[GetChili]

Andy Stephens has officially been named the new Southwestern Warriors football coach.

Stephens, who took over for Dale Anderson mid-season, lead the Warriors to a 9-1 record under his tenure, along with SW's best season in school history. SW also won their district title since 2006 and won their first region title in school history.

Congrats to Coach Stephens! :Thumbs:

[wildthang3]

Well duh! To bad he won't have any teaching openings in the school to bring in people. Not to mention SW will lose a ton of talent. Next year will be a different story for SW and AS I'm afraid.

[Fly Like a Duck]

Well duh! To bad he won't have any teaching openings in the school to bring in people. Not to mention SW will lose a ton of talent. Next year will be a different story for SW and AS I'm afraid.

Southwestern might lose a lot, but that's what happens every year when you have great numbers like they do. Southwest is never short on bodies. Their 8th grade team did well in '10 and I believe their 8th graders this year either won or were state runners up. Even, though those kids are a couple/three years off from having any kind of big impact, it just goes to show how much the kids there love playing.

Andy will do fine. He is a great example, like many many coaches out there, who do the very best they can with limited resources (like Casey County, where his record except for '10 didnt always tell just how good of a coach he really is), but give him some players, good numbers, strong booster club and a place that just gives a d.a.m.n a little more and great things can happen.

[MVP2]

No doubt, Stephens should have got this job with what he done with the Warriors this past season. Congrats.

[SWHS Supporter]

While I realize Coach Stephens had a good year with this group and appears to be a likable guy, do the players and program not at least deserve the appearance of a search for top notch coach?

Most anyone could have taken this group and done what he did. They were super talented and were merely limited by what they coaches were willing to let them do. After Coach A left, Jim Girdler continued to call defense and Chad Girdler continued to call offense, just like when Coach A was there. What Stephens did do what keep the group focused and enjoying playing the game.

Ask any player on the team if they worked any extra on passing defense the week of the Anderson Co game for a team who had thrown for 2500 yards? Ask them if they worked more on our passing game or if we just thought we were going to run it down Anderson Co's throat because we beat Harlan Co? They shut Powell down and we weren't prepared. We don't view passing as necessary for football unless you are 3rd and long. They had a good passing quarterback and we weren't prepared. We don't teach our kids man-to-man in the secondary because we don't know how. We are as one dimensional as we were when Coach A was there, if not more so. Stephens made the comment on the radio that bad things happen when you pass the ball. What??? Come into the 21st century. This isn't 1950's football anymore. That's why the mountain teams never get out of the mountains.

I ask this. How come the boys basketball got to do an extensive search and find Steve Wright, a state championship coach with lots of recruiting connections to help our boys go on to college? The football program settles for a nice guy who had one winning season in his life before this year. Ask all our D1 senior prospects how their college contacts and offers have progressed since Coach A left !!:please:

[Norm Peterson]

While I realize Coach Stephens had a good year with this group and appears to be a likable guy, do the players and program not at least deserve the appearance of a search for top notch coach?

Most anyone could have taken this group and done what he did. They were super talented and were merely limited by what they coaches were willing to let them do. After Coach A left, Jim Girdler continued to call defense and Chad Girdler continued to call offense, just like when Coach A was there. What Stephens did do what keep the group focused and enjoying playing the game.

Ask any player on the team if they worked any extra on passing defense the week of the Anderson Co game for a team who had thrown for 2500 yards? Ask them if they worked more on our passing game or if we just thought we were going to run it down Anderson Co's throat because we beat Harlan Co? They shut Powell down and we weren't prepared. We don't view passing as necessary for football unless you are 3rd and long. They had a good passing quarterback and we weren't prepared. We don't teach our kids man-to-man in the secondary because we don't know how. We are as one dimensional as we were when Coach A was there, if not more so. Stephens made the comment on the radio that bad things happen when you pass the ball. What??? Come into the 21st century. This isn't 1950's football anymore. That's why the mountain teams never get out of the mountains.

I ask this. How come the boys basketball got to do an extensive search and find Steve Wright, a state championship coach with lots of recruiting connections to help our boys go on to college? The football program settles for a nice guy who had one winning season in his life before this year. Ask all our D1 senior prospects how their college contacts and offers have progressed since Coach A left !!:please:

Just how many D1 prospects do you think the Warriors have? There might be one, maybe 2 at the most. Otherwise I agree with your post.

[former]

With the talent SW has had, anyone could have done a good job. With the team SW had this year, they should have won a lot. IMO the players and fans are getting a raw deal by at least not checking on other coaches, especially since most on the staff probably knew of what was going on behind the scenes.

[SWHS Supporter]

At the start of the season, there were 3 boys that were being actively recruited by D1 schools, right or wrong. There was another two or three that had reasonable interest at smaller schools (Div II, III or NAIA). A big part of
this was Coach A and his contacts and ability to promote this kids.

Now, agreeing that if Coach A did what he was accused of doing, he needed to be gone. Keep in mind, some of his long time assistants need to go as well. My point is, there is more to coaching than showing up for practice and a game.

Coach Stephens may be the right guy for this job. I do think he is green and coaching at Casey is nothing like coaching at SW or Somerset. It is a huge job at a 5A school. It is a job that takes commitment year round (especially in the offseason for lifting, etc). They are hungry for what happened this year to keep happening. Except for possibly next year, the talent is there and coming up.

I just think the job needs to be advertised and a diligent search performed. Then, and only then, make the best decision. What would 30 more days hurt when you are hiring a coach that will hopefully be there for 10 years?

[RoShamBo]

Not saying Stephens should or should not be the coach, but if Dale was still the coach at SW I think this season ends in another first or second round flameout. They definitely had the talent, but not ANYBODY could have won a region title with what this team dealt with this year.

[GetChili]

Not saying Stephens should or should not be the coach, but if Dale was still the coach at SW I think this season ends in another first or second round flameout. They definitely had the talent, but not ANYBODY could have won a region title with what this team dealt with this year.

Totally agree. With Dale there, the season ends against PCC, if not Whitley. SW would have also not have beaten Christian County at all if he was there. SW would have probably lost a district game or two.

Yes, Stephens had a lot of talent, but he used his talent in a way that Dale would have never done. Someone had to take the reigns and he certainly did.

[LeeCoUKFan]

I just wanna say Congrats to coach Stephens as he very much deserved to get the head coaching job at Southwestern. I know some people seem to think that he may not be a top notch coach but, IMO, he is and he did something that has never been done in SW's history so, I don't care how good or bad he is, he EARNED the job!! I know they will lose a lot of talent with this Senior class but, I think that coach Stephens can keep this team at the top of the district every year!! Can't wait till next season!!

[geauxtigers75]

I'm not sure why some SW fans seem unhappy. Stephens done a lot with very little at Casey County. I could see the difference in his teams from 2009 to 2010 when they played PCC. I think he will do a fine job at Southwestern. He definitely earned this job, not just any coach will take a team on a 9 game winning streak after having to put up with all the noise that was surrounding the program when he took over the reins. Best of luck to him.

[wildthang3]

Spoke to a few ppl who are saying the job wasn't posted for long enough time. What is the time frame for that?

[GetChili]

Everyone is causing a big fuss about this. Everyone needs to realize that Stephens is the head coach and that Dale isn't there anymore. The hired the right man and everyone needs to be thrilled with that.

[Gitback Coach]

Somerset and Pulaski fans should be pleased with this hire.

[SWHS Supporter]

I will say this and then I am done. We just wanted a legitimate search to see who might be interested in this job!!!

I had been told for two months that this was a done deal with Stephens unless he just totally screwed the pooch but didn't believe it. Think about this: This summer he was brought from a 10 year head coaching job at Casey County after his first winning season to be an assistant at SWHS ??? Found and brought by Butcher who is from Casey Co. (Keep in mind our previous principal and AD were from Casey Co, both were jokes). After three games, Anderson is gone and Stephens just happens to be the only guy teaching at the high school who can take the job.

During basketball search, Butcher wanted Brandon Cooper (who I think is a nice guy but comes from Casey Co). A full search committee was in place and after Wright applied, it was over. Butcher didn't like how it went and wasn't going to take another chance. There was no search committee for football !!

My problem isn't with Stephens, its the good ole boy process in Pulaski Co.
Ask the players and assistant coaches who has been calling the shots for the last three months. Coaches get too much credit when they win and too much crap when they lose. Sometimes it is just the players you have to work with. He is a nice guy and I hope for our kid's sake he is successful. Just in case, let's all meet here again next November and see what kind of season SWHS has had without this group of seniors.

:HitWall:

[Warriors Alum]

I too think that there should have been a more thorough search for this coaching position. I am happy that SWHS had the success that they had this season on the field and would like to see it more often.

Is Stephens the right man for the job? It looks like he is now, I hope...

None the less, Congrats Andy Stephens and good luck!

(just my 2 cents)

GO WARRIORS!!!

I'll hang up and listen...

[ccreb87]

SWHS supporter....good to know your an athletic supporter.......better get your post up so you can be a member....

[CAN'T GET RIGHT]

Whats with all the haters out there? Not on this site but all over town and on FB. So the guy is not Vince Lombardi, but cursing kids who do support him and getting mad is not going to bring A or "Birdman" Girdler back. Get behind the guy and lets see where this bus is going. Give him his two years if not up to par call Joker surely he'll be looking for a job by then.

[Granny Bear]

Whats with all the haters out there? Not on this site but all over town and on FB. So the guy is not Vince Lombardi, but cursing kids who do support him and getting mad is not going to bring A or "Birdman" Girdler back. Get behind the guy and lets see where this bus is going. Give him his two years if not up to par call Joker surely he'll be looking for a job by then.

:thatsfunn:thatsfunn

Congratulations to Coach Stephens. I do wish him and the program much success!!!....just not against HC Bears!!

[LeeCoUKFan]

Everyone is causing a big fuss about this. Everyone needs to realize that Stephens is the head coach and that Dale isn't there anymore. The hired the right man and everyone needs to be thrilled with that.

Yeah, I don't understand what the big deal is. The Warriors had their best season in school history and now they don't even want to keep the coach that was responsible for this. I think it would have been the worst mistake that the school administration at Southwestern ever made if, they did not give Stephens the job!!!:redboxer: I think that anyone that is related in any way to SW should be gracious that they have such a good coach and quit complaining because there is nothing to complain about!!!

[Big Dog Stipe]

During basketball search, Butcher wanted Brandon Cooper (who I think is a nice guy but comes from Casey Co).:HitWall:

Cooper is a Garrard County native and is now the head coach there. Congradulations to Coach Stephens and SW on a great year and good luck next season! From some of the post on here from your "fans" you are going to need all the luck you can get!!!

[#1 Blackcat Fan]

I will say this and then I am done. We just wanted a legitimate search to see who might be interested in this job!!!

I had been told for two months that this was a done deal with Stephens unless he just totally screwed the pooch but didn't believe it. Think about this: This summer he was brought from a 10 year head coaching job at Casey County after his first winning season to be an assistant at SWHS ??? Found and brought by Butcher who is from Casey Co. (Keep in mind our previous principal and AD were from Casey Co, both were jokes). After three games, Anderson is gone and Stephens just happens to be the only guy teaching at the high school who can take the job.

During basketball search, Butcher wanted Brandon Cooper (who I think is a nice guy but comes from Casey Co). A full search committee was in place and after Wright applied, it was over. Butcher didn't like how it went and wasn't going to take another chance. There was no search committee for football !!

My problem isn't with Stephens, its the good ole boy process in Pulaski Co.
Ask the players and assistant coaches who has been calling the shots for the last three months. Coaches get too much credit when they win and too much crap when they lose. Sometimes it is just the players you have to work with. He is a nice guy and I hope for our kid's sake he is successful. Just in case, let's all meet here again next November and see what kind of season SWHS has had without this group of seniors.

:HitWall:

Maybe the reason he only had 1 winning season at Casey is for the very reason you mentioned above.
Did he not take the team deeper in the playoff's this year in the school's history. You also stated in a previous post that all he did was keep the players focused & not distracted by the situation at hand. That in itself is a skill some if not most could not have done.
I say give the guy some credit where credit is do & he has some what proven himself this year. Give the guy a couple of years to prove himself for now the fan base, school, boosters, etc need to get behind him & support him or he will not be successful.
Congrats coach on the great job this season & good luck in the future.

[Willie Turnover]

I dont think SWHS Supporter is against Andy Stevens. They, like me, thinks that the job should have been opened up, and the best candidate hired. If the best candidate was Andy Stevens then he should be the one hired. But if there was a better candidate then they should have been the one hired.

With that said, Good Luck to Andy and the program for years to come.

I hate to kick a man while he is down, but Dale would lie to kids and College Coaches to get D1 Schools interested in them. He would say they ran a 4.7 fourty yard dash, when they actually ran a 5.3... Or if they ran a 4.7 he would say they ran a 4.3. Thats why all those players would sign letters of intent to play college ball and never make it to the field for the first play.

[Cammando]

I dont think SWHS Supporter is against Andy Stevens. They, like me, thinks that the job should have been opened up, and the best candidate hired. If the best candidate was Andy Stevens then he should be the one hired. But if there was a better candidate then they should have been the one hired.

With that said, Good Luck to Andy and the program for years to come.

I hate to kick a man while he is down, but Dale would lie to kids and College Coaches to get D1 Schools interested in them. He would say they ran a 4.7 fourty yard dash, when they actually ran a 5.3... Or if they ran a 4.7 he would say they ran a 4.3. Thats why all those players would sign letters of intent to play college ball and never make it to the field for the first play.

Other than Minton(knee injuries), which other SW D1 recruit didn't play? Can't remember any that did not play...

[wildthang3]

So dale out smarted all these D1 coaches? C'mon man!

I dont think SWHS Supporter is against Andy Stevens. They, like me, thinks that the job should have been opened up, and the best candidate hired. If the best candidate was Andy Stevens then he should be the one hired. But if there was a better candidate then they should have been the one hired.

With that said, Good Luck to Andy and the program for years to come.

I hate to kick a man while he is down, but Dale would lie to kids and College Coaches to get D1 Schools interested in them. He would say they ran a 4.7 fourty yard dash, when they actually ran a 5.3... Or if they ran a 4.7 he would say they ran a 4.3. Thats why all those players would sign letters of intent to play college ball and never make it to the field for the first play.

[dontfeedthebears]

By examining the Warrios' best season ever, I agree this hire was the correct one. Just one question- IF they would have done a more "extensive" search, what exactly are you looking for in a coach? I, myself, would want a guy who has recent success, uses a system that fits the SW kids, and a guy who is good under pressure. These three attributes seem to fit Coach Stephens in my opinion. The guy just took you to the state semis for the first time in school history and you are asking for a more extensive search, truly unbelievable.

[GetChili]

I think Stephens is a good hire for these reasons: 1) He is already a math teacher at the school. 2) He knows the kids. 3) The kids know his style of play. 4) He is great guy. 5) He knows what he is doing. 6) FIRST REGION TITLE IN SCHOOL HISTORY. 7) Best record in school history. 8) Beat #3 Harlan County & #4 Christian County. 9) Won 1st district title since 06. 10) Beat PC for first time since 06. 11) Went on a 9-game winning streak. I could go on and on and on...

[wildthang3]

Actually depending in win or loss. Best record is 99 team. Went 9-2 and won 9in a row as well.

[GetChili]

Actually depending in win or loss. Best record is 99 team. Went 9-2 and won 9in a row as well.

True. Very good point. That team was pretty good. If they would have been in the alignment that they are in now, they could have gone a long way.