MUSTANGS ADD NFL LEGEND TO COACHING STAFF

[PonyPride]

MUSTANGS ADD NFL LEGEND TO COACHING STAFF
Frank Gansz Coming To the Hilltop As Special Teams Coach

Feb. 20, 2008

DALLAS (SMU) - SMU has hired football coaching legend Frank Gansz as the Mustangs' new special teams coach, head coach June Jones announced Wednesday, February 20.

Considered perhaps the top special teams coach in the history of the NFL, Gansz is a veteran of 37 seasons of coaching - 24 in the NFL and 13 in the collegiate ranks.

"Frank is a legend in this business and we are extremely blessed to have him join our staff," said Jones. "He is a great person and there's not a better special teams coach out there. He will play a big part in helping us turn this program around."

Gansz was most recently with the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he was special teams coordinator in 2000 and 2001. Prior to his time with the Jags, he served as the special teams coach of the St. Louis Rams for three seasons, helping the team to its victory in Super Bowl XXXIV.

In 1999, the Rams' special teams scored three touchdowns and led the NFL in kickoff returns, averaging 25.1 yards per return. Tony Horne led the league with a 29.7 average and two TDs, and Az-Zahir Hakim also returned a punt for a score and averaged 10.5 yards per return, ranking sixth in the NFC. The Rams were fifth in the NFL in punt coverage (6.7) and Rams kicker Jeff Wilkins set an NFL record for most extra points in a season without a miss (64).

In 1986, Gansz's first year as the assistant head coach/special teams for Kansas City, the Chiefs blocked or deflected an NFL-record 10 kicks and scored five touchdowns. The special teams helped Kansas City claim its first playoff berth in 15 years by scoring all 24 points in a 24-19 victory over Pittsburgh in the season finale.

Because of his success with the special teams, Gansz was promoted to head coach of the Chiefs, a role he served from 1987 to 1988. He left the Chiefs to become the special teams coach of the Detroit Lions from 1989 to 1993, a period in which Mel Gray developed into the NFL's all-time leader in combined kick return yardage. In 1989, Gansz was named NFL Special Teams Coach of the Year by his peers. Gansz then spent two years as the assistant head coach/special teams for the Atlanta Falcons from 1994 to 1996.

Gansz's NFL career began in 1978 as special teams coach for the San Francisco 49ers. He coached special teams and tight ends for Cincinnati (1979-80), Kansas City (1981-82) and Philadelphia (1983-85).

After serving as a pilot in the U.S. Air Force for nearly seven years, Gansz began his coaching career at the Air Force Academy (1964-66). He also had coaching stints at Colgate (1968), Navy (1969-72), Oklahoma State (1973, 1975), Army (1974) and UCLA (1976-77).

Born in Altoona, Pa., Gansz attended Taylor-Allerdice High in Pittsburgh, and has been inducted into the Western Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame. He played center and linebacker for the Naval Academy in 1960.

Gansz will begin work on the Hilltop later this month.

[Mustangsabu]

I think I now, officially have a man-crush on Steve Orsini

[smu diamond m]

My name is smu diamond m and I approve this hire.


Astonished, btw.

[Diamond Girl]

Wow!

[Mustangsabu]

Someone mentioned this a while back on this board, they deserve some kudos, because, as I recall, Gansz's son is also in football and was hired by another college team, a fact that was used to debunk the idea that a Gansz would come here.

Wow!

[Chuck Norris]

Chuck Norris doesn't find truth, it simply surrenders out of fear!

Do not doubt the Chuck!

[couch 'em]

Hail Orsini.

[mrydel]

Don't you think this is more of a hail Jones? Either way it is a hail yes!!

[smudad]

The fact that we've hired anyone to coach Special Teams is great news. But, this guy's credentials look wonderful. When the likes of Frank Beamer puts such great emphasis on special teams, (Often [VT] scores one or more non-offensive touchdowns, the style of play is described as Beamerball. Since Beamer's first season in 1987, a player at every position on the defensive unit has scored at least one touchdown. And at least 25 different players have scored touchdowns while on Tech's special teams.) you'd think more coaches would realize the difference it makes - particularly in close games - games we have traditionally lost. Looks like a really good hire.

[QuikSStang]

quite a nice gift for having to endure numerous seasons without a special teams coach

[Top 25]

I spoke to someone in the know about this last week, and I was told that what this guy really brings to the table is a mindset that will immediately rub off on the players.

If you ever saw any video of him in K.C., you would know that he is one incredibly inspirational coach.

[EastStang]

Does this mean no more two point swinging gate conversions?

[Bergermeister]

Does this mean no more two point swinging gate conversions?

Say it ain't so, Frank!

[ready4abowl]

Great Hire! Wah Wah Wee Wah!

[PK]

Hot damn