Is the Lone Star Conference close to expanding?

A source reached out this week saying they heard that talks between Hardin-Simmons, Mary Hardin-Baylor, and the Lone Star Conference are intensifying. Having heard this same thing several times since the ASC seemed likely to collapse, I contacted other sources to check if there was any truth to it this time. Numerous sources indicated that discussions among the three have been ongoing at some level for two years. 

From what I gather, discussions have not progressed beyond the early stages. That said, realignment can happen quickly once agreements are reached, and I expect we’ll know more about the future of the ASC and its members by the end of May. However, the earlier, the better for someone involved with a magazine that goes to press around that time.

The LSC held a meeting with all of its football head coaches last week. Sources indicate that Central Washington head coach Chris Fisk attended the meeting in person, while Western Oregon head coach Arne Ferguson did not attend. While information about the meeting has been limited, multiple sources suggest the event went smoothly, with nothing significant to report. I envision this meeting as akin to a hypothetical scenario where generals from warring countries are gathered in the same room. This scenario would create an awkward atmosphere where no one trusts anything or anyone. My imagination may not be far off.

The news gets worse for West Texas A&M’s 2025 season

It has already been a challenging offseason for WT head coach Josh Lynn, who will have two new coordinators when the 2025 season begins. Defensive coordinator Levi Gallas was named head coach at Adams State in December, and Lynn faced NCAA sanctions due to minor recruiting violations that escalated into something significant. On Tuesday, Adams State announced that WT’s offensive coordinator Chase Kyser is joining Gallas in Alamosa, Colo., to serve as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. The timing is particularly challenging for Lynn, as the Buffs are set to begin spring practice on March 3rd.

Another offseason filled with coaching changes at Stephen F. Austin

Every head coach typically maintains a list of individuals they would consider hiring for an assistant position if it becomes available. These lists can be quite lengthy for experienced coaches, but SFA head coach Colby Carthel’s list has significantly decreased over the past three years. The Lumberjacks are bringing in five new coaches during this offseason cycle. Carthel replaced six coaches last year and overhauled the entire defensive staff in 2022.

The latest coach to leave is David Mackie, the outside linebackers coach, who is heading to Tennessee Tech to take on the role of inside linebackers coach. This week, SFA filled one position by announcing the addition of Joshua Atkinson as the wide receiver coach. Atkinson was part of the staff at Colorado State-Pueblo last season. 

Scheduling updates after North American discontinued its football program

I wrote in last week’s Blitz about the multiple schedules that were thrown into chaos when North American decided to discontinue its program. Prairie View A&M had NAU scheduled for its homecoming this year, but the Panthers will now face NCAA Division II Lincoln (Calif.) for homecoming. 

Sources indicate that Nelson and Hardin-Simmons are nearing the finalization of a Week 8 meeting. One obstacle is the Sooner Athletic Conference adjusting Nelson’s schedule to free up the Week 8 date. If the agreement with the Cowboys is finalized, the Lions are set to face three reigning conference champions and four teams that qualified for the playoffs in their respective divisions last year.

Is Scheiner close to hiring an offensive coordinator?

Schreiner head coach Keith Allen has very little time to prepare the Mountaineers for a potential junior varsity season in 2025. Sources indicate that Allen is currently interviewing candidates for the offensive coordinator position. One of the top candidates reportedly served as a head coach for a TAPPS Division III school last year.

Sul Ross State coaching staff update

Lee Hays has been the head football coach of the Lobos for just over a week. Interestingly, he attended the LSC coaches meeting last week, at the same time the university publicly announced his hire. Sources indicate that the only two assistants Hays has informed that they will not return were the two who led the Lobos’ scouting efforts from remote locations. It remains unclear if any other changes are anticipated.