Syracuse, NY

Syracuse University has reportedly promoted defensive coordinator Scott Shafer to head football coach, replacing Doug Marrone, who earlier agreed to coach the Buffalo Bills in the NFL.

Shafer's promotion was revealed by an Orange recruit, defensive back Darius Kelly, and later reported by several media organizations.

According to Kelly, he was informed by Syracuse assistant coach Donnie Henderson that Shafer is being promoted to take over for Marrone.

"He basically told me Shafer is going to be the coach for now," Kelly said. "They plan on announcing that Sunday."

Shafer declined to comment on the report while the university has opted to keep silent on the matter.

Syracuse athletics director Daryl Gross did not confirm Shafer's appointment but hinted that a new head coach was already on board.

"We are not doing a search for that new guy to give us hope for the future," Gross said. "This team we have has already shown hope for future."

The 46-year-old Shafer is a logical choice for the position as he can continue the turnaround that Marrone brought to the program.

However, Kelly and other recruits are wondering why they were left in the dark after Marrone's departure.

"I mean, really, I feel a little disrespected at some point," Kelly said. "I still haven't really been contacted by the coaches. I kept them in the loop the whole way about everything. I haven't been kept in the loop. Nothing. Not one thing.

Other Syracuse recruits, like defensive end Trevon Trejo and linebacker Luke Arciniega, said they still plan to enroll at Syracuse despite Marrone's departure.

"Right now, I'm still going to Syracuse," Arciniega said. "Best of luck to Coach Marrone with the Bills. We still have our offensive coordinator and defensive coordinator. It doesn't really change my plans."

 

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