Fenwick Rolls Up Sleeves

NORTHRIDGE — In a classic reversal of fortune, Jim Fenwick was hired Friday as football coach at Cal State Northridge, two years after failing to land the same job.

Calling it a “truly happy moment for me,” Fenwick was introduced as the Matadors’ new coach at an afternoon news conference attended by reporters, players school officials and relatives of the coach.

“I wanted to be a Division I football coach and to have the opportunity to do it in my own backyard,” Fenwick said. “I feel it will be a long, rewarding relationship here with the people at CSUN.”

Fenwick, 44, becomes Northridge’s ninth football coach and the third since the Matadors moved to Division I-AA in 1993. He replaces Dave Baldwin, who was hired by San Jose State in December and who beat out Fenwick, among others, for the Northridge job in 1995.

Paul Bubb, the Northridge athletic director, offered Fenwick the position Friday morning. Fenwick, who starts work at Northridge on Monday, received a three-year contract with a yearly base salary of $72,000.

“Without a doubt, I think we have picked a real winner and a true champion,” Bubb said.

Fenwick coached at Valley College the past six seasons and turned the Monarchs into a junior college power, playing for the mythical national championship two years ago. He had a 49-14-1 record at Valley, including 10-1 finishes each of the past three seasons, and his teams made four consecutive bowl appearances.

He coached Pierce College from 1981-85 and was an assistant at Northridge, Miami (Ohio) and Pacific after leaving the Brahmas and before taking over at Valley in 1990.

“The philosophy, the class that he [brought] to [the Valley] program is pretty much unparalleled by any other community college in the state,” Bubb said. “We are looking forward to that same type of leadership as he comes here to Cal State Northridge.”

At Northridge, Fenwick inherits a program on the upswing after several losing seasons. The Matadors finished 7-4 last year and claimed third place in the Big Sky Conference, their first venture in a legitimate league.

But he has serious work ahead, including how to stretch somewhat limited funds to round up a staff. Only Jeff Kearin, Northridge’s offensive coordinator the past two seasons, is certain to return, most likely not in the same capacity.

Kearin applied for the job as head coach but was not a finalist. Bubb chose Fenwick over Skip Hall, the associate head coach at Missouri, and Chris Allen, the former Wake Forest defensive coordinator.

“I thought from the get-go that I didn’t have the resume to get this job,” Kearin said. “I was right.”

The other three full-time Baldwin assistants have left

Northridge, two for San Jose State and the other for New Mexico State.

Fenwick said he is pursuing a veteran college coach he didn’t want to name to be the offensive coordinator and there’s a chance that one or more of his former assistants at Valley might join him.

Fenwick also must play catch-up on recruiting since the signing period for junior college players started nearly a month ago. Of their 45 scholarships, the Matadors have only a handful available for junior college transfers in the spring.

But, given his background, Fenwick didn’t feel he’s at a disadvantage even with the late start.

“I think I’m in tune with who’s out there,” Fenwick said. “I see a real smooth transition with recruiting. . . . I think we’ll be able to catch up real fast.”

Four former Valley players are at Northridge, including quarterback Aaron Flowers and wide receiver Cameron Perry, both thoroughly familiar with Fenwick’s high-octane, run-and-shoot scheme. Last season, Flowers established several Northridge passing records.

“I’m excited,” said Perry, who had 57 receptions for 710 yards last year. “I love the system. Catch the ball and run. That’s what’s all about.”

For Bubb, the bottom line is winning the I-AA national title by 2000 to cap a five-year goal. The plan started last season and now falls on Fenwick’s lap, but the new coach didn’t seem worried about the added pressure.

“I want to make [the program] something that will be recognized year in and year out,” Fenwick said. “I think that if I stay with my expectations, that’s good enough. Mine are high.”

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Assistants’ Option Play

Jim Fenwick’s move to Cal State Northridge from Valley College leaves several assistant coaches on uncertain ground. Here’s a roundup:

Northridge

* Foster Andersen, safeties: The most veteran of Northridge’s current staff, he has stayed active recruiting and reportedly wants to stay.

* Kendall Blackburn, defensive line: Already gone. Accepted a similar position at New Mexico State.

* Bob Bostad, offensive line: Already gone. Followed Baldwin to San Jose State.

* Mike Kane, running backs: Former record-setting Northridge running back probably still fits in Fenwick’s plans.

* Jeff Kearin, offensive coordinator: Has a guaranteed spot on Fenwick’s staff, but probably not in his same role.

* Reza Hariri, outside linebackers: Was an unpaid assistant. He will be invited to interview for Fenwick’s staff.

* Ron Ponciano, defensive coordinator: An early candidate to become head coach, he bolted to join Baldwin at San Jose State.

* Matt Lubick, cornerbacks: Another unpaid assistant. Never can have too many of those.

VALLEY

* Gary Barlow, offensive coordinator: Architect of Valley’s explosive run-and-shoot offense. Worked under Fenwick for five seasons. Will oversee the Valley program in the spring.

* Rob Phenicie, wide receivers: Could join Fenwick’s staff at Northridge. Tutored several outstanding receivers the past five seasons at Valley.

* Tim Adams, tight ends: A top-notch assistant, completed second season with the Monarchs and probably will return.

* Rick Amadio, inside linebackers: The 18-year coaching veteran spent the past two seasons with the Monarchs and is likely to return.

* John Mazur, quarterbacks: The former USC quarterback just finished his first season at Valley and is expected to return.

* Mike Scarpace, defensive line: Spent past three seasons at Valley but might be getting out of coaching.

WHAT THEY SAID

“We’ll rally the valley to national prominence.”

Northridge football Coach Jim Fenwick

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“Some of my friends in the media might say that this was a no-brainer or a slam dunk.”

Athletic director Paul Bubb

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“Northridge hired the best coach. Northridge sometimes doesn’t do that, but they did it this time.”

San Jose State football Coach Dave Baldwin, Jim Fenwick’s predecessor at Northridge

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“Run and shoot. Get the ball up and down the field. I love it.”

CSUN wide rciever Cameron Perry.

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“Jim Fenwick is the best guy for that job. He got me my start by giving me an understanding of the pro style and college offenses.”

Chicago Bears quarterback Erik Kramer, who played for Fenwick at Pierce.

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“You say ‘Jim Fenwick’ and junior college players know exactly who that is.”

Northridge interim head coach Jeff Kearin, who has been coordinating recruiting.

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“I’ve got a few recruiting calls to make.”

Fenwick

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“More than a few, right?”

Bubb