The State Hornet recently caught up with new Sacramento State head football coach Steve Mooshagian, who was more than happy to sit down with us for a quick question and answer session. Mooshagian, a former National Football League assistant with the Cincinnati Bengals, is keeping himself busy these days with staff evaluations, planning player meetings, recruiting and house hunting with his family.

JAMES BURNS: Why did you leave a job in the National Football League to come to Sacramento State?

STEVE MOOSHAGIAN: I think the biggest thing is my background and I was really aware of the recruiting possibilities here. I wanted to get back into California. I had a pretty good idea of what was here. There are some challenges here but they are not things we can’t overcome.

JB: How do you think you’re NFL experience will benefit you in the college ranks?

SM: I loved being with the (NFL) players, but I love the whole scope of college athletics. I understand how things can be run. I know how important it is to be first class. When I came here I saw that nobody took any pride. It’s a whole attitude and image you have to portray.

JB: But how will it help you on the football field?

SM: The football part was that I got to focus on what kind of offense hurts defenses.

JB: Coach, I know you said that you would re-evaluate the staff and possibly make some more changes. When will you make the next set of changes?

SM: I needed to make some changes initially (The athletic department has said they will not renew the contracts of offensive coordinator Bruce Pielstick and defensive coordinator Lou Patrone). And I’ll probably have to make a second wave of changes. I think we need to change some attitudes.

JB: What type of assistant coaches are you looking to work with?

SM: I’m looking for a high-energy, motivated individual. I’m looking for someone who is enthusiastic and positive and doesn’t beat the players with negativity.

JB: We know that your phone has been blowing up with job inquiries. Do you have specific people in mind?

SM: I have targeted four people for various positions. All of them have coached at a level higher than we are here. I’ve got one that has coached in the Big 10, one that has coached in the (Western Athletic Conference).

JB: Can you give me any names?

SM: I can’t give any names right now.

JB: Have any of the current coaches impressed you?

SM: There are some coaches here that I have been impressed with and one of those is Angus McClure. He’s up-tempo and players respond to him. I think he’s recruited 20 of these student-athletes here.

JB: Have you had a chance to speak with any of the players?

SM: Fred Amey was on the screening committee so I’ve got the chance to talk to him. I haven’t actually had a closed door meeting with the players yet.

JB: Being a former receivers coach in the NFL, do you think Amey has professional prospects?

SM: He definitely has the potential to play on Sundays. He’ll work more if he gets a little stronger and faster. With two years remaining he can definitely benefit from this system.

JB: Have you researched any of last year’s team? If so, what did you think?

SM: I think the receiving core has got some good guys, but the quarterback position is scary because there isn’t much experience behind Ryan Leadingham.

JB: Funny you should say that. Does Leadingham have what it takes to be an NFL quarterback?

SM: He’s got the size and the toughness. He makes a lot of plays on film, but I need to see him. Good quarterbacks and great quarterbacks are determined by how well they prepare. I’ve seen a lot of great football players never get on the field because they couldn’t learn.

JB: What is the most exciting aspect of your job?

SM: I enjoy recruiting because I was a recruiting coordinator through some really good times at Fresno State. As a young coach, it was how I made my name. I wanted to earn everyone’s respect by being a good recruiter.

JB: What is your trick to recruiting?

SM: A lot of it is straight forwardness and telling them what they need to know, not what they want to hear.

JB: How has recruiting for Sac State treated you so far?

SM: We’re finding out that there’s a lot of interest here. We’re getting a ton of that. There is some genuine interest here. There are people calling in daily, telling me I need to look at this kid.

JB: Shifting gears, how has the city of Sacramento treated you?

SM: It’s a very passionate sports town, but it’s a very fickle sports town because they want a winner. But it’s been fabulous. I’m still in the market on where I want to live.

JB: How about the dorms coach?

SM: (Laughing) Not the dorms. I spent a month in nice dorms during training camp and that was enough.

JB: How would you describe yourself?

SM: I am intense but have a good sense of humor. I know when to have fun but I know when it’s time to get down to business. I’m very organized — everything has its place.

JB: Are you just as competitive off the football field?

SM: Without a doubt. I play softball in the summers and I play it like 20 years old. I’m out there trying to hit the ball out and I’m diving around everywhere.