Donnie Kirkpatrick to Be Named JMU Offensive Coordinator
FootballScoop is reporting that former ECU receivers coach Donnie Kirkpatrick will be JMU’s newest offensive coordinator. Kirkpatrick spent 11 years on the Pirate coaching staff. In addition to coaching receivers, he was promoted to Assistant Head Coach in 2015 and also served as the recruiting coordinator. Since 2010, he was part of a coaching staff under Ruffin McNeill that ran the spread offense. JMU Head Coach Mike Houston announced that is the offense he plans to have the Dukes run.
Kirkpatrick’s players earned six first team all conference selections and AP All America honor. Three of his players went on to be drafted in the NFL. Under his leadership, five players eclipsed 1,000 yards receiving and one, Justin Hardy, caught 387 passes, the most in FBS history. In short, he can coach guys up and he brings plenty of experience to Houston’s staff.
In addition to hiring Kirkpatrick, Houston poached former Richmond defensive coordinator, Bob Trott and convinced him to take the same job at JMU. He also managed to bring former Virginia Tech Offensive Coordinator, Bryan Stinespring, to join his staff in a yet to be named role. Now it’s obvious to long time readers that we have no love for the Richmond Spiders. And we were certainly not enthused about the idea of Stinespring as JMU’s head coach. But both of these guys are tremendous hires. Trott’s defenses created turnovers in bunches at Richmond. And Stinespring is a stud recruiter with deep ties all over Virginia. We didn’t love his offensive system at VT, but don’t doubt his football knowledge or ability to connect with players. He coached at a strong P5 program, under a legendary head coach. And he was the recruiting coordinator. He’s an absolute steal of a hire for Houston and JMU.
I agree. I like the staff Houston is putting together.
Agreed. He is assembling some nice talent with much experience on the coaching staff. Go Dukes!
Gotta remember we brought in Byron Thweatt too! He was a LB coach under Trott for the Ticks before taking the job at VSU!
So far JMU abides under Houston. He is looking like the proverbial “rug” that brings the metaphorical “room” together.
Lots of good stuff happening with hoops, but it’s been hard to ignore these coaching staff hires. Been waiting for you guys to weigh in.
Really seems impressive and must speak volumes about Houston and his reputation among other coaches.
Top to bottom, this might be the deepest assembly of coaches JMU has ever had.. Certainly since I matriculated. Really looking forward to seeing what they can do with a full off-season next year.
I cannot agree more with the comments about what Coach Houston is accomplishing with the assembly of this staff! He is doing it the right way with a solid foundation. We all know Withers bolted because his poor coaching would be exposed after Vad was gone. No foundation was laid for the past 2 years. The recruiting connections in the state, the experience, and the talent are helping JMU for the long haul, not just a flash in the pan season or two. Also, anyone notice, Houston allows his coaches to talk? Houston has already had more communication through the media in 2 weeks than the prior coach in 2 years!
Great staff the Houston has put together in a short period of time. Lots of experience across the board. Also a lot of recruiting savvy in this group of assistants. These guys know the X’s/O’s and can also recruit the Jimmy’s and Joe’s. Excellent combo.
I will take this over the group of mostly graduate assistants that were on their first ‘real’ coaching job the past 2 seasons.