Every coaching carousel takes twists and turns no one could expect. The types of moves no one could see coming, hires you wouldn’t believe could happen if a fortune teller had warned you were coming 24 hours before they actually happened. Like, “the freshly-minted MAC champions will hire a running backs coach with three years of college experience.”
Except, that’s exactly what Bowling Green did. The Falcons announced Texas Tech associate head coach/running backs coach Mike Jinks as its new head coach on Tuesday night.
The move was apparently such a surprise that even Bowling Green’s staff was so caught off guard it did not have time to prepare a press release prior to announcing the hire.
Mike Jinks, Assoc. Head Coach at Texas Tech, tabbed to lead @BG_Football! More tomorrow at https://t.co/FrwbNk1OsB pic.twitter.com/wMcSaq2M7w
— BGSU Athletics (@BGSU_Athletics) December 9, 2015
Jinks spent the past three seasons with Kliff Kingsbury‘s staff in Lubbock, which is the extent of his college experience. Prior to that he spent a decade rising the Texas high school ranks, cresting with a successful seven-year stint at Cibolo Steele High School in the San Antonio area.
Jinks helped DeAndre Washington become the Red Raiders’ first 1,000 yard rusher in more than a decade in 2014, and this fall Washington’s 1,455 rushing yards led the Big 12.
The Falcons have chosen their head coaches wisely of late. Dave Clawson revived the program, posting an 18-8 record and a MAC championship in 2012-13 before leaving for Wake Forest. The man Jinks replaces -- new Syracuse head coach Dino Babers -- went 18-9 with another MAC title in his two seasons.
Those who know Jinks instantly proclaimed his hiring a success.
No surprise Jinks would ace his job interview, either. Genuinely good man and players love him. Just ask @dwa5hington or @MallyCat_28.
— Max Olson (@max_olson) December 9, 2015
Congrats to @Mike_TTU. Great guy I consider a friend. He'll do well. Of that I have no doubt. https://t.co/kZCiLoexht
— Will McKay (@Will_R_McKay) December 9, 2015
The guys at Bowling Green will hear often from @Mike_TTU about playing "inspired football". Really good hire by BG.
— Chris Level (@ChrisLevel) December 9, 2015
But Bowling Green is far from Texas, literally and figuratively. Will Jinks’ leadership and interpersonal skills translate in foreign territory? The Falcons believe so.