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Assembling a Coaching Staff
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January 17th
CU formally announces hires of two assistant coaches, recruiting coordinator and director of player personnel
Press release from CUBuffs.com … University of Colorado head football coach Mel Tucker has announced some additional hires to his first Buffalo staff, including two more assistant coaches as well as some in the administrative area.
Travares Tillman has been hired as CU’s defensive backs coach and Al Pupunu as the Buffaloes’ tight ends coach.
Tillman, 41, comes to CU after spending three seasons (2016-18) at the University of Georgia working under Tucker. He was a graduate assistant working with the defensive backs the first two years before transitioning into a quality control role with the defense last season. After Tucker accepted the CU job, he helped the Bulldogs defensive backs prepare for their Sugar Bowl matchup against Texas.
“He is a great teacher and has played the game at a high level in college and professionally,” Tucker said. “He relates well to the players and is very knowledgeable about the game. He’s also an excellent recruiter and really brings a lot to the table.”
From 2012-15, Tillman served as the defensive backs and head track coach for four years (2012-15) at Calvary Day School in Savannah, Ga.; he helped coach the team to a 41-8 record over those four seasons, advancing to the state quarterfinals all four years, the state semifinals twice and in the state championship game in 2013. Eight players earned collegiate football scholarships during his time there.
In 2013, Tillman was a recipient of the NFL’s Bill Walsh Minority Coaching Fellowship. He spent that summer working with the defensive backs at training camp with the Philadelphia Eagles under its first-year head coach Chip Kelly.
Tillman was a four-year letterman and two-time All-Atlantic Coast Conference performer at Georgia Tech playing defensive back, starting three years at safety and cornerback from 1996-99.
The Buffalo Bills selected him in the second round of the 2000 National Football League Draft (the 58th player selected overall). He played two seasons with the Bills, primarily at free safety. After sitting out the 2002 season, he joined the Carolina Panthers for two years (2003-04), helping the team to the 2003 NFC championship by defeating Philadelphia and gain a berth opposite New England in Super Bowl XXXVIII. He then signed as an unrestricted free agent with the Miami Dolphins (2005-07), where he would finish as a pro after a second knee injury ultimately ended his career.
He then returned to Georgia Tech to finish up his degree, graduating in 2010 with a bachelor’s in Business Management.
“I am thrilled to be at Colorado, it’s a beautiful place, and I am really excited to continue to work with Coach Tucker, who I have the most respect for, both as a coach and a person,” Tillman said. “I’m looking forward to doing what I can do to add to the football tradition at Colorado.”
Pupunu, 49, has spent the previous two seasons (2017-18) at his alma mater, Weber State. WSU was 10-3 and reached the FCS quarterfinals in 2018, winning one playoff game after earning a first round bye. During his first season there, he helped lead the Wildcats to a historic season: in addition to winning a school record 11 games, they captured the Big Sky title, won two games to reach the quarterfinals of the FCS Playoffs and finished the season ranked fifth in the nation, the highest in school history.
“He is a veteran coach who was an outstanding player who played for several years in the NFL,” Tucker said. “He, too, is an excellent teacher and relates well to the student-athlete. His strong ties to the west coast will be vital in recruiting. He has great energy and is a straight shooter, and he’ll be creative in utilizing the tight end in our offense, both in blocking and receiving.”
He was the tight ends coach at the University of Idaho for seven seasons (2010-16). In his last season in Moscow, Pupunu helped lead the Vandals to a 9-4 record in 2016, including a 61-50 win over Colorado State in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. The nine wins tied the most in school history and it was also the second-best ever for UI.
As a senior at Weber State in 1991, Pupunu had one of the best years in Big Sky Conference history. Playing alongside Walter Payton Trophy winner, quarterback Jamie Martin, Pupunu set a Division I-AA (now FCS) record with 93 receptions for 1,204 yards and 12 touchdowns, helping Weber State to an 8-4 record and a trip to the NCAA playoffs. The 93 catches still rank as the most receptions in a season in Weber State history, and the second most ever in a season by an FCS tight end. He earned All-American and All-Big Sky Conference honors that season.
He signed as a free agent with San Diego in the National Football League in 1992, the start of a nine-year professional career that he would spend with the Chargers (1992-97, 1999), Kansas City (1997), New York Giants (1998) and Detroit (2000). After his professional career, his first taste of coaching was at Alta High School in Sandy, Utah, where he spent four years (2002-05). He then became an intern at the University of Utah under Kyle Whittingham for two seasons (2006-07). Unable to earn his degree at Weber State because he went into the NFL, while interning at Utah he earned his bachelor’s in Sociology and Criminology in 2006.
He attained his first full-time coaching position in 2008, when he was named the running backs and tight ends coach at Southern Utah University. He was in Cedar City for two years before moving on to Idaho for the next seven seasons.
I’m overwhelmed, totally excited to join Coach Tucker at Colorado,” Pupunu said. “I really believe there will be a lot of good things we can accomplish and it’s going to be awesome. Tight ends can be a big part of our offense, and when they’re utilized to both block and be flexed out, you can really create mismatches on the line of scrimmage.”
In addition to the two new position coaches, Tucker has also named Cymone George as CU’s recruiting coordinator and Geoffrey Martzen as the director of player personnel.
George graduated from Georgia Southern in 2012 and has been working in the Eagles athletic department ever since, most recently as the director of football operations for the last two seasons. She got her start as a graduate assistant working with football recruiting, and then shifted into the director of on-campus recruiting in 2015 and then coordinated business development between Learfield and GSU.
Martzen served in the same capacity last season under Chip Kelly at UCLA, but this will be a homecoming of sorts as he had held the same position at Colorado State the previous three seasons (2015-17). He also served in the same role at BYU in 2014 after working in recruiting at Boise State and Alabama after graduating from Fresno State.
There is one more assistant coach position yet to be filled; Tucker indicated that likely will happen prior to the second signing day, which is February 6. Spring practices won’t start until March 18.
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January 9th
Luke Day added to strength and conditioning staff
From the Charleston Gazette-Mail … One of the keys to the success of Marshall coach Doc Holliday has been the offseason work put in by the team with the Thundering Herd strength and conditioning staff.
Now, Holliday is looking for a new leader of that department.
On Monday, Marshall strength and conditioning coordinator Luke Day resigned his position with the Herd. He is expected to accept a position on the strength staff at the University of Colorado for new head coach Mel Tucker.
… Continue reading story here …
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Luke Day bio from Marshall … Luke Day, who brings weight room experience to Marshall from the NFL and major college football, was named the Thundering Herd’s head strength and conditioning coach in January 2016. His primary work will be with MU football.
Day, 28, joined the Herd after one year as an assistant on the Cincinnati Bengals’ strength and conditioning staff. He was recommended by Scott Sinclair, Day’s predecessor who in three years transformed the Herd strength and conditioning philosophy during a run of three straight seasons of 10 or more wins by Coach Doc Holliday’s team.
Day and Sinclair – who moved from MU to the strength and conditioning director’s role at Georgia – previously worked together at UCF under veteran strength coach Ed Ellis.
Day is a native of Hamilton, Ohio, where he is significantly involved with inner-city ministry for the Hamilton Dream Center, assisting there in the past year while with the Bengals. Prior to his year with the Bengals, he spent two years as an assistant in strength and conditioning at UCF, following stints at USF (2012) and Cincinnati (2011-12). He also served as a summer volunteer in strength and conditioning with the New Orleans Saints in 2010.
Day graduated from Hamilton High School in 2006 and went to Morehead State, where he played defensive line for two years. He transferred “back home” to Miami (Ohio) and started working as a strength room intern and graduated with a degree in physical education.
His first job was designing, developing and implementing a weight room and strength program at Mount Healthy High School in Cincinnati, and through that work he made connections to the University of Cincinnati, where he spent 14 months on the strength and conditioning staff.
Day and his wife, Trisha, have a son, Jay and a daughter, Norah.
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January 8th
CU has found its tight ends coach
Related … “CU Buffs to hire Pupunu as tight ends coach” … from the Daily Camera
From a tweet from Adam Munsterteiger at BuffStampede.com … Alfred Pupunu will join the #CUBuffs‘ staff as the new tight ends coach. He played nine years in the NFL as a tight end and was an assistant coach at Weber State the previous two seasons. Originally from Salt Lake City, Pupunu has good connections to the Polynesian community.
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Pupunu’s Weber State bio … Former Weber State All-American and NFL Player Al Pupunu returns for his second season as an assistant coach with the Wildcat football staff. Pupunu returned to Weber State in February 2017 and coaches the tight ends.
During his first season at Weber State, he helped lead the Wildcats to a historic season in 2017 as WSU won a school-record 11 games, the Big Sky title, two wins in the FCS Playoffs and finished the season ranked fifth in the nation, the highest ranking in school history.
Pupunu coached senior tight end Andrew Vollert to All-America and first team All-Big Sky honors. Vollert played in the East-West Shrine Game and was invited to camp with the Arizona Cardinals.
Pupunu earned All-American honors as a player at Weber State and went on to a nine-year career in the NFL. He is a member of the Weber State Athletics Hall of Fame and the Utah Sports Hall of Fame.
He returned to Weber State after spending seven years as an assistant coach at the University of Idaho where he coached the tight ends.
Pupunu is one of the top football players in Weber State history. After graduating from South High School in Salt Lake City, he played for two seasons at Dixie State College before coming to Weber State to play for Dave Arslanian. As a senior in 1991, Pupunu had one of the best years in Big Sky Conference history. Playing alongside Walter Payton Trophy winner Jamie Martin at quarterback, Pupunu set a Division 1-AA record with 93 receptions for 1,204 yards and 12 touchdowns, helping Weber State to an 8-4 record and a trip to the NCAA Playoffs.
At the time, the 93 receptions was an FCS record and still ranks as the most receptions in a season in Weber State history, and still ranks as the second most ever in a season by a tight end. He is also third in WSU history in single-season receiving yards. For his efforts that season, Pupunu earned All-Big Sky honors and was named an All-American by the Associated Press, the Sports Network and the Walter Camp Foundation.
After his time at Weber State, Pupunu went on to a nine-year career in the NFL. He spent his first six seasons with the San Diego Chargers and was part of the 1994 Chargers team that went to the Super Bowl. That season he was also named the Offensive Player of the Game in the AFC Championship game.
He later played with the Kansas City Chiefs, New York Giants and Detroit Lions, in addition to another year with the Chargers. In his nine seasons in the NFL, Pupunu played in 103 career games and had 1,000 career receiving yards.
He was inducted into the Utah Sports Hall of Fame in 2004 and the Weber State Athletics Hall of Fame in 2005. He has also been presented with the Distinguished Utahn Award by former Prime Minister of England Margaret Thatcher.
In his last season coach at Idaho, Pupunu helped lead the Vandals to a 9-4 record in 2016, including a win in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. He began his coaching career as an intern at the University of Utah where he worked with coach Hill. He was also an assistant coach at Southern Utah for two seasons in 2008 and 2009.
A native of Tonga, Pupunu and his wife, Mindi, have five children – Miley, Kade, Brynnli, Kenna and Noah. His son Kade signed to play football at Weber State.
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Nine out of ten assistant positions have now been filled
Coach Mel Tucker’s 2019 coaching staff to date:
- Offensive coordinator/Quarterbacks coach: Jay Johnson
- Running backs coach: Darian Hagan
- Wide receivers coach: Darrin Chiaverini
- Tight ends coach: Alfred Pupunu
- Offensive line coach: Chris Kapilovic
- Defensive coordinator/Safeties coach: Tyson Summers
- Defensive line coach: Jimmy Brumbaugh
- Inside linebackers coach: Ross Els
- Outside linebackers coach: TBA
- Cornerbacks coach: Travares Tillman
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January 6th
CU picks up another Georgia coach – Brian Michalowski in at “Defensive Analyst”
CU has hired yet another quality control guy from Georgia. Brian Michalowski has made it twitter official, tweeted at Mel Tucker and Tucker retweeted it. His bio reads, “University of Colorado – Defensive Analyst.”
Michalowski’s bio:
2018 – Quality Control/Defensive Analyst (Georgia)
2016-2017 – Defensive Graduate Assistant (Memphis)
2015 – Defensive Coordinator (Garden City CC)
2014 – Defensive Coordinator (Cologne Falcons of the German Football League)
2013 – Defensive Graduate Assistant (Wyoming)
2007-2012 – Various roles (Arizona State)
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December 21st
Report: Colorado has found its defensive backs coach
From the Daily Camera … Another member of Georgia’s football staff will be joining Mel Tucker in Boulder.
Tucker, Colorado’s new head coach, is set to hire Travares Tillman as a defensive backs coach, according to multiple BuffZone.com sources.
A defensive quality control assistant with Georgia and former NFL veteran, Tillman will remain with the Bulldogs through their Jan. 1 matchup with Texas in the Sugar Bowl before starting his job at CU, according to one source.
Tucker was hired by CU earlier this month after three years as the defensive coordinator and secondary coach at Georgia. Tillman will be the third member of Georgia’s staff to join Tucker at CU, along with offensive coordinator Jay Johnson and defensive coordinator Tyson Summers.
… Continue reading story here …
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Georgia bio for Tillman … Travares Tillman, a native of Lyons, GA, joined the Georgia Bulldogs in February of 2016 as a defensive graduate assistant and transitioned to a quality control role in May of 2018.
Prior to his arrival at UGA, Tillman played 7 seasons in the NFL as a defensive back. He was drafted out of Georgia Tech in the 2nd round (58th overall) by the Buffalo Bills in 2000.
He was a member of the Carolina Panthers from 2003-2005. While there, Tillman was part of the 2003 NFC Championship team and Super Bowl Runner-up.
In 2005, he signed as an unrestricted free-agent with the Miami Dolphins. He was coached by then Dolphins defensive backs coach Kirby Smart in 2006. Travares is tied for the 3rd longest interception streak in Dolphins history. Travares retired from the Miami Dolphins in 2008 due to injury after his 2nd knee surgery.
While playing at Georgia Tech, Tillman was a 4 year letterwinner. He started 3 years at safety and cornerback earning all-conference honors twice as a defensive back. He was also named to the ACC All- Academic team and elected permanent team captain for his senior year. Tillman finished his career with seven interceptions and 238 tackles to rank 4th in Tech history as a defensive back.
Travares earned four letters at Toombs County High School in Lyons, GA. He was a Class A All-State selection and the Class 3-A Defensive Player of the Year his senior season.
Tilman most recently served as the defensive backs and head track coach (2012-2015) as well as Asst Athletic Director (2014-2015) at Calvary Day School in Savannah. He helped guide the team to an overall record of 41-8 with 8 former players earning football scholarships during his time there. In all four seasons, the team made appearances in state quarterfinals, semi-finals and the State Championship in 2013.
In 2013, Travares was a recipient of the NFL Bill Walsh Minority Coaching Fellowship. He spent that summer at training camp with the Philadelphia Eagles working with the defensive backs under 1st year head coach Chip Kelly.
Travares returned to Georgia Tech earning his bachelor’s degree in Management in 2010. He and his wife Kiki reside in the Athens area with their 3 children Atticus, Harper and Saint.
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December 19th
Mel Tucker names offensive and defensive line coaches (official bios of Chris Kapilovic and Jimmy Brumbaugh)
Press Release from CUBuffs.com … University of Colorado head football coach Mel Tucker announced two additional hires to his initial Buffalo staff, filling the offensive and defensive line coaching positions.
Chris Kapilovic (pronounced kuh-pil-oh-vick) will coach the offensive line and also serve as the run game coordinator, while Jimmy Brumbaugh will tutor the defensive linemen.
Kapilovic, 50, comes to CU from the University of North Carolina, where he spent the previous seven seasons (2012-18) coaching the offensive line under head coach Larry Fedora. He was also its run game coordinator his first two seasons there, and then was the co-offensive coordinator for the 2014 and 2015 seasons. For his last three seasons on the Tar Heel staff, he was the associate head coach and offensive coordinator along with his offensive line coaching duties.
He was previously hired by Fedora in 2008 when he took the head coaching job at Southern Mississippi. He was at USM for four seasons (2008-11), all four as the offensive line coach with additional duties as the run game coordinator his last two years there before moving on to North Carolina and joining Fedora’s staff in Chapel Hill.
In his seven seasons at UNC, he was part of an offensive unit that established over 60 school records, including points per game (2012, 2014), total offense (2012, 2014), passing yards (2012-13-14-15-16) and first downs (2014-15). North Carolina averaged more than 170 rushing yards per game from 2012 through 2016, the highest five-year average for the Tar Heels since Mack Brown was their head coach some two decades earlier. The 2018 squad allowed just 10 sacks all season, the .91 per game figure seventh best in the nation while the team also averaged 193 rushing yards per game (5.3 per carry) and a healthy 442.1 yards per game, 35th best nationally.
In 2016, Kapilovic’s offense, led by quarterback Mitch Trubisky, set the school passing yards mark for the fifth season in a row, as UNC won eight games and earned a berth opposite Stanford in the Sun Bowl. Trubisky was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft and is currently starring for the Chicago Bears; he was one of 10 Tar Heels to either be drafted or signed by an NFL team.
That came on the heels of an 11-win season in 2015, with UNC winning the Atlantic Coast Conference’s Coastal Division with a perfect 8-0 record and finishing the year with a No. 15 ranking in the national polls; the Tar Heels led the nation in yards per play and was ninth in scoring offense, averaging 40.7 points per game. UNC ascended all the way to No. 8 in the nation before bowing to No. 1 and eventual national runner-up Clemson, 45-37, in the ACC title game. The Tar Heels were a semifinalist for the 2015 Joe Moore Award, a new trophy which was created to recognize the entire offensive line. Tailback Elijah Hood rushed for 1,453 yards, Carolina averaged a school record 6.0 yards per carry and ranked first in the ACC in the least number of sacks allowed with just 15 in 13 games.
A 1990 Missouri State graduate, Kapilovic has also coached at Southern Mississippi, Alabama State, Kansas and his alma mater.
“Kap is a veteran coach who has a great reputation for developing cohesive offensive lines,” Tucker said. “He had several great lines at North Carolina that were the backbone of some prolific offenses. He’s an outstanding recruiter, has high character and is a great family man. He came highly recommended from Andy Heck, who I coached with in the NFL with Jacksonville – Kap coached both of his boys.” (Heck is currently the offensive line coach for the Kansas City Chiefs.)
Brumbaugh, 42, joins the CU staff from the University of Maryland, where he had served as the co-defensive coordinator and defensive line coach for the previous two seasons. He had spent the prior four seasons at the University of Kentucky (2013-16), establishing himself as one of the top defensive line coaches in the country. He has also served as an assistant coach at Louisiana State, Louisiana Tech and Syracuse.
While serving as defensive line coach at Kentucky, he developed a pair of 2015 NFL draft picks. Bud Dupree was a first round selection by the Pittsburgh Steelers, and Za’Darius Smith, who Brumbaugh coached in junior college, was chosen in the fourth round by the Baltimore Ravens. Overall, four defensive linemen earned All-SEC honors during his tenure with the Wildcats. In addition, Louisiana Tech’s D’Anthony Smith was drafted in the third round by Jacksonville in 2010.
He had moved on to Kentucky from Syracuse, where he coached defensive tackles in 2011 and the defensive line in 2010. The Orange defense showed drastic improvements under Brumbaugh in 2010, moving from 81st to 17th nationally in scoring defense, and from 37th to seventh in total defense. Prior to Syracuse, Brumbaugh coached the defensive line at Louisiana Tech in 2008 and 2009. He took over a defensive front that ranked 46th nationally against the rush in 2007 and moved that ranking to 13th at the conclusion of 2008.
In 2012, Brumbaugh was at East Mississippi Community College, where he was in charge of the defensive line and also was the strength and conditioning coordinator. He also has extensive experience in strength and conditioning, working two seasons (2006-07) as an assistant strength and conditioning coordinator at Louisiana State. Under Coach Les Miles, LSU was the 2007 national champion, defeating Ohio State, 38-24, in the BCS title game in New Orleans. While with LSU, Brumbaugh helped produce 12 NFL draft selections, including five first round picks.
A 2004 graduate of Auburn, he lettered four years as a defensive lineman for the Tigers, playing both the nose and outside tackle positions, from 1995-99. He signed as free agent and was in preseason camp with the San Francisco 49ers in 2000. He went on to play in the XFL with the Birmingham Bolts and then in arena football with the Georgia Force and Birmingham Steel Dogs. He returned to Auburn after his pro career to finish up his degree, and then decided to get into coaching, starting out as a student assistant for Jacksonville (Ala.) State, with his first full-time position followed the next year as the defensive line coach at Tennessee-Chattanooga.
“Jimmy is a Pete Jenkins disciple,” Tucker said. “Tremendous character, a real team guy who is an excellent teacher of technique and fundamentals. He’s a proven developer of talent and a tenacious recruiter.” Jenkins was a veteran coach of 54 seasons, 22 in the Southeastern Conference, and was Brumbaugh’s position coach at Auburn.
Tucker has now filled seven of the 10 assistant coaching positions, as he has hired four coaches new to Colorado while retaining three from Mike MacIntyre’s staff. He plans to fill the other three vacancies over the holidays and have a full staff intact by early January.
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December 17th
Report: CU has found its defensive line coach
Tweet from Bruce Feldman, Fox Sports: SOURCE: CU is expected to hire former Maryland Co-DC/DL coach Jimmy Brumbaugh as Buffs new D-Line coach.
Related … “Sources: CU Buffs to hire Brumbaugh as defensive line coach” … from the Daily Camera …
Brumbaugh’s bio, from University of Maryland athletics:
Jimmy Brumbaugh joined the Maryland coaching staff as co-defensive coordinator and defensive line coach in 2017. Brumbaugh, who had spent the prior four seasons at the University of Kentucky, has established himself as one of the top defensive line coaches in the country. He has also served as an assistant coach at LSU, Louisiana Tech and Syracuse.
While serving as defensive line coach at Kentucky (2013-16), Brumbaugh helped develop a pair of 2015 NFL draft picks in Bud Dupree, a first round selection by the Pittsburgh Steelers, as well as Za’Darius Smith, who was chosen in the fourth round by the Baltimore Ravens. A total of four defensive linemen earned All-SEC honors during Brumbaugh’s tenure at Kentucky.
Prior to UK, Brumbaugh’s most recent major-college stop was a two-year stint at Syracuse, where he coached defensive tackles in 2011 and the defensive line in 2010. The Orange defense showed drastic improvements under Brumbaugh in 2010, moving from 81st nationally in scoring defense to 17th, and 37th in total defense to seventh. Under Brumbaugh’s tutelage, defensive end Chandler Jones garnered All-Big East recognition twice and was drafted 21st overall by the New England Patriots in the 2012 NFL Draft.
Prior to Syracuse, Brumbaugh coached the defensive line at Louisiana Tech in 2008 and 2009. He took over a defensive front that ranked 46th nationally against the rush in 2007 and moved that ranking to 13th at the conclusion of 2008.
In addition to coaching, the native of Keystone Heights, Fla., also has experience in strength and conditioning. Brumbaugh served two seasons (2006-07) as an assistant strength and conditioning coordinator at LSU, helping the Tigers capture the 2007 national championship. While with LSU, Brumbaugh helped produce 12 NFL draft selections, including five first-round picks.
Brumbaugh got his first coaching role at Jacksonville State as a student assistant as the Gamecocks won the 2004 Ohio Valley Conference championship and a 9-2 record. He spent the 2005 season at Tennessee-Chattanooga as the defensive line coach.
In 2012, Brumbaugh was at East Mississippi Community College, where he was in charge of the defensive line and the strength and conditioning coordinator. Brumbaugh helped lead the Lions to a top-10 national ranking with an 8-2 record and the Mississippi North Division championship. Brumbaugh’s defensive line combined for 224 tackles, including 44.5 tackles for loss, 21.5 sacks and seven fumbles forced. For the season, the EMCC defense allowed just 74.5 rushing yards per game and only 15.3 points per game.
In just one season, Brumbaugh developed six defensive linemen who signed Division I scholarships, including end Za’Darius Smith at Kentucky. Smith was rated as the nation’s No. 1 junior college strong side defensive end prospect by JCGridiron.com.
During his playing days at Auburn, Brumbaugh started 44 of his 48 career games, gathering 291 tackles and 15 sacks as a nose tackle and defensive tackle. Brumbaugh was named Freshman All-SEC in 1995, second-team All-SEC in 1996 and first-team All-SEC in 1997. He helped the Tigers earn the 1997 SEC Western Division championship and played in three bowl games, winning two.
After his collegiate career ended, Brumbaugh signed a free-agent deal with the San Francisco 49ers in 2000. He also played in the XFL with the Birmingham Bolts and in arena football with the Georgia Force and Birmingham Steel Dogs.
Brumbaugh graduated from Auburn with a degree in health and human performance. He is married to the former Kelly Jones. They have two sons, Legend, who is a current member of the Terrapin football team, and Nash.
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December 14th
Some good news (bordering on the excellent!) CU reportedly has found its offensive line coach
Related … “CU Buffs to hire Chris Kapilovic as O-line coach” … from the Daily Camera
From Football Scoop … Source tells FootballScoop Mel Tucker and offensive coordinator Jay Johnson plan to hire former North Carolina offensive coordinator / offensive line coach Chris Kapilovic to coach offensive line for the Buffs.
Kap has coached the past 10+ seasons with Larry Fedora, first at Southern Miss when Fedora first got the job in 2008 and then at North Carolina since 2012. At UNC, Kap also served as Fedora’s associate head coach.
Source tells FootballScoop a number of other programs in the North Carolina region were interested in Kapilovic’s services.
In addition to new offensive coordinator Jay Johnson (coming from Georgia), Tucker has retained Darrin Chiaverini and Darian Hagan on offense.
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Chris Kapilovic bio, from North Carolina athletics … Chris Kapilovic (pronounced kuh-PILL-o-vick) enters his seventh season on the UNC staff as the offensive line coach. He was promoted to associate head coach in 2015 and offensive coordinator in 2016. Kapilovic is the longest tenured coach working with Larry Fedora (12th season), having served on his staff since Fedora first became a head coach at Southern Miss in 2008.
In six years at UNC, Kapilovic has been part of an offensive unit that has established more than 60 school records, including points per game (2012, 2014), total offense (2012, 2014), passing yards (2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016) and first downs (2014, 2015). Carolina averaged more than 170 rushing yards per game from 2012-16, which was the highest five-year average since the Mack Brown era.
Last season, despite having only one running back on the roster with a college carry entering the year, the Tar Heels rushed for more than 140 yards per game and 17 touchdowns.
In 2016, Kapilovic’s offense, led by quarterback Mitch Trubisky, set the school passing yards mark for the fifth-straight season, won eight games and played Stanford in the Sun Bowl. Trubisky, who was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, was one of 10 Tar Heels to either be drafted or signed by an NFL team.
In 2015, Kapilovic and the Tar Heels had a season to remember, winning 11 games, capturing the ACC’s Coastal Division crown with a perfect 8-0 record, and finishing 15th in the country in the top 25 polls. Carolina made its first appearance in the ACC Championship Game, swept its in-state opponents, and made its third straight bowl game. UNC led the nation in yards per play and was ninth in scoring offense, averaging a school-record 40.7 points per game. Carolina finished 18th nationally with 224.4 rushing yards per game. That was the highest average per game on the ground at UNC since 1994 (226.9).
UNC was a semifinalist for the 2015 Joe Moore Award, a new trophy which recognizes the entire offensive line. The o-line paved the way for tailback Elijah Hood to rush for 1,463 yards (second-highest in single-season school history) and quarterback Marquise Williams to run for 948 yards. Carolina led the ACC with a school-record 6.0 yards per carry and ranked first in the league in sacks allowed.
Carolina had what many outside observers called the best offensive line in the country in 2012. All three senior starting linemen were drafted, led by No. 7 overall pick Jonathan Cooper, an athletic guard from Wilmington, N.C. Tackle Brennan Williams was picked in the third round and guard Travis Bond was a seventh round selection.
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Kapilovic mic’ed up at North Carolina training camp:
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December 13th
Colorado loses defensive line coach Kwahn Drake to Les Miles and Kansas
From Football Scoop … Colorado defensive line coach Kwahn Drake has joined Les Miles’ staff at Kansas. Brian Howell who covers Colorado had reported that Mel Tucker had retained Drake. Yesterday, sources told FootballScoop that Miles was planning to hire Jimmy Brumbaugh.
From KU press release … “Kwahn is one of the top young defensive coaches in the country,” Miles said. “He has built a strong relationship with the coaches and players that he has worked with in the past, and has a solid understanding of what we want to do on defense. The players he has coached have been highly productive and we are excited to have him join us here in Lawrence.”
... And then … depression set in …
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December 12th
Report: CU has found its Defensive Coordinator
From the Daily Camera … Tyson Summers will be making his second stop in Colorado, as he worked as the defensive coordinator and safeties coach at Colorado State in 2015. That year, the Rams allowed 390.9 yards per game, CSU’s best number over the last nine seasons.
Summers was the head coach at Georgia Southern from 2016-17, going 5-13. He was fired midway through the 2017 season after an 0-6 start.
A native of Tifton, Ga., Summers played linebacker at Presbyterian College from 1998-2001 and began his coaching career in 2002. He has made coaching stops at Troy, Georgia, Georgia Southern, Alabama-Birmingham and Central Florida.
… Continue reading story here …
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Tyson Summers, Kirby Smart and Mike Bobo go way back …
From DawgNation (written when Tyson Summers was the head coach at Georgia Southern, Kirby Smart was taking over at Georgia, and Mike Bobo was at Colorado State) … The arrangement was partly out of convenience, but it was mostly so close friends could hang out: Kirby Smart, Mike Bobo or Tyson Summers would reach out to the other two and say: I’ll be recruiting down in south Georgia. Let’s carpool.
“We would all plan to hit our schools at the same time,” Smart said. “We would all jump in the car and ride in the car together. We hit the rounds together.”
And yes, often when they were recruiting the same players. Drive together to a high school. Go in and recruit against each other. Then get back in the car and go on to the next place. No big deal.
“There’s not as many secrets, everybody knows who everybody is,” Bobo said, shrugging. “We get a chance to hang out, talk ball, then go see the high school coaches.”
Then that night, the three friends would have dinner, maybe talk football, but probably more about family, their shared pasts and their shared values.
… Continue reading story here …
Tyson Summers’ coaching career:
| 2002 | Tift County High School (Graduate Assistant/Defensive Backs) |
|---|---|
| 2003 | Presbyterian (Defensive Backs) |
| 2004 | Troy (Graduate Assistant/Wide Receivers) |
| 2005 | Georgia (Graduate Assistant/Defensive Backs) |
| 2006 | Georgia Southern (Safeties) |
| 2007–2010 | UAB (Linebackers) |
| 2011 | UAB (Safeties/co-Special Teams) |
| 2012–2014 | UCF (Defensive coordinator) |
| 2015 | Colorado State (Defensive Coordinator/Safeties coach) |
| 2016–2017 | Georgia Southern (Head coach – 5-13 record) |
| 2018–present | Georgia (Defense – Quality Control) |
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December 11th
A short introduction – Offensive Coordinator Jay Johnson
From YouTube, Cajuns Offensive Coordinator Jay Johnson Opening Statement at the 2014 UL Media Day, courtesy of bama57buff:
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December 10th
CU 2019 Coaching Staff
… Related … “Tucker’s staff starting to take shape with CU Buffs” … from the Daily Camera
Note … the below list lists coaching roles filled as they have been reported … There is nothing official from CU as of yet … Teams are allowed up to ten assistant coaches (including the coordinators). The below list only has nine positions. Coach Tucker could have a second defensive backs coach (cornerbacks/safeties), could have an extra coach for the defensive front seven (defensive ends/outside linebackers), or could have a designated tight ends coach or special teams coach. We’ll see …
- Offensive coordinator – Jay Johnson
- Wide receivers / recruiting coordinator – Darrin Chiaverini
- Running backs – Darian Hagan
- Quarterbacks – TBD
- Offensive line – TBD
- Defensive coordinator – TBD
- Defensive line – Kwahn Drake
- Linebackers – Ross Els
- Defensive backs – TBD
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Report: Mel Tucker retaining four assistant coaches from current staff
From Football Scoop … Along with Darrin Chiaverini and Darian Hagan, inside linebackers coach Ross Els and defensive line coach Kwahn Drake will also be retained on Mel Tucker’s staff, per Brian Howell.
Here are Howell’s Tweets … Per a Buffzone.com source, current CU assistant coaches Darrin Chiaverini, Darian Hagan, Ross Els and Kwahn Drake will be retained by new head coach Mel Tucker.
With Jay Johnson coming in as OC, Darrin Chiaverini will be receivers coach and recruiting coordinator.
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Football Scoop: CU offensive coordinator decided; first choice for defensive coordinator staying at Georgia
From Football Scoop … Source tells FootballScoop Mel Tucker has landed his offensive coordinator.
Jay Johnson, who was on staff the past two seasons at Georgia, is expected to join Tucker’s staff as offensive coordinator source tells FootballScoop. Johnson, who previously served as offensive coordinator at Minnesota and Louisiana Lafayette, served as an offensive analyst / quality control at Georgia.
As for his defensive coordinator, sources tell FootballScoop Tucker offered the position to Georgia outside linebackers coach Dan Lanning. Lanning strongly considered the offer; but after quite some time, we’re told he has decided to turn down the opportunity. We truly understand this was back and forth and back and forth. All indications at this time are that the deal isn’t going to happen; but stranger things have happened.
… Also … Running backs coach Darian Hagan is expected to be retained on Mel Tucker’s new staff, Bruce Feldman tweets.
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Here is the Jay Johnson bio, from the Georgia website ...
Jay Johnson joined the Georgia staff as an offensive quality control analyst in February of 2017.
The Lakeville, Minn., native has more than two decades of experience coaching offensive football. He came to Georgia after one season as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Minnesota.
Previously, Johnson had coordinated the offense for five seasons at Louisiana, which set program records in every major category during his time there.
Johnson has also served as offensive coordinator at Augsburg University, Truman State and Southern Miss and has also coached on the offensive side of the ball at Kansas, Louisville and Central Michigan.
Johnson was a three-time All-Gateway Conference quarterback at Northern Iowa, where he led the Panthers to a 31-8 record. Northern Iowa won three conference championships and appeared in the playoffs three times as well. Johnson finished his career with almost 500 completions and threw for more than 8,000 yards and 58 touchdowns.
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December 9th
Darrin Chiaverini to remain on staff
A tweet from Darrin Chiaverini … “Excited I’m staying at the University of Colorado! We will continue to build our roster and do something special together in Boulder!! Bleed Black and Gold and the 2019 class will be joining a really good young team!! Shoulder to Shoulder!! Go Buffs!”
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Defensive coordinator D.J. Eliot moving on
From the Daily Camera … D.J. Eliot, CU’s defensive coordinator the past two years, is set to be introduced Monday as the defensive coordinator at a different Power 5 conference school, according to a Buffzone.com source. Because details are still being finalized, the source could not identify the school where Eliot is headed, but Georgia Tech, Kansas and Maryland all have open spots at defensive coordinator.
… All of the Buffs’ 10 assistants have remained under contract since MacIntyre was fired, and Eliot is the first to move on to a new job.
Hired in January of 2017, Eliot took over a major rebuilding job on defense, with eight full-time starters and two other major contributors graduating from the 2016 team.
The Buffs struggled on defense in Eliot’s first season, but showed significant improvement this past season, particularly against the run. CU ranked 109th nationally in run defense in 2017, but improved to 45th this year. Yards per rush allowed dropped from 5.23 in 2017 to 3.74 this year.
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December 7th
Darrin Chiaverini to remain on staff? What role will Tucker play in calling the defense?
From the Daily Camera … According to BuffZone.com sources, CU administration would like to see co-offensive coordinator/receivers coach Darrin Chiaverini remain on staff, although not necessarily in a coordinator role. Chiaverini was in his first season calling the offensive plays and the Buffs struggled on that side of the ball, especially late in the year.
Chiaverini, who played at CU from 1995-98, is viewed as a top-notch recruiter who has strong relationships in California and Texas, two of CU’s primary states for recruiting.
… Tucker has spent his entire career coaching defense, including 14 seasons as a coordinator in college and the NFL. He was Georgia’s defensive coordinator the past three years.
While Tucker is used to calling plays on defense, he told The Fan that he isn’t sure if he’ll continue to do so as a head coach.
“I’ll be heavily involved with the defense, but in terms of calling the defense, that will be a decision that I will make down the road, relative to our staff makeup,” he said.
… Continue reading story here …
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December 6th
Mel Tucker’s Quotes
On what Tucker is looking for in a recruit … “Obviously you want guys that can win one on one,” Tucker said. “They can win their box, whatever position that is. The evaluation process is critical. It takes talent to evaluate talent. We first have to identify the players. We have to evaluate them.
“At that point, once we decide these are guys that can be difference makers and help us reach our goals — these young men can help us win championships — it’s all about marketing at that point. We know what we’re looking for. We know what it takes to compete and to win. It’s not always all about talent. It’s talent and character. We know what we’re looking and we’re going to go get it.”
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On where he plans to recruit … “We plan to keep those (California and Texas) pipelines and actually enhance those pipelines and make them even stronger,” he said. “The west coast, California, Texas, Louisiana are critical. A program such as this has to recruit nationally and let’s not forget our own state. There are tremendous players here and we have to make sure we keep them home and we’ll do everything we can do to do that.”
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On Meeting with the current staff … “I can’t wait to roll up my sleeves with the staff I’m going to assemble and get to work”, said Tucker. “I can’t promise you that I’m going to bring in every ‘guru’ X-and-O guy that there is. The one thing I promised Rick is that first and foremost, we will have coaches on our staff that have the high integrity and highest amount of character that care amount the young men and treat them like our own sons. Obviously, our staff will be extremely competent in the X’s and O’s and they will be relentless recruiters. What that staff make-up will be remains to be seen, but time is of the essence. We’ll get moving in the right direction from a staff standpoint right now.
“I’m going to meet with the [current] staff starting today (Thursday). It’s going to be a meet and greet. I’m not going to make any decisions on staff today or probably even this weekend.”
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On meeting with the current players (it won’t be a surprise if there is attrition from the current roster when the new coaching staff is assembled) … “I met with the players this morning (Thursday),” Tucker said. “We had a really good conversation. I had them to myself. Sometimes you just know, and I know the young men in that room are hungry. They want to win. They want to compete for championships. They want to be relevant. I promised them if that they follow a process and buy in and they do the things we’re going to ask them to do, we will achieve at a high level and they will reach their full potential and compete for championships.”
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62 Replies to “Assembling a Coaching Staff”
Lucky for me I have to be at work at 3:00 am so I wont have to decide if I watch the annual Tiger-Tide game. Who am I kidding 🙂 I wont watch it anyway until more teams (16 would be my number) are involved, making it a true play off.
Looks like we have everyone from Georgia except for the head coach Smart. We even have a couple of “analysts.” Never heard of em before. Are they a babysitter for the coordinators? Are they there to spread the blame? Can someone tell me specifically what their job title is?…and that this is not featherbedding or too many chefs?
SEC, ie Nick Saban started it years ago. A way around the 10 coaches rule. These guys can’t coach kids, or be on the field, but they’re in the film room. Coaches, including former head coaches, are doing it all around the country
This is going to be a really interesting case study. Mel seems to very much be bringing in Georgia guys. Is that because it’s where his relationships are? Because he wants to bring an sec model to boulder? A bit of both?
Whatever the reasons, I hope it works. I am a little concerned that geography and culture of football matter to top recruits, but, maybe they don’t? Or, maybe Mel brings enough winning to flip that?
Go Buffs
My pure speculation is “yes” to both relationships and his model. Hopefully, he is an A player who hires A players. Not a B player who hires C players simply out of comfort. If he is an A coach, then he is bringing in highly skilled coaches and he is secure enough in himself not to be threatened by any of them. And, if they believe in his model and have bought into it, all the better, as it appears to have been a successful one. I do have some concern that the staff feels very Georgia heavy which would seem to be out of place in the Colorado/Pac 12 landscape but will be optimistic that leadership with a commitment to a clear identity will result in a brand of football that will be fun to watch. As with past hires, though Tucker has a foundation to build upon, it will probably take some time for the cultural transformation to take hold. I am hoping to see a tough, physical brand of football.
Yeah, my questions on what he’s doing and why are smaller than, will it work in boulder? As he said, “why not?”
But, it is all about recruiting. And, the ship McCartney sailed to great success, targeting inner city athletes, is old hat now. Are there new ways to get top talent? And, can you win consistently without it?
The talent level is clearly on the rise in boulder, but I think you get my point.
Gotta win to recruit, and gotta recruit to win. And CU is a very different place than Athens. Roughly 75% of their roster is from ga.
But, to the broader point, the last guy brought his entire staff, basically intact from g5. Mel is cobbling together a new staff, of mostly recent analysts at p5.
It’s interesting to watch.
I sure hope it works.
Go Buffs
Eric, I think you are making too big a deal out of where these coaches come from. Do you not remember where Embree, Bienemy, et. al came from. Hawkins, Helfrich, Lindgren, etc. all western coaches. Pete Carroll came from the NFL as sort of a failure all the way to the west coast. These coaches are today gypsies. If they can coach and we look like Univ. of Georgia in the future (11-1), I don’t care. Mac I came from Michigan and many of his assistants were from all over the midwest. Also were you one of the people that wanted Mark Richt to leave Georgia and come to CU when he had some family connection here in CO. Cut the hand wringing and let’s see how this all works out.
Yes Virginia Mac II is gone and there are some other guys taking over.
I could be, AZ. But, my point is that I’m curious if the era of more fluid and cyclical football dynasties that was more common 20 years ago, is in fact over. Due to a combination of money, culture, and some other factors.
What made McCartney successful was his recruiting “the superior black athlete” (direct quote from the gospel according to Mac) from inner cities. Not everyone was doing that then. Everyone is doing that now. Have been for a long time. Everyone has top notch facilities.
So, where does a top level kid want to go? Where they win. Where maybe, academics take care of themselves (that hasn’t been CU for a long time; it was in the glory days). Maybe where they, ahem, get some well paying “jobs” in their spare time. Where football is religion. Where their families can see them play. Where they can get to the NFL.
There’s no hand-wringing here. I was equally cautious when each of the last five coaches were hired, wondering – will it work in Boulder? (granted, w/ Embree, I was more certain it wouldn’t but still was hopeful).
Same goes for Mel. I’m just wondering aloud – will it work in Boulder? I think it’s a fair question. And, I think it’s interesting looking at his process. The good news is, he’s starting from the best place of any transition since Neuheisel took over.
Nevertheless, as I’m sure you know, I’ll support him, the program, the school, and continue sending the funds I can. I just think it’s interesting to watch unfold.
Again, if it were easy, 90% of new coaching hires wouldn’t fail, and we’d have seen more than a small handful of guys win, or even compete for, national championships in the last, basically 20 years.
Even looking at Petey in Seattle. Great coach. His team looked completely outmatched, physically, by OSU. They caught up once OSU basically thought they had the game in the bag. Just sayin’. There may be more to CU fans’ angst than just coaching and play calling.
Hopefully Mel and Co can break through. We’ll see.
Go Buffs.
Eric, Mel just went out and recruited 4 great big guys that look like the guys that played on both teams in tonights Championship game. Can they play like those guys, who knows but at least it is a start.
As you said the era is more fluid. Why does a PAC 12 team have to recruit kids from only the PAC 12 area, and maybe TX? This is a national game. You bring these kids in that are maybe built more like the SEC and the ACC, coach ”em up and who knows. At least it will be interesting and has just as much of a chance of working as what has been happening up in Boulder for the last 10 plus years.
Hey man, to your question – which I’m sure is at least part rhetorical, but… “why pac 12 teams have to recruit kids from the Pac 12 footprint?” Clearly, they don’t. But, it may be that it’s much more likely to actually get kids (and keep them) from that footprint to commit, for the reasons I outlined above.
It’s all about closing the gap between who you want, and who wants you, right? And, right now, it seems the top kids, decreasingly want the Pac 12. Even the top kids within the Pac 12 footprint. Will that last forever? I sure hope not.
Hopefully Mel and Co can turn it around. Additionally, they’re not done w/ 2019 class yet, and there could be some dudes in there. We’ll see. They need lots more of them. They have more than have been around in years, but… still need lots more.
Go Buffs.
Az, not sure what this says, but catching a bit of the natty. Heard Fowler say “and this is the only northerner on the Clemson team” about some dude who came back for his sr year, so I looked at their roster. They may have a couple other northerners. One dude from Parker, and like 60% from South Carolina, 20% from bama, and 20 from Florida. I am rounding, but… sort of touches on the point I am making. Maybe.
Again, maybe Mel is the guy who can buck that trend, and get the studs from the south east and other places to come to boulder. Maybe he can win without the top recruits.
Here’s to hoping he can do both. We’ll find out. Still some nice grumblings for this year’s class, so we’ll see.
Go Buffs
Can anyone tell me if our previous strength and conditioning coach (name is escaping me) is still on staff?
Yup
Still there
Let me help you answer, VK – Yes, Drew Wilson is still on staff. He’s done a hell of a job, you can see the size/speed difference on the field since he came to town.
Right on. So far, this guy sounds like a good trade for Kwahn.
Go Buffs.
The coaching Staff?
Head Coach- Mel Tucker
Offensive coordinator/Quarterbacks – Jay Johnson
Wide receivers / recruiting coordinator – Darrin Chiaverini
Running backs – Darian Hagan
Offensive line – Chris Kapilovic
Defensive coordinator/safeties -Tyson Summers
Linebackers – Ross Els
Defensive line –?
Safeties-?
Assistant coach position undefined #1
Assistant coach position undefined #2
Buffs.
Note: So whats missing?
Tight ends coach?
Special Teams coach?
Outside linebackers coach? (HCMT mentioned this on tv last night)
Note 2: There is a DL coaches name floating out there that would be excellent.
Got the Dline coach they were after.
The VK vs. Eric debate is amusing, if not informative, keep it up guys. Eric keeps asking who VK is, I ask who are you Eric? You profile as a Cornholer Troll, or as a WACMac Groupie. Regarding the new coaching staff, I think we can be cautiously optimistic. MT retained the right guys from the old staff (established recruiters in the California/Texas/Colorado footprint), and the new guys he’s hired have come from Power 5 schools in the south which will expand the recruiting base. Whereas WACMac’s coaches mostly came from G5 schools. At least the new guys will know what they’re in for. But it will all come down to recruiting first, second and third. If these guys don’t recruit players that look a lot different than WACMac’s guys then it’s back to the drawing board.
Since they’re coming from a higher level of football to begin with, they should know the difference between a prospect that has a high ceiling and and one that doesn’t. We shall see, but as a season ticket holder for nearly 20 years now, I’m not sure I could have taken another season of mediocrity.
MacIntyre took this team as far as he could. I hope he helps Ole Miss win the SEC next year and he gets a lucrative head coaching job so CU doesn’t have to pay him anymore.
GO BUFFS!
83, I’m a Buff, sounds like 10yrs behind you. So, was inculcated during the glory days of 88-93.
I too am cautiously optimistic about the new staff. I will also wait to pass judgment. Need to see how the coaches actually coach to assess how they’re doing. And, as you touched on, seeing how they recruit will be huge, huge and yuge.
On that note, I think it’s hard to argue that the roster they’re inheriting is not the best during any transition in at least 20yrs. That’s a good thing. For the last staff, the program, and the new staff.
The broader points I am trying to make as we discuss whether it appears this staff is studly or not, are that:
1) comparing them to the 2013 staff is irrelevant. The program is on entirely different footing as then. Nobody wanted to come to CU to coach at that time. I t’s sad, but true. Mac and Co took that on, and did what they could with it. Most importantly, there is now a roster that can win in the Pac 12. They now have multi-year contracts for assistants available. They have top notch facilities, and the overall perception that the administration and community don’t support the football program is fading (although I don’t think gone, or we may have seen some different hires so far).
2) that the same arguments people use to bash coaches – whether Mac and Co or others – are the same ones they’re using to prop up the new guys. Look what he’s done here, look what he’s done there (or look where he failed here, and failed there). And, ultimately, every coach to ever be at CU, even the grad assistants, know way more than we do, unless you’ve (generically, not specifically) coached the game or played it at a high level. Then you are the outlier chat room poster. It cracks me up because coaching is a zero sum game. For every winner, there is a loser. And the “big winners” are few and far between.
3) As to the higher level of football of these new guys? That’s certainly true for Mel. As we filter through the staff, their relative levels of success, and at which levels, are interesting to compare. Johnson’s had some good, well, OK, P5 experience. But, he and Summers, the two coordinators were both Analysts most recently, not coordinators. What that says, no idea. Maybe it’s akin to the Saban Football Coach Rehab Program? Maybe not.
Summers’ track record, seems pretty mediocre to me. Does that mean he’s a bad coach? Nope. And hopefully he can recruit. I trust Mel knows way more about his abilities than I do. I just know what I’ve read, and… it’s not inspiring, to me. And, allegedly, he was not Mel’s first choice.
The new Oline guy, can allegedly recruit. But, his team, with his offense and his offensive line (although apparently he wasn’t the play caller, I guess Fedora was) won 5 games the last two years. In the ACC. Repeat. Won five games in the last two years. In the ACC. That brings me a little concern.
However, I will remain guardedly optimistic that the myriad reasons for that are not all on him. Looking further back, yeah, he seems to have coached a lot of guys who went to the NFL. Awesome. But, those studs from the 2012 and 2013 years were there and he and Fedora inherited them. And, the two years they won big, they had a couple stud QBs, one #2 QB pick in the NFL, which sure helps. It sounds like he’s recruited some NFL dudes. Hopefully he keeps that up.
Looking at Chev, definitely a good recruiter, who bleeds black and gold and was lobbying like hell to stay. Ok. I would too, were I in his shoes. But, looking at his WRs in 2017, and his offense in 2018 says he’s still on the learning curve. And, the TT deal, well, they were pretty mediocre throughout, too (great stats, mediocre wins; I’ve heard a former OC or three at CU get lambasted for that). The good news? I know he’s working his ass off to improve, and has learned a ton each year, despite his units’ underperformance. Here’s to hoping he gets a lot more out of the 2019 receivers than he did the 2017 corps.
Hagan? Not much you can say about him that isn’t good. Every coach forever has kept him, in varying roles. He’s had stud running backs whenever he’s coached them, regardless of the rest of the offense, lines, etc. Clearly, also bleeds black and gold.
Meanwhile, Les – whom I’m glad isn’t coaching at CU now, by the way – but who is a revered coach, with a defensive bent, poached not one, but two guys from CU. One not many cared for, despite his having done a pretty decent job coordinating the defense this year. The D is not why they lost 7 games in a row. The other, everyone loved, and wanted to stay. But, he opted to move on. Again, what that says? I don’t know. But, it is interesting.
So, that’s how I see this staff so far. Which really, doesn’t mean much. I’m just a fan. I run my business, live my life, and use this – way too often – as a fun pastime. I had just hoped for more, certainly at the OC and DC levels, but so far, also the position guys (Hagan excepted).
And, we’re hearing that Mel’s not necessarily getting his “first guys” (and he may not have been Rick’s “first guy”) and the reason for that, I’ve no idea. But it sounds a lot like how it’s been for our program, for far too long.
One of my biggest questions for Rick was how well he could close the gap between who he wanted, and who wanted to be here. I think he got a good prospect in Mel Tucker. I like Mel’s background, and believe he’ll do what he can to bring “toughness” back to the program (hopefully without off field toughness…).
Now, Mel faces the same challenge, both with his staff, and the players he’s trying to recruit. How well can he close the gap between who he wants, and who wants to be here? Here’s to hoping he gets it right, and fast, on both counts.
I’ll be more than frustrated if this team does not make a bowl game next year. I do think they will. Hell, I think they’ll get 8-ish wins. But? We’ll see.
Go Buffs.
So there, just wondering what happened this year? (You predicted 8+)
Why the fold?
Why did WacMac sneak out of Boulder in the dead of night with not even a good buy and thanks to the Mighty Buffs. Certainly you communicated with him right? He did get paid………………….so??
Who is MacWac really and why is he hiding behind the coy trophies?
Why didn’t lil Mac come to the awards banquet?
Why did Adams, who you said was wanted by some team in the northwest, still fail so badly after 4 years coaching the oline.
Why was Bernardi even on the staff?
All of the above were asked by a pal over spaghetti and meatballs.
Buffs.
Note: Has Adams gotten that job yet.
Note 2: Bernardi?
Note 3: Just so curious you keep saying that with the talent alone the Buffs will win 8 games next year. What the krap happened this year? (A friend says it was because of “Flimflamman2”
Note 4: Your buddy Bohn made 3 HFC hires. One not ready, and two FlimFlammers.
Whoever you are, who are you?
Why you still harp on the guys that are gone, rather than discussing my and your differing opinions about the new guys is beyond me.
You like living in the past?
Go Buffs.
PS- bernardi was responsible for Isaiah Oliver coming to CU, along with other notable players. Adams is allegedly in the running to turn around sac state. You remember them. They beat CU a while back.
You living in the past?
earache says….”PS- bernardi was responsible for Isaiah Oliver coming to CU, along with other notable players. Adams is allegedly in the running to turn around sac state. You remember them. They beat CU a while back.”
Yur a joke
Reply
Waiting? You have no answers. At least none that are relevant. Windy windy babbles. Bragging cause you are using these sites to advertise your company. Wow something special. And badgering those who don’t want to or need to advertise themselves. Yur boring.
Anyway…….Why did yur beloved WacMac sneak out of town?
Why did lil mac not come to the awards banquet?
The above explains the family a lot don’t ya agree?
Okay now
Ding dong the WacMac is gone
Brilliant takes, whoever you are. Living in the past, posing as an expert insider, and trying to toss insults at anyone who pokes holes in your opinions, without actually discussing them, is your bag. You’re the only one who ever specifically brings up my business. Not me.
Good work.
Keep on keepin on. Whoever you are. Why not come clean? What are you so afraid of? Hilarious.
Go Buffs
” that the same arguments people use to bash coaches – whether Mac and Co or others – are the same ones they’re using to prop up the new guys. Look what he’s done here, look what he’s done there (or look where he failed here, and failed there). And, ultimately, every coach to ever be at CU, even the grad assistants, know way more than we do, unless you’ve (generically, not specifically) coached the game or played it at a high level.”
Puhleeeezze Eric, what a cop out
MM failed here…..case closed. It doesnt take Bill Walsh to realize that. Football aint rocket science which plays right into your zero sum thing. Any fan who has been watching the game for a few years recognizes a bad coaching decision as well as a good one if nothing else by the results.
After a good coach (leavitt) and the players on the D line and secondary left MM was right back at square one…..failing. He also failed to recruit and/or develop the O line or any kind of diversity in the offense. When he got lucky by recruiting one of the best receivers in the country he rode him into the ground, more or less ignoring all the other good receivers on the team (MM’s only recruiting success) thereby allowing opposing DC’s to mail in their game plan.
No he didnt leave the cup board bare. We still have Montez, some good receivers, linebackers and a couple of good D linemen. If he had left the cupboard bare that would have been a total failure.
any other interpretation is willful ignorance. Dont argue with me about that. Take it up with RG
Good morning EP. I hope the Holidays are treating you and yours well.
Really, that’s the crux of where we disagree about MacIntyre and his legacy at CU. In my eyes, winning consistently is the ONLY component where he did not succeed at CU (and we could argue about his handling of the press conferences at the end there, as well).
And, we all know it’s a bottom line business, and that’s why he’s gone. Particularly in light of how the 2018 season unwound.
However, it seems he did succeed in pretty much every other aspect of his responsibilities to the team and program. I’ve highlighted those successes for a while, so I’ll only touch on them briefly here, but they include and are not limited to raising the caliber of player and product on the field, doing it with relatively few off field issues, putting guys into the NFL on a consistent basis – which speaks to finding and developing athletes – building a support and recruiting staff that CU had never employed before. There’s more, but they’ve been enumerated many times.
And, in my opinion, to not acknowledge those successes is the same “willful ignorance” that you say I employ.
I also disagree with your statement that: “Any fan who has been watching the game for a few years recognizes a bad coaching decision as well as a good one if nothing else by the results.”
Like you, I’ve watched football my whole life. Played one year, in 8th grade, and as a 72lb-er, quickly realized I should stick w/ soccer, but it was fun and I never shied from trying to tackle the 180lb beasts (I played corner, was quick and fast, but…too small). But, unlike you, I’ve never coached football.
However, when I see a play that doesn’t work, I understand that that doesn’t make it a bad call. Similarly, when a play does work, it doesn’t mean it’s a great call. Maybe the opponent made a great play and stifled a good play call. Maybe the player blew their assignment. I could go on.
And, in all my time posting here, or on the ol’ buffzone before that, nobody who decries “bad play calling” ever dives into those details. They seem to rely on “play didn’t work, bad call” and “play did work, great call – but not by Mac”. Coaches on the other hand – and their players – evaluate those specific aspects of each successful and unsuccessful play. All day, every day (well, not all players do b/c they’re college kids, but… the coaches sure as hell do, and they do their best to impart that to their players).
Additionally, we now here the new guys, Mel included, saying the same things pretty much any coach has said, forever, including “good players make good coaches” and “you gotta have guys who can win their one on one battles” and “you need to be able to run the ball, and execute the play call, when everyone in the stadium knows you’re going to run the ball” Or “when it’s 3rd and 8, and everyone knows you’re going to pass, you have to be able to execute.”
Of course we know that getting people to execute is part and parcel of coaching. But, some people are just capable of executing at a higher level than others, more consistently, regardless of what they’re coached to do, by whom (see my 8th grade self as a football player; but when I wrestled – against kids my own size and in some cases still 30lbs heavier – I was really good).
I would argue, that Mac and Co got their guys to execute at a high level, more often than not (see turnovers, penalties, etc.) It just wasn’t enough.
And, the narrative that 2016 was all Leavitt, yet 2018 was all b/c Mac micromanaged the offensive genius of Chev, seems to not hold water, to me.
Anyway, I appreciate your perspective, and that you outlined it – again – without any name calling. It’s actually a discussion. And, I realize, you’re unlikely to ever give MacIntyre any credit for anything other than finishing last in the Pac 12 south (and/or entire conference) 5 of his 6 years in Boulder. And, I’ll still thank him for his efforts, and all the successes he did have and brought to Boulder while working his ass off for the program we love.
If Mel can do the same, and improve on the winning front, bringing consistent wins, and competing for conference and national championships, we’ll be stoked.
The hard reality of that, is – as I’ve pointed out – in the last decade, or longer even, it’s been shown (not proven) that there are a handful of coaches out there, who are able to do that consistently. Out of hundreds, if not thousands (depending on how you count).
Here’s to hoping Mel’s one of them.
Go Buffs
When you have a page and a half playbook you cant help but make bad calls.
When you are in the red zone running the ball up the middle behind a less than average O ljne. thats bad calls
When you force the ball to the coaches kid, especially on a deep route for a pick its not completely the QB’s fault.
I could go on.
Maybe you can describe some of the good calls from memory aside from the first few passes every game to Viska.
But there is no such thing as a bad call, is there Eric, when its all up to the jimmy and joes….right?
sac state? OSU? whats the diff? losing is losing and MM was a loser
Now get So’oto as the DL coach.
Buffs
Go Buffs.
Hey doesn’t bowl season start today?
Go Buffs.
So the Mighty Buff Oline has for the last 6 years been recruited and coached by Bernardi and Adams. In those last 6 years those two have combined for ZERO 4 star recruits. KAPILOVIC has recruited and coached SIX. Earache said Adams was good cause he could have gone to the northwest last year. Oh well, he can go this year cause his protector was fired and he is fired as well. (Note probably just let him go on his own so they can save cash.( Inside note: “Double-Dipper WacMac is still hurting the Buffs.)
Buffs.
Note: Did you notice that the assistants he is bringing in have HC and coordinator positions in their past?
As to the new offensive line guy? Once again, I’ll have to withhold judgment.
On the surface, coming from a 2-10 offense, in the ACC (and 3-9 the year before that) doesn’t provide much inspiration. But again, I’m sure Mel knows more about all that than we do. Maybe even more than VK, whoever he is.
It’s a good thing it’s not resumes that win football games. That resume seemed to only look good when he had a #2 QB draft pick in his roster. Funny how that works.
Here’s to hoping this staff can get some future NFL dudes in this 2019 class.
Go Buffs.
earache said….As to the new offensive line guy? Once again, I’ll have to withhold judgment”
Okay then………………………yur normal six years. sheesh
Buffs.
Don’t forget:
he could be coming in with :
Lindgren offensive coordinator/quarterbacks
Baer defensive coordinator/linebackers
LaRussa cornerbacks
Bernardi offensive line
Adams running backs/tight ends
Jeffcoat defensive line
Neinas special teams
Walters wide receivers
Clark safeties
Oh Wait we already had that. The WACMAC ATTACK
Go Buffs Beat USC
Oh man. Here we go. Now I have to provide the counter point.
Don’t forget, whoever you are – who are you, anyway? Those guys came when nobody else would.
You should be thankful they took that on, and did what they could to elevate the program from the dregs of D1 football and left with arguably the best roster (and program, including support staff, recruiting staff, etc.) CU’s had in 20 years. Or, did you like losing to teams like Sac State?
As to Mel’s staff? I’m withholding judgment, not just until they’re hired, but until they’ve completed this recruiting cycle, and have coached this team a little. I will say, that to me, right now, I’d hoped for people who’d at least be perceived as better hires than what we’ve seen. But, the thing about fan’s perceptions – including mine – is we really have no idea.
So far, on paper at least – but nobody plays on paper – the only resume that strikes me as potentially a nice improvement from that of the last transition is Mel’s. And, although his background is solid, given who he’s worked with, a head coach is a whole different animal than a coordinator. Head coaches spend about 70%-80% of their time on non-football items. That’s an adjustment. Just ask Tyson.
The good news? I think this roster alone is capable of 8 wins next year. And, like with any transition, Mel’s going to bring in guys he knows, who want to join the party. Then, he’ll assess and move on as needed.
I expect to see similar attrition/changes in this staff after years 1 and 2 that we’ve seen pretty much every time, forever.
Hopefully, the key difference will be in the win column.
That’s my opinion. So, tell me again why you don’t publicly stand by your opinions that you seem to believe so wholeheartedly? What are you hiding from?
Go Buffs
earache says….The good news? I think this roster alone is capable of 8 wins next year
Really? So whats changed? Oh ya……………THE WACMAC COACHING STAFF .
earache says……….Those guys came when nobody else would. What? They came cause WacMac was all they had and the Buffs had an AD who was mediocre just like em
Hiding? Where is WACMACS leaving comment? He snuck out of town just like he should have after those last comments. If he was still here, and thank God he is not, next year would look like the last two. Peter WacMac.
Sheesh, your love for the WacMac crew is why irrelevance is your middle name.
Buffs
Dang, the obvious escapes you so often. Once again, you post a lot, without really saying anything.
My point about the roster being able to get 8 wins alone, is that whether Mac and Co – even the same offensive staff – were still here, the players have the skills and experience to win 8 games. That’s what happens when you’ve got some NFL talent spread across the roster. And, my expectation is the same for Mel and Co. 8 games is a legit expectation, given what they’re walking into. If they under achieve? We’ll have to see how it unfolds to really judge.
Mac and Co came when nobody else would? Fact. 1yr assistant contracts. On the lower side of assistant pay scales in the Pac 12. Fact. Nevertheless, MacIntyre was able to bring nearly his entire staff (hey, Frost was lauded for doing that, doncha know). And build an academic support system and recruiting operation that CU hadn’t ever had before.
As for my love for Mike MacIntyre? No love. I just appreciate what he did for CU. The accomplishments are many. Covered them several times. Your dislike for the guy shades your opinion too much. Just like your man-crush on Leavitt shaded your opinion too much about him. And I worry your man-crush on Mel may shade your opinion too much there, too.
I’ll be watching to see how quickly your opinions flip on the new guys, going from “wow, this guy’s great!” to “well, he sucks, get him outa here”.
I hope it doesn’t happen. Because that means they’re winning. A lot. But, if it were easy? Well, you know. Every new coach would take their team to the promised land. When, in reality, about 90% fail to meet expectations, and get fired within about three years.
Whoever you are. Why do you still hide in anonymity? Man, it must be scary to really be you. Don’t be scared.
Go Buffs
LaRussa just got a gig as ST coach and safeties coach at Western Kentucky
Baer is the DC at Montana
WacMac was clueless. But he did fire em after two years so there is that.
Jeffcoat. Not coaching Took 5 years to be fired
Neinas. OlB/Specialist coach Rutgers. Fired after one year
Bernardi. Finally gone
Adams finally gone
Walters left after 3 cause WacMac wouldn’t promote him OC/Wr Knebraska.
Clarke. Gone
WacMac gone after 6
Well now yur up to date
Buffs
Buffs
ah yes
the ol glass is a tenth full counterpoint
Yo Eric,
My man, what’s this 20 years crap? Seven of those years were Gary Barnett. Barnett finished FIRST in the Big 12 North FOUR times in his seven years.
In just one of those years (2001), the Buffs beat #24 Colorado State, #12 Kansas State, #25 Texas A&M, #1 Nebraska, and #3 Texas. EVERY one of those wins came against HIGHER RANKED teams. EVERY one of those wins is something that your boy Mickey Mac NEVER did. Not once, not ever.
We all know how horrible Dan Hawkins was, but he NEVER finished in last place. Mickey Mac did it FIVE times. Gary Barnett finished FIRST four times, had a third place finish and finished fourth twice. Those are the numbers that would have Mickey having crazy @$$ wet Dr#AMZ for the rest of his live.
Please, let’s focus on what is going on now. Colorado’s new coach has let a number of guys recruited by Mickey Mac know that they do NOT meet his standards. The guys that do meet those standards have had Mel Tucker in their living rooms. They are staying.
Carpetbagger Mike left town without a word as soon as he was found out. Quit defending him.
Next year’s schedule is much harder than this years. Yet, you think Tucker can win eight games. I agree, but only because Tucker is such a great improvement over Mickey.
Mel Tucker is not going to settle for the guys that NO ONE else in the Power Five wanted like Mickey did over and over. Be happy. Better days and better seasons are coming.
That’s ok, isn’t it?
Mark
I’m ready for some good news for a change, either that or I should stop looking at the updates obsessively.
Les Miles assembled a very enviable staff at Kansas.
Wish we had hired him.
Starting with the Buffs DC of last year?
well okay then
Buffs
Really? He’s taking half of the CU coaches from the last year or two. Did you expect Tucker to keep a bunch of guys that he doesn’t know and who have fallen short here the last few years? He kept the key guys (Chev and Hagan) who bleed black and gold and will build the rest of the staff in his image. I would have expected a much higher level of coaches from Les Miles and would have been very let down if he had kept most of the staff intact from last year had we hired him.
To Stuart,
I thought Colorado had Drake under contract for another year. Does he or Kansas owe CU some money for this? Is there a buyout?
Mark
From Brian Howell at the Daily Camera … Quick note on Kwahn Drake leaving CU for Kansas: Per the details of his contract, since he terminated the deal before Feb. 14, 2019, he owes CU $100,000 and is also required to reimburse CU for his moving expenses since he resigned within 12 months of being hired.
Hiring Tucker was like a sugar or caffeine high. Felt good for a while and now with these unknown assistants its seems like its come crashing down. Who are these guys? In Tuck we trust. We have no other choice.
Oh man. Bummer to lose Drake. I wonder if $$ was a motivating factor, or if it was more relationship driven. Or, most likely some combination of the two.
Hopefully Mel can find someone equally as good, or better, to fill that void.
I’d love to know what the assistant and support staff funding pool is. That’s huge in terms of being able to upgrade those positions.
Go Buffs.
Kansas for chrissake? No question dollars were a factor. They always are and its out of control…the Buff’s control anyway. Maybe if Tad can field an number 1 hoops team the school might rake in enough to bring the football salaries up to par.
I like the numbers he put up, or kept down depending upon your perspective, at UCF. Had athletes and made them effective. Coach Summers, welcome to the BUFFALO FAMILY
In regard to Summers and his poor record as HC at GA Southern I’m willing to perhaps give a little leeway. He took over a team in its 3rd year after moving up to FBS. He also decided that the team would no longer run the triple option offenses that former GA Southern coaches Paul Johnson, later of Navy and GA Tech fame, and Jeff Monken, now successful at Army operated. His previous chops seem to indicate he is far more adept at coaching defense.
Welp,
Summers ain’t the high profile guy some wanted. May have not even been the first choice. But he knows Tucker defense and what he wants. So I guess that is good. Tucker said he hadn’t decided if he was going to call the plays or not and wouldn’t until the DC situation was resolved. Probably gonna be calling the plays.
Go Buffs.
Note: Lotta Georgia influence right her in Boulder city.
Note 2: 4 spots left. DBacks, Oline, 2 others…………..what could they be? Regardless Oline is the key pickup. Has to be.
Note 3. Money. These are not high paid guys. Which means? More money available for other positions like quality control guys and the like. Gonna be interesting how he creates and fills out some of those positions that perhaps the Buffs never really had a lot of like the SEC does. He has seen how successful organizations are set up and operate. Quality control guys and the like are a different type of assistant for the Coordinators and the HC.
Dude, really? Whoever you are, your tune is changing already?
As you know, people bring people they know, who are willing to take the job. Same ol same ol. I mean, maybe it is different in the postal service, but probably not.
Never mind that the dudes you despise prior to the current dudes helped ramp up the support staff, and bring benson and DiStefano on board to fund it.
It is a process man.
I hope you will give the dudes a chance. Ultimately, they have to get the players to make the plays.
Same ol same ol. But hopefully a bit different.
Go Buffs
Ps- oh crap. Les hired DJ. Damn coaching centrifuge.
The dudes before this were midland. Turnaround guys. Small time. It is why they are gone.
that is all.
That is why they are gone
That is all
Buffs
Late note: Earache said…<i."I hope you will give the dudes a chance.</i< Of course I will. Just like I gave WacMac and his staff a chance. Didn't take long to see the truth. At least for some.
Late note 2: Earache also said Ultimately, they have to get the players to make the plays. Exactly, Something WacMac could not do.
Sorry Stuart
As you feared Colorado has become Georgia West or Nouveau Georgia.
I am very happy about the Tucker hire but as I feared we are getting an SEC OC. Nothing I can do about that but wait and see. At least it sounds like he was a throwin Q.B when he played.
And how bout that coaching carousel?
Even though he is back in another 5-7, 1-7 conf situation MM is also back in the deep south so he has to be delirious. Do coordinators get the same performance be damned buyouts as the HCs?
ep,
Read this.
https://247sports.com/college/colorado/Article/Jay-Johnson-reportedly-Colorado-Buffaloes-new-offensive-coordinator-126169911/
Its free Stu…………….just so you know.
Buffs
Thanks VK
His resume crushes Lindgren’s
sorry Eric
No need to apologize. I don’t see how comparing resumes with these assistants to anyone who came over 6 years ago, when CU was one of the worst programs in D1, is relevant.
And, if you won playing the resume game, there’d be a lot more teams in the playoffs, and in the BCS before that, than there have been.
Really looking forward to seeing this staff take shape, and then the recruits.
I think a wise coach once said “good players make coaches look good.” And something about “we need guys who can win their one on one battles.”
Need some good players on those lines, as you know. I think they’ve actually got some. They’re just teenagers still, playing against young men. Here’s to hoping Mel and Co can get ’em to grow into men real fast, and bring in some more to take their jobs.
That’s where the rubber meets the road. Literally.
If resume’s are the thing, then there’s 100% certainty Mel will get that done. Since they’re not? Not quite as certain. But, I know he’s already working his ass off to do just that. And, I’ll keep sending money to help the program. Because that, and cheering for my Buffs, are all I can do.
Go Buffs.
I feel confident that we’ll put a great staff together that will put the players first.”
Coach Tucker.
Go buffs.
Interesting points above…… Could James Coley soon
be headed to Boulder as our new OC ???
A couple of interesting observations from Twitter:
The current QB coach for Georgia – James Cooley – has started following 3 of the CU QB’s : Lytle, Stenstrom and commit Ty Evans, as well as Lytle’s father.
Both Cooley and Coach Tucker are following Bru McCoy from MAter Dai, rated the #1 WR in CA.
It does not appear that either coach follows a lot of recruits on Twitter, maybe a few of dozen for Cooley, even less for coach Tucker.
Don’t know if it means much at this point, but may be of interest.
Yup, twitter is a weird place. All sorts of people following all sorts of people.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DKhPnGKVYAAayQB.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C-OZWarUQAAN6l9.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DSL9qKiUMAAd8E8.jpg
Tucker and Cooley are buds
Even the wives are following Coach T. Sheesh.
Probably means not a damn thing. But I will tell you that several recruits committed to the Buffs and not yet committed to the Buffs are following both of them
Buffs.
My the League of Shadows arrive and be with the Mighty Buffs and you as well.
We all know Scott Frost is a great coach but look at Nebraska’s record this year. I hope Mel can do better but I’m thinking 3-4 wins next year
Coach Tucker has seen good offenses.
Coach Tucker has seen good defenses.
It’s gonna be his defense.
Gonna have to wait and see what offense he is planning to use. Could be the make or break point.
Adams has to go. Six years of no improvement with his “everybody has to learn all the positions BS.
Bernardi is gone eh?
Hagan needs to go back to and administrative job.
Chev? No way Coach Tucker lets him be OC. No Way. If he wants to stay he will accept another position. His “blackout boys” was cute but pretty stupid. Can he coach the wide receivers? Or is he just the recruiting coordinator. Definitely appears he can not multitask. Or can he? 3 jobs? Way too many. I don’t believe having his son show up helped either. Didn’t help WacMac. Personal Note: I am deeply disappointed in his performance.
Roper? Coach T saw Ropers offense in 2015 and 2016 and he scored 10 and 14 points on his defense. So maybe he likes it…………….( I don’t see the fire in Roper)
If it is going to be “his” defense, which it is, what will the DC job really be.? Elliot had some great spurts of aggressive defensive play calling. Coach T will want a lot of aggressive stuff. Was he hampered by the conservative nature of Wac Mac. ? Interesting to see if he stays. The lb’s looked pretty good this last year eh? But that was both Elliot and Ross who also has ST. (ST conference games only #6 in kickoff returns. #2 in opponent kick off returns…#8 in punt returns. #5 in opponent punt returns.) So does he keep both of them? Depends on who he knows and can get.
He knows DB stuff. Decisions in this are will be interesting. He was DC and had the whole secondary as his responsibility as well. Now that young Buff DL coach…………..Hmmm this could be an interesting choice (Coach T is big on technique and fundamentals)
stuff
Kirby Smart Head Coach
Jim Chaney Offensive Coordinator / Tight Ends
Mel Tucker Defensive Coordinator / Secondary
James Coley Co-Offensive Coordinator – Quarterbacks
Scott Fountain Special Teams Coordinator
Cortez Hankton Assistant Coach – Wide Receivers
Dan Lanning Assistant Coach – Outside Linebackers
Dell McGee Assistant Head Coach – Running Backs
Sam Pittman Assistant Coach – Offensive Line
Glenn Schumann Assistant Coach – Inside Linebackers
Tray Scott Assistant Coach – Defensive Line
Well you won’t hear this frigging chant and response anymore…………
PLAYERS MAKE PLAYS…………PLAYERS WIN GAMES………… Gawd I hated that. Talk about passing the buck………….WacMacs…………Teflon shield.
Okay recruits in this weekend and next.
KD tweeted he loves the new coach.
Loi signing in 10 days.
Damn this is fun
Thanks Stu. Really Thanks.
Tuck em Up Tuck em Up…………….Go CU