THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, August 13, 1996 TAG: 9608130431
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C4 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY LEE TOLLIVER, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: VIRGINIA BEACH LENGTH: 39 lines
The Hampton Roads Sharks minor league football team suffered a setback Monday afternoon when first-year head coach Billy O'Brien announced he was resigning just five days before the season opener.
According to team president T.J. Morgan, O'Brien cited fatigue after the Sharks' 22-6 exhibition victory over the Washington Chiefs on Saturday.
O'Brien, 67, was unavailable for comment Monday.
``When he came in today, he looked worn out,'' said Morgan, who will take over as head coach. ``Physically and emotionally, he looked totally spent. He had lost his voice from Saturday's game.
``He said he had bitten off more than he could chew.''
O'Brien had returned to coaching after a 22-year absence. From 1955-74, O'Brien was one of the most colorful high school coaches in the area while at Great Bridge. He then served 18 years in the Virginia House of Delegates.
And after nearly five months of practice with the Sharks, he was beginning to get the hang of coaching again.
``Of course I'm disappointed,'' Morgan said. ``We were looking forward to a long relationship with him. He is a great guy and fit in so well with what our program is all about.''
Morgan, who coached the offensive unit last year, said there would be no search for a replacement this season.
``I'll coach this year,'' he said. ``I don't feel comfortable bringing on someone this far into things. The guys were getting used to the way Billy was doing things, and at least they're used to me being around.
``But I could see it wearing on him. I could see this coming.''
The Sharks officially begin their season Saturday at Kempsville High against the Washington Panthers. ILLUSTRATION: Photo
Billy O'Brien, 67, cited fatigue for stepping down five days before
the season opener. by CNB