GILROY—After four years as Gavilan College’s head football coach, Spencer Gilford has stepped down due to personal reasons.
Gilford chose not to elaborate on his resignation, but did say he was thankful for the opportunity he had with the Rams since taking over in February of 2011.
“We appreciate the hard work that he put into it,” said Ron Hannon, Gavilan’s Dean of Kinesiology and Athletics. “As a part-time coach, you have to put in a lot of hours. He went above and beyond…that’s something we appreciated him for doing. It’s a hard job, but we wish him all the best.”
Gavilan went a combined 10-20 under Gilford. The Rams opened the 2014 season 2-0, which was their best start in 10 years. They also had their first four-win season in 2013, a feat they hadn’t accomplished since 2006.
But it wasn’t the wins that Gilford was most proud of. Instead, it was seeing the numerous players who extended their playing careers after finishing at Gavilan.
During his time as head coach, 24 Rams signed with four-year schools. Seven of those signed letters of intent this season, including wide receiver Deniko Carter, who transferred to the University of Utah. Two more Rams—Christopher alum Dillion Babb and San Benito grad Cody Hendricks—will sign letters this week, thanks to Gilford and his staff.
“It’s never really been about me,” Gilford said. “It’s been about giving the players that chose to come to Gavilan College the opportunity to chase their dreams and move on.”
Offensive Coordinator/quarterback and wide receiver coach Mike Dovenberg has been named the interim head coach in Gilford’s absence. Hannon said the opening has been posted and Gavilan is in the process of collecting resumes, with the interview process slated to start in a few weeks.
While Gilford’s departure came as a surprise, Dovenberg said he and the team have done the best they can to keep it business as usual. The Rams are currently in the middle of their spring ball session.
“Obviously it was a little bit surprising,” Dovenberg said. “We’re fortunate to have some kids and coaches that are very resilient and positive.”
Having worked closely alongside Gilford for the past three years, Dovenberg said he felt prepared to take over the program and that he’s grateful for having a “good group” of assistants still with him.
Though this is his first time as a head coach, Dovenberg has put his name into the running for the open position and is hoping to make a good impression this spring.
“Obviously, I want to be the head coach,” he said. “Hopefully I’ll get the chance to audition here a little bit and run things the right way this spring and see what happens.”
The Rams will open the 2015 at 1 p.m. Sept. 5 against Shasta College in Redding.
