Generally when a new head coach is announced to his fan base, the quote included is something to the effect of "a dream come true." You don't often see "certainly not part of the original plan."
That's the case at Olivet Nazarene University, an NAIA school in Bourbonnais, Ill., south of Chicago.
Following Eric Hehman's departure after seven seasons as head coach -- he accepted a high school administration job in Ohio, sources tell FootballScoop -- AD Mike Conway will step in as head coach for the rapidly-approaching 2023 season.
"Stepping in as the football coach was certainly not part of the original plan and the timing is not optimal but the players and program have always been and continue to be the top priority," said Conway. "I have coached college football for a long time and have been through many challenges so stepping back into this role here at Olivet after 20 plus years is a blessing that I am fully embracing."
Conway will remain the school's AD, but associate AD/director of compliance Justin Glenn will manage day-to-day operations of the department while Conway coaches the football team.
A former All-American offensive lineman at ONU in the early 1980s, Conway went 31-14 as head coach from 1996-99. His 1998 squad played for the NAIA national title, and his '99 outfit shared the Mid-States Football Association championship.
"Mike Conway loves Olivet, ONU athletics, and our student-athletes," said VP of student development Dr. Jason Stephens. "Our goal through this football coach transition was to provide as much stability for the current coaching staff, returning student-athletes, and incoming students as possible. Coach Conway is uniquely positioned to create this stability for our program."
He also served as head coach at North Park University, as a coordinator at California University of Pennsylvania, and at Washington and Jefferson. He spent time as an assistant coach at Geneva College, Arkansas State and Purdue.
ONU went 7-4 in 2022. The season opens Sept. 2 at Madonna University.
As always, stay tuned to The Scoop for the latest.