2025 College Track & Field Open Coaching Positions Discussion

Are there any notable applicants that we know of? Are we thinking it’s going to be external or go the current assistant?

Sorry to hear that man I was just trying to provide some transparency as I feel this thread strongly lacks and is mostly rumors.

Abcdef wrote:
Are there any notable applicants that we know of? Are we thinking it’s going to be external or go the current assistant?

I wouldn’t know.. they emailed me. Due to the nature of the program historically, I would believe they’re looking for someone who is distance oriented and has HC experience but not 100% sure.

NAU rejection emails were being sent last week

Can anyone shed some light on what working at Portland State would be like? I know they've had some issues with athletes but were people like Marcus unfairly fired?

According to ChatGPT

Jonathan Marcus (Head Coach: July 2023 – April 2025)
Jonathan Marcus was relieved of his duties in April 2025, less than two years into his tenure. Portland State's Athletic Director, Matt Billings, announced a "new direction" for the cross country and track & field programs, but the official statement did not provide specific reasons for his dismissal

However, discussions on the LetsRun.com forums suggest that Marcus was fired, with some attributing the decision to alleged coaching malpractice and underperformance . These claims, while unverified, indicate that there may have been concerns regarding his coaching methods and the program's performance under his leadership.LetsRun

David Hepburn (Head Coach: August 2017 – June 2023)

David Hepburn's contract was not renewed in June 2023 following eligibility issues that affected the team's postseason participation. Specifically, standout steeplechaser Jordan MacIntosh was barred from NCAA postseason competition despite being ranked eighth in the West Region. This was due to the men's team failing to meet the NCAA requirement of having at least 14 athletes compete in eight meets over the indoor and outdoor seasons .

While the official announcement did not explicitly state that this incident led to Hepburn's departure, the timing suggests it was a significant factor. The university expressed appreciation for his contributions but emphasized the need for a new direction for the program.

Ronnye Harrison (Head Coach: 2009 – 2017)

Ronnye Harrison led the program from 2009 until 2017, achieving considerable success, particularly in sprints and jumps. He departed in mid-2017, and while the university did not publicly disclose the reasons for his departure, it appears to have been a standard coaching transition without controversy. Harrison had previously revitalized the sprint program and led athletes to numerous Big Sky titles and NCAA qualifications.

So does that mean the assistant is sticking around but not being elevated? That's kinda strange.

No, that doesn’t necessarily mean that. It could mean that they’re going to hire a new HC who will have the choice to retain the assistant coach or hire a new staff, and/or the assistant will get an opportunity to interview for the head coach and will either get it or not. Either way looks like the HC will be a distance oriented coach and may or may not be the current assistant.

Also, seeing that the assistant coach wasn’t elevated to interim HC is a sign to me that they’re not considering him to be a candidate for HC.

Berry College (D3 in Rome, GA) will be posting a FT Assistant opening soon. Departing coach was Jumps/Sprints but will be considering all Non-Distance event group possibilities.

The email that was sent out gave more details including salary and facilities and that they were focused on distance events!

Purdue Fort Wayne elevated their distance coach to Head as predicted by some

Yes that is correct.

For real? I didn't get a rejection email, hopefully that's good news lol

I know it is correct. It was not a question haha!

don’t be a douchebag. Nothing wrong with someone affirming for the thread readers. Hope you didn’t get that email

Yes, of course I got the email. How else would I know what the email said! Nothing wrong with my response. Yours? Yes.

Virginia Wesleyan Director. two years in a row of turnover. Anyone have insight on this place?

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There’s a reason you can thumbs down a post. Stop being a prick. No one likes what you’re saying

It’s not that serious, just let it go. It didnt bother me one bit what he said