This is the time of year when coaching staffs around the country typically get shook up. The carousel begins at the top and trickles down to the lowest of levels as coaches move quickly to replace lost staff.
When former UND running backs coach Robbie Rouse recently announced he was leaving UND to head out west to join the Cal-Poly staff, Bubba Schweigert had to begin the search. He quickly found his man in Steve Crutchley.
Schweigert and Crutchley coached together on the first edition of the Dale Lennon-led Southern Illinois staff from 2008-2012. Crutchley was hired away from St. Cloud State to be the Saluiki RB coach, while Schweigert came from UM-Duluth to be the defensive coordinator.
Crutchley graduated from UW Eau-Claire and started coaching shortly after in 2002 in St. Cloud. He brings FBS experience to the staff, having coached at Northern Illinois and Temple over the past five years. He went to Temple with former UND coach Rod Carey when Carey was named the head man.
Another interesting tie to the MVFC is Crutchley coached with South Dakota head coach Bob Nielson at WIU from 2013-2015. He left Carbondale for a more prominent role with the Leathernecks but did not follow Nielson to Vermillion.
Crutchley is already in Grand Forks and up & running with the offensive staff. His experience will undoubtedly bring wrinkles to the offense that has been successful under OC Danny Freund but is searching for a consistent running attack to rely upon.
The running back room is in a very good position for the 2022 season. The Hawks return Luke Skokna, Isaiah Smith, Gaven Ziebarth and others. Those three combined for 103 rushing attempts last season. The return of Creighton Mitchell from injury will also bolster the group.
The Hawks begin spring practices this coming Monday, February 21st.