BC set to name interim coach

Spaziani tops list; Herzlich to stay

Boston College began making progress yesterday after Wednesday's firing of coach Jeff Jagodzinski, expecting to name defensive coordinator Frank Spaziani interim head coach as soon as today and receiving the welcome news that junior linebacker Mark Herzlich will not enter the NFL draft and return for his senior season.

Athletic director Gene DeFilippo, who interviewed Spaziani, offensive line coach Jack Bicknell Jr., and offensive coordinator Steve Logan yesterday, vowed the school would move quickly to find a replacement for Jagodzinski, a necessity with the Feb. 4 national signing day less than one month away. Spaziani could officially become head coach in a matter of days.

Spaziani has spent the past 12 seasons at BC, the last 10 as defensive coordinator. Owing to his experience, loyalty, and passion, Spaziani has already garnered support from inside the program.

"What BC needs in football is the equivalent of [BC hockey coach] Jerry York," one source close to the program said. "And Frank Spaziani would be that guy."

Herzlich, a third-team All-American, also cast a vote for his defensive coordinator. Spaziani this season declared Herzlich the best linebacker to ever play at BC, and they share a strong bond.

"I think they should make Spaz the coach," said Herzlich. "That would be great. That would make things a lot easier for all of us, I think."

Herzlich said Jagodzinski's departure surprised him, but it had no impact on his decision to return. Herzlich yesterday received the NFL's projection of his draft status.

"They said somewhere early in the second round," Herzlich said by phone from his home in Pennsylvania. "So I'm coming back to BC for my senior year."

Jagodzinski, meanwhile, remained mum on his departure when reached by phone yesterday. "I've just got nothing to say," he said. "I'm fine, but I just don't want to say anything."

BC fired Jagodzinski after he interviewed Tuesday with the New York Jets, making good on DeFilippo's threat.

The continuity of Spaziani becoming head coach would reduce BC's risk of losing recruits from its 2009 class. Twelve players have committed to BC.

Andre Lawrence, a linebacker from Hartford Public High who had committed to BC under Jagodzinski, felt initial unease when he heard rumblings of Jagodzinski's departure. He sent his high school coach, Harry Bellucci, a text message that read, "What's going on here?"

(Belluci's brother-in-law is Eric Mangini, the deposed Jets coach whose firing made Jagodzinski's fate-sealing interview possible.)

Bellucci called BC defensive backs coach and recruiting coordinator Mike Siravo, to whom Lawrence felt most connected among BC coaches. Lawrence met Jagodzinski twice and thought he was "a nice enough guy," Bellucci said, but most of Lawrence's recruiting was handled by Siravo and linebackers coach Bill McGovern.

Siravo assured Bellucci and Lawrence that BC's staff would not be leaving with Jagodzinski. Lawrence, who also received scholarship offers from Iowa, Maryland, and Connecticut, will keep his bond with BC.

"As long as the defensive staff stays intact, as long as they're there, he feels strongly committed to BC," Bellucci said. "He doesn't feel any change in his commitment, unless those guys aren't going to be back at BC. He loves the school. He loves the city."

Spaziani was BC's interim head coach after Tom O'Brien left for North Carolina State, and Spaziani led the Eagles to a 25-24 victory over Navy in the 2006 Meineke Car Care Bowl. (At 1-0, he is the only coach in BC history with a perfect record.) Spaziani and McGovern are the only assistant coaches who remained at BC after O'Brien left.

This season, Spaziani's defense finished fifth in the nation in yards allowed per game (268.1), 17th in points allowed (18.4), and second in turnovers (36). The Eagles led the ACC in rushing defense and were third in total defense.

DeFilippo said Wednesday BC will consider internal and "at least two" external candidates to replace Jagodzinski. Bicknell Jr., formerly head coach at Louisiana Tech, and Logan are potential candidates, as is Richmond head coach Mike London, who served as BC's defensive line coach from 1997-2000.