Hornet Athletic Director Terry Wanless might not need to comb the nation in search of former football coach John Volek’s successor. The next Hornet football coach could be right in his old backyard.

The coach is Dale Lennon, who served from 1990-96 as a defensive coordinator and 1999-2002 as a head coach for the Div. II University of North Dakota — the same school Wanless served as athletic director for from 1990-96.

On Monday, the head coach and athletic director were reunited, as Lennon came to Sacramento to interview for the position.

“I’m glad he’s here because I know him and I know the message he will bring,” Wanless said. “And part of that message is what this campus needs to hear, about what it takes to be a champion. He’s done that. He’s been there.”

In 2001, Lennon won a Div. II National Championship and compiled a 14-1 record with the Fighting Sioux. North Dakota finished with a 5-6 mark this season.

While not the only candidate, Lennon is the most logical out of a group consisting of former University of California defensive coordinator Lyle Setencich and former Hornet coach Mike Clemmons, among others. Sierra Junior College coach Jeff Tisdel was a prime candidate up until this week before he took his name off the list.

As a former defensive coordinator, Lennon could give a boost to a Hornet defense this season, which finished last in the conference, allowing 31.7 points per game.

“Defense I do feel wins championships,” Lennon said. “Any time you have a good defensive unit you’re going to be in every game that you play.”

As a head coach, he could bring a discipline to a team which saw six players suspended last season.

Whichever coach does succeed Volek, he will be the recipient of a talent-laden team, led by quarterback Ryan Leadingham and receiver Fred Amey.

Volek also left behind a Hornet squad that improved their win total by three games this season, while losing several controversial games.

“I’m very impressed with the returning talent within the football team, and I do feel that some immediate success could be in the near future for this team,” Lennon said.

Wanless hopes to have his decision made on the next Hornet football coach by Christmas. In the meantime, assistant coaches will handle the recruiting duties.

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