Page 103 of Scored

“I’m going to go out of professional coaching on a high.”

My stomach dropped. “You want to leave the Coopers?”

“Professional football. I won’t announce that to the team until after the big game. They need to focus on beating the Eagles. A few months back, I was approached by a Big Ten university, my alma mater.”

University of Michigan.

“Don, I’m heartbroken. First Royce and now you.”

He shook his head. “It’s not because your daddy’s gone. I’m damn proud to be the Coopers’ head coach. There’s been a lot of changes in college football over the past few years. I’m looking forward to working with kids to instill the dedication that they’ll need to survive the NFL. U of M has a solid history as a football school. I want to help bring that back.”

Exhaling, I sat back in the chair. A whole new list of responsibilities came to mind. I met his stare. “We already missed Black Monday. What’s your opinion on your coaching staff?”

“They’re the best.”

“Would you recommend any one of them to take your place?”

“It’s not my decision, Vee.”

“No, it’s not. I’m asking for your opinion.”

Don leaned forward, placing his elbows on his manspread knees. “Both offensive and defensive coordinators are capable.” He inhaled. “They’re both respected by the team. If I had to choose, I’d say Andrew Pratt. He’s been coaching in the NFL the longest. He has a good head on his shoulders, and Noah Garcia can move up to offensive coordinator.”

“That leaves us looking for a quarterback coach.”

“All those decisions are up to you and Ms. Marsh.”

I sighed. “We haven’t talked about yesterday’s game.”

Don grinned. “This time we’re not looking back. We won. It’s over. Now our only thought is beating Philadelphia.”

“I wanted to ask you why you invited Griffin Graham to the victory platform.”

His eyes twinkled. “I didn’t think you’d mind.”

“I didn’t, but like I’ve said, our private relationship should have no influence on his play time or any other thing about his presence on the Coopers.”

“He deserved to be there, Vee. When we signed Graham, it wasn’t to be first string. As you know he was primarily hired to mentor Dennison. He’s done that without being asked to. He also stepped in and kept the Coopers relevant. Whether he plays in the next game or not, he made himself an important part of the offense—hell, the whole team. Any player who may have thought he was too old or a has-been quickly changed their mind. The younger players watch him, listen to him. They respect him.”

I nodded. “I like your answer. You’ll be missed, Don.”

“This is your team now. You make it so. Like I told you yesterday, your daddy would be proud.” He pressed his lips together. “He would be, but he’s not here. You are, Vee. You have a passion for the sport and for your team that’s unmatched. I’ll be happy to come back next year and watch the Super Bowl from the Hubbard family suite. Whoever you choose to coach can do that. There will be a lot of time between the day after the Super Bowl and the first preseason game and many decisions to be made. My advice is to take the decision of head coach off your plate. Andrew Pratt is your man.”

“I’m going to miss our weekly meetings.”

“Invite Drew. These meetings built a bond between Reid and me and between the two of us. I didn’t have that on other teams.” He lifted his hand. “Just my suggestion. The Coopers are yours.”

“Have you told the other coaches?”

He shook his head. “I’d rather not until after we’re done playing. Playing and winning.” Don stood.

I also got to my feet. “I’ll tell the executive officers, but we’ll keep your resignation under wraps until after the celebration is complete.”

After walking Don to the door of my office, I said hi to Jen and closed the door. Sitting behind my desk, I felt the weight of the next two weeks and the acquisition of at least one new coach added to the thousand pounds on my shoulders.

I called Aunt Rachel.

CHAPTER 42