Locksley followed Zook to Illinois, being promoted to offensive coordinator.

Locksley is generally regarded to be one of the finest recruiters in the country. He has been rated in the top 25 of recruiters by both Sports Illustrated and Rivals. Zook has been known as a great recruiter at both Florida and Illinois, which is also a testament to Locksley's skills.

It's certainly an impressive enough resume. He deserves an interview, especially since Illinois also runs the spread offense. Unfortunately for Mr. Locksley, I am not sure how serious a candidate he really is. WVU seems commited to bringing in a coach with West Virginia ties. While that's a good plan in theory, we saw just how well the end result was with Rich Rodriguez. That is why the word candidate is listed in quotations above.

It will be interesting to see, in the coming days, if WVU returns the interest in Locksley. If they do, it will be a positive step in this coaching search. At least the people in charge are finally showing some creativity.

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I heard Locksley’s name dropped yesterday. I think this a HUGE step in the right direction. The University needs to take this search outside of the ‘family’. If we’re to become an elite program (which I believe we can), we need a big time coach.

Doc would mean the return of medicrity, Terry is a has-been (or never-was, depending on your opinion) and Trickett isn’t ready for a BCS level job.

Jimbo, Saban, Locksley…these are the guys we NEED to be talking to. There are others, too. We need either a coordinator from a major program or a major/mid-major head coach with a proven track record.

by Broad Oaks on Dec 21, 2007 10:02 PM EST reply actions

Would be an excellent choice. He recruited the players at Maryland that manhandled us for 4 straight games. Though, lest we forget, the key to those teams was recuruited by Don Nehlen (Scotty McBrien of DeMatha High).

Chip Kelley needs a look, too, based on his time at New Hampshire and, more importantly, in Eugene.

by The 25314 on Dec 21, 2007 10:15 PM EST reply actions

I think the fear is he’d use us as a stepping stone and be gone after a few years of success.

by WVUChrisF on Dec 22, 2007 12:00 AM EST reply actions

Would be a Awesome higher. That not settle for a hasbeen coach (Bowden) or a career assistant in Doc,bring Doc in as offensive coordinator

by pete on Dec 22, 2007 1:58 AM EST reply actions

Coach Lox would be an excellent choice. Let’s hope that the powers that be show that they too have excellence in mind in this head coach search and give WVU the coach that it needs to continue it’s quest to be the best program it can be.

by WVUFanForever on Dec 22, 2007 2:02 AM EST reply actions

I’ll take a coach who sees WVU as a stepping stone. I have no problem with that, especially if all parties are aware of it when they commit to the relationship. That was the problem with Rich, we were a stepping stone to him. We just didn’t know it.

Think about this: What does a coach who sees WVU as a stepping stone have to do to move on? Win! If Locksley (or anybody else) wants to use us as a path to a bigger job, they’ll have to recruit and win. What’s the downside? We look for a coach again in a few years. At least we won’t be mediocre.

by Broad Oaks on Dec 22, 2007 12:30 PM EST reply actions

This wouldn’t be a bad hire for WVU. For now, a coach with fimiliarity with the spread offense is good due to our personnel. I wouldn’t want to see it scrapped in the final year of Slaton & White. There will still be a lot to play for next year, and I think guys like Locksley see the writing on the wall.

by Gregg on Dec 24, 2007 11:55 AM EST reply actions

More to the point, does he wear tights?

by Cait on Dec 24, 2007 12:35 PM EST reply actions

I feel like he would be a great hire for our program.. He’s still young and is a fairly good recruiter.. Hes been an oc at illinios and a rb coach at florida..his experience with the spread would enable us to keep a similar offensive scheme next year … he’s at the top of my list as next hc..

by wizzkid on Dec 24, 2007 12:44 PM EST reply actions

How could this be a bad hire? The only thing that would be bad is if SERIOUS consideration wasn’t given to Mike Locksley who is a GREAT recruiter and not to mention OFFENSIVE minded coach (which we are definetely geared for). I don’t know about everyone else but WVU is on the verge of greatness, if the next coach steps in and starts at the point Fraudriguez ended at. Let’s go EERS!!!

by Jr. Bowles on Dec 28, 2007 11:01 AM EST reply actions