Northridge Gives Kearin a Permanent

Jeff Kearin, who guided Cal State Northridge to a 5-6 record in 1999 as interim football coach, was hired by the university on a permanent basis Tuesday, agreeing to a four-year contract worth $90,000 a year.

Kearin, 39, a former Matador assistant, was hired in July as an 11th-hour replacement for Ron Ponciano, who was fired after an internal investigation of the program revealed numerous alleged rules violations. Kearin helped provide stability to a program in turmoil, and the Matadors contended for a Big Sky Conference title before finishing fifth in the nine-team conference at 4-4.

Two of Northridge’s losses were on the road against Division I-A opponents Kansas and Southern Methodist. The Matadors also played four nationally ranked I-AA opponents.

Kearin was the preferred choice, said Dick Dull, Northridge athletic director.

“I’ve been impressed with Coach Kearin’s integrity and with his concern for his student-athletes and their development on and off the field,” Dull said. “He came into the program and provided some stability in a very difficult time. His 1999 team was very competitive with a tough schedule.”

Kearin was on his way to San Diego on a recruiting trip Tuesday.

“Personally, I’ve always said this is the job I wanted,’ Kearin said. “I’m really excited. The big thing to me is the commitment from the president on down. It’s a firm commitment to longevity for the program. We are here to beat Air Force the first game next year and win the Big Sky championship.”

An assistant under Ponciano for two years, Kearin left Northridge after the 1998 season to become an assistant to John Robinson at Nevada Las Vegas. He returned, he said, because of his desire to be a head coach and his fondness for Northridge.