New ROHS Football Coach Outlines his Vision

The Royal Oak way.

For far too long that meant few people in the stands at a football game and fewer points on the scoreboard. But not anymore. was introduced to football players, parents, boosters and other community members as the new head coach on Tuesday night in the ’s cafeteria.

Everyone was hungry to hear what Hill had to say. Each person left full and satisfied with the coach and his plan to revive the school’s football program, which hasn't won a game in the last three seasons.

Introduced by Athletic Director , Hill sketched out his plan with a 20-slide PowerPoint presentation that showed the direction he will give his team.

“We are all here for the same reason,” Gordon said as he began the meet and greet. “And that is to introduce our new football coach and what I believe is the beginning of a new era in high school football here in Royal Oak.”

In a crowd that included the school’s administration, members of the school board and district Superintendent Thomas Moline, Gordon proudly displayed the cornerstone of the ROHS athletic program. Hill – a Royal Oak resident and 1991 Dondero High School graduate – was as excited to be a part of a new era and quickly showed parents and team members what will be expected of them: the same things he expects from himself.

“Football is an avenue and a great vehicle to teach kids,” Hill said. “I want to give kids an opportunity like was given to me.”

Hill quickly stated his goals through a quote from former University of North Carolina basketball coach Dean Smith: “Play hard. Play smart. Play together.”

Playing hard starts every single day, Hill said, which in the off-season will begin with an intense and coordinated weight-lifting training “from the ankles up.” Playing smart begins with the coach teaching his players and players knowing the game and taking care of their bodies mentally and physically. Hill stressed academics throughout the meeting and implored team members to participate in other sports throughout the school year to build a team of well-rounded athletes.

“Learn from other coaches,” he encouraged.

Building a team and playing together was a constant theme. Hill wants unselfish players who put the team first and individual needs a distant second. His STP (strength, toughness and pride) will be a mantra the team will know well as the coach plans to have his team “work harder than anyone in the state.

"We want to be recognized as a tough, hard-nosed team that is fundamentally sound," Hill said. "We will be a team that gets after it defensively and we are going to run the ball and build an identity of what Royal Oak football is going to be.”

Hill has plenty of T-shirt slogan-type awards planned for his team, including an Iron Man Award for those who never miss a practice or are late to practice, “Scholar Athlete for those who maintain a 3.2 grade point average or better, Pigskin Poets Award for those players who frequent Royal Oak elementary schools to read to the kids and many other awards.

Overall, Hill told the players that he plans to “work you harder than everyone and make this program the envy of every program around Detroit and in the state.”

Juniors Dwight Brandy, Sean Dwyer and Nolan Jones were ready to get going with the new head coach’s plans.

“He really has a good plan and it seems solid,” Jones said. “It’s a well-thought plan about how to attack this next season. I’m hungry and I think most of the team is hungry and ready to go.”

Brandy agreed.

“I like him; he’s a pretty tough guy,” he said. “He’s good and he knows what he’s doing. He’s got a good work ethic for the players and I like that kind of attitude.”

Dwyer knows Hill will create a better team by breaking down the team.

“He’s going to be better for us,” he said. “He’s going to be more involved and we’re going to get better.”

The trio predicted making the playoffs for their senior season.

“Six and in,” each one stated.

Hill will stress Xs and Os, but in the end he knows great coaches that have gone before him understand what it takes to succeed.

“Woody Hayes once said, ‘You win with people’ period,” Hill said.