Grobe in the N&O

From the Raleigh News & Observer:

Grobe winning his way
Wake coach's style effective, not flashy

A.J. Carr, Staff Writer

WINSTON-SALEM - During Wake Forest's nerve-racking Oct. 14 game with N.C. State, Demon Deacons freshman quarterback Riley Skinner sidled up to Jim Grobe and made a remark that would have sent some coaches flipping over their clipboard.

"Coach, I see you've changed your sweatshirt," Skinner said.

"Yeah, my wife didn't like it, so I had to change," Grobe quipped.

After that bit of sideline levity, the Deacons went on to defeat the Wolfpack 25-23 and push their record to 6-1.

The coach-quarterback exchange said much about why Grobe has been able to lead his team so effectively.

"He's there to win, has a serious, competitive side ... and has fun," Skinner said.

But there's more to Grobe, Skinner said. "He's a very spiritual man, a family-based man, which is important to me. It's encouraging to know your coach cares about you as a person, not just as a product of the system."

In a tough year for several ACC coaches, Grobe is quietly overachieving at a small school that lacks the football tradition and rich resources of its conference rivals.

Yet, the 54-year-old Grobe still prefers the low profile of an offensive lineman, which he was at Virginia in the 1970s. He isn't flashy. He doesn't seek the spotlight. And his ego would fit in a wide receiver's glove.

But his team, which plays at North Carolina on Saturday, is making headlines.

It's a good time for the Wake players and the coach who inspires them with phrases like "grit your teeth and bow your neck!" and "play like your hair's on fire!"

Having steadily recruited better players with more speed, Grobe is confident Wake can sustain success -- he believes he has a sound program, not just a good team.

"We are not going to have one of those years when you drop off the edge of the earth,'' said Grobe, whose redshirt system assures him of having 15 to 18 fifth-year seniors every season. "Each class we've brought in is more talented than the one in front of it. "

The challenge for Wake could be to keep its coach, who is in the fourth year of a 10-year deal. Other schools have courted him in the past, and more are likely to come knocking after this season.

Asked how he would deal with enticing offers, Grobe talked only of his affection for Wake and said he isn't planning on leaving.

Much of his success and appeal is linked to a leadership style that has evoked unwavering loyalty from players and staff, whom he readily credits for Wake's success.

"We try to treat kids like our own sons," said Grobe, who has two grown sons. "We pat 'em on the back; hug 'em around the neck a lot; and kick 'em in the seat of the pants if they're not doing what they're supposed to do."

He has suspended players, including career rushing leader Chris Barclay, who sat out a few games last year for an off-the-field misadventure.

"He knows how to deal with people and knows how to deal with a problem," said Bill Faircloth, assistant athletics director for football.

After games, even if it's late at night, Grobe reminds his players to call their parents to "tell 'em you love 'em," and to get up Sunday morning and go to church.

Grobe sets a schedule that allows his assistants to be home with their families on most nights of the week. Eight of his original 10 Wake coaches are still with him.

Grobe is typically even-keeled during games and rarely gets riled up in practice. But when his voice soars several decibels, the Deacons know it's serious.

For example, in 2001, Wake fell behind UNC 24-0 late in the first half. Grobe doesn't unleash expletives, but he delivered an intense sideline message. Wake woke up after that and rallied for a 32-31 win, the biggest comeback victory in school history.

Mini-miracles like that can happen with a coach you can believe in.