When the FBS level decided to march on with a season in the fall, and the FCS and other levels decided to push their seasons to the spring, we knew that the coaching carousel was going to look a bit different that we've all grown accustomed to.
There were a lot of questions as the FBS hiring cycle started to ramp up like; Would the change in seasons limit FBS opportunities for coaches at the FCS, D-II, D-III and NAIA levels? Would coaches be willing to leave in-season for an FBS opportunity? And what does the coaching market and turnover look like after programs are done in the spring?
Those types of questions, brought on by the COVID pandemic, are what the staff at FootballScoop have been asking ourselves for the last several months.
Earlier this morning we learned of one unique situation that has recently unfolded with Central Michigan filling their receivers job with an in-season FCS assistant.
Northwestern State (FCS) is entering the second week of their spring season, and receivers coach Alvin Slaughter has decided to take the opportunity to join Jim McElwain's staff.
Sources tell FootballScoop that Slaughter will be the new wide receivers coach in Mount Pleasant
Prior to Northwestern State, Slaugther previously served as an offensive / special teams analyst at LSU.
If everyone had been playing in the fall, it would be virtually unheard of for an FBS program to hire away a FCS assistant while both of their seasons are happening. But hiring Slaughter during their season now will allow him to get to Mount Pleasant and start to learn the ins and outs of the offense before they start up spring practices.
Slaughter has previous coaching experience at Clarion (D-III - PA) and also served as the head coach at Monsignor Pace HS (Miami, FL) for five seasons.
For Northwestern State, they're now in the tough spot of filling a full-time position on staff in season, while also preparing for a new opponent each week. They lost a close 31-24 decision this past weekend during their week one matchup with #7 ranked Nicholls (FCS).
Stay tuned to The Scoop for the latest.