Hello, friends.
We're going to have a lot to discuss over the next few weeks about Iowa's next offensive coordinator. Obviously, a lot of us are salivating/masturbating over the prospect of a spread guru so that all quarters can be like the 2011 Pitt fourth quarter (because that's totally how it works), but the reality is that Ken O'Keefe's departure was hardly Kirk Ferentz's decision to make, so the notion that Ferentz would go in a decidedly different direction from a tactical standpoint probably needs a little more logical footing before it's something to seriously entertain.
Marc Morehouse over at the Gazette ran down the list of possible replacements from within, and there was this nugget about Erik Campbell buried in Lester Erb's blurb (A "Lester blerb," if you will) that I hadn't been aware of:
Lester Erb
He's been the journeyman of Ferentz's staff, starting with receivers in 2000, adding co-special teams and then moving to running backs and co-special teams.
If the hire comes from within, it's hard to say where he'd rank. Campbell has been offered a job nearly every year he's been at Iowa (Michigan came knocking when Brady Hoke took over).
Emphasis ours. So, this poses an interesting question about Campbell's desirability from outside, and one that has at least two plausible answers. And the question is this: Does Erik Campbell's status as a coveted assistant coach make him more likely to be promoted to Iowa's offensive coordinator?
Possible answer 1: Yes, because he's a successful coach. Despite the long-term status of coaches like KOK, Norm Parker, and Lester Erb, the strata in which collegiate assistants exist (FBS positional coach, FBS coordinator/assistant head coach) are hardly static; look at Joe Philbin's ascension to NFL head coach from Iowa offensive line coach in the matter of a decade. Assistants usually come and go, and it's almost a little troubling when they don't; football coaching job status usually follows the military "up or out" model -- though hardly to the same rigid extent, since we're talking about hundreds of different directly competing employers in Division I alone.
Still, considering the competitive nature of coaching, coaches are almost always loath to turn down possibilities for career advancement, and the odds of Erik Campbell getting a coordinating job -- even at a non-BCS or even FCS school -- over the next few years are probably pretty significant. And most importantly, this is a rare opportunity for Kirk Ferentz to lock up Campbell long-term without having to ditch a sitting assistant beforehand. Ferentz isn't the firing type (if I were a head coach, I wouldn't be either, for whatever it's worth), so it's now or never to give Campbell the raise/promotion that'll keep him in Iowa City long-term, and Ferentz has to be aware of that.
Possible answer 2: No, because it's not a move that Ferentz has to make if he doesn't think it's perfect. Contra the earlier points, the fact is that Erik Campbell has never been a coordinator in his entire coaching career, Yes, he was Lloyd Carr's assistant head coach at Michigan for five years, and that is absolutely worth something, but the fact is that Campbell has never run an offense before, and Kirk Ferentz could hardly be blamed for wanting a coordinator with a resume of running an offense that Ferentz is familiar with. The wide receivers coach is hardly calling any plays in a Kirk Ferentz program, after all.
Moreover, even though Michigan came calling before last season to reinstall Campbell at WR coach, Campbell turned them down, and he didn't even need a promotion at Iowa to sweeten the deal. He's still not an assistant head coach, like he was under Carr. As Morehouse notes, Campbell now has an established history of turning down job offers to stay at Iowa. You know who else has an established history of turning down job offers to stay at Iowa? Kirk Ferentz himself.
Last, Ferentz has a history of letting assistants walk instead of promoting them. Obviously, that's because the coordinator position has never been open, but in 2000, Ferentz had a future NFL head coach (Philbin) and a future 2-time (so far) Rose Bowl coach on his coaching roster (Bret Bielema) -- not to mention future Arizona Cardinals DL coach Ron Aiken and future horrible SDSU head coach Chuck Long -- and none of them received significant promotions, opting instead to pursue better opportunities elsewhere. Hey, that's how coaching works. Up or out.
So if Ferentz doesn't feel like Campbell is the best man for the offensive coordinator job right now, he clearly has no qualms about letting them go off somewhere else, and that's okay! It's the nature of the industry. The college football world is full of full of positional coaches and coordinators who have their own ideas about offenses, and the vast majority of them at FCS and above would at listen to Ferentz.
So what do you think?
0 recs | 91 comments
Welcome back.
Bucketochicken - February 4, 2012
"Just when I thought I was out,
They pull me back in"
Clint Barton - February 4, 2012
How I picture the BHGP mods/authors now
Notclevr - February 4, 2012
Which one is Mista Cah-ti-air?
Eyeheartfreedumb - February 5, 2012
Didn't
Epstein recently pass away? Those kids always learned a life lesson.
IowaPharmer - February 5, 2012
Wait.
So Michigan is now trying to poach a guy they let go? (Campbell)
What a bunch of maize-and-blue-douches.
WaterlooChazz - February 4, 2012
Notre Dame was rumored too
PSD - February 4, 2012
Well, Notre Dame never fired the guy, so I don't have as big a problem there.
WaterlooChazz - February 4, 2012
right
but I thought we were talking about douches
PSD - February 4, 2012
Well, Notre Dame does fit neatly there.
Norm Parker's Amputated Toes - February 4, 2012
Michigan didn't fire him either
He just left when Carr retired.
NorseHawk - February 4, 2012
Well, would RichRod have kept him?
Because, if not, then that’s about the same as a firing, to me.
WaterlooChazz - February 4, 2012
Probably not
He wanted his own guys which is completely understandable, as is Hoke wanting to bring back in a great coach who had worked with in the past. I don’t see how it makes them douchey at all.
NorseHawk - February 4, 2012
What makes them douchey
is that they shoved a National Title-winning coach (Carr) out the door, including most of his staff.
Then reversed course 3 or 4 years later and were trying to bring guys back from conference opponents, for what would probably be a similar position (Campbell doesn’t get the OC at Michigan, right?)
To me, the whole picture is a contrast to the “Michigan men – we do things in a classy manner” image that they like to portray. But, I guess it isn’t the first time (Tractor Traylor’s SUVs, etc).
WaterlooChazz - February 4, 2012
Have you read Three and Out?
If you’re upset about the Michigan situation, it may be an interesting read. I’ve not been able to find it locally and have yet to convince myself to order it online.
The Mexican't - February 4, 2012
Have not.
I think I’ve heard of it, awhile back.
We’ll see how quick I get to it, as I have several sports books laying around that I either have yet to read, or am half-way done with.
WaterlooChazz - February 4, 2012
That makes them douches?
tyger1147 - February 4, 2012
I was under the impression maize-and-blue and douche were one in the same.
Smokin Herb Grigsby - February 4, 2012
KOK's hair is glorious
Hope it fares well in the humidity of SoFla
GaryDolphinSafeTuna - February 4, 2012 via mobile
/Zook'd
Eyeheartfreedumb - February 5, 2012
This seems like a bad reason to NOT give a talented coach a chance to be a coordinator. I’m not fully on-board the “Campbell for OC” train, but I also think that KF should NOT use loyalty as a justification for NOT giving someone more money or more responsibility. After all, if Iowa’s ADs had used that thought process, Ferentz might “only” be making 1.5 or 2 million dollars per year right now.
WaterlooChazz - February 4, 2012
I am still in complete shock.
I can’t believe God listens to Twitter hash tags.
mattbednar - February 4, 2012
Are there any player/recruits that may loose interest and ask for transfers?
Im thinking the young rb’s or qb’s that were looking forward to the status quo “professional offense” but anyone in particular?
chuck longs mom - February 4, 2012
I don't see Ferentz ditching a scheme that he's been so faithful to over the years.
Hell or high water, and all that.
Norm Parker's Amputated Toes - February 4, 2012
I hope not..
I think we drafted a pretty descent rookie class this year and am looking forward to following them though their career (like always)
chuck longs mom - February 4, 2012
Considering how they told every recruit that asked about that regarding the defense, I agree.
tyger1147 - February 4, 2012
Good to have you back, Jacobi!
My personal take on the OC job is that Campbell gets it. Chances are pretty good that at least a chunk of the terminology would remain in place, making for an easier transition for the offense. Plus, it seems that it would be easier to bring someone in from outside to be a position coach versus a coordinator. I thought for sure last night that Brian Ferentz would be a sure thing as a position coach, but after thinking about it, I don’t think he’ll leave the Pats. McDaniels clearly wants to be a HC and if rumors are to be believed, BF was an option for BB to be the play caller had JMcD turned him down, so I don’t think he would even make the jump to college position coach.
Swarley - February 4, 2012
An positive transition would be good
but we need some changes on the offensive side of the ball. We don’t need more of the same.
I already miss Ken, but we don’t need more of the same facilitated by an easy transition.
Eyeheartfreedumb - February 5, 2012
We need to find a guy named Wang
Then we won’t have to think up any new jokes.
Brock Sampson - February 4, 2012
The only good Asian OC ever was Norm Chow
therealCatnuts - February 4, 2012
Mao was solid on defense
Long March/d
Blackheartnopants - February 4, 2012 via Android app
Yep.
Some of his ideas were downright revolutionary.
WaterlooChazz - February 4, 2012
8,000 miles in a year while defending against a force nearly three times your size?
That’s both solid offense AND defense. It’s like he had Mike Martz and Buddy Ryan as generals.
mikjones24 - February 4, 2012
If I'm Ferentz and I want to keep Campbell without giving him the OC position,
I take advantage of the OC hire to restructure and give him quarterbacks. Solid raise and the title of WR and QB coach might be enough to keep him around – that is, if he wasn’t going to stay around regardless. Plus, what’s not to like about having the same coach working with WR’s and the QB?
Third Generation Hawk - February 4, 2012
If Soup doesn't get OC
And you give him another title, I think the only one he would get is Associate HC.
tigerhawk61 - February 4, 2012
I'd go with Assistant to the Regional Manager
Ill Jukes - February 4, 2012
Heyooo
Third Generation Hawk - February 4, 2012
Assistant Regional Manager?
tyger1147 - February 4, 2012
Assistant TO the Regional Manager, Dwight
Brock8144 - February 5, 2012 via mobile
Associate Gum Chewer
Smokin Herb Grigsby - February 4, 2012
Agreed: that would be a good title for him, too at this point.
But seriously, if he’s not going to be OC, make him the QB coach. I know there’s a lot more to quarterbacking than hucking the ball to the receivers, but Soup is by all accounts a great coach, and if somebody has to coach our quarterbacks, we might as well have the same guy coaching the player who throws the ball and the players who catch the ball. Maybe they can practice some sort of mind meld.
Third Generation Hawk - February 4, 2012
He doesn't have enough spots for an OC that doesn't take a position
so if you’re going to make Campbell the quarterbacks coach, the new OC would have to coach another position (presumably WR, which KOK did in his first season here). Two questions: Has Ferentz decided he wants his OC to coach QB’s because he wants his coordinator and quarterback on the same page (I would guess yes, but it’s a guess) and, more importantly, if you think Campbell is good enough to keep around but not good enough for OC, you’re probably still going to lose him to an OC job in the near future. Loyalty only goes so far.
Also, there’s no raise with the change in position, or at least there hasn’t been when other assistants have changed positional responsibilities in the past.
Patrick Vint - February 4, 2012
I believe he's saying that he would add the quarterbacks responsibility to Campell's current WR position.
Then, the OC would not need to take control of a position. Ferentz deciding as you’ve suggested that he wants his OC to be on the same level as his quarterbacks makes plenty of sense, though.
hkobb7 - February 5, 2012
Couldn't he make him assistant head coach and leave him as a position coach?
This would be a boost in status and pay and he could still bring in someone new.
Squawkeye - February 6, 2012
Yeah! Look at what he did with QB Marvin McNutt!
Wait, that’s not what you meant, is it?
Eyeheartfreedumb - February 5, 2012
I think Campbell is the best option personally
with a QB coach hired to take over the open space left.
justsomehawkeyefan - February 4, 2012
what about co-coordinators?
Campbell and Erb
PSD - February 4, 2012
Raih fills an opening as QB coach
PSD - February 4, 2012
I want to punch you in the face.
I’d rather have Erb Grigsby as coordinator.
Patrick Vint - February 4, 2012
Well then you can't image our WRs would be any good.
At catching, anyway.
mikjones24 - February 4, 2012
YOU CALLED?!!
Smokin Herb Grigsby - February 4, 2012
considering Ferentz's conservative nature
perhaps this is a solution to potential deflections?
PSD - February 4, 2012
#PV4LERBFANCLUBPREZ
HoyaGoon - February 5, 2012 via mobile
I agree with KF's take on not promoting simply to keep an assistant.
The coordinator positions are too important to keep any position coach if the guy wouldn’t be a quality fit for the position.
My hope is they get some “new blood” in the program. I fully expect that KF with have a ‘pro-style’ offense that’s going to be focused around the run and depending on a good OL.
But, my expectation is that there will be some variance in the offensive play calling than what we’ve seen. I really think that could play to Iowa advantage. Greater flexibility in adapting the offense to the available personnel is something I think the program could benefit from. That includes spreading the field more, and “the Wildcat” or at least adapting the offense to use more of the run-spread style of offense. Not talking about going to changing to a spread but taking advantage of getting kids into space more often.
Steven Dailey - February 4, 2012
You will get the screen pass and you will like it!
Otherwise, your post makes me lawl each time I read “Wildcat” and “run-spread.”
Have you noticed who our head coach is? Because to KF a “spread” is what you do during warm-ups.
Eyeheartfreedumb - February 5, 2012
At this point on Feb. 4th...
… it almost has to be someone on the staff. As Morehouse said, spring practice is about six weeks away. This is playing into Ferentz’s hands exactly as he envisioned.
Lukateake - February 4, 2012
Ferentz, monitoring BHGP from his secret lair, says ...
“Excellent! All is going according to plan. I have Vint and Jacoby eggsACTlee where I want them.”
Blackheartnopants - February 4, 2012 via Android app
I dont agree with promoting to keep an assistant either
but i also think Soup is more than qualified for the job.
justsomehawkeyefan - February 4, 2012
Welcome back Mr. Jacobi
I know it’s not what you wanted to happen, but selfishly, we have one of the best internetz writers back in the fold!!
Also #SOUP4DC
All fantastic points, I think you have to take a chance at this point, if you’re bringing in someone from outside to be DC (Please) then an internal OC hire is certainly ok in my book.
I haven’t been this excited about an upcoming Hawkeye season since 2011!!!!!
The Nihilist - February 4, 2012
You're excited?!
Feel these nipples!!
Brock8144 - February 5, 2012 via mobile
Soup gets OC and QB's
P.J. Fleck comes in to do WR’s
OK, probably not.
Flakbait - February 4, 2012
So...
Perhaps with Coach Soup as the OC Ferentz can help mold him into the OC he (Ferentz) wants/needs for his system. Soup does have some experience with the system (re: Michigan stint) and being involved here the past few years. Just my thoughts…
KF Bubblegum - February 4, 2012
Did Campbell's arrival lead to the TE being de-emphasized in the offense?
I really miss that part of Iowa’s offense. It’s probably due to personell more than anything but just a thought.
Chief Okemos - February 5, 2012
No.
Just no. It had everything to do with personnel and wasn’t even an issue until this season
HoyaGoon - February 5, 2012 via mobile
Brandon Myers, TonyMo, and Allen Reisner would like a word with you, but they're busy counting their NFL lucre right now.
Eyeheartfreedumb - February 5, 2012
Didn't Campbell come at the end of the Moeaki's Iowa career
Chief Okemos - February 5, 2012
Campbell was here in 2008
so the last two years of Tony Mo’s career were with Campbell on staff
HoyaGoon - February 5, 2012
It's not true, but even if it were how would what happens to the TEs be related to who the WR coach is?
He’s not designing the offense, and the TEs have a separate coach.
NorseHawk - February 5, 2012
Because he has made the WR's much better, thus taking away targets from the Tight ends
at least I assume that is what he meant.
clay-born to party - February 5, 2012
All Campbell has ever done since coming to Iowa...
…is succeed brilliantly as a recruiter and position coach.
Promote the man, hire a QB coach, and after Iowa wins the 2015 Rose Bowl, name Soup as the successor to KF at the end of 2020 season.
Roosevelt - February 5, 2012
So kill me - I'm dumb for repeating this.
Rumor on one of the dumber Iowa msg boards has Iowa announcing a DC on Tuesday.
FiveSecondRuleChef - February 5, 2012 via mobile
Isn't the press conference on Wednesday?
They going to beat the curve by a whole 24 hours?
mikjones24 - February 5, 2012
I don't know. I'm just a parrot.
FiveSecondRuleChef - February 5, 2012 via mobile
Do you want a cracker?
Bucketochicken - February 5, 2012
Is your name Polly too?
EnergizerHawk - February 6, 2012
Pining for the fjords?
IPeeBlackAndGold - February 7, 2012
It isn't all that dumb
Announce who it is on Tuesday and he’s in town Wednesday for the presser. Everybody knew about Fran before his official introduction, so it’s not like it would be anything new.
Flakbait - February 5, 2012
Nope.
You have to make Tom Bradley wear sunglasses and a fake mustache for 24 hours. I’m pretty sure there’s a Big Ten rule regarding this.
WaterlooChazz - February 5, 2012
So I was thinking last night...
Shouldn’t we be looking around at the coaches of smaller schools that score a bunch too?
Norm Parker's Amputated Toes - February 5, 2012
I think KF is less interested in "scoring a bunch"
and more interested in time of possession with long grind it out scoring drives.
FiveSecondRuleChef - February 5, 2012 via mobile
Iowa's schemes are Borg-like in their assimilating nature.
Because we bend-don’t-break on defense, often give the opponent long, time consuming drives…
…..which means that they have a limited number of possessions each game….
….which means that WE have a limited number of possessions each game…..
…..which means that we want to also have a ball-control offense that takes time…..
……because then no team can get way ahead of the other, since the number of
possessions on both sides is limited…..
……which means that, even with less talented players, we will likely remain in the game into the fourth quarter……
…….in the hope that, with a break or two either way, we will be ahead when the clock hits 0:00.
That’s the philosophy in a nutshell: reduce the number of possessions in a game, and keep it close. That reduces talent disparities, which KF always feels we have, even against weaker opponents (my opinion). Which explains why we always play to the level of the competition: we can’t get comfortably far ahead nor far behind following the above philosophy. This is a recipe for close games, barring turnovers and repeated big plays.
The clock changes in college FB have only magnified the effects of this approach, since there are less plays anyway, since those changes went into effect.
In sum: that is our system, and everything we do is swallowed up by it, since time is limited, the one thing in college FB that is inevitable and cannot be altered—eventually, it will run out. It even affects special teams—it’s the reason we always take the ball, according to KF. Slowing the game defines the game. In essence, we’re running the football version of the ‘Four Corner’ offense on both sides of the ball.
The Director - February 5, 2012
Pretty excellent summation, right here.
An engrained philosophy. As engrained as they come.
Smokin Herb Grigsby - February 5, 2012
Agreed.
That given perhaps recruiting prowess is more critical than coordinating skill?
BentNotBroken - February 5, 2012
It's like Lickliter football.
Or so I’ve thought the past couple years anyway.
tyger1147 - February 5, 2012
Except the football team is not trash.
clay-born to party - February 5, 2012
most of the time
tyger1147 - February 6, 2012
that's a rec for succinct excellence
important to keep the macro-level strategy in mind moving forward
sailorjerry - February 6, 2012
KOK coaching tree > Ferentz coaching tree
We all have this coaching tree stuff backwards
YouCanPutYourEddsInIt - February 5, 2012
Sons returning to improve the staff?
No shit mang.
BentNotBroken - February 5, 2012
well, super bowl time
this gonna be the thread?
lmlions21 - February 5, 2012
There's a thread in the links
not many of us there
chitownhawkeye - February 5, 2012
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