[cardcrimson]

2-7 as head coach of Baylor last year. 12-2 this year; Big-12 and Sugar Bowl Champs. What made the difference?

"When the last season ended, Aranda did something coaches almost never do. He admitted that he was part of the problem. He said that being a career assistant coach had not properly prepared him for all the duties of a head coach. He needed to be more assertive in the decision-making process and more of a CEO than a coach. Can you imagine other coaches being so up-front about their own shortcomings?"

I for one can't imagine a coach even acknowledging their own shortcomings, let alone doing something about them. Interestingly, Aranda remade his coaching staff, especially on the offensive side after last season. Seems to have worked. . . .

https://www.texasmonthly.com/arts-entert...ve-aranda/

[cardcrimson]

2-7 as head coach of Baylor last year. 12-2 this year; Big-12 and Sugar Bowl Champs. What made the difference?

"When the last season ended, Aranda did something coaches almost never do. He admitted that he was part of the problem. He said that being a career assistant coach had not properly prepared him for all the duties of a head coach. He needed to be more assertive in the decision-making process and more of a CEO than a coach. Can you imagine other coaches being so up-front about their own shortcomings?"

I for one can't imagine a coach even acknowledging their own shortcomings, let alone doing something about them. Interestingly, Aranda remade his coaching staff, especially on the offensive side after last season. Seems to have worked. . . .

https://www.texasmonthly.com/arts-entert...ve-aranda/

[Hurlburt88]

Seems like a great example of successful introspection.  Hard to know when to stand pat and "continuously improve" versus shake things up which can have both larger risks and rewards.  I ask myself this about business issues I face often.

[Hurlburt88]

Seems like a great example of successful introspection.  Hard to know when to stand pat and "continuously improve" versus shake things up which can have both larger risks and rewards.  I ask myself this about business issues I face often.

[gailtate]

2-7 as head coach of Baylor last year. 12-2 this year; Big-12 and Sugar Bowl Champs. What made the difference?

"When the last season ended, Aranda did something coaches almost never do. He admitted that he was part of the problem. He said that being a career assistant coach had not properly prepared him for all the duties of a head coach. He needed to be more assertive in the decision-making process and more of a CEO than a coach. Can you imagine other coaches being so up-front about their own shortcomings?"

I for one can't imagine a coach even acknowledging their own shortcomings, let alone doing something about them. Interestingly, Aranda remade his coaching staff, especially on the offensive side after last season. Seems to have worked. . . .


https://www.texasmonthly.com/arts-entert...ve-aranda/

Gee whiz, who woulda thunk that such outlandish action might be so effective?

[gailtate]

2-7 as head coach of Baylor last year. 12-2 this year; Big-12 and Sugar Bowl Champs. What made the difference?

"When the last season ended, Aranda did something coaches almost never do. He admitted that he was part of the problem. He said that being a career assistant coach had not properly prepared him for all the duties of a head coach. He needed to be more assertive in the decision-making process and more of a CEO than a coach. Can you imagine other coaches being so up-front about their own shortcomings?"

I for one can't imagine a coach even acknowledging their own shortcomings, let alone doing something about them. Interestingly, Aranda remade his coaching staff, especially on the offensive side after last season. Seems to have worked. . . .


https://www.texasmonthly.com/arts-entert...ve-aranda/

Gee whiz, who woulda thunk that such outlandish action might be so effective?

[Farm93]

2-7 as head coach of Baylor last year. 12-2 this year; Big-12 and Sugar Bowl Champs. What made the difference?

"When the last season ended, Aranda did something coaches almost never do. He admitted that he was part of the problem. He said that being a career assistant coach had not properly prepared him for all the duties of a head coach. He needed to be more assertive in the decision-making process and more of a CEO than a coach. Can you imagine other coaches being so up-front about their own shortcomings?"

I for one can't imagine a coach even acknowledging their own shortcomings, let alone doing something about them. Interestingly, Aranda remade his coaching staff, especially on the offensive side after last season. Seems to have worked. . . .


https://www.texasmonthly.com/arts-entert...ve-aranda/

Gee whiz, who woulda thunk that such outlandish action might be so effective?

Psychologically this is really not easy to do, but it rather hard if you have ever had prior success in the role.

If it was easy to do Haase probably would have implemented a different offensive system by now.
Shaw has had prior success, so realistically a change like the one described would come from a new OC or a new coach.   Success in the current system requires getting more big dudes from The South through admissions.

[Farm93]

2-7 as head coach of Baylor last year. 12-2 this year; Big-12 and Sugar Bowl Champs. What made the difference?

"When the last season ended, Aranda did something coaches almost never do. He admitted that he was part of the problem. He said that being a career assistant coach had not properly prepared him for all the duties of a head coach. He needed to be more assertive in the decision-making process and more of a CEO than a coach. Can you imagine other coaches being so up-front about their own shortcomings?"

I for one can't imagine a coach even acknowledging their own shortcomings, let alone doing something about them. Interestingly, Aranda remade his coaching staff, especially on the offensive side after last season. Seems to have worked. . . .


https://www.texasmonthly.com/arts-entert...ve-aranda/

Gee whiz, who woulda thunk that such outlandish action might be so effective?

Psychologically this is really not easy to do, but it rather hard if you have ever had prior success in the role.

If it was easy to do Haase probably would have implemented a different offensive system by now.
Shaw has had prior success, so realistically a change like the one described would come from a new OC or a new coach.   Success in the current system requires getting more big dudes from The South through admissions.

[lex24]

2-7 as head coach of Baylor last year. 12-2 this year; Big-12 and Sugar Bowl Champs. What made the difference?

"When the last season ended, Aranda did something coaches almost never do. He admitted that he was part of the problem. He said that being a career assistant coach had not properly prepared him for all the duties of a head coach. He needed to be more assertive in the decision-making process and more of a CEO than a coach. Can you imagine other coaches being so up-front about their own shortcomings?"

I for one can't imagine a coach even acknowledging their own shortcomings, let alone doing something about them. Interestingly, Aranda remade his coaching staff, especially on the offensive side after last season. Seems to have worked. . . .


https://www.texasmonthly.com/arts-entert...ve-aranda/

Gee whiz, who woulda thunk that such outlandish action might be so effective?

Psychologically this is really not easy to do, but it rather hard if you have ever had prior success in the role.

If it was easy to do Haase probably would have implemented a different offensive system by now.
Shaw has had prior success, so realistically a change like the one described would come from a new OC or a new coach.   Success in the current system requires getting more big dudes from The South through admissions.

Read an article in The Athletic on Baylor. Couple points :  they were 11-3 and in Sugar Bowl in ‘19:

“And though Aranda deserves credit, Baylor’s 2021 success speaks to the program’s strong foundation. The Bears were in the Sugar Bowl in 2019, where they finished 11-3 and lost to Georgia. This season marked Baylor’s sixth with double-digit wins since 2011. Oklahoma and Oklahoma State are the only other Big 12 programs to achieve that feat. Baylor’s 90 wins since 2011 are second-most in Texas behind only Texas A&M. The Bears claimed their third conference title since 2013.”


 So ‘20 was an outlier.  Even more interesting, Aranda emphasized getting physical.  Wanted to establish that as an identity. Change the culture.  Offensively they ran the ball.  Heavily. 40 times a game for just over 200.   Defensively, they focused on stopping the run. 

 Sounds like a good formula to me.  I’ve seen it before somewhere in the not so distant past.  Worked well.  Be nice to see that emphasis return.

[lex24]

2-7 as head coach of Baylor last year. 12-2 this year; Big-12 and Sugar Bowl Champs. What made the difference?

"When the last season ended, Aranda did something coaches almost never do. He admitted that he was part of the problem. He said that being a career assistant coach had not properly prepared him for all the duties of a head coach. He needed to be more assertive in the decision-making process and more of a CEO than a coach. Can you imagine other coaches being so up-front about their own shortcomings?"

I for one can't imagine a coach even acknowledging their own shortcomings, let alone doing something about them. Interestingly, Aranda remade his coaching staff, especially on the offensive side after last season. Seems to have worked. . . .


https://www.texasmonthly.com/arts-entert...ve-aranda/

Gee whiz, who woulda thunk that such outlandish action might be so effective?

Psychologically this is really not easy to do, but it rather hard if you have ever had prior success in the role.

If it was easy to do Haase probably would have implemented a different offensive system by now.
Shaw has had prior success, so realistically a change like the one described would come from a new OC or a new coach.   Success in the current system requires getting more big dudes from The South through admissions.

Read an article in The Athletic on Baylor. Couple points :  they were 11-3 and in Sugar Bowl in ‘19:

“And though Aranda deserves credit, Baylor’s 2021 success speaks to the program’s strong foundation. The Bears were in the Sugar Bowl in 2019, where they finished 11-3 and lost to Georgia. This season marked Baylor’s sixth with double-digit wins since 2011. Oklahoma and Oklahoma State are the only other Big 12 programs to achieve that feat. Baylor’s 90 wins since 2011 are second-most in Texas behind only Texas A&M. The Bears claimed their third conference title since 2013.”


 So ‘20 was an outlier.  Even more interesting, Aranda emphasized getting physical.  Wanted to establish that as an identity. Change the culture.  Offensively they ran the ball.  Heavily. 40 times a game for just over 200.   Defensively, they focused on stopping the run. 

 Sounds like a good formula to me.  I’ve seen it before somewhere in the not so distant past.  Worked well.  Be nice to see that emphasis return.

[cardcrimson]

Shaw has had prior success, so realistically a change like the one described would come from a new OC or a new coach.   

No mention of Shaw in the op. But, now that you bring it up, you are absolutely correct, a change like Baylor enjoyed would have to come from a new OC or a new coach.

[cardcrimson]

Shaw has had prior success, so realistically a change like the one described would come from a new OC or a new coach.   

No mention of Shaw in the op. But, now that you bring it up, you are absolutely correct, a change like Baylor enjoyed would have to come from a new OC or a new coach.

[lex24]

Shaw has had prior success, so realistically a change like the one described would come from a new OC or a new coach.   

No mention of Shaw in the op. But, now that you bring it up, you are absolutely correct, a change like Baylor enjoyed would have to come from a new OC or a new coach.

Actually, no.  It could possibly be done by going back to the formula that brought them prominence.  Recruiting to it. Recreating the identity and pushing it. Give us a Tunnel Workers Union II. Add a Skov, Gardner, Murphy Chase Thomas type on defense. Get a top flight RB and ride him.

Need to regain the attitude. They will flounder if they try to become a pass happy offense. Play complimentary football again.

It’s a big ask. Not sure it can be pulled off. Just think they need to go back to what worked.

[lex24]

Shaw has had prior success, so realistically a change like the one described would come from a new OC or a new coach.   

No mention of Shaw in the op. But, now that you bring it up, you are absolutely correct, a change like Baylor enjoyed would have to come from a new OC or a new coach.

Actually, no.  It could possibly be done by going back to the formula that brought them prominence.  Recruiting to it. Recreating the identity and pushing it. Give us a Tunnel Workers Union II. Add a Skov, Gardner, Murphy Chase Thomas type on defense. Get a top flight RB and ride him.

Need to regain the attitude. They will flounder if they try to become a pass happy offense. Play complimentary football again.

It’s a big ask. Not sure it can be pulled off. Just think they need to go back to what worked.

[cardcrimson]

Shaw has had prior success, so realistically a change like the one described would come from a new OC or a new coach.   

No mention of Shaw in the op. But, now that you bring it up, you are absolutely correct, a change like Baylor enjoyed would have to come from a new OC or a new coach.

Actually, no.  It could possibly be done by going back to the formula that brought them prominence.  Recruiting to it. Recreating the identity and pushing it. Give us a Tunnel Workers Union II. Add a Skov, Gardner, Murphy Chase Thomas type on defense.  Get a top flight RB and ride him.

Need to regain the attitude.  They will flounder if they try to become a pass happy offense.  Play complimentary football again.

It’s a big ask.  Not sure it can be pulled off.  Just think they need to go back to what worked.

You mean like this:
https://www.si.com/nfl/texans/news/houst...head-coach

[cardcrimson]

Shaw has had prior success, so realistically a change like the one described would come from a new OC or a new coach.   

No mention of Shaw in the op. But, now that you bring it up, you are absolutely correct, a change like Baylor enjoyed would have to come from a new OC or a new coach.

Actually, no.  It could possibly be done by going back to the formula that brought them prominence.  Recruiting to it. Recreating the identity and pushing it. Give us a Tunnel Workers Union II. Add a Skov, Gardner, Murphy Chase Thomas type on defense.  Get a top flight RB and ride him.

Need to regain the attitude.  They will flounder if they try to become a pass happy offense.  Play complimentary football again.

It’s a big ask.  Not sure it can be pulled off.  Just think they need to go back to what worked.

You mean like this:
https://www.si.com/nfl/texans/news/houst...head-coach

[Goose]

Shaw has had prior success, so realistically a change like the one described would come from a new OC or a new coach.   

No mention of Shaw in the op. But, now that you bring it up, you are absolutely correct, a change like Baylor enjoyed would have to come from a new OC or a new coach.

Actually, no.  It could possibly be done by going back to the formula that brought them prominence.  Recruiting to it. Recreating the identity and pushing it. Give us a Tunnel Workers Union II. Add a Skov, Gardner, Murphy Chase Thomas type on defense.  Get a top flight RB and ride him.

Need to regain the attitude.  They will flounder if they try to become a pass happy offense.  Play complimentary football again.

It’s a big ask.  Not sure it can be pulled off.  Just think they need to go back to what worked.

You mean like this:
https://www.si.com/nfl/texans/news/houst...head-coach

That said, Harbaugh hired over/demoted him at Michigan and he subsequently left. No question Pep Hamilton has shown he has the ability to be a good coach. So was Harbaugh wrong? Could it also be that sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't, and nobody really knows why?

[Goose]

Shaw has had prior success, so realistically a change like the one described would come from a new OC or a new coach.   

No mention of Shaw in the op. But, now that you bring it up, you are absolutely correct, a change like Baylor enjoyed would have to come from a new OC or a new coach.

Actually, no.  It could possibly be done by going back to the formula that brought them prominence.  Recruiting to it. Recreating the identity and pushing it. Give us a Tunnel Workers Union II. Add a Skov, Gardner, Murphy Chase Thomas type on defense.  Get a top flight RB and ride him.

Need to regain the attitude.  They will flounder if they try to become a pass happy offense.  Play complimentary football again.

It’s a big ask.  Not sure it can be pulled off.  Just think they need to go back to what worked.

You mean like this:
https://www.si.com/nfl/texans/news/houst...head-coach

That said, Harbaugh hired over/demoted him at Michigan and he subsequently left. No question Pep Hamilton has shown he has the ability to be a good coach. So was Harbaugh wrong? Could it also be that sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't, and nobody really knows why?

[teejers1]

Shaw has had prior success, so realistically a change like the one described would come from a new OC or a new coach.   

No mention of Shaw in the op. But, now that you bring it up, you are absolutely correct, a change like Baylor enjoyed would have to come from a new OC or a new coach.

Actually, no.  It could possibly be done by going back to the formula that brought them prominence.  Recruiting to it. Recreating the identity and pushing it. Give us a Tunnel Workers Union II. Add a Skov, Gardner, Murphy Chase Thomas type on defense.  Get a top flight RB and ride him.

Need to regain the attitude.  They will flounder if they try to become a pass happy offense.  Play complimentary football again.

It’s a big ask.  Not sure it can be pulled off.  Just think they need to go back to what worked.

You can go back to complementary football (strong running and passing) without reverting to phone booth, heavy-set offense that you seem to favor.  If we're looking to a Back to the Future example, look at circa 1999 to 2001.  You can add a "Skov, Gardner, Murphy, Chase Thomas" on D to complement those kind of offenses - I'm all in favor of that!

This 5 minute highlight, from Oregon's perspective, provides a glimpse at what could be (again).  (This game is one of my all-time favorite Stanford regular season wins - just an incredible game.  And Stanford won, in spite of the zebras picking up a penalty flag on one of the most egregious and obvious "block in the back" penalties you'll ever see - 2 Oregon defenders pushed the putative Stanford tackler from behind).  Anyway, a wistful look at happier gridiron times:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0eYWcLsvH8

[teejers1]

Shaw has had prior success, so realistically a change like the one described would come from a new OC or a new coach.   

No mention of Shaw in the op. But, now that you bring it up, you are absolutely correct, a change like Baylor enjoyed would have to come from a new OC or a new coach.

Actually, no.  It could possibly be done by going back to the formula that brought them prominence.  Recruiting to it. Recreating the identity and pushing it. Give us a Tunnel Workers Union II. Add a Skov, Gardner, Murphy Chase Thomas type on defense.  Get a top flight RB and ride him.

Need to regain the attitude.  They will flounder if they try to become a pass happy offense.  Play complimentary football again.

It’s a big ask.  Not sure it can be pulled off.  Just think they need to go back to what worked.

You can go back to complementary football (strong running and passing) without reverting to phone booth, heavy-set offense that you seem to favor.  If we're looking to a Back to the Future example, look at circa 1999 to 2001.  You can add a "Skov, Gardner, Murphy, Chase Thomas" on D to complement those kind of offenses - I'm all in favor of that!

This 5 minute highlight, from Oregon's perspective, provides a glimpse at what could be (again).  (This game is one of my all-time favorite Stanford regular season wins - just an incredible game.  And Stanford won, in spite of the zebras picking up a penalty flag on one of the most egregious and obvious "block in the back" penalties you'll ever see - 2 Oregon defenders pushed the putative Stanford tackler from behind).  Anyway, a wistful look at happier gridiron times:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0eYWcLsvH8

[lex24]

Shaw has had prior success, so realistically a change like the one described would come from a new OC or a new coach.   

No mention of Shaw in the op. But, now that you bring it up, you are absolutely correct, a change like Baylor enjoyed would have to come from a new OC or a new coach.

Actually, no.  It could possibly be done by going back to the formula that brought them prominence.  Recruiting to it. Recreating the identity and pushing it. Give us a Tunnel Workers Union II. Add a Skov, Gardner, Murphy Chase Thomas type on defense.  Get a top flight RB and ride him.

Need to regain the attitude.  They will flounder if they try to become a pass happy offense.  Play complimentary football again.

It’s a big ask.  Not sure it can be pulled off.  Just think they need to go back to what worked.

You can go back to complementary football (strong running and passing) without reverting to phone booth, heavy-set offense that you seem to favor.  If we're looking to a Back to the Future example, look at circa 1999 to 2001.  You can add a "Skov, Gardner, Murphy, Chase Thomas" on D to complement those kind of offenses - I'm all in favor of that!

This 5 minute highlight, from Oregon's perspective, provides a glimpse at what could be (again).  (This game is one of my all-time favorite Stanford regular season wins - just an incredible game.  And Stanford won, in spite of the zebras picking up a penalty flag on one of the most egregious and obvious "block in the back" penalties you'll ever see - 2 Oregon defenders pushed the putative Stanford tackler from behind).  Anyway, a wistful look at happier gridiron times:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0eYWcLsvH8

You and I have beaten this to death over the years.  So, I’m simply going to end with a “we can agree to disagree “.

[lex24]

Shaw has had prior success, so realistically a change like the one described would come from a new OC or a new coach.   

No mention of Shaw in the op. But, now that you bring it up, you are absolutely correct, a change like Baylor enjoyed would have to come from a new OC or a new coach.

Actually, no.  It could possibly be done by going back to the formula that brought them prominence.  Recruiting to it. Recreating the identity and pushing it. Give us a Tunnel Workers Union II. Add a Skov, Gardner, Murphy Chase Thomas type on defense.  Get a top flight RB and ride him.

Need to regain the attitude.  They will flounder if they try to become a pass happy offense.  Play complimentary football again.

It’s a big ask.  Not sure it can be pulled off.  Just think they need to go back to what worked.

You can go back to complementary football (strong running and passing) without reverting to phone booth, heavy-set offense that you seem to favor.  If we're looking to a Back to the Future example, look at circa 1999 to 2001.  You can add a "Skov, Gardner, Murphy, Chase Thomas" on D to complement those kind of offenses - I'm all in favor of that!

This 5 minute highlight, from Oregon's perspective, provides a glimpse at what could be (again).  (This game is one of my all-time favorite Stanford regular season wins - just an incredible game.  And Stanford won, in spite of the zebras picking up a penalty flag on one of the most egregious and obvious "block in the back" penalties you'll ever see - 2 Oregon defenders pushed the putative Stanford tackler from behind).  Anyway, a wistful look at happier gridiron times:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0eYWcLsvH8

You and I have beaten this to death over the years.  So, I’m simply going to end with a “we can agree to disagree “.

[teejers1]

Shaw has had prior success, so realistically a change like the one described would come from a new OC or a new coach.   

No mention of Shaw in the op. But, now that you bring it up, you are absolutely correct, a change like Baylor enjoyed would have to come from a new OC or a new coach.

Actually, no.  It could possibly be done by going back to the formula that brought them prominence.  Recruiting to it. Recreating the identity and pushing it. Give us a Tunnel Workers Union II. Add a Skov, Gardner, Murphy Chase Thomas type on defense.  Get a top flight RB and ride him.

Need to regain the attitude.  They will flounder if they try to become a pass happy offense.  Play complimentary football again.

It’s a big ask.  Not sure it can be pulled off.  Just think they need to go back to what worked.

You can go back to complementary football (strong running and passing) without reverting to phone booth, heavy-set offense that you seem to favor.  If we're looking to a Back to the Future example, look at circa 1999 to 2001.  You can add a "Skov, Gardner, Murphy, Chase Thomas" on D to complement those kind of offenses - I'm all in favor of that!

This 5 minute highlight, from Oregon's perspective, provides a glimpse at what could be (again).  (This game is one of my all-time favorite Stanford regular season wins - just an incredible game.  And Stanford won, in spite of the zebras picking up a penalty flag on one of the most egregious and obvious "block in the back" penalties you'll ever see - 2 Oregon defenders pushed the putative Stanford tackler from behind).  Anyway, a wistful look at happier gridiron times:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0eYWcLsvH8

You and I have beaten this to death over the years.  So, I’m simply going to end with a “we can agree to disagree “.

And I'm going to end with paraphrasing of your position:  "We can't win with traditional pro style offense, so we have to revert to Woody Hayes's 3 yards and a cloud of dust."  
Archaic.  
Not formula for success (putting aside whether anyone would want to play in such an O - why do you think Stanford won those 2 Rose Bowls in 70 and 71).  
Oh yeah, absolutely fan-interest-killing, to boot.

[teejers1]

Shaw has had prior success, so realistically a change like the one described would come from a new OC or a new coach.   

No mention of Shaw in the op. But, now that you bring it up, you are absolutely correct, a change like Baylor enjoyed would have to come from a new OC or a new coach.

Actually, no.  It could possibly be done by going back to the formula that brought them prominence.  Recruiting to it. Recreating the identity and pushing it. Give us a Tunnel Workers Union II. Add a Skov, Gardner, Murphy Chase Thomas type on defense.  Get a top flight RB and ride him.

Need to regain the attitude.  They will flounder if they try to become a pass happy offense.  Play complimentary football again.

It’s a big ask.  Not sure it can be pulled off.  Just think they need to go back to what worked.

You can go back to complementary football (strong running and passing) without reverting to phone booth, heavy-set offense that you seem to favor.  If we're looking to a Back to the Future example, look at circa 1999 to 2001.  You can add a "Skov, Gardner, Murphy, Chase Thomas" on D to complement those kind of offenses - I'm all in favor of that!

This 5 minute highlight, from Oregon's perspective, provides a glimpse at what could be (again).  (This game is one of my all-time favorite Stanford regular season wins - just an incredible game.  And Stanford won, in spite of the zebras picking up a penalty flag on one of the most egregious and obvious "block in the back" penalties you'll ever see - 2 Oregon defenders pushed the putative Stanford tackler from behind).  Anyway, a wistful look at happier gridiron times:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0eYWcLsvH8

You and I have beaten this to death over the years.  So, I’m simply going to end with a “we can agree to disagree “.

And I'm going to end with paraphrasing of your position:  "We can't win with traditional pro style offense, so we have to revert to Woody Hayes's 3 yards and a cloud of dust."  
Archaic.  
Not formula for success (putting aside whether anyone would want to play in such an O - why do you think Stanford won those 2 Rose Bowls in 70 and 71).  
Oh yeah, absolutely fan-interest-killing, to boot.