MONROE, La.-Long-time assistant and 38-year coaching veteran Bob
Leahy will oversee the football program at ULM while the search for a new
head coach of the Warhawks takes place.
Leahy, who was promoted to associate head coach prior to the 2006
season, will lead the staff of nine full-time assistant coaches and two
graduate assistants as they continue to work with the current ULM
student-athletes.
"The biggest thing right now is the players that we have on
campus," Leahy said. "We are only one week away from finals and that is our
number one priority. Our staff is still going to be in-house trying to be
around for the players and to encourage them."
Leahy came to ULM prior to the 2003 season and during his tenure
has coached the wide receivers, quarterbacks and running backs. ULM running
backs have turned in two of the top five single-season rushing performances
under his guidance as Calvin Dawson ran for 1,414 yards in 2007 and Frank
Goodin rushed for 1,126 yards this season. With 873 yards as a senior next
season, Goodin would tie Dawson atop the ULM career rushing leader's ledger.
"The players were given this week off after we met on Sunday," Leahy said. "Next week the weight room will be
open and the players will have the ability to go in and get some work done."
With National Signing Day just around the corner on Feb. 3, 2010, Leahy and the coaching staff are still focused
on the future Warhawk student-athletes.
"The next priority is to keep the recruiting process going without
a head coach," Leahy said. "As a recruiter, we talk about the city of Monroe
and Ouachita Parish and what they have to offer. We talk about the University
itself and the things it has accomplished. A lot of work has gone into that
recruiting process already and you want to keep that going."
