Nevada Union High School’s football coach has resigned…
Principal Kelly Rhoden says she along with Athletic Director Jeff Dellis were informed of the decision this morning. Houlihan’s teams only won eight games in five years, and didn’t win a Sierra Foothill League game in his entire tenure, in part because those schools have a much larger enrollment than N-U. Rhoden says Houlihan was not asked to resign, and the decision was his. She says his commitment to the youth of Nevada County cannot be overstated…
Houlihan is coaching softball this season, and is also a teacher at Silver Springs High School. Rhoden says they’ll begin the search for a new coach promptly, and will have one in place as soon as possible.
–gf
jim black
What is the delay by the NU Athletic Director in getting the Open Varsity Head Coaching position advertised with CIF/SJS "Football Job Opening". The longer the delay in advertising the opening, the fewer the applicants will be. There is no mention of the opening with any of the organizations that assist available Coaches in seeking a new Head Coaching Job nor any of the organizations that assist school's in acquiring qualified candidates. Jeff Dellis lauded former coach Houlihan and wished he had more coaches like him. That's pretty bold statement about a Coach who had one of the worst won-lost records in Northern California or a five season leading the Nevada Union Football Program. It is all well and good that he recognized Houlhan for leading his players in becoming example's of good behavior at school and in the community--but his performance in teaching these young men to play the game of football in a winning positive manner was a totally and complete failure.No mention of Jeff Dellis about that protion of the Head Coaching Position. Successful coaches are able to build good community citizens AND coach the game of football. It was obvious to students of the game of football what Houlihan's coaching problems were-but no one was willing to talk about those issues in the press. i.e. lack of reps in running the wing tee,OL could not get off with the snap of the football, poor tackling, etc. it goes on and on and always making excuses about why they could not win and never accepting any of the blame for his losing coaching record at Nevada Union nor when he was as Fallbrook with a enrollment exceeding 2500 students, Lets hope Jeff Dellis hires a replacement with a record of success in all aspects of his job. The players, school and our community deserve nothing less. Thank you-Jim black