Former Harrison defensive coordinator accepts first head coaching job at North Vermillion

WEST LAFAYETTE — Former Harrison defensive coordinator Andrew Rodriguez will now lead his own football program after joining the school in 2019.

Rodriguez, known for his intense demeanor and motivating attitude on the field will now get the opportunity to create his own culture after accepting the head coaching job at North Vermillion High School last Saturday.

Rodriguez leaves Harrison after helping the program reach its first IHSAA Sectional title since 2019 this past season. He previously held assistant coaching stints at Trine University in 2011 and at Olivet College twice from 2012-2015 and 2017-2019 before joining Harrison in 2020. He graduated from South Newton High School.

Harrison allowed less than 10 points in six of 11 games this season while forcing six interceptions under Rodriguez’s direction.

Javyveon McKinstry celebrates a defensive stop during the IHSAA football game against the Lafayette Jeff Bronchos on Sept. 22, 2023 at Harrison High School in West Lafayette, Ind.

Rodriguez expressed gratitude to Harrison head coach Terry Pebbles.

“I can’t tell you what he’s done for my career helping me out and helping me become a better person and coach, ” Rodriguez said about Peebles. “He puts you in situations you may not think about. He makes you think outside the box and it’s made me grow.”

Rodriguez takes over for Brian Crabtree who had a successful run for Falcons. Crabtree resigned in November.

More: Harrison football hounds Plainfield in 5A sectional semifinals rematch

Crabtree completed 11 winning seasons in 12 years and led North Vermillion to its first and only IHSAA Class 1A state title in 2014. North Vermillion went 108-38 and captured five IHSAA Class 1A sectional titles, three regional titles and two semistate titles.

North Vermillion utilized a wish bone formation style of offense and ran for 2,888…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/former-harrison-defensive-coordinator-accepts-090013237.html

Author : Journal & Courier

Publish date : 2024-01-17 09:00:13

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