Zierlein leaves Lamar for Austin post

Lamar Consolidated coach Michael Zierlein has accepted an offer to become the next head football coach and campus coordinator at Akins High School in Austin.

Zierlein leaves after spending four years at Lamar as the offensive coordinator, offensive line coach and an assistant head coach for the Mustangs under head coach Lydell Wilson.

"I heard that the head coach was retiring and knew that (former Lamar basketball coach) Sonny Benefield was working there, so I asked him about the job," said Zierlein. "I was told by him and others about the make up and the situation there. The thing that intrigued me was that it was similar to the situation Lydell came into at Lamar."

He applied for the position and was contacted two weeks ago. Zierlein was interviewed in front of a six-person committee and was offered the job the following day.

"The two words I have heard by people in that area is it is a gold mine if you come in here and go to work, and that's what I plan to do," he said. "This is just a great opportunity for me that I need to take.

"Of course, it's tough to leave Lamar. We have worked extremely hard to turn this program around. To reach the level we reached this year was very special to me.

"It is also hard to leave (coach) Wilson. We broke in this business together in Victoria and we aren't just colleagues but friends. I will be forever indebted that he gave me this opportunity here.

"I will also miss the coaches. When you put in the hours we do you make a strong bond, and they are like another family to me. And I will miss the kids. I would not have the this opportunity without their work but not just that, the relationships we have built is difficult to leave, but these guys have started something here that I am sure they will continue."

After a four-year stint at Nicholls State University, Zierlein coached at Victoria Stroman for five years before moving on to Bay City for three years, where the Black Cats won a state championship and finished second the next year. He served as interim athletic director and head football coach from February to May of 2003.

He came to Lamar in 2003 and helped the Mustangs return to prominence, including a berth in the Class 4A state semifinals in 2006. Under his tutelage, Lamar went from averaging 122.7 yards and eight points a game in 2002, to 408.6 yards and 44 points per game in 2006.

Wilson praised Zierlein and said that the program will miss his presence in the field house and on the gridiron.

"Mike did some great things for our program. He will be missed," said Wilson. "Akins is not only getting a good coach, but they are getting someone who really cares about the kids and what he is doing."