After 10 years of involvement with California University's football program, including the last four as head coach, Mike Kellar is leaving to accept the head coaching position at Lenoir-Rhyne.
Lenoir-Rhyne, a Division II program located in Ashville, N.C., competes in the South Atlantic Conference.
The LR Bears reigned as the South Atlantic Conference Champions for four consecutive years (2011-2014), finishing the 2014 season ranked second in the nation. However, the program slipped to 5-5 the past season.
Kellar, who posted a 31-12 record as head coach of the Vulcans and was a part of numerous nationally-ranked teams, said he has a special place in his heart for Cal U and that he never planned on leaving the university for “just any other job.”
“I'm very appreciative to California University for the opportunity it afford me,” Kellar said. “I spent 10 good years there, four as head coach. The university has done a lot for me.
“But I do think my time at Cal had just run its course.”
Kellar said a couple years ago he would have never thought about leaving for another job and he added that even now he wasn't out looking for something different.
“I wouldn't leave to take just any other job,” he said. “The right opportunity came along and, believe me, this is a great opportunity for me at Lenoir-Rhyne.”
Kellar said the North Carolina school has recently made new commitments toward the football program that made the job that much more desirable.
He added that the university was very receptive of the style of offense Kellar ran at Cal U.
“They are willing to go with what I like to do offensively,” he said. “We were really successful offensively at Cal and they are looking for that same thing at Lenoir-Rhyne.”
Ian Shields had been the coach at LRU, but had resigned following the recent season after two years coaching the Bears. He left to accept the head coaching position at Jacksonville University, a D-I program.
Kellar becomes the 21st head football coach in the school's history.
“Coach Kellar was the unanimous selection of our search committee,” said Wayne B. Powell, LRU President. “LR has one of the top football programs in the country, and we have attracted a head coach who can take us to an even higher level both on and off the field.
“His experience and winning record speaks for itself. We are confident that he is the right fit for our University and will uphold the core values that define Lenoir-Rhyne.” According to Powell, the search committee included members from the University's administration and athletic staff.
“I am very excited about joining the LR family,” said Kellar. “I have always said LR has the best game day atmosphere in which I have coached. My goal is to win a national championship, and I believe Dr. Powell and the people of LR have the same goal.”
“We received notice of Coach Kellar's resignation and certainly wish him the best as he continues in his coaching career at Lenoir-Rhyne,” said Cal U Athletic Director Dr. Karen Hjerpe.
As head coach at Cal U, Kellar led the program to at least seven wins in each of his four seasons. The Vulcans posted a 20-9 record in Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) play with Kellar as head coach and boasted 43 All-PSAC West selections (28 first-team) during his tenure, highlighted by both a PSAC West Offensive and Defensive Player of the Year.
A national search for a new head coach will begin immediately.
Jeff Oliver is a sports editor for Trib Total Media. He can be reached at 724-684-2666 or joliver@tribweb.com.
