A disappointing season -highlighted by offensive
woes has put the spotlight on coaches and potential coaching
changes.
Beamer responded by firing the offensive line coach and
gave Elliott the task of improving line performance.
Over the past two weeks- reports indicate that there has been
improvement- first in a reduction in offensive line penalties
and second in better pass protection for sellers. Elliott was
previously hired by Spurrier on the recommendation
of John Gruden.
So What about Shula? . Despite his long resume, as a first time
college offensive coordinator- the results so far have been
mediocre at best- leading to calls for his replacement.
What to do?
It's not clear -at this point-how much line problems contributed
to the offensive woes versus play calling. One reason Shula was
promoted to offensive coordinator was (my guess) is because he
had a comfortable relationship with Sellers. Given that this likely
was Sellers last year- that made a some sense.
With Sellers gone next year - what will Beamer recommend?
My call- they wiil focus on major improvements in offensive line
production.That will take some of the pressure off play calling.
Shula will be retained either as offensive coordinator or reassigned.
Either way he will be back. Besides- the buyout for Shula would be
large and the administration does not want to look foolish for
hiring a coach to a long term contact and then firing him after
one year on the job.
woes has put the spotlight on coaches and potential coaching
changes.
Beamer responded by firing the offensive line coach and
gave Elliott the task of improving line performance.
Over the past two weeks- reports indicate that there has been
improvement- first in a reduction in offensive line penalties
and second in better pass protection for sellers. Elliott was
previously hired by Spurrier on the recommendation
of John Gruden.
So What about Shula? . Despite his long resume, as a first time
college offensive coordinator- the results so far have been
mediocre at best- leading to calls for his replacement.
What to do?
It's not clear -at this point-how much line problems contributed
to the offensive woes versus play calling. One reason Shula was
promoted to offensive coordinator was (my guess) is because he
had a comfortable relationship with Sellers. Given that this likely
was Sellers last year- that made a some sense.
With Sellers gone next year - what will Beamer recommend?
My call- they wiil focus on major improvements in offensive line
production.That will take some of the pressure off play calling.
Shula will be retained either as offensive coordinator or reassigned.
Either way he will be back. Besides- the buyout for Shula would be
large and the administration does not want to look foolish for
hiring a coach to a long term contact and then firing him after
one year on the job.