Moglia addresses future at CCU should any other offers come his way

Coastal Carolina's Joe Moglia was named the Big South Conference Coach of the Year and a candidate for two national FCS coach of the year awards in just his first season with the Chanticleers, and well, that kind of recognition just might catch the eye of other schools around the country.

But as far as such matters are concerned, Moglia says he's committed to Coastal while noting that he's in a different position than most first-year head coaches.

"I think in general when anybody answers that question the right thing to do is the politically-correct answer -- 'No, no, this is my job, this is what I'm doing.' And I understand that," he said. "I think the typical professional in this country when they're given the opportunity to advance themselves, they take advantage of that. I think I am in a little bit of a different situation.

"I don't need to go someplace else because they're going to pay more. [CCU President David DeCenzo, athletic director Hunter Yurachek and executive vice president Eddie Dyer] stepped up to give me the opportunity in the face of a lot of adversity when I was not welcomed here. They stood behind me. I feel very, very strongly about that. So I feel a very real loyalty to here. I have a lot of respect for the place. I have a lot of respect for the leadership. And again, hopefully over time the community feels I've worked hard enough to earn their respect. So it would take an incredible opportunity for me to leave. So I am a little different than what the typical situation might be as far as that goes."

Offensive coordinator Dave Patenaude, who guided the nation's 17th-ranked FCS offense (437.77 yards per game) in his first season at Coastal, also affirmed his desire to stay put with the Chants.

"The only call I get is from my wife wondering where I am when I'm on the road [recruiting]," Patenaude joked. "... We are firmly set with our feet in the sand. We love this community. I love the school. My kids are very happy, and I'm certainly not looking to pursue anything else."

| Ryan Young, ryoung@thesunnews.com