OT - OK State QB Teaches New OC Offensive System

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/george_schroeder/04/14/okl...

Interesting article about how Oklahoma State is handling hiring a new Offensive Coordinator Monken and their 27 year old QB Weeden teaching his coach his offense:

According to Cowboys coach Mike Gundy, the 27-year-old quarterback knows the offense as well as any of the coaches, so who better to help out the new guy? Still, everyone including Monken admits the entire situation this spring has been "a little odd."

Monken, a Jacksonville Jaguars assistant for the last four years, has a diverse background. Gundy knew him well from a previous stint as Oklahoma State's receivers coach. But Monken had never worked specifically with Mike Leach's version of the spread, or Holgorsen's more run-friendly derivative.

"He was willing to come in and work within our system," Gundy said, "which allowed us to make one guy adjust instead of making 60 people adjust. That's why he was a good fit."

The way that the OC was hired is even more fascinating to me:

So when Holgorsen left, Weeden asked Gundy for input on the replacement. Gundy's first thought was exactly what you'd think he'd think: "I'm the coach, he's the player."

But as he considered the request, Gundy recognized the unique situation. It wasn't just that he wanted to keep the system intact, with only a few minor tweaks. He also had a star quarterback whose maturity and relationship with the coaches had grown quickly into something more commonly found in the NFL than in college. When else would that happen? Gundy realized Weeden had a point.

Gundy kept Weeden briefed on the search. After narrowing it to Monken, he put them on the phone together. During a conversation that lasted maybe a half-hour, player and prospective coach hit it off. If Weeden hadn't felt comfortable, Gundy might have turned to another candidate, but it wasn't necessary.

That last quote is just crazy to me.  Imagine if Denard literally was allowed to choose who his new OC was.  We have all heard how coaches should stick to what they know and run the systems that have gotten them sucess.  Coach Mike "I'm Still a Man I'm over 40" Gundy is trying the opposite approach and I am curious to see if their offense will be similarly prolific.