By: LONNY DEMAREE
Big success lies in first-avenue on the street called winner. That’s the first step in a novice head coach’s career.
Stoops has a long linage of coaches in his family and it’s little doubt that’s one of the things that stood out when Mitch Barnhart was searching for a new head coach. We are starting to see signs that it’s working. Often times that is not a true indicator for success.
The next step is having someone that you trust; 3) having someone that can recruit; 4) having someone that can coach; 5) and most of all someone that can teach on and off the field.
For a new coach to put together a staff that is successful is in sometimes in the luck of the draw and in somebody’s recommendation. The coach has to create some coaching capital along with, in UK’s case someone that’s comfortable that he is going to get established. Now with gradual improvement Stoops is the dean of the SEC east. D. J. Eliot who he knew and coach with was one of his hires. He and Eliot came to UK together from Florida State. A big name school but Eliot to be placed in a position of responsibility at UK where there were uncertainties. Eliot failed the test because Stoops assumed a large responsibility of defensive coordinator duties. But Eliot was someone that he trusted to be loyal to him.
Neal Brown who is proving himself to be a quick learner at Troy State University was a recommendation for Stoops to hire primarily for the “Air Raid” that the fan base was hung up on.
Other than a short stint at LSU as special team’s coordinator, Bradley Peveto was hired in the same position at UK and failed miserably. Stoops hired Craig Naivar in 2014 who couldn’t figure out how to wear his hear wear on the sideline. He too lasted only one year after failing as special team’s coordinator.
Special teams is one-third of the entire football team and a big indicator in a teams win/lost success. The best special team/kicking game coordinator I’ve ever witness is Mark Nelson. He coached the likes of Derek Abney and Craig Yeast that were tremendous return specialist. Nelson’s team rare got blocking in the back penalties. His coverage teams didn’t allow long returns.
Now in the sixth-year it looks as though beginning with last season he finally has the overall coaching staff in place that along with the Jimmy’s-and-Joes that can put wins on the board consistently.
Dean Hood came aboard last season and special team’s coordinator and showed marked improvement. Along with those duties he is back at home at secondary which is his bailiwick. Stoop brought in Brad White from the Indianapolis Colts to coach the outside linebackers. Stoops hired Michael Smith who learned his craft under crusty veteran Kansas State University Head Coach Bill Snyder a future Hall of Fame coach. Wide receiver play should show marked improvement. The season will be the third season for Eddie Gran and Darin Hinshaw both of vast experience. Based on what we’ve seen from those two, they know what they are doing.
For a first time coach such as Stoops was sometimes it take time to put together a staff that meets all the aforementioned qualifications. This season could be very interesting.
vBulletin Message