Dernlan named head coach at Binghamton
5/14/2012
T.R. Foley, InterMat Senior Writer
foley@intermatwrestle.com, Twitter: @trfoley
The wait is over. After several weeks of searching for a head wrestling coach, Binghamton has hired Clarion head coach Matt Dernlan.
Dernlan, a longtime assistant coach, accepted the position this week and is already on campus. He takes over Pat Popolizio, who was hired as North Carolina State's head coach last month.
Matt Dernlan and Troy Letters coaching at the 2012 NCAAs (Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com)"I'm thrilled to be the new head coach at Binghamton," said Dernaln who only nine months ago was hired by Clarion to turn around its struggling wrestling program. "You don't head into the job and think 'I'm about to jump.' Clarion has lots of great alumni and a history of distinguished wrestlers. I would never have considered the jump, but they contacted and pursued me. And when I saw that they were excited about the program level at the administrative level, that really appealed to me."
Dernlan leaves behind a Clarion program that finished 18th in the nation with two All-Americans, James Fleming (157) and Bekzod Abdurakhmonov (165). Clarion is expected to name head assistant coach Troy Letters as the interim head coach and then will open up the position for a national search.
"Obviously, Troy is one of my closest friends," said Dernlan. "He's like a brother to me. One of the things I wanted to do when I took the Clarion job last year was to position him to eventually become a head coach. If I could bring him over her to Binghamton I would do anything in the world to make it happen, but for him to have this chance is a really exciting thing. Knowing Troy, I think he'll take that opportunity and run with it."
Dernlan, a longtime assistant coach, accepted the position this week and is already on campus. He takes over Pat Popolizio, who was hired as North Carolina State's head coach last month.
Matt Dernlan and Troy Letters coaching at the 2012 NCAAs (Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com)Dernlan leaves behind a Clarion program that finished 18th in the nation with two All-Americans, James Fleming (157) and Bekzod Abdurakhmonov (165). Clarion is expected to name head assistant coach Troy Letters as the interim head coach and then will open up the position for a national search.
"Obviously, Troy is one of my closest friends," said Dernlan. "He's like a brother to me. One of the things I wanted to do when I took the Clarion job last year was to position him to eventually become a head coach. If I could bring him over her to Binghamton I would do anything in the world to make it happen, but for him to have this chance is a really exciting thing. Knowing Troy, I think he'll take that opportunity and run with it."
Comments
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Surger (1)
about 1 year ago
I don't agree. Dennis Papadatos should have been given the opportunity.
Surfer Dude 87 (1)
about 1 year ago
He was at Clarion 1 year? Something doesn't look right here. Private University vs Public School? Not sure it's the best hire but time will tell. In the next 2 years most of BU's talent will be gone so I hope he can recruit well.
MLSIV (1)
about 1 year ago
Dernlan is one of the best recruiters in the country... Clarion obviously didn't lock him down for more than one year.. so it's their loss, but they gain a great coach in Letters...
kennyporter (1)
about 1 year ago
OK, Teague Moore leaves an up and coming program for Matt and Troy. The two of them take Clarion to a great showing of 18th at the NCAA's. So far, their recruiting looks pretty good for next year.....Somethings wrong internally here...Why on earth would Clarion not buck up and keep this staff? Tired of hearing about the "budget." Winning teams bring in the money, let alone the only Division 1 team on campus.....whats REALLY wrong?
aggieheaven (1)
about 1 year ago
Given that Binghamton has two potential NCAA champions on the roster. Why wouldn't Dernlan want to make the move. You don't get to the big job unless you deliver a champ at a mid-size school. With Vinson and Gwiazdowski on the roster, that's his money maker.
Surfer Dude 87 (1)
about 1 year ago
Vinson yes but Gwiazdoski asked for (and received)his release from BU. He is headed south to NC. I think you may see some other quality recruits change thier plans now that Popolizio is gone. He was the biggest reason for BU's success and Dernlan will need to keep the program moving forward or he could be a 1 year show in Binghamton too.
MLSIV (1)
about 1 year ago
Yes... What's internally wrong at Clarion is that they let Moore run the program into the dirt, and the admin obviously didn't know what they had with Dernlan/Letters combo. That place has such tradition, just seems like they dont want to step into the 21st century and take care of their program. Dernlan will keep Binghamton on the upward trajectory and Letters will do same at Clarion.. But, Clarion better lock him up, cause he is gonna be a hot commodity.