ISU’s Spack fires three assistants, cites lack of offensive production

 

 

Dicken - Clark
Illinois State head football coach Brock Spack on Monday announced he has fired co-offensive coordinators Billy Dicken and Dan Clark. Wide receivers coach Kane Keirnan was also let go.
(Photo courtesy of Illinois State University)

By Howard Packowitz

NORMAL – Illinois State University head football coach Brock Spack has fired three assistant coaches, including the team’s two offensive coordinators, for not meeting the team’s expectations on offense.

In a news release, Spack said co-offensive coordinators Billy Dicken and Dan Clark, and wide receivers coach Kane Keirnan won’t back back next year.

The Redbirds were 6-5 this season, missed the NCAA playoffs, and finished in a 3-way tie for 5th place in the Missouri Valley Football Conference.

Spack said in a statement that “production on the offensive side of the ball the past two seasons has not met our expectations here at Illinois State.”

Spack thanked Dicken, Clark, and Keirnan for their commitment to the student-athletes and dedication to the program.

Spack declined further comment on the coaching shakeup.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]

 

 

 

 

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year.  It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city.   Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University.   We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk.  Going to work every day for some people means…