His predecessor had a rough final season.

Steve Mooshagian knows at least that much about his new job as Sacramento State’s head football coach.

Hornet Athletic Director Terry Wanless formally introduced Mooshagian as former coach John Volek’s successor on Jan. 17 at a press conference in Sac State’s Alumni Center.

Mooshagian, 43, takes over a program that not only finished 5-7 last season, but also had six players suspended a total of 12 games throughout the season and Volek suspended one game for criticizing Big Sky Conference officials.

“I just totally ignored those things because I had nothing to do with it,” said Mooshagian, who has served as the Cincinnati Bengals receivers’ coach the past four seasons. “But that will not be allowed to happen in my program.”

Wanless didn’t ignore the suspensions and losses, and on Nov. 26, three days following his final game, Volek was fired.

The first-year athletic director’s original goal was to have a coach selected by Christmas.

But due to several candidates, including Sierra College head coach Jeff Tisdale and University of North Dakota head coach Dale Lennon, dropping their names from consideration, the process stretched into January.

In the end it came down to Mooshagian and Carolina Panthers running backs coach Jim Skipper.

“(Mooshagian) was the guy that represented all the characteristics I wanted in a football coach,” Wanless said. “He provides a sense of integrity and character. He’s a great recruiter, a proven recruiter.

“He’s obviously distinguished himself on the offensive side of the ball, and I know to be a good offensive coach you also have to understand defenses.”

Mooshagian began his coaching career as an assistant at Fresno State University from 1985-94, where he served as both a receivers coach and recruiting coordinator over his tenure.

In 1995, as head coach at Fresno City College, he guided the Rams to a 5-5 record.

From Fresno he moved to the University of Nevada, Reno, where he served as offensive coordinator in 1996. That season the Wolfpack led the nation, averaging 527 yards of total offense per game.

From 1997-98, Mooshagian held the same position at the University of Pittsburgh before heading to Cincinnati.

This past season, the Bengals were the only NFL team to have four different receivers, including former Florida State University standout Peter Warrick, catch 40-plus balls .

“I really have a firm belief and a firm vision that you can win in the state system here,” Mooshagian said. “I saw what it was at Fresno State as a player; I saw how we developed it as a coach, and I think those same things are in place here to get the job done.”

One of Mooshagian’s first orders of business is to finalize his coaching staff.

Wanless already announced that the program will not renew the contracts of offensive coordinator Bruce Pielstick and defensive coordinator Lou Patrone.

Mooshagian will most likely take over the duties of offensive coordinator next season.

As for now, Mooshagian is just getting himself acquainted with a Sacramento community which showed very little remorse in calling for Volek’s head.

“What you see is what you get,” Mooshagian said. “I’m a straight shooter. I’m going to tell you exactly what I think, exactly what you want to hear, but it’s right from the heart.

“I’m not going to B.S. you. I’m not going to sugar coat it.”