In 42 years, it’s only happened five times.
There’s been a changing of the guard in the men’s soccer program at Saint Louis University.
On Thursday, Feb. 15, Bob Warming resigned as SLU’s head coach. Director of athletics Doug Woolard wasted no time in finding a replacement to lead the Bills, naming assistant Dan Donigan the same day.
Warming will return to coach the men’s soccer team at Creighton University, the program he helped resurrect in the late `80s, before leaving to become the director of athletics at Furman University in South Carolina in 1995. Warming will also assume the position of assistant A.D. for the Bluejays.
“He built our program, and he’s always had an emotional attachment to Creighton and the Omaha community,” said Creighton director of athletics, Bruce Rasmussen. “But I know it was unbelievably difficult to leave Saint Louis U.”
Warming’s departure has created an opportunity for Donigan, Warming’s top assistant for the last four season’s. SLU’s search for a new head coach ended quickly. Before hiring Warming, Woolard made a profile of what he wanted in a head coach. Donigan fit the bill. He understands SLU’s Jesuit mission, knows St. Louis soccer, has shown his ability to recruit and has extensive playing experience, Woolard noted.
“We’ve got a guy right here who has all the things we’re looking for,” said Woolard. “I think that he’s one of the real bright stars in college soccer, and we’re fortunate that we had him in our system.”
Donigan, 34, has extensive experience as both a player and a coach. He holds a USSF “A” coaching license, as well as his NSCAA Advanced National Coaching Diploma. Before coming to SLU, he was the top assistant at his alma mater, the University of Connecticut.
On the field, his play spoke for itself. While at UConn from 1985-88, Donigan was a three-time All-American and a finalist for Missouri Athletic Club Player of the year honors, in his junior and senior seasons. He finished his career with 35 goals and 40 assists, for 110 points. His individual contribution ranks him fifth all-time in scoring, second in career assists and sixth in career goals for the Huskies. In 1991, he added another accolade, as he was named Big East Player of the Decade.
“I’m excited and proud to take over the reins of this program,” said Donigan. “We have an outstanding team in place and this ensures a smooth transition for our student-athletes.”
An outstanding team is an understatement. Donigan takes over a squad that has the talent to compete for a national championship next season. Returning for the Bills are all 11 starters, including C-USA player of the year Jackie Jewsbury. Seven seniors return, bringing invaluable experience; C-USA Freshman of the Year, Brad Davis returns as well. Donigan also noted that the team is mature, committed and intelligent enough to not lose a step.
“The transition should be easy,” said junior Bobby O’Connell. “We’re a close group who knows how to win together, and we’ll continue to work hard for Coach Donigan.”
Donigan has big shoes to fill, but his mentor has prepared him for the task ahead.
“Bob (Warming) has taught me an incredible amount,” Donigan said. “He ran one of the top programs in the country-behind the scenes, as well as on the field.”
Since he missed the interaction with the players while at Furman, Warming jumped at the chance to take over SLU in 1997. Warming guided the Bills to a 60-17-10 record and four C-USA championships in his four seasons at the helm. The Billikens made the NCAA Tournament each year, advancing to the national semifinals in 1997.
Creighton’s head coaching position opened just weeks ago when its head coach left for Stanford University. Rasmussen called Warming, still good friends from their days together at Creighton, to inquire about his interest. Rasmussen contacted 20-25 potential candidates, but quickly narrowed it down to Warming because he fit the requirements.
Warming knew how to recruit the region; he was familiar with Omaha, and he had Division I head coaching experience. It didn’t hurt that Warming had also been active in the Omaha community in his days there. His “Bluejay Talk” program for elementary school children, his booster breakfasts and “Kicks for Kids” clinics helped build his reputation as a community leader. But Warming made it clear that he never would have left SLU for any program but Creighton’s.
“We didn’t get an automatic yes,” Rasmussen said. “We were planning on using him as a resource.”
Warming saw unlimited possibilities. Soccer needed a voice, and Warming will have the chance to promote men’s soccer in his capacity as assistant director of athletics. When he said that he wanted to raise his family in Omaha, he never thought that the opportunity would present itself so soon. But he says he left SLU because the program was in good shape.
“There’s talented players returning, great soccer facilities and the leading attendance in the nation,” said Warming. “It’s the right time for Dan to be head coach here.”
