San Diego State literally struck up the band Wednesday when it introduced new football coach Sean Lewis.
SDSU band members stood outside the west entrance at Snapdragon Stadium, flanked by cheerleaders waving shimmering pom-poms, to welcome those in attendance for the occasion.
Both groups then made their way inside the stadium, positioning themselves adjacent to a stage in the Cox Business Lounge.
The band played the school’s fight song as SDSU president Adela de la Torre, athletic director John David Wicker and Lewis took the stage.
There were smiles all around. Applause. Aspirational messages. Good vibrations.
It all represented the hope and optimism that comes with a coaching change.
Another aspect of changeover was represented even before the press conference began, and it will continue in the days thereafter. Players are leaving San Diego State’s program for the transfer portal, part of college football’s now-endless churn.
Change began in the minutes before Lewis took the stage when SDSU left guard Cade Bennett announced on X (formerly Twitter) that he was entering the NCAA transfer portal.
Left tackle Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson and center Thomas Mirabella joined Bennett with portal announcements before the day was over.
The departure of Bennett and Crenshaw-Dickson could be more NIL-related than concerns about their roles on the 2024 team. Both players on Thursday tweeted out receiving several offers, most of them from Power Five schools. They are expected to be enriched by whichever schools they choose. The transfer portal opens on Monday.
The Aztecs also had their top two tight ends — Mark Redman and Cameron Harpole — announce departure plans within the past 48 hours, along with backup wide receiver Josh Nicholson, starting linebacker Cooper McDonald, starting cornerback Dez Malone and backup cornerback Noah Avinger. They join the four other players — offensive lineman Joey Wright, tight end Jay Rudolph, wide receiver Darius De Los Reyes and cornerback Dallas Branch — who left the team in the first half of the season so they could preserve redshirt seasons.
When the dust settled Thursday afternoon — not that it couldn’t be stirred again with another social media post — nine SDSU players, seven of them starters, had announced their departures.
It is a substantial number.
On the other hand, the Aztecs are losing players from a team that went 4-8.
Perhaps it is simply leaving room for improvement.
Lewis met with the team collectively before Wednesday’s press conference. He was scheduled to meet with the players one-on-one Thursday and Friday as the futures for all those concerned are determined.
Coaching staff changes
One of Lewis’ priorities is filling out his coaching staff.
The coach said Wednesday that he plans to speak to those on Brady Hoke’s staff, though few are likely to be retained. Multiple sources have suggested that defensive line coach Bojay Filimoeatu and cornerbacks coach Demetrius Sumler could be the only holdovers from the 4-8 season.
Offensive coordinator Ryan Lindley and defensive coordinator Kurt Mattix are the only two assistants under contract through the 2024 season, though neither are likel to reprise their roles next year.
Lewis is expected to bring in his own coordinators. Multiple sources have said Mattix will not be retained, while Lindley could potentially stay at SDSU in another role.
If Lewis chooses to bring along his own strength and conditioning coach, Adam Hall would be reassigned within the athletic department. Hall signed a multi-year contract following the 2022 season after he was pursued by Mississippi State.
Mountain West 25th anniversary team
The Mountain West on Thursday announced its 25th anniversary team.
Seven former SDSU greats were included on the team, which included 25 players on offense, 25 players on defense and 10 on special teams.
Running backs DJ Pumphrey and Rashaad Penny, defensive lineman Cameron Thomas, linebacker Kirk Morrison, defensive backs Damontae Kazee and Leon McFadden and punter Matt Araiza all were recognized. Penny was named the team’s at kick returner.
SDSU’s eight selections tied with Boise State for the most in the conference.
19 going on 20
Lewis held up a No. 19 jersey Wednesday when he was introduced as the new Aztecs coach.
It says here he should have been given No. 20.
Lewis is the 19th man to serve in the role, but he’s the 20th head coach of the Aztecs.
That’s because Brady Hoke served two terms — from 2009-10 and 2020-23 — between Rocky Long’s nine-year tenure.
So how should it be counted?
For that, we look to the U.S. Presidency, where Grover Cleveland served nonconsecutive terms from 1885-89 and 1893-97.
Cleveland is counted as the country’s 22nd and 24th President.
Using that as a guide, Hoke should be counted as No. 17 and No. 19.
Which makes Lewis No. 20. Maybe SDSU can photoshop the jersey.
