Mishler named Meadows’ new coach

Matt Mishler made a career audible shortly after he graduated from the University of Illinois.

Instead of staying in the business world, Mishler decided he wanted to get involved again in the games he played as a three-sport athlete at Hoffman Estates. Mishler went to Wheeling to teach and coach and realized he eventually wanted to lead a football program.

That goal became a reality Friday afternoon when Mishler was named the new head football coach at Rolling Meadows. He replaces Doug Millsaps, who resigned in November after 14 seasons.

“I’m really humbled, to be quite honest,” said Mishler, who was Meadows’ offensive coordinator last season after eight years as a Wheeling assistant. “I’m very excited and just ready to get on with it.

“I really hadn’t thought about the timing too much of when I was looking to become a head coach. When I came over to Meadows I felt Doug had several more years left so it happened a little quicker than I anticipated … but I was certainly ready for it.”

Mishler, who quarterbacked Hoffman to its last playoff appearance in 1994, had applied and interviewed for two previous jobs to prepare for his opportunity. He was the offensive coordinator for seven years at Wheeling under Dave Dunbar.

“It all fell in line beautifully for me when I was lucky enough to get on Dave’s staff,” Mishler said. “It was a passion of mine to begin with and Dave kind of energized me and made me realize I could do some bigger and better things.”

Mishler helped Wheeling win a share of the Mid-Suburban East title in 2007 and reach the playoffs again in 2008. It was the first time the school made consecutive playoff appearances.

Meadows was 77-64 under Millsaps with nine playoff appearances and four MSL East titles. Last year’s 4-5 finish ended a run of seven straight postseason trips.

Mishler, who also teaches math at Meadows, believes his season on the staff there will help with the transition. One of his first priorities is to increase the player numbers after a rash of injuries forced the sophomore team’s season to be canceled after two games.

“Doug did a fantastic job of building the program with the playoff run and I definitely want to continue that winning tradition,” Mishler said. “Even more important than that, and I said this to our administration, I really want to produce quality young men.

“That will be a big point of emphasis, to give guys the life skills and teach them through football. If we do that well and teach hard work, discipline and work ethic the winning will take care of itself.”