And now it's official.
Earlier this morning, ESPN's Joe Schad reported that Syracuse could name Dino Babers as its next head football coach as soon as today. Well, the Syracuse Orange have made it official now.
Said Syracuse Director of Athletics Mark Coyle:
"We wanted a leader who had a proven track record and a strong commitment to student welfare. Dino's background as a former student-athlete combined with his head coaching experience, and dynamic offensive mind make him a great fit for our program. We are committed to building a winning Syracuse Football program and today reinforces that commitment."
Syracuse University Chancellor Kent Syverud, who was very involved in the process, added:
"Syracuse University has hired the best person for this job. Dino's success in previous head coaching roles is a testament to his character, his ability to motivate young student-athletes, and his can-do attitude. Under Dino's leadership, we are going to build a competitive program in the ACC and continue to foster an environment where success in the classroom is equally as important as success on the field. On behalf of the Syracuse University community, I wish to extend a warm welcome to Dino, his wife Susan and their family."
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Obviously Babers's offense and his 30 years of coaching experience (most recently with the 2015 MAC Champion Bowling Green Falcons) are both reasons to be excited for the hire. While the Falcons fell short of averaging 44 points per game under Babers this season, 43 and change ain't half bad, obviously.
Syracuse legend Floyd Little is also excited.
"Dino's intimate involvement shaping the Baylor offense and his proven ability to replicate its success at Bowling Green and EIU makes him an ideal person to step in as Syracuse Football's next head coach. This is an exciting time to be a part of Syracuse Football and I am eager to see the great things that will be accomplished under Dino's leadership."
Lastly, Babers expressed his own excitement to take on this new challenge with the Orange:
"It is a true honor to have been selected to lead Syracuse University football, a program steeped in rich tradition, excellence, and success, both on and off the field. There were many coaching opportunities out there but none more attractive or exciting than this one. I've always admired Syracuse Football's scrappy demeanor, grit, and winning mentality, but what attracted me to this position even more is the University's intense focus on preparing its student-athletes for a lifetime of success. This is an incredible opportunity and one I am thrilled to have been offered."
No financial details on the Babers deal yet, though it looks like a six-year agreement is likely. Since SU's a private school, it's also pretty unlikely we get numbers from the institution. The official release also doesn't include details on when he'll arrive and/or when a press conference occurs, but we'll keep an eye out for that soon.
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Welcome to Syracuse, Coach Babers! We apologize in advance for the jokes and garbage around here. Can't wait for you to get started.
