(Cloud Gamble)
Guilford College Athletic Director Tom Palombo announced Nov. 15 that head football coach Kevin Kiesel will not return next year.
Palombo told The Guilfordian that his office could not discuss the circumstances surrounding Kiesel’s departure, because it would violate state law.
North Carolina General Statute 115 protects the confidentiality of all personnel employment records, stating that they cannot be discussed or open to public examination.
Kiesel’s teams compiled a 24-36 overall record in six seasons, including a 0-10 mark in 2010. His 24 wins stand fifth among 22 head coaches in the team’s history.
“We are grateful for the hard work and enthusiasm Kevin put into coaching our football team the past six seasons,” Palombo said.
Senior Markas Brunson, former defensive lineman and coaches assistant, said Kiesel’s losing streak might have cost the head coach his job.
“From what I heard, he was fired, but I don’t know the particulars,” said Brunson. “All I know is he wasn’t in the office on Monday.”
“I wasn’t really surprised to hear that Kiesel was leaving,” said junior and wide receiver Ben King. ” But I still hate to see him go though. He was the reason I chose to come and play at Guilford.”
Sports Information Director David Walters said Kiesel brought enthusiasm with him when he took the position as head football coach six years ago.
Under Kiesel’s direction, Guilford set or tied 42 school records and 14 Old Dominion Athletic Conference marks. His 2006 and 2007 teams were 6-4 for the school’s first consecutive winning campaigns since 1990-91.
Palombo told The Guilfordian that the college is looking for a new head coach and the college has spared no time beginning a national search.
“We’re seeking a coach who will develop student leaders on and off the field,” said Palombo. “We want someone who can achieve competitive success that builds pride on the campus and among alumni and other supporters.”
Among these desirable traits, Guilford is also seeking someone who can move the football program forward.
“I think we play in one of the best leagues in the country, with some of the best schools academically and athletically,” said Palombo. “There’s a lot here for someone to come build this into a program that we can all be proud of.”
So far, there has already been a substantial interest expressed in the position.
“I’ve received at least 70 applications since the release went out,” said Palombo. “And that is just counting what’s been sent to me personally, human resources might have received more.”
The Athletic Department will be interviewing candidates for the position during exam week and naming their selection by Jan. 1.
Brunson said the turbulence of change will not affect the team in the long run.
“I think the team will be okay,” said Brunson, “I think there’s enough leadership, they’ll be able to find their way and just move on. Hopefully another coach comes in and corrals the guys and hopefully they’ll be successful in the future.”
For other other articles on the 2010 Quaker football season check out the following articles:
Football fights against possibility of winless season
Greensboro wins annual Soup Bowl
Sizing up the fall sports season: a look into the future