Grey I constitute in game management to be when to go for it on 4th, when the game is on the line make sure we put it in this persons hands, time management. And then in the coordinators ears when we are headed in the wrong direction. An example would be lets get the ball down field a few times etc. I believe coordinators should ahve the freedom to call plays as long as the scheme etc is being done so in the HC vision. I remember the CTC years where he wanted to be actively involved in everything and thus screwed it up.
Pack1997,
What you say makes sense from a “the HC is responsible” point of view. Doeren’s background is defense (just like CTC.) Do you really want him making offensive decisions when we are “headed in the wrong direction” because it’s his “responsibility”? He’s responsible no matter who makes the decision but does that mean you want a lessor qualified person making important decisions because of his title? Same thing when your HC is a guy with an offensive background.
Don’t cut the coordinators off at the knees. Give the coordinators responsibility and authority and hold them to account for their actions/decisions. You have a game plan. The boss is there to grant the coordinator authorization to go outside the game plan not to suddenly become Mike Leach and make decisions about the offense. If the coordinator can’t sell his argument to go outside the game plan, stay with the game plan.
These guys coach together. Example conversation:
“Coach, Ledford thinks we can pick up the first with ’22 dive left.’ We’ve been dominating the LT on the ground all day. I say, go for it.”
“Okay Drink, if we don’t make it, our D’s been holding.” Go for it.”
OR “It’s too risky with a lead at this point. Let’s punt away. Aaron, make sure the P team knows not to fake it.”
The HC does not have to be by himself on an island because he’s the HC.” He’s still responsible. Maybe that situation needs to be re-thought at the next coaches meeting.
Most decisions are already made and are in charts. The special circumstance decisions are know by every assistant on the sideline. We don’t have any assistants who will let the HC make a fool of himself. If we do, fire the backstabber now.
Doeren should be on the headset with the appropriate Assistant HC to confer and confirm his thinking. Yes, we now have Assistant Head Coaches. These assistants should have situations thought through and ‘what if’ decision advice ready to go.
By the way the decision at the end of the Clemson game is considered by some knowledgeable people to be the correct decision, not the numskull decision that cost us the game. I had no opinion, just scared he would miss. It could have gone the other way (we could have tried to run it) and Clemson could have picked up a fumble and ran it in. The arrogance to think “my” decision is the only right one is overwhelming on these boards. And it doesn’t matter how many other board monkeys agree with that decision.
