Football Coach's Stay With Lions Short but Sweet

Columbia football assistant coach Kris Sweet has left the University to take a job with the Canadian Football League. After just one season at Columbia, Sweet will join the professional ranks of football and assume the position of offensive line coach with the Calgary Stampeders.

"He thought it was a good opportunity for him and his family," head coach Norries Wilson said. "I wasn't surprised-it's pro football. How many opportunities do you get to coach pro football?"

Sweet did not hold a formal team meeting to announce his departure but spoke to several players-including most of the offensive linemen-during their weight lifting session last Monday.

"It was kind of a shock, but everyone's proud of him," junior center Mike Partain said. "We're just hoping he does a good job at the next level. He was a fantastic coach-all the o-linemen loved him. We're all sad to hear that he's leaving, but no one's hurt or anything."

Sweet spent the spring of 2005 as guest coach for the CFL's British Columbia Lions. Traveling a distance-physically, but not nominally-he came to the Columbia Lions in 2006 as the offensive line coach on Wilson's inaugural staff. During his only season with the Lions, the team finished 5-5 and notched its first .500 record since 1996. The offensive line made consistent improvement over the course of the season under Sweet's guidance, highlighted by senior tackle Matt Barsamian earning first team All-Ivy League honors.

"He brought some fresh ideas," Wilson said of Sweet. "He brought a discipline to the unit of guys that he coached. He stayed on top of them year round, throughout the season. He's a good football coach."

Wilson said that the search for Sweet's replacement will begin immediately.

Prior to joining the Lions' staff, Sweet spent one year as offensive line coach at Kentucky State and five years at Presbyterian College, where he coached running backs and tight ends for two years before being named offensive coordinator in 2002. His coaching career also includes stints at Tennessee Tech, Holy Cross, and Elon.

Sweet was unavailable for comment.