Q&A With Dan Hawkins

Q1. Tell us a bit about your background as far a football is concerned.

I played four years in high school and four years in college. My collge days were spent at the university of california, Davis. In high school I was a linebacker and running back. In college I played running back. Although I was a starter I was certainly not one of the stars of the team.

I began coaching at UC Davis for three years. The pay was little, but the experience was tremendous. After playing offense, I began coaching on the defensive side. It was a great way to begin my career. I believe that the experience I have had on both sides of the ball has helped me a great deal. During my time at davis we won three conference championships and were in the Division II playoffs for three years. (UC Davis hold the NCAA consecutive championship record with 20).

Following davis I became a head high school coach for two years. In those two years we went 14-9-1 and captured a city championship.

After the brief high school stint I became the offensive coordinator at a junior college, College of the Siskiyous. I stayed there for four years. After going 9-1, winning the conference championship, and playing in a bowl game in my last year, I agai moved on.

I spend one year at Sonoma State University as the Defensive Coordinator. We went 7-3.

In 1993 I became the Head Coach here at Willamette University. In four years our record is 27-9-1. We have captured the conference championship twice and finished the season ranked #7 in NAIA Divison II Football. This season will be our last as we move into Divison III.

Q2. What made you want to become a coach ?

I became a coach because of the tremendous effect my coaches had on my life. I was fortunate to have experiences with great people and great coaches.

Q3. What are your personal ambitions, for this year and the future ?

My goal always has been to make a difference in the lives of the people I coach and coach with. The wins and losses will come and go, but the lessons learned will always be there. Our team goal is always to win the national championship, but that is a by product of the process.

Q4. What have been your favourite moments in football ?

My greatest moments in football revolve around seeing kids and players acheive success and overcome adversity. Seeing their maturity and growth makes it all worthwhile. We have had some great exciting wins, but seeing the humanity of it all is what sticks with me.

Q5. What aspects of coaching do you not enjoy so much ?

Coaching requires long hours and many sacrifices by oneself and one's family. It was tough on me and tough on my family. Many great young coaches are unable to get going in the profession because it is so tough a road to travel. There is alot of pressures on coaches of all levels to always be perfect in every way. Every coach is his own worst critic. But I have seen many great coaches leave the profession because it is just too tough on them and there family.

Q6. What are your wishes as far as developing football worldwide ?

I hope american football continues to grow internationally. I believe the sport is great at teaching young people the skills necessary to succeed in life. In the college ranks here in the states, football is taking a blow. Due to finances and legislation, many universities have chosen to drop football. The amount of opportunities for young people to participate in football is shrinking.

We are going over to Japan this summer to coach a team for ten days. We are looking forward to the opportunity. We have had several other offers to travel over seas to help spread quality football coaching advise.

We currently have a few players on their way to sweden and germany to play and coach american football. They are very excited about the opportunity.

We hope to be a part of the spread of american football overseas.

Q7. Who has been the most talented player you have 1) seen. 2) coached.

I have had the opportunity to coach and play with many great athletes. Our quarterback, Ken O'Brien played for the Jets in the NFL for many years. At Sonoma State we had an offensive lineman, Larry Allen. He is now starting at offensive guard for the Dallas Cowboys.

Q8. What is your ultimate ambition as far as coaching is concerned ?

Again, my goal has always been to make a difference. We have a great staff here with our offensive coordinator, Mark Speckman, and our defensive coordinator, Bob Gregory. We have a great time together and enjoy getting better. We are working hard to bring a national championship to Willamette University.

If and when other opportunities become available, we will look at them. Unitll then we will just do our best here and see what happens.

I would welcome any questions or comments at my email address [email protected] or my phone 503-370-6424. If we can help you, we certainly will try.

Good Luck, Hawk