A Dream Come True – Ohio State Buckeyes
9/17/2005 12:00:00 AM | Football
Sept. 17, 2005
Complete Story in PDF Format
Download Free Acrobat Reader
Paul Haynes would never have thought he would be able to don the scarlet and gray of the Ohio State Buckeyes. As a college football player he never had the chance. But throughout his life his goal stayed constant – somehow be a part of the Buckeye football program. For years he dreamt and finally last winter his dream came true when Ohio State head coach Jim Tressel gave him a call he will not soon forget.
“Coach Tressel called and said to me ‘how do you feel about coaching the defensive backs here at Ohio State?’” Paul Haynes said. “That call was like a dream come true for me. It has always been a dream of mine to coach at Ohio State and now I have that chance. It also is great to come back to my hometown of Columbus to coach.”
According to Tressel, Haynes is one of the most talented secondary coaches in the country. And believes the knowledge Haynes gained from his other coaching jobs will be a giant asset to the 2005 Buckeyes.
“Paul knows Ohio and also has recruited Georgia and Florida, so that made him a very attractive candidate,” Tressel said. “Everyone we talked to had nothing but great things to say about him, and he is very impressive one-on-one. All of our coaches thought he was going to fit in very nicely on our staff. And I know he is excited about the opportunity to come home.”
Haynes’ journey to Ohio State actually began while he was senior at nearby DeSales High School. From there as a standout defensive back, Haynes walked on at Kent State in 1987. Haynes impressed his coaches so much in his first year he earned a scholarship. As a freshman, Haynes intercepted three passes to lead the Golden Flashes. During his sophomore campaign he was the team leader in tackles with 116. Haynes sat out the 1989 season with a knee injury, but rebounded as a starter in 1990 and 1991, finishing his career with 440 tackles, the seventh highest total in Kent State history and the fifth-best effort in the NCAA by a defensive back. While at Kent State, Haynes played for three head coaches: Glen Mason, Dick Crum and Pete Cordelli.
“Playing for the great coaches like I did at Kent State really enhanced my knowledge of football.” Haynes said. “All three of those guys knew the game of football and have had successful coaching careers. I don’t think if I had them as mentors I would have quite the knowledge I have now.”
After Haynes graduated college his goal was clear – complete a successful career in coaching. He began his coaching days at Bowling Green in 1994 as a graduate assistant.
|
“I will do what ever it takes to help this team win. Whether it means staying late hours watching film or going to practice early to help work on drills with the kids I will do it. I want to be a coach who always is available all the time.” Paul Haynes |
“Coaching at Bowling Green was a great first step,” Haynes said. “I learned things about recruiting and what goes into the everyday planning of running a Division I program while coaching the Falcons.”
Haynes left Bowling Green in 1995 to join the staff of Ferris State. After a two year stint at Ferris State Haynes went to Northern Iowa from 1997-1998 before returning to his alma mater, in 1999 to serve the Golden Flashes as defensive backs coach from 1999-2001. In 2001, Haynes was tapped by Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Tom Coughlin to serve as a defensive backs coach. During his stay in Jacksonville, Haynes learned about discipline from Coughlin, who now is the head coach of the New York Giants.
“My time at every school was time worth spent,” Haynes said. “But I really learned about structure and organization of football program through coach Coughlin while in Jacksonville. In the pros you deal with a different kinds of personalities compared to the athletes in college. So the structure of your program and your daily routine is much more different than in college.”
While at Jacksonville Haynes could not help but think about getting back into the college coaching ranks. He wanted to coach at Ohio State. But would not regret making the decision that was presented to him, when in early 2002 then-Louisville head coach John L. Smith called him and asked him to join his coaching staff.
“I could not turn down coach Smith,” Haynes said. “He is a legend. A master of the X’s and O’s. I thought going to Louisville I could learn from a great coach. And I have. Coach Smith is probably one of my biggest influences in my life as a coach. I like the way he commands his team and earns the players respect.”
While at Louisville Haynes helped Smith transform the Cardinals into a prominent college football program, individually Haynes took the Louisville secondary and made one of the strongest in Conference USA. Haynes would follow Smith from Louisville to Michigan State in 2003.
“When I went to Michigan State I learned about life in the Big Ten and it has made me a better coach,” Haynes said. “From top to bottom, the Big Ten is a diverse and tough conference. You have to think more and prepare more to be able to compete with the offenses in the Big Ten. I credit the two seasons I had at Michigan State as to furthering my knowledge of the game.”
Now Haynes comes to Ohio State, taking over for Mel Tucker, who left for a coaching position with the Cleveland Bowns. He inherits a secondary full of big-play talent including All-Big Ten standout senior free safety Nate Salley as well as speedy corner Ashton Youboty.
“I am very excited to have the chance to coach these kids here at Ohio State,” Haynes said. “There is a great deal of talent in this secondary and I am graciously awaiting the challenge of the upcoming season.”
Haynes’ dream of coaching at Ohio State has been realized. And he says he could not be happier. With his track record and success throughout his coaching career, there is no question Haynes will continue the development of a great secondary at Ohio State. His goals while coaching with the Buckeyes is to see another Ohio State national championship.
“I think every coach no matter what their position, is to see a national championship on their watch,” Haynes said. “I am no different. I don’t know how long my time will be here with the Buckeyes, but one thing is for sure, I will do what ever it takes to help this team win. Whether it means staying late hours watching film or going to practice early to help work on drills with the kids I will do it. I want to be a coach who always is available all the time.”
