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East Central has a new head coach. Its former NSU head coach Kenny Evans. Evans returns to the high school level for the first time since 1981. He takes over after Bobby Klinck resigned to become the defensive coordinator at Broken Arrow. The former Riverhawk head coach is ready for something new. Its going to be an eye opening experience for me and its a new adventure, said the new Cardinal head coach. 32 years as a college football coach at seven universities. As far as the football goes, that part I feel good about. Evans takes over one of the top 5A programs in Oklahoma. Bobby Klinck did a great job. Its one of those premier jobs. They always have talent. That made it more appealing to me, Evans said. East Central has made three trips to the 5A title game, with their only championship victory coming in 2005. The Cardinals have been to the title game twice in the last four seasons. Both appearances ended in losses. Taking over a job like East Central comes with some inherited expectations. East Central has made it to the playoffs 16 straight seasons. East Central is also in an extremely tough district; they finished fourth last season. Its going to be tough because we have some good coaches in this district. Its definitely going to be a tough level, hopefully Im up for the challenge. Evans is a graduate of NSU and in his six seasons as Riverhawk head coach, he led his alma mater to a 22-44 record. He was fired in November. Evans took some time to look at what kind of opportunities were out there before deciding on East Central. "I looked at several different things. I interviewed at a couple division one jobs, thought about going back to that level," Evans said. "I interviewed for one head coaching job. Even as late as three weeks ago, I was talking to an NFL team about scouting for them." Read more: http://okgridiron.com/?p=389

Evans truly in shock by NSU decision First he was handed a trophy. Then he was handed a note. The hardware was the Presidents Cup following Northeastern States 45-38 victory over Central Oklahoma. It was the RiverHawks fourth straight triumph over their in-state rival, sending positive vibes throughout an NSU program that was in desperate need of a warm embrace following difficult season. While celebrating a season-concluding victory in the locker room, Kenny Evans was handed a note that said to pay Director of Athletics Tony Duckworth a visit as soon as possible. Evans assumed he was being summoned to receive a personal pat on the back. I was just handed the trophy and (Assistant Athletic Director) Bill Nowlin came into the locker room and handed me a note that said Tony wanted to see me, Evans said. I thought it was to congratulate me. In fact, it was the complete opposite. I got into the (event center) and I was told I was no longer the head coach at Northeastern State, Evans said in an interview with the Tahlequah Daily Press. And because of legal counsel, he said he couldnt give me reasons why. Evans was so taken aback that he thought Duckworth might of been playing a cruel joke on NSU alum. I asked, are you joking? Evans recalled. I was truly in shock. Read more: http://m.tahlequahdailypress.com/tahlequahdaily/db_293579/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=3g72SmHE