In an ironic swap of offices, Redlands Community College has offered its vacant women's position to former University and Science of Oklahoma head coach Jay Niehues.
Redlands Athletic Director Matt Newgent offered the job to Niehues Monday and the Yukon resident accepted the job. He replaces Laci Tompkins, who left last month to take over Niehues'' old job at USAO – her alma mater.
“I'm happy with our pick,” Newgent said. “I hated to see Lacy go but things have a funny way of working out. It was a strange deal, sort of a midseason trade, but it's a great opportunity for our women's program to move forward.”
Niehues was one of 36 applicants for the job, but Newgent said only four were interviewed last week. The other finalists were former Northeastern Oklahoma A&M head coach B.J. Smith, Northwestern Oklahoma State head coach Margo Hamilton and current RCC assistant coach Sheila Howard.
Niehues was scheduled to be introduced to the players on Tuesday.