Feb. 4, 2015
BEAUMONT, Texas - Lamar Cardinals' offensive coordinator Larry Kueck is stepping away from the game of football, announced LU head coach Ray Woodard following the team's signing day press conference Wednesday afternoon. A coaching veteran of 29 seasons, Kueck was in his second stint with the program.
"I knew the type of coach Larry Kueck was when I hired him," said Woodard. "I've coached against him, and he did exactly what I thought he would do. He installed an offense and every year we just got better. This year we had an outstanding season on the offensive side of the ball. He's done a great job here and Lamar football owes him a lot."
This is not unfamiliar territory for Woodard, who was forced to replace former defensive coordinator Bill Bradley, after he announced his retirement just prior to spring camp.
Kueck has left his imprint on Lamar football which has set a benchmark for future teams. In 2013, Kueck helped orchestrate one of the most prolific offenses in school history, one that set numerous team and individual records.
The Cardinals scored nearly 34 points per game, and averaged better than 423 yards of total offense. Kueck's offense produced stars at every position as Lamar had its quarterback, a running back, receiver and an offensive lineman recognized on the postseason all-conference teams.
Junior Caleb Berry recorded the best season for a quarterback in program history under Kueck's direction. He finished the season setting single-season school records for completions, passing yards, touchdown passes and yards of total offense. Berry was joined in the record breaking session by sophomore receiver Reggie Begelton and freshman running back Kade Harrington. Begelton led the Southland, and set a new school record, with his 82 receptions this season, while Harrington posted the freshman rushing mark on his way to SLC Freshman of the Year honors.
As an encore, the Cardinals became one of the nation's elite offense in 2014. Berry once again set single-season records in touchdowns, passing yards and yards of total offense, on his way to breaking all of the school's single-game, season and career records. The Cardinals ended the year leading the Southland in passing and total offense, and ranked among the nation's top 10 in passing, scoring and total offense.
Woodard will promote offensive line coach Chuck Langston to coordinate, as the team prepares to enter spring camp. With more than a decade of coaching experience under his belt, Langston has coached the Cardinals offensive linemen each of the past two seasons. During that time, he has produced some of the conference top talent.
Following the 2013 season, four-year starter Kyle Gillam was considered one of the nation's top centers, and this past year Langston placed three of his players on the All-SLC squad.
"Coach Langston has been here and has spent several years working with Larry," said Woodard. "I feel quite comfortable promoting Chuck, much like how I felt promoting Craig McGallion last year. At the same time, Chuck will put his own stamp on things, but it will still be the same offense.
"Chuck is a very detailed and disciplined and detailed coach. He is going to do a very good job. His time working with Kueck has prepared him for this moment, and I believe this was the smoothest transition for our program," added Woodard.
The Cardinals will open spring camp Monday, Feb. 16. That will be the first 15 workouts for the Cards. The spring game is scheduled for Saturday, Mar. 7th.
-LAMAR-
