Top Coaching Prospects For Meadowdale Lions Job; Who Will Take Over After Sudden Departure of Shepard?
By Deon Cash
These are a list of some of the top candidates throughout the miami valley.
This is our list of potential candidates and does not reflect who Dayton Public schools Athletics have decided to interview or hire.
Here are the Dayton Weekly TOP ASSISTANT COACHES IN THE MIAMI VALLEY:
Conley Smoot - 10:1 Assistant Coach (Springfield)
Smoot, is by far, the top candidate for any job in the Mimi Valley. His knowledge of the game, and the time he pours into the Wildcats program each week is unmatched.
He has been the defensive leader of the Wildcats program that has been to the OHSAA D-1 title game two years in a row. He has arguably the best defensive player in Ohio coming back (Aaron Scott Jr) and has a plethora of drills that help elevate kids throughout the year. While he probably is not interested, he's the best assistant coach in the game right now.
It seems to be only one mission for Smoot, which is to bring a State title back to Springfield.
Dion Black - 5:1 Assistant Coach (Miamisburg)
Black was a longtime assistant at Miamisburg, as they enjoyed great success before heading to Trotwood, where he would win a OHSAA state title. He was at the Flyght Academy last season, as they reached the Title game in his only season as Head Coach. Black has now returned back to Miamisburg as an assistant coach.
While its not as likely for him to leave Miamisburg, Black will be in the discussion.
Doug Spears - 3:1 Assistant Coach (Meadowdale)
Spears, who has been a coach for over 15 years, was apart of the Earl White regime at Belmont where they ran up six City League Championships before following White to Meadowdale.
Last season despite the offensive struggles, Spears led the Lions to one of the best defensive performances in the last three decades, picking up where he left off from the Belmont dynasty.
With a deep connection to the Lions Wee Program, Spears has a developed a great repoire with the program and should have a inside track to the job.
Lucious Dorise 5:1 Assistant Coach (Meadowdale)
Dorise has been a staple in the high school coaching ranks. Dorise coached at Jefferson and Dunbar, and has specialized on defense while in the circuit. With over a decade in the game, Dorise brings great knowledge, a ability to relate well, and is one of the next coaches to watch for.
Dorise is also one of the elite officials in the referee network in football as well.
John Puckett - 10:1 Assistant Coach (Centerville)
Puckett is now on the Centerville staff, but has experience as he coached Butler HS for a stint before heading back to Centerville. Puckett has been in the game for decades and has done well with Elks and the Butler Aviators in his tenures.
A former star QB at Chaminade, Puckett brings a wealth of offensive expertise, and key development traits to a program.
Darran Powell 5:1 - Assistant Coach (Flyght Academy) last season
Powell, who had to take a 5-year hiatus in one of the most controversial situations in DPS history, was cleared on all charges of the point-shaving debacle years ago.
Powell has regained some real momentum after helping coach the Flyght Academy to a Championship game last season. Powell is a City League champion who has sent a bevy of kids to the next level, and have a couple more knocking on the NFLs door.
Powell had built a powerhouse at Dunbar before things went south, but expect to see Powell back as a head coach on the sidelines real soon. There are reports he could be headed back to Dunbar as a assiatant coach, after being offered by Miamisburg.
Sam Anderson - 8:1 Assistant Coach (Trotwood)
Anderson is one of the next group of coaches to grab a coaching spot. With a vast knowledge of the game, and his help with assisting the Rams to state championships, Anderson is on the verge of being a Head Coach. His son is currently a starting CB for the Cincinnati Bearcats.
Anderson has all the tools to be a good head coach, and he will be in the mix in the upcoming years. He could fit with the Lions system, with Trotwood being in close proximity.
Anthony Parker Jr - 12:1 Assistant Coach (West Carrollton)
Parker Jr, the son of head coach Anthony Parker, is currently an assistant for the Pirates and is a young head coach who is finding his way. While he works with the offensive and defensive line, look for Parker to become a coordinator soon.
While Parker lacks the experience of the other coaches, he did play at Bowling Green, and brings championship energy from his Trotwood days. He is intelligent and seems to be finding his niche in the coaching game. Look for his name to pop up for some opportunities in the upcoming years.
Chris Wallace - 10:1 Assistant Coach (Springfield)
While Smoot delivers on the defensive side, Wallace is the offensive guru who keeps the offense rolling for the Wildcats. Over the last decade, you can argue that there has been no better offense than Springfield, as they recently have put one guy into the NFL (Leonard Taylor) and a plethora of other elite offensive players over the years who are on the verge of a breakout season.
Combine that with his ability to get elite play callers like Tae'Sean Smoot and Bryce Schondelmyer to elevate their games to D-1 levels, and Wallace is arguably the best offensive coach / coordinator in the game.
Like Smoot, Wallace only concern seems to be getting that elusive State Championship to Springfield.
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