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A User's Guide to Realistic Offensive Coordinator Options 1/18
Posted on 12/1/10 at 4:16 pm
Posted on 12/1/10 at 4:16 pm
I'll try to expand this as the (hopeful) search continues. But here's a list of some guys that are reasonable to expect, as well as links to essential reading and highlights with a brief summary of their positives and negatives. List in no particular order.
Personally, I don't think the following are realistic candidates: Mike Leach.
1) Justin Fuente
Fuente is the CO-OC for TCU and has produced some impressive attacks his past two seasons since being promoted. He's a young guy likely looking to grow his career and was a candidate for the Clemson OC vacancy until Chad Morris was hired. TCU ranked 10th in rushing and 53rd in passing this year, while putting up an impressive 41.64 points per game. He's given much credit for the development of Andy Dalton and previously coached QBs while doubling as OC at Illinois State university. As OC he commanded an offense ranked in the top 10 in 2005 and 2006. Offense would be described as a "power spread" which seems to fit Miles' tastes very well.
Positives
-Young, hungry coach with something to prove
-Rising star in the coaching industry
-Has coached RBs and QBs and runs a balanced attack
Negatives
-Perhaps lack of heavy competition... but his offenses have produced at every stop thus far.
2) Steve Kragthorpe
Kragthorpe is given loads of credit for resurrecting Drew Bledsoe's career (who had a career year under his tutelage in 2002). He ran some pretty good offenses at Texas A&M from 1998-2000, but I don't have statistics to verify. He became a hot coaching commodity after jumpstarting the Tulsa program from 2 wins to 8 in just one year. But he's most recognized now for the downfall of Louisville.
Positives
-Has pioneered some good offenses
-Good reputation with quarterbacks
-NFL experience
-Head coaching star probably burned out, at least for a while
Negatives
-Whatever the hell happened at Louisville (it should be noted that some guys just aren't cut out to be head coaches)
Reading
Piece one about Kragthorpe's Offense
Piece 2 about Kragthorpe's Offense
(Read both the pieces, by the same guy. Writer is an offensive football enthusiast and very well read on the subject. His blog is popular and well respected. In short, he knows his shite.)
3) Steve Logan, RB Coach, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Logan's best credential by far are the three solid NFL quarterback pupils he produced: Jeff Blake, David Garrard and Matt Ryan. Logan is highly thought of as a QB coach. His offense is a spread passing system and he has a reputation of being a risk taker. He burned some bridges at East Carolina that eventually resulted in his firing. Similar story at Boston College. He seems to have a clashing personality (he's very outspoken), but he did work with Miles at Colorado way back when.
Positives
-Outstanding QB coach and developer
-Has produced great offenses with inferior talent
-Familiar with Miles at least somewhat
-Probably not looking to get back into the head coaching game.
Negatives
-May be looking to settle down in the NFL
-System is historically more pass oriented
-May be difficult to get along with
Personally, I don't think the following are realistic candidates: Mike Leach.
1) Justin Fuente
Fuente is the CO-OC for TCU and has produced some impressive attacks his past two seasons since being promoted. He's a young guy likely looking to grow his career and was a candidate for the Clemson OC vacancy until Chad Morris was hired. TCU ranked 10th in rushing and 53rd in passing this year, while putting up an impressive 41.64 points per game. He's given much credit for the development of Andy Dalton and previously coached QBs while doubling as OC at Illinois State university. As OC he commanded an offense ranked in the top 10 in 2005 and 2006. Offense would be described as a "power spread" which seems to fit Miles' tastes very well.
Positives
-Young, hungry coach with something to prove
-Rising star in the coaching industry
-Has coached RBs and QBs and runs a balanced attack
Negatives
-Perhaps lack of heavy competition... but his offenses have produced at every stop thus far.
2) Steve Kragthorpe
Kragthorpe is given loads of credit for resurrecting Drew Bledsoe's career (who had a career year under his tutelage in 2002). He ran some pretty good offenses at Texas A&M from 1998-2000, but I don't have statistics to verify. He became a hot coaching commodity after jumpstarting the Tulsa program from 2 wins to 8 in just one year. But he's most recognized now for the downfall of Louisville.
Positives
-Has pioneered some good offenses
-Good reputation with quarterbacks
-NFL experience
-Head coaching star probably burned out, at least for a while
Negatives
-Whatever the hell happened at Louisville (it should be noted that some guys just aren't cut out to be head coaches)
Reading
Piece one about Kragthorpe's Offense
Piece 2 about Kragthorpe's Offense
(Read both the pieces, by the same guy. Writer is an offensive football enthusiast and very well read on the subject. His blog is popular and well respected. In short, he knows his shite.)
3) Steve Logan, RB Coach, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Logan's best credential by far are the three solid NFL quarterback pupils he produced: Jeff Blake, David Garrard and Matt Ryan. Logan is highly thought of as a QB coach. His offense is a spread passing system and he has a reputation of being a risk taker. He burned some bridges at East Carolina that eventually resulted in his firing. Similar story at Boston College. He seems to have a clashing personality (he's very outspoken), but he did work with Miles at Colorado way back when.
Positives
-Outstanding QB coach and developer
-Has produced great offenses with inferior talent
-Familiar with Miles at least somewhat
-Probably not looking to get back into the head coaching game.
Negatives
-May be looking to settle down in the NFL
-System is historically more pass oriented
-May be difficult to get along with
This post was edited on 1/18/11 at 8:53 am
18
Posted on 12/1/10 at 4:16 pm to OBUDan
4) Paul Chryst, OC, Wisconsin
Chryst is another rising star in the industry and produced a daunted three headed rushing attack at Wisconsin this season. He doubles as the QB coach and has produced impressive results from guys that aren't exactly household talents. He's hopped around a bit in his career, but he is a Wisconsin alum, which may make him a tough pull. He was rumored to be taking the Texas OC vacancy, but they wound up hiring Bryan Harsin from Boise State. Would he leave the Badgers for a similar type of OC position?
Positives
-QB coach with proven results
-Power rushing/Pro style system
Negatives
-May not leave Wisconsin
5) Lincoln Riley, OC, East Carolina
Riley is a Mike Leach pupil who took over the reigns of Texas Tech's offense late last season and now assumes the same duties at East Carolina. He's a 2006 college grad and a young guy looking to move up in the coaching world. His offense ranked 23rd in Total Yards and 13th in scoring this season. However, much like his mentor, he's highly pass happy.
Positives
-Young, up and coming coach who still needs several years before he moves into a head gig.
-Learned under Leach and implemented the system successfully at ECU.
-Youth likely gives him an added advantage as a recruiter.
-Would come on the cheap
Negatives
-Offensive system may clash with Miles
-Still inexperienced
Highlights
2010 ECU offense
6) Kurt Roper, OC, Duke
Roper has been a longtime cohort of David Cutcliffe, and that's a not a bad thing at all. He's worked under at least two very successful offensive coaches/minds in Cutcliffe and Rich Brooks. Was Arian Foster's RB coach at Tennessee and Eli Manning's QB coach at Ole Miss. Has SEC experience, but may be some question marks about whether it's he or Cutcliffe that really power the offense.
Positives
-SEC experience
-Worked with coaches and coached up talented players
-Good QB track record
Negatives
-Would he leave Cutcliffe?
-Is he simply a benefactor of working with Cutcliffe?
7) Todd Monken, WR Coach, Jacksonville Jaguars
Monken is most recognized by LSU fans for his tenure as WR coach from 2005-2006. He's never been an offensive coordinator, but is likely looking to move upwardly in his career, making the leap to the NFL to gain more experience. Like Billy Gonzales now, he was passing game coordinator during his tenure. Strongest rationale here is his direct connection to Miles, who he worked with at both Oklahoma State and LSU.
Positives
-Relationship with Miles
-Proven experience with developing WRs
Negatives
-No experience as a coordinator or play caller
-May be interested in sticking it out in the NFL
8) Billy Gonzales, WR, LSU
There was tons of speculation last year when Gonzales was brought on board to be the new WR coach and given the title of "Passing Game Coordinator." In all likelihood that title had more to do with pay bump than posturing. Billy is an up and coming coach and a fantastic recruiter. He's never been an OC, but apparently was allowed to call some red zone plays for the Florida offense in 2009. Many thought he was being brought in to eventually replace Crowton, but now he may have just wanted out of the mess at Florida.
Positives
-Up and coming coach who worked under good tutors
-Would be familiar with our personnel
Negatives
-Little to no experience as OC or playcaller
9) Craig Ver Steeg, Offensive Assistant, Baltimore Ravens
Ver Steeg is a new name brought to my attention in this thread, but it's a name I really like as I read. Currently works under Cam Cameron, who is both a well-respected NFL coordinator AND a close cohort of Miles. Coached QBs Mike Teel, Scott Mitchell and Kurt Kittner. Was OC at Rutgers during Ray Rice's career. Has a history of improving offenses and producing balanced attacks.
Positives
-Proven and experienced
-Works under a known Miles associate
Negatives
-Does he want to stay in the NFL?
-West Coast origins... he may not want to go back to college unless it's for an a West Coast gig
More to come as time is available and suggestions are made...
Chryst is another rising star in the industry and produced a daunted three headed rushing attack at Wisconsin this season. He doubles as the QB coach and has produced impressive results from guys that aren't exactly household talents. He's hopped around a bit in his career, but he is a Wisconsin alum, which may make him a tough pull. He was rumored to be taking the Texas OC vacancy, but they wound up hiring Bryan Harsin from Boise State. Would he leave the Badgers for a similar type of OC position?
Positives
-QB coach with proven results
-Power rushing/Pro style system
Negatives
-May not leave Wisconsin
5) Lincoln Riley, OC, East Carolina
Riley is a Mike Leach pupil who took over the reigns of Texas Tech's offense late last season and now assumes the same duties at East Carolina. He's a 2006 college grad and a young guy looking to move up in the coaching world. His offense ranked 23rd in Total Yards and 13th in scoring this season. However, much like his mentor, he's highly pass happy.
Positives
-Young, up and coming coach who still needs several years before he moves into a head gig.
-Learned under Leach and implemented the system successfully at ECU.
-Youth likely gives him an added advantage as a recruiter.
-Would come on the cheap
Negatives
-Offensive system may clash with Miles
-Still inexperienced
Highlights
2010 ECU offense
6) Kurt Roper, OC, Duke
Roper has been a longtime cohort of David Cutcliffe, and that's a not a bad thing at all. He's worked under at least two very successful offensive coaches/minds in Cutcliffe and Rich Brooks. Was Arian Foster's RB coach at Tennessee and Eli Manning's QB coach at Ole Miss. Has SEC experience, but may be some question marks about whether it's he or Cutcliffe that really power the offense.
Positives
-SEC experience
-Worked with coaches and coached up talented players
-Good QB track record
Negatives
-Would he leave Cutcliffe?
-Is he simply a benefactor of working with Cutcliffe?
7) Todd Monken, WR Coach, Jacksonville Jaguars
Monken is most recognized by LSU fans for his tenure as WR coach from 2005-2006. He's never been an offensive coordinator, but is likely looking to move upwardly in his career, making the leap to the NFL to gain more experience. Like Billy Gonzales now, he was passing game coordinator during his tenure. Strongest rationale here is his direct connection to Miles, who he worked with at both Oklahoma State and LSU.
Positives
-Relationship with Miles
-Proven experience with developing WRs
Negatives
-No experience as a coordinator or play caller
-May be interested in sticking it out in the NFL
8) Billy Gonzales, WR, LSU
There was tons of speculation last year when Gonzales was brought on board to be the new WR coach and given the title of "Passing Game Coordinator." In all likelihood that title had more to do with pay bump than posturing. Billy is an up and coming coach and a fantastic recruiter. He's never been an OC, but apparently was allowed to call some red zone plays for the Florida offense in 2009. Many thought he was being brought in to eventually replace Crowton, but now he may have just wanted out of the mess at Florida.
Positives
-Up and coming coach who worked under good tutors
-Would be familiar with our personnel
Negatives
-Little to no experience as OC or playcaller
9) Craig Ver Steeg, Offensive Assistant, Baltimore Ravens
Ver Steeg is a new name brought to my attention in this thread, but it's a name I really like as I read. Currently works under Cam Cameron, who is both a well-respected NFL coordinator AND a close cohort of Miles. Coached QBs Mike Teel, Scott Mitchell and Kurt Kittner. Was OC at Rutgers during Ray Rice's career. Has a history of improving offenses and producing balanced attacks.
Positives
-Proven and experienced
-Works under a known Miles associate
Negatives
-Does he want to stay in the NFL?
-West Coast origins... he may not want to go back to college unless it's for an a West Coast gig
More to come as time is available and suggestions are made...
This post was edited on 1/12/11 at 9:32 am
Posted on 12/1/10 at 4:16 pm to OBUDan
10) Doug Nussmeier, Washington, OC
Nussmeier is the OC and QBs coach for Washington, who joined the staff when Sarkisian was hired in 2009. Before that, he spent time at Fresno State as OC. He coached Marc Bulger in the NFL. Has experience developing QBs and runs a pro style system.
Positives
-Pro style, balanced offense
-Maybe be looking to move up in the world
Negatives
-West Coast guy
-Is it Sarkisian's work?
11) Andy Ludwig, OC, Cal
Ludwig has been successful at nearly every stop along the way of his career. He was the OC for the impressive Utah offense that dominated Alabama in the Sugar Bowl. He has a reputation of being a stellar QB coach, even bringing David Carr up to No. 1 overall draft pick status. But he's also coached a handful of great running backs, including Jahvid Best.
Positives
-Experienced and Proven
-Tremendous QB coach
-Spread attack with balance
Negatives
-West Coast guy who may not stray from those roots (took K-State OC job only to back out and take the Cal opening)
12) Ralph Friedgen
Friedgen is currently unemployed, but featured a number of high powered offenses during his head coaching tenure at Maryland. He's got a wealth of experience, including as a former NFL OC and has experienced success at every stop along the way. He coordinated Georgia Tech's national title winning offense in 1990 and also the Chargers in 1994 when they went to the Super Bowl. Also an experienced QB coach.
Positives
-Experienced
-Unemployed
-Proven results
Negatives
-He's 63 and may be content with retiring
-No known affiliation with Miles
13) Blake Anderson, OC/QB Coach, Southern Miss
Another up and coming star in the coaching biz. This year, USM ranked #15 in total offense (that's between #14 Stanford and #16 Texas Tech, to give you perspective). He was also QBs Coach and OC for UL-Lafayette in 2007, when they set a bunch of Sun Belt offensive records. Was Co-OC for Middle Tennessee before that, and led the Sun Belt in scoring offense during his time there. Has worked under some bright offensive minds (and we know Miles has admired/desired to hire Larry Fedora in the past).
Strengths
-QB Coach
-Track record of good offensive production
-Runs a balanced attack
Weaknesses
-Inexperience
-Is it his work?
14) Mike Sanford, Louisville, OC
Sanford is a veteran coach whose best successes came at Utah under Urban Meyer, where he tutored Alex Smith. He's a spread guy, but many confuse this with "soft" or "gimmicky," which is simply not the case. His offenses are heavily run based, and physical. He likes the zone read stuff... so obviously features a good bit of zone blocking (which is what we excelled at this season). His offense does seem better suited for a mobile QB (read: not necessarily a runner, but a guy that can move around back there).
Positives
-Experienced, veteran coach
-Run-based system
-QB coach
Negatives
-Results seem somewhat mixed
-Not a "sexy" hire
Reading:
LINK
Nussmeier is the OC and QBs coach for Washington, who joined the staff when Sarkisian was hired in 2009. Before that, he spent time at Fresno State as OC. He coached Marc Bulger in the NFL. Has experience developing QBs and runs a pro style system.
Positives
-Pro style, balanced offense
-Maybe be looking to move up in the world
Negatives
-West Coast guy
-Is it Sarkisian's work?
11) Andy Ludwig, OC, Cal
Ludwig has been successful at nearly every stop along the way of his career. He was the OC for the impressive Utah offense that dominated Alabama in the Sugar Bowl. He has a reputation of being a stellar QB coach, even bringing David Carr up to No. 1 overall draft pick status. But he's also coached a handful of great running backs, including Jahvid Best.
Positives
-Experienced and Proven
-Tremendous QB coach
-Spread attack with balance
Negatives
-West Coast guy who may not stray from those roots (took K-State OC job only to back out and take the Cal opening)
12) Ralph Friedgen
Friedgen is currently unemployed, but featured a number of high powered offenses during his head coaching tenure at Maryland. He's got a wealth of experience, including as a former NFL OC and has experienced success at every stop along the way. He coordinated Georgia Tech's national title winning offense in 1990 and also the Chargers in 1994 when they went to the Super Bowl. Also an experienced QB coach.
Positives
-Experienced
-Unemployed
-Proven results
Negatives
-He's 63 and may be content with retiring
-No known affiliation with Miles
13) Blake Anderson, OC/QB Coach, Southern Miss
Another up and coming star in the coaching biz. This year, USM ranked #15 in total offense (that's between #14 Stanford and #16 Texas Tech, to give you perspective). He was also QBs Coach and OC for UL-Lafayette in 2007, when they set a bunch of Sun Belt offensive records. Was Co-OC for Middle Tennessee before that, and led the Sun Belt in scoring offense during his time there. Has worked under some bright offensive minds (and we know Miles has admired/desired to hire Larry Fedora in the past).
Strengths
-QB Coach
-Track record of good offensive production
-Runs a balanced attack
Weaknesses
-Inexperience
-Is it his work?
14) Mike Sanford, Louisville, OC
Sanford is a veteran coach whose best successes came at Utah under Urban Meyer, where he tutored Alex Smith. He's a spread guy, but many confuse this with "soft" or "gimmicky," which is simply not the case. His offenses are heavily run based, and physical. He likes the zone read stuff... so obviously features a good bit of zone blocking (which is what we excelled at this season). His offense does seem better suited for a mobile QB (read: not necessarily a runner, but a guy that can move around back there).
Positives
-Experienced, veteran coach
-Run-based system
-QB coach
Negatives
-Results seem somewhat mixed
-Not a "sexy" hire
Reading:
LINK
This post was edited on 1/18/11 at 8:52 am
Posted on 12/1/10 at 4:17 pm to OBUDan
No logan?
I think it would be nice to have some salary references too.
I think it would be nice to have some salary references too.
This post was edited on 12/1/10 at 4:18 pm
Posted on 12/1/10 at 4:18 pm to OBUDan
Do you see Logan as realistic?
Posted on 12/1/10 at 4:19 pm to togar tiger
quote:
Do you see Logan as realistic?
Yes.
Posted on 12/1/10 at 4:19 pm to Duckie
quote:
No logan?
I think it would be nice to have some salary references too.
Logan is coming, just have to get some free time.
Check back later tonight, I'll update when I get home.
Noted on the salaries... I'll do some digging on that.
ETA: Started the post at work, got busy, and wanted to get it up before I headed out of the office.
This post was edited on 12/1/10 at 4:20 pm
Posted on 12/1/10 at 4:19 pm to OBUDan
GOOD POST!
Thanks
Thanks
Posted on 12/1/10 at 4:21 pm to MoreOrLes
Also, feel free to add suggestions, and I will get to them as time allows.
Posted on 12/1/10 at 4:22 pm to OBUDan
quote:
Noted on the salaries... I'll do some digging on that.
I;ll do some digging tonight when I get home for salaries to help you out. it's gonna be hard to track some of these. You can obviously put a 0 next to Krag's current salary.
Great post.
This post was edited on 12/1/10 at 4:23 pm
Posted on 12/1/10 at 4:23 pm to MoreOrLes
pretty underwhelming list, especially with borges being on there. lee is the least terrible.
Posted on 12/1/10 at 4:25 pm to Duckie
Al Borges is 205,008
Posted on 12/1/10 at 4:25 pm to 1999
quote:
pretty underwhelming list, especially with borges being on there. lee is the least terrible.
It's just a start.
I'd be thrilled with David Lee personally.
I like Borges fine, though he wouldn't be a popular hire.
Kragthorpe has the most risk involved, I'd say, but I would be more optimistic about the offense in 2011 with Kragthorpe at the helm than Crowton.
Posted on 12/1/10 at 4:26 pm to 1999
maybe we get a piece about Wisc. O.line coach
Bob Bostad.
Bob Bostad.
Posted on 12/1/10 at 4:28 pm to OBUDan
i would take krag. over crowton any day of the week.
borges would be GC all over again imo. he started out great at au but had the offense in a pretty bad place by the time he left.
i am hoping we get someone who has a good history in molding qb's...
borges would be GC all over again imo. he started out great at au but had the offense in a pretty bad place by the time he left.
i am hoping we get someone who has a good history in molding qb's...
Posted on 12/1/10 at 4:44 pm to 1999
quote:
i am hoping we get someone who has a good history in molding qb's...
me too. that's why i like kragthorpe, probably more than most.
logan would be my top choice though.
quote:
borges would be GC all over again imo. he started out great at au but had the offense in a pretty bad place by the time he left.
it was bad. not sure how much of it was his doing or if it was just a clusterfrick of bad recruiting, confused identities and trying to make a player your QB who wasn't equipped to run that offense.
Posted on 12/1/10 at 4:57 pm to OBUDan
quote:
Steve Kragthorpe
I actually think that would be a pretty good hire.
Posted on 12/1/10 at 10:10 pm to Suntiger
bump
Posted on 12/1/10 at 10:22 pm to OBUDan
I'd say all listed (thus far) are pretty underwhelming. Krags would be Crowton redux, imo.
Posted on 12/1/10 at 10:25 pm to amiznit
I'd add Mark Whipple.
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