What's next for Lions?

FLORENCE - Terry Bowden already was looking to next season shortly after his first season as head coach at North Alabama concluded Saturday afternoon.

UNA's playoff run ended with a 24-21 loss to Carson-Newman in the NCAA Division II quarterfinals. The Lions finished 11-2 and won the Gulf South Conference championship in Bowden's first year.

Much was made of the 25 Division I transfers Bowden brought in this season. Many of them played vital roles in helping the Lions maintain their status as one of the elite programs in Division II. Still, Bowden said a senior-laden team like Carson-Newman shows the value of having guys in a program for several years.

"I envy a team like Carson-Newman, which has guys that have spent three or four years together," Bowden said. "Those guys have suffered together and stuck together to get to a game like this and then to win and move on. But I'm so proud of our guys for coming together as a team and getting to where we got from where we started."

When hired in January, Bowden said he knew he was inheriting the coaching staff that had worked under former coach Mark Hudspeth. His only change was to bring in his brother, Jeff, as an offensive assistant. Bowden said the staff worked well together and he does not plan on making any changes.

"It's a great staff that I have been blessed with and I don't anticipate any changes," he said. "Now we can look at developing what we have and how to get enough players developed for spring practice because last year we almost had to start fresh in the summer."

The Lions must replace more than 30 seniors, including 10 starters on defense. Three starters return on the offensive line, as well as veteran receivers Charles McClain and Jusmon Rivers. Fullback Marcus Sims returns, and there is a chance starting tailback Tim Hicks could be granted a sixth year of eligibility.

In addition, the coaching staff is excited about this year's freshmen class, all of whom redshirted.

Bowden said he will have a better feel for the type players the Lions need to recruit.

"What I'm excited about is having a point of reference where I as a head coach, and we as a staff can figure out what we need to do to get stronger as a team," he said. "That comes with a few key transfers, but mostly developing the players we have coming back. I'm excited. I want to tweak and make this a better football team next year."

Because of his famous last name and his past success, Bowden understands that his name may pop up among various coaching vacancies. He said he is totally focused on doing a better job in his second season at UNA.

"I'm almost embarrassed that my name comes up for some of these jobs," he said. "You're 53 years old and you've been at a few places, I guess your names comes up. But I'm not calling anybody. I'm going to take a couple of days off, then I'm going to get back on recruiting.

"I'm sorry that North Alabama had to experience my development after 10 years off. There was a growing process for me, too, that I've had to go through to where I could get back to the level I was at before. I know I can offer more to North Alabama and do a better job than I did in my first year."

Jeff McIntyre can be reached at 740-5737 or jeff.mcintyre@TimesDaily.com.

Looking ahead to 2010

Key losses: QB Harrison Beck (3,823 yards passing, 31 TDs); WR T.J. Porter (71 catches, 823 yards, 7 TDs); WR Preston Parker (52 catches, 789 yards, 6 TDs); OL Calvin Wilson (All-GSC); LB Michael Johnson (113 tackles, 5.0 sacks); DL Montrell Craft (69 tackles, 4.5 sacks); S Quinton Andrews (79 tackles, 6 ints.) P Will Batson (41.6-yard avg.); PK Kenny Spencer (12-17 FGs)

Key returners: OL Will Furlong; OL Kyle Futch; WR Charles McClain (28 catches, 306 yards, 2 TDs); WR Jusmon Rivers (23 catches, 336 yards, 1 TD); DB Chad Daniel (37 tackles, 4 pass breakups); DB Svante Davenport (34 tackles, 3 ints.); DE Courtney Harris (37 tackles, 3.5 sacks); DL Nate Fraizer (Navy transfer)

Possible returners: WR Mico McSwain (Considering NFL); RB Tim Hicks (Seeking 6th year of eligibility)