July 9, 2007

Deere named Adrian College defensive coordinator
Adrian College alumnus spent 14 seasons coaching Bulldog linebackers

ADRIAN, Mich.— Jim Deere, a 1989 Adrian College graduate and 14-year veteran of the Bulldog coaching staff has been named the program’s defensive coordinator.

Deere takes over the post after Aaron Klotz, a 1998 Adrian College graduate and the team’s defensive coordinator for the past five seasons, departed to pursue other opportunities.

Adrian College head football coach Jim Lyall voiced his feelings about the new Bulldog defensive tactician.

“We are excited to have Coach Deere here in a full-time capacity. He has a very innovative defensive mind and combines that with a tireless work ethic. He has been a major part of our defensive success over the past couple of seasons and will now have much deserved opportunity to lead the unit.”

In Deere’s 14 seasons as the linebackers coach, he produced All-Americans Tavarski Wallace and Ron Sheils. Also mentored by Deere were All-MIAA selections A.J. Marry and Steve Gauthier.

Along with his experience at AC, Deere coached at Sterling Heights Stevenson High School in 1993 and 1994 and Morenci High School in 1996.

A 1989 graduate of Adrian College, Deere was a four-year letterwinner for the Bulldogs as a defensive back, totaling 142 tackles and helping lead AC to the 1988 MIAA Championship.

Deere has big shoes to fill. Klotz orchestrated one of the best defensive units in the MIAA. In 2004, Klotz's defense led the MIAA in scoring defense, allowing only 13.8 points per game.

Even after his departure, Klotz had this to say about the new Adrian College defensive coordinator.

"Jim Deere is hands down one of the top coaches I've ever been around," said Klotz.

The Bulldogs open the 2007 season at Defiance College on September 1 at 1:30 p.m. and play their first home game on September 22 at noon versus Huntingdon College (Ala.).