The search for a head coach at Sul Ross State took an unexpected turn this week, surprising many within the coaching industry. The Lobos search for a new head coach began in early December when Barry Derickson announced he was stepping away to pursue other opportunities. 

Two weeks ago, I reported in the Blitz that SRSU was reaching the final stage of its search. At least one finalist was scheduled to visit last week, and the rumored lead candidate was an assistant coach at Lamar. Sources indicate his visit was delayed due to the snowstorm that affected the Beaumont area.

The search is apparently headed backward a few steps, following multiple sources confirming that the Lamar assistant coach informed the Sul Ross administration that he would not be taking the job. Other sources close to the situation noted the coach was impressed by the administration during his visit and believes their next head coach has a solid nucleus of talent.

The other finalists were considered to be a former assistant coach at Texas Tech and an assistant coach currently on staff at Sul Ross. 

The ASC likely to continue double round-robin format for 2025 season

Last November, I wrote that the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference would not use a double-round-robin schedule with Hendrix set to join. However, hopes that the SCAC change could lead to the end of the double-round-robin format for the American Southwest Conference have faded. Multiple sources in and around the ASC have confirmed that the conference is expected to play a double-round-robin format during the 2025 season. 

Most every coach from both conferences did not like the double-round-robin format last season, and some had hopes that the expansion of the NCAA Division III playoffs to 40 teams and the incorporation of the NCAA Power Index (NPI) would encourage teams to schedule games against more formidable opponents. Unfortunately, the formula used by the NPI last season rewarded teams who played weaker schedules. 

While the NCAA committee could adjust the dials of the NPI before next season begins, teams are busy finalizing their 2025 schedules now. This means there is no incentive for SCAC schools or schools from other conferences to play the ASC programs. In other words, the current system makes it extremely difficult for all ASC teams, particularly Mary Hardin-Baylor and Hardin-Simmons, to find DIII nonconference opponents for next season.

Howard Payne defensive coordinator headed to Power 4 program

Multiple sources have confirmed that Howard Payne defensive coordinator Nicholas Forde is leaving to become a quality control analyst at Baylor. Forde spent last season as co-defensive coordinator alongside Cade Gray. Two weeks ago, he was promoted to defensive coordinator when Gray departed for family reasons, as reported in The Blitz. Now, HPU head coach Kevin Bachtel is searching for a defensive coordinator, a defensive backs coach, and a defensive line coach. 

Sources within the program indicate that Bachtel will likely return to calling the defensive plays next season, something he was trying to avoid due to the responsibilities of being the head coach.