NSU athletic director uses interim tag as opportunity

 NORFOLK, Virginia  -- The interim tag is here to stay at Norfolk State - at least when it makes sense to athletic director Marty Miller.

Former Spartans assistant basketball coach Robert Jones, who was named interim head coach on April 15 when Anthony Evans left for Florida International, is the latest NSU assistant to move into his or her sport's top spot on an interim basis.

Although an interim tag could raise concern among potential recruits, Miller said he has no plans to change what he admits is an unorthodox pattern of hiring.

"It works if you have the right person in place," Miller said. "And for us, it has worked."

Miller, the school's longtime baseball coach until he ascended to the AD position in 2004, has made similar hires in volleyball, baseball, bowling and track and field "because there were individuals in place when the head coach left," he said. He has conducted national searches to fill head coaching positions in football, women's basketball, tennis and softball when he didn't see a viable candidate close at hand.

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