Just a few weeks ago, former University of Springfield Illinois head baseball coach Ryan Copeland accepted a head coaching position with Northern Illinois University. This hire makes him one of the youngest Division I baseball coaches in the country. I had the chance to have a phone conversation with Copeland, and this is what he had to say about leaving his team and starting this new journey.
Q: “Were you on the hunt for a new job after this past season or did NIU come to you?”
A: “In my eight years at UIS, and the last four as the head coach, I’ve never pursued a job. I’ve never applied for a job, I’ve never been the one to reach out first.”
Q: “Can you talk about the emotions that comes with leaving a team you spent eight season with?”
A: “Bittersweet to say the least, but it was time. It was time for me to move on, had accomplished a lot as the head coach at UIS, very thankful for my time there. I was treated so well by so many people”
Q: “What are you most looking forward to at NIU?
A: “Making sure our guys are comfortable around me, they trust me, they believe in me. That’s the foundation for every successful coach player relationship in college athletics.”
Q: “How important is it for you to be able to bring Joe Kelch to NIU with you?”
A: “He was my guy for three years in Springfield, we were as close as can be. I’m a big believer in the coaching staff dynamic and what that feels like in the office, on the field, out on the road recruiting. I think really good programs have coaching staffs that get along well.”
Under Copeland’s guidance, UIS had 131-38 overall record. NIU baseball hasn’t had a record of over .500 since the 2011 season, and Copeland looks to change that as head coach.
Full article can be found at: https://newschannel20.com/sports/content/ryan-copeland-reacts-to-new-head-coaching-position-at-niu