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A solution to the Heat�s coaching carousel By Kris Henry Coaching changes are nothing new to the sports world, particularly in the professional ranks. But the Southern Oregon Heat seem to be taking an approach rivaled only by the band Spinal Tap and its morbid history with drummers. The first head coach of the National Indoor Football League team (Al Burrell) was replaced due to a philosophical difference with owner Kevin Wells. Burrell wanted to construct the Heat largely with players from outside Southern Oregon, Wells said the Rogue Valley breeding ground was plentiful. Coach No. 2 (Jeff King) met the most mysterious demise of all. King said all the right things and appeared on the same path as Wells, only to sneak out of town without the owner�s knowledge. Brett Wells, no relation to the owner and defensive coordinator under King, next found himself pinned with the head coaching job. That lasted until last Wednesday, when Brett Wells was suspended by the NIFL because of a probation violation. Kind of makes your head spin, huh? The latest installment of interim head coach is Eric Vanderwegen, who at 26 was already the Heat�s quarterback and offensive coordinator. Defensive back William Salade has been elevated to defensive coordinator � just one more freakish turn away from being the first-year program�s fifth head coach. But why should the Heat let it stop there? Instead of trying to put the brakes on the coaching carousel, why not slap on a few extra lights, shine up the show pony and crank the music to an ear-ringing level. The problem the Heat and its energetic owner Kevin Wells have had is a nagging insistence that the team�s head coach be "qualified" for the job. No disrespect meant to Vanderwegen as he prepares the Heat for next week�s game in Nebraska, but why not shake things up a little bit more? The Heat�s next home game is April 19 at Compton Arena at Jackson County Expo Park. The arena, which seats 4,200, is dubbed the "Inferno" when the Heat occupies it, and 3,500 strong occupied it for Southern Oregon�s inaugural game last Wednesday against the Yakima Shockwave. To maintain such a strong showing, and possibly bring more fans out to the indoor football game, why not have a pre-game drawing among those in attendance to be selected head coach for the night? The winner gets to stand next to Vanderwegen and choose between a couple of his pre-selected plays, possibly even pester him to open the playbook up a little. What armchair quarterback wouldn�t jump at that chance? You want the Heat to go deep four plays in a row, call it. You want to jam the ball through the line, go ahead. You want to throw in a trick play or two, there�s nothing stopping you. If times are lean, auction off the role as head coach each week. Maybe start a coaches club where fans donate $50 for a shot at calling the plays for a quarter. Instead of worrying about the image you�re giving the first-year NIFL, ensure that there will be a second year to the NIFL. After all, excellence in football is a serious pursuit; but sometimes you just have to laugh. It may be the only thing that gets you through the day. Reach reporter Kris Henry at 776-4488, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.