Interesting article

Terry Webster · Post by **Terry Webster** » Thu Sep 20, 2007 11:23 am

The other day, the Cincinnati Enquirer ran an article about the troubles at Marshall and how they have slipped in football. One of the things that was interesting as I was reading was that the new coach at MU came from Ohio State where he was the defensive coordinator. We all know the struggles SMU is having, and coach Bennett was also a defensive coordinator. Then, after watching the Bengals (head coach was a defensive coordinator) allow 51 points to the Browns, I got to wondering. Is there a big difference between hiring an offensive coordinator as head coach as opposed to Defensive coordinator? They both have major responsibilities for a teams success (or lack thereof). Would a school have better success going for an OC instead? I don't have an answer, just wondering.

Stallion · Post by **Stallion** » Thu Sep 20, 2007 11:29 am

Don't think which side of the ball a Head Coach comes from is really that important in comparison to hiring quality Offensive and Defensive Coordinators. A head coach's job is much broader than x's and o's. He is the face of the Football program. He must be able to recruit 18 year olds, sell the program to alumni and hire quality assistant coaches. If I had to choose-I'd pick the offensive genius and spend my money on a big time defensive coordinator.

smupony · Post by **smupony** » Thu Sep 20, 2007 11:32 am

Head Coach for the Patriots (even though he is a cheater) is a defensive coach...3 Super Bowls

SMU Football Blog · Post by **SMU Football Blog** » Thu Sep 20, 2007 11:33 am

Hiring Florida's defensive coordinator worked out pretty well for Oklahoma.

elpres17 · Post by **elpres17** » Thu Sep 20, 2007 11:42 am

Stallion is right, there are plenty of cases of OC's and DC's having a lot of success and a lot of failure as head coaches, so its more important to put together a good staff. The one place head coaches need to excel is game day. Bennett has done a good job of upgrading talent, but can't coach during a football game to save his life. And the comparison to Belicheck doesn't work at all, pro football is completely different, its all about the players you have. Remember, Tony Dungy was a defensive coordinator and Brian Billick an offensive coordinator.

Paladin · Post by **Paladin** » Thu Sep 20, 2007 11:56 am

So far Wade Phillips is working out OK for America's Team

SMUguy · Post by **SMUguy** » Thu Sep 20, 2007 12:48 pm

It's been at least 15 years since that bunch could masquerade as "America's Team."

SMUtrojanFAN · Post by **SMUtrojanFAN** » Thu Sep 20, 2007 1:20 pm

Pete Carroll is an defensive-minded guy. He also brings in very bright OCs (who he has to replace every other year).