In Brief : Jim Shuck Gets Top Spot at VMI

Jim Shuck was named today as Virginia Military Institute’s head football coach, saying the job with the long-struggling Keydets will pose challenges similar to those he faced as Army’s offensive coordinator.

“I think VMI has a tremendous amount of likeness to West Point . . . ,” Shuck said at a news conference. “Believe me, I know it’s not going to be easy. It’s going to be a lot of hard work.”

Shuck, 34, plans to use the wishbone offense, which has worked well for Army, as he assumes the job with a five-year, $52,000-a-year contract. “The great thing about the wishbone is it’s a team offense,” he said. “It’s a discipline offense.”

Shuck takes over for Eddie Williamson, who resigned last month after his four consecutive losing seasons gave the Keydets seven losing years in a row. Shuck thinks he can turn things around at VMI and said there may be some Army assistants coming along when he names his staff next week.