Some new OC ideas - Please post yours

Submitted by Ron Utah on

The rumor mill is in full swing, and it appears as few as one offensive coach could be returning.  My guess is that the returning coach is Jay Harbaugh.  It now appears that Al Washington has been hired.

umbig11 has noted that JH is looking for offensive minds the same way he found Don Brown--looking for the best offenses in the country to poach top-flight coaches.  In that spirit, I stopped listening to rumors and started researching the top offensive minds that might be compatible with Michigan.

After a quick scan of the top P5 offenses, here are three names I believe would be great choices for our new OC.  In order to keep this conversation somewhat realistic, there are some key criteria: 1) Cannot be current OC at blueblood program.  2) Cannot be coaching at their alma mater as an OC/HC.  3) Cannot be an OC of a "spread-to-run" offense where the QB is a featured runner.

  • Mike Yurcich, Oklahoma State OC/QB - Yurcich is one of the top offensive minds in the country.  He is an Ohio native, went to school in PA, and coaching in IN and PA before moving to OK State.  While his spread system would be a drastic departure from UM's current philosophy, it does not focus on a running QB.  I do believe we have the personnel to run this system.
  • Mike Norvell, Memphis HC - Norvell's offense at Memphis was #4 in total offense, #2 in scoring offense, and #4 in S&P+.  The former ASU OC runs a pro/spread hybrid.  His OC, Darrell Dickey, was just hired as TAMU's OC by Jimbo Fisher.  The run game coordinator/OL coach, Ryan Silverfield, would be another intriguing hire.
  • Phil Longo, Ole Miss OC/QB - What if Shea Patterson could run the same offense at Michigan?  Ole Miss boasted the #9 S&P+ offense in 2017, Longo's first year as OC.  Longo grew up in NJ and has coached in MN, OH, PA, and IL.  More recently, he rewrote the record books at FCS Sam Houston State, amassing over 6,500 yards in 2016--over 4,500 passing and 2,000 rushing.

Of these three, my top choice would be Norvell, as I believe he is the most compatible with our current style and personnel.  But any of them would be quantum leap forward.

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ReCruton

January 4th, 2018 at 3:27 PM ^

What about Ken Wisenhunt?

The Chargers aren't about to take leaps and bounds forward with Rivers nearing the end of his career, and he has a proven track record of invigorating offenses and is an innovator -- just a thought from the NFL side of possible hires!

Joined: 02/01/2016

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Mr Miggle

January 4th, 2018 at 4:45 PM ^

Contradicts what everyone else says about Wheatley. It sounds like Hamilton will be joining them. It makes sense that guys who go back to the NFL may not like recruiting, but obviously you don't hire the guys you expect to return to the NFL. I'd say Zordich is working out pretty well. Fisch and Jay proved to be good recruiters. Drevno and Baxter were mostly college guys who are not ace recruitiers. I'd prefer to judge the potential hires on a case by case basis. 

Joined: 10/07/2010

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buddha

January 4th, 2018 at 3:32 PM ^

A few ideas:

  • Troy Walters at UCF: I'm not sure what his status is...will he join Frost in Nebraska or take over the healm at UCF? Either way, he's a great football mind, has an awesome background, brings some much needed diversity to the offensive staff, and helped lead a top-10 scoring offense in the country this past year
  • Walt Bell at Maryland: Injuries aside, Maryland's offense has looked pretty good under Bell who is widely credited as being one of the best young offensive minds in the game. He's also considered a great recruiter.
  • Brian Wright at Toledo: He helped turn Kareem Hunt into an NFL allstar. In his two years, Toledo has posted some impressive numbers on offense, including a #14 finish in total offense in 2017...

 

Those are just a few. Curious about thoughts to them...

Joined: 10/08/2009

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LabattsBleu

January 4th, 2018 at 3:36 PM ^

Chad O'Shea

WR coach with the patriots... He's been there for nine years and has done some pretty amazing things with their WRs...

you'd think that some of Brady, MacDaniels and Bellichick's influence have rubbed off on him

coached 7 years in college at Houston and southern miss... was recruiting coodinator at both Houston and southern miss as well as ST coordinator as southern miss.

looks to be in his early 40s

Joined: 10/06/2012

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mfan92

January 4th, 2018 at 3:38 PM ^

Norel will be a HC next year. And Yurich runs spread all shotgun. Harbaugh will always have his FB. I won't be surprised if it's roman. And maybe another guy from a 'smaller' school to help out. Should've got jedd back

Joined: 12/06/2016

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Mongo

January 4th, 2018 at 3:39 PM ^

Jim Harbaugh needs to be the OC. Stock the ranks with superb position coaches and a booth guy who can read college-level defensive alignments. Jim sets the game plan, booth guy provides intel / ideas, and Jim calls the plays.

Joined: 06/25/2016

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SalvatoreQuattro

January 4th, 2018 at 3:50 PM ^

is getting real old. People apparently think he is Don Coryell and RichRod rolled into one. The guy contributed to some okay offenses here, but Norv Turner with the Cowboys he was not.

Joined: 11/30/2010

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Hail Harbo

January 4th, 2018 at 3:58 PM ^

Might take a look at Major Applewhite, current first year HC of Houston.  He's had his ups and downs with coaching.  Was hired by Saban to be his OC at Alabama, was also fired by Saban.  Anyway, he's still well thought of in Texas, he might be worth a look.

Joined: 06/18/2015

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jsquigg

January 4th, 2018 at 4:20 PM ^

I wouldn't mind Mike Riley coming in.  As much as he's failed as a head man, he's put some decent offenses together and he might do well when not having to focus on other sides of the ball.  I want to sy that I prefer the other names mentioned like Canada, but you could do worse than Riley.

Joined: 09/06/2009

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Harlans Haze

January 4th, 2018 at 4:27 PM ^

considering Jedd Fisch is a bad idea. Aside from this year, with UCLA, he's only had one real OC stint, with a talent-poor Jacksonville team. He's coached under some good offensive minds (Shanahan, Spurrier) and cut his teeth under some good defensive guys (Capers). It seems that recruits have been able to relate to him.

But, if you're looking for the Don Brown of offense, I think I found the guy:

Courtney Messingham. Here's his NDSU bio:

http://gobison.com/coaches.aspx?rc=1133&path=football

Admitedly, it would be hard to hire him away from a longtime friend at NDSU, but a significant raise at UM would go a long way toward making it work.

 

 

Joined: 11/26/2014

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HailHail47

January 4th, 2018 at 4:29 PM ^

Whoever Harbaugh wants. I trust his judgment. I think bringing in Greg Roman and or Dan Enos would be great. We really need more innovative schemes on that side of the ball. If we get Roman, I predict a lot of bitching from fans, but I think he will ultimately be good for our team.

Joined: 10/07/2017

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Perkis-Size Me

January 4th, 2018 at 4:40 PM ^

I really don't care. Someone who can run an offense effectively and maximize the talent of the guys he has on his roster. That's all I really care about. 

I don't care if it's Bill Belichek or some no-name guy from the NAIA. If they can coach an offense and put players in position to succeed, that is the only important thing to me. 

Joined: 11/30/2011

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stephenrjking

January 4th, 2018 at 4:52 PM ^

Suggestions of guys who run significantly different offenses (i.e. Air raid, spread option, etc) are pipe dreams. Harbaugh has a way he wants to operate and he's built a team for it. Even if he cleans house the offense that is on the field next year will be his offense and look rather similar to the last three. More developed? Sure, presumably with better QB and line play. But similar. The name that sticks out to me is Matt Canada, who appears to be on his way out at LSU but whose jet concepts and background could mesh well with Harbaugh. But I'm not the Roman hater some are; I'm fine if it's him.

Joined: 03/15/2012

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MgoJunT

January 4th, 2018 at 4:53 PM ^

Experience with a pistol offense, experience along the oline and tes. Stops at nevada, arkansas and currently louisville. Maybe not oc, but possible oline coach.

Joined: 01/02/2018

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MgoJunT

January 4th, 2018 at 4:53 PM ^

Experience with a pistol offense, experience along the oline and tes. Stops at nevada, arkansas and currently louisville. Maybe not oc, but possible oline coach.

Joined: 01/02/2018

MGoPoints: 61

GMSUM

January 4th, 2018 at 5:52 PM ^

Glanced at S&P offense rankings last 4 years. Realistic potential candidates that have had averaged a top 20 offensive last 4 years. Dan Enos Brian Wright Dan Werner Phil Longo

Joined: 12/29/2017

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BlueHenBlue

January 4th, 2018 at 6:18 PM ^

Scott Loeffler has TONS of experience with college-level offenses, is relatively young (43) and hungry for success, has worked with many successful QB’s (such as Tom Brady). Former Michigan QB, was around during the ‘97 NC year. Seems unassuming and willing to forgo the spotlight for JH.

I’m not looking for lights-out offense here. We can go the way with the defenses we’ve had. Just need some competent offense to eat up clock and not turn the ball over.

Joined: 10/19/2009

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