SIU Athletic Director Tommy Bell announced Wednesday that interim head football coach Nick Hill, a 30-year-old DuQuoin native, will serve as SIU’s head football coach. 

Hill, a 2004-07 Saluki quarterback, replaces Dale Lennon, who was fired on Nov. 30 after eight years with the Dawgs and a 51-42 record. Hill was named interim head coach the following day. 

Following the announcement, several players expressed their excitement for their new coach — the youngest in the Missouri Valley Conference. 

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“I can speak for a lot of my teammates when I say we are very excited to be apart of the new culture he is going to bring to our program,” said redshirt freshman quarterback Sam Straub, calling Hill a players’ coach. “I always have been impressed with his communication skills and how well he is able to build relationships.”

Sophomore fullback Hans Carmien said Hill is youthful and brings a lot of energy to the players. Junior offensive tackle Adam Clay agreed.

“I’m excited to hear he’ll be our next head coach,” Clay said. “His energy and commitment to [the] community will be a positive influence on our team and program.” 

Sophomore free safety Kenny James said he is excited to see what Hill “has in store.”

“He’s a great coach but more than anything a great guy,” James said. “He has the right mindset in turns of being a family and getting this team on track.”

Following Bell’s announcement, junior cornerback Justin Johnson tweeted: “More then excited for what’s next ! @17NickHill about to turn this program up!! #BuyIN#BeAMan#NewEra“

SIU women’s basketball coach Cindy Stein tweeted: “Nick Hill selected as our next @SIU_Football coach! Congrats-outstanding young man!”

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Greg Scott, director of communications for the SIU Foundation, tweeted: “Nick Hill is the right man at the right time for SIU. Impressive background at a young age. I’m excited about the future of @SIU_Football!”

710 Bookstore tweeted: “Congrats to Nick Hill and Alicia. SALUKIS FOR LIFE.”

Username @CJOpp13 tweeted: “Nick Hill led my Du Quoin Youth Club flag football team to an undefeated record when I was 7. I’m sure he can do the same at SIU. #Dawgs.”

Former SIU basketball coach Chris Lowery, assistant basketball coach at Kansas State University, also congratulated Hill on Twitter. 

Others were more skeptical. Username @JAlanAnderson42 responded to a Saluki Athletics tweet with: “How old is he, like 24?”

“It didn’t work so well for them hiring Chris Lowrey, lets [sic] hope history won’t repeat itself,” a Daily Egyptian reader commented on our initial report. “A good player on a winning team doesn’t necessarily give them the ability to coach.”