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Friday, March 30, 2007 11:25 PM CDT
Munoz now coordinator; Hoover added to staff
BY BRIAN NIELSEN Sports Editor
bnielsen@jg-tc.com
CHARLESTON -n Change Jorge Munoz’s title but don’t expect major changes in Eastern Illinois’ offense.
If anything, that came last year when Munoz was the quarterbacks coach calling plays.
Now in a decision probably at least a week old, Eastern announced Friday the hiring of new offensive line coach Jeff Hoover, replacing Mark Hutson, and the promotion of Munoz to offensive coordinator.
So this remains Munoz’s offense.
“He was the one who was familiar with the no-huddle offense,” EIU head football Spoo said. “It was his baby, so to speak. We should be better at it in the second year.”
After all when the Panthers learned shortly before last season began Spoo was going to need surgery and his recovery time wound up lasting the entire season, Mark Hutson who had the title of offensive coordinator became the acting head coach and Munoz for many practical purposes was coordinator the offense.
“When Mark took over the head coaching duties, we ran it about this way,” Munoz said. “I would say I had about 80-85 percent control now I’ll have the other 20. Mark took care of the philosophy and I did the X’s and O’s last year. All the terminology and everything else will remain the same.”
Chosen from more than 100 applicants, Hoover fills the offensive line spot vacated when Hutson took a job as the line coach at NCAA Division I-A Tulane.
Hoover comes to Panthers staff as spending last season as the offensive line coach and offensive coordinator at Portland State University. The Vikings finished the 2007 season with a 7-4 that included a win over NCAA Division I New Mexico. Four of Hoover’s offensive lineman earned all-conference honors last season with Brennan Carvalho garnering first-team All-Big Sky Conference honors
Hoover’s stint at Portland State was his second with the Vikings after serving as the Portland State offensive line coach from 1995-99. During that time period he coaches two All-Americans and numerous All-Conference selections as Portland State transitioned from a Division II powerhouse to the NCAA I-AA ranks.
While contracts became finalized Friday, Hoover has been at Eastern for a week with the start of spring practice moved from Monday to the end of the week to help the new staff member learn about the Panthers.
“He’s a bright man and has a lot of good input,” Spoo said. “He’s adapted very quickly and has a lot of good ideas.”
Munoz said of Hoover: “The biggest thing for him is terminology we use. He’s a phenomenal coach. We’re lucky to have him. We were sorry to see Mark leave but we have another good coach.”
Contact Brian Nielsen at bnielsen@jg-tc.com or 238-6856.
Webb to work out for scouts today
CHARLESTON -- Vincent Webb was back on Eastern Illinois’ football field Friday.
At least the sideline edge of it.
After his All-Ohio Valley Conference college career was completed last year, the running back was back in town watching spring practice before a scheduled workout for pro scouts today.
“I’m back home and about all I have been doing is training and going to church,” the St. Louis product said. “I’m part of a youth ministry going to church three or four days a week.”
Webb’s other focus is trying to play pro football.
“My agent has connections with other leagues if things don’t work out with the NFL,” Webb said. “He has connections with the Canadian Football League. The main thing is I just want to continue to play football.”
Not participating in Friday’s spring practice was an adjustment for Webb.
“It seems funny,” he said. “For the last five years I’ve been out there with these guys.”
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CLICK TO ENLARGE
 Kevin Kilhoffer (JG/T-C)
Jorge Munoz, left, promoted from quarterbacks coach to offensive coordinator, and head coach Bob Spoo, returning to the practice field after missing last season following surgery, watch Eastern Illinois’ first football practice of the spring Friday at O’Brien Stadium.
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