So my initial thoughts on the guy after knowing almost nothing about him other then looking at his Wikipedia page, I would say on paper this is a good hire for the cats. They struck out on a couple of big names and I know that was probably frustrating, but the biggest thing they’re getting is a QB’s coach, which we know was obviously the biggest knock on Choate. He recruited Carson Wentz, he recruited and coached Josh Allen, and recruite Brock Jensen. He was QB and PGC at NDSU and then OC and QB at Wyoming.
Those are the only two schools he’s ever coached at, and in some ways if you’re a cat fan, that’s a little concerning cause you usually like to see guys branch off a little bit and potentially move into some bigger roles at P5 schools. It’ll be interesting to see if he decides to take the Stitt route and call the plays, cause usually guys like this who’ve been longtime OC and QB coaches like to be in control of the playbook. He’s got a big decision to make at DC, cat fans seem to like Daly, but as of now it looks as if there are only two assistant coach openings, and he may wanna bring in some guys he’s familiar with and feels comfortable with rather then be a total stranger walking into a room with a bunch of guys he’s likely never met.
The final thing that stands out is he’s a first time head coach. Last time that worked out for the cats, will it again? With how deeply invested he appears to be in the offensive side of the ball, how much familiarity does he have with the defensive side of the ball? What’s his recruiting background? Is he a fiery, passionate guy like Choate, cause that’s what appears to work for them. Maybe Titleist can enlighten us a little bit more as to what the cats are getting themselves into.
Overall, seems like a good hire, but how tight of a leash will cat fans put on him if he loses to the Griz next year? Should be an interesting game next year.
Go Griz!