Considering the Call for Coaching Change
25 comments so far
September 18, 2007 by
Considering NU's very poor defensive showing against USC, it is easy to see that things need to improve dramatically for NU on that side of the ball. Yes, the strength of the opponent is one thing. USC is both talented and well coached on offense. But being egregiously out of position, lacking assignment execution, and shoddy tackling would have been defensive cancer against any opponent. Somewhat curiously, I've had more than a dozen people take time to ask me directly about one possible remedy to what ails the Blackshirts - changing defensive coordinators. A good part of the last day has been trying to piece together why so many people are calling for Cos's head, and whether that call has merit.
Why Is This the First Lever We Pull?
The first thing that jumps out to me about discussion of coach Cosgrove's continued employment is how willing many people are to reach for that as a solution. In a state that once prided itself on the long tenure of its football coaches, it is off putting to hear people reach for the hook. And, I wonder why that is. Part of it is this new culture of college football, and part of it is the new culture in Nebraska football.
I think the willingness to fire Cosgrove reflects a new set of habits built in among Nebraska fans. Ever since Craig Bohl and others were fired following the 2002 season, NU has churned through coaches at a pretty good clip. The most notable being the firing of Frank Solich and a group of assistants that were on staff for only one year.
Though, I also seem to recall many people calling for Charlie McBride's job in the 1980s and early 1990s, as well as (gasp!) people implying that Osborne couldn't win enough and should leave as well. So, saying that Osborne and McBride were always beloved is the worst kind of revisionist history. As Bob Devany used to say..."Nebraska fans are with you, win or tie."
There is also a general culture change in college football nationwide. It is not just "what have you done for me lately", it is "what are you doing for me now". The most obvious example is that I have heard some Notre Dame fans and boosters question Charlie Weis's future as the Irish head coach. Wow. Really? The guy gets two BCS births for the team in his first two years, and people actually want to cut him loose now? I'm not saying it should happen or will happen. I'm saying that it is part of the national conversation, which is nuts.
Results Don't Lie
In every profession, you are what your results say you are. It is a fact that Cosgrove-led defenses have now been a the root of two of NU's worst blowout losses, the 70-7 debacle in Lubbock in 2004 and last week's drubbing at the hands of the Trojans.
Yes, other factors - especially turnovers- contributed in both cases. Regardless, I've heard many people refer to the latter as the worst defensive effort since the 62-36 demolition NU endured from CU in 2001. That is NOT a good sign for Cosgrove, since the 62-36 was the beginning of the end for Craig Bohl.
For results-based thinkers out there, Saturday's events become pretty big talking point for why Cos must go. Fair or not, those two blowouts embarrass people. And, those same fans can't point to a superior defense (top 10) in the Cosgrove era to help counterbalance things. To say the defensive results have been superior under Cosgrove is denying reality.
It is Never Just One Thing
Many people I know are apt to to give this response when defensive coaches are called in to question -- "I've never seen a coach run on the field to make a tackle." They are exactly right. There is really only so much any coach can do. Players have to make plays. You can't hold the head man accountable for every missed tackle. But, some percentage of poor team performance does come back to coaching. Let me explain.
Many folks love to get in to a discussion of scheme. They are all about "3-4 this", and "4-3 that". Really, it only matters so much. Yelling "blitz more" is not a solution. But, it is incumbent on a coach to align his players in a way that best suits their talents or an opponents tendencies. People who are paid to study football tell me that this year's defense has issues with being lined up properly. That's a coaching issue.
It is also more about how you do things that what you are doing. NU played fundamentally terrible defense on Saturday. Players were often out of position on plays. Linebackers over ran plays. And nearly everyone tackled poorly. By in large, tackling issues can be fixed with a tackling dummy or an "Oklahoma" drill. Find the willing souls, and get them in the game.
Of course, if players are not being coached fundamentally sound things, its a coaching issue. I don't like hearing about players being taught to tackle in a way that strips the ball. It leads to missed tackles, pure and simple. Focus on making explosive hits; those knock the ball loose. Watch OU and USC to see what I mean. I also hate hearing about "high and hard" tackling in practice. Sure it prevents leg injuries in practice. But, either have practices and walk through be "no contact" or be full-on contact, with take downs and everything. Otherwise, I think you are teaching bad habits. The low man wins in football, almost every time. I'm so sick of seeing our defenders try to bear hug ball carriers I could puke.
There are other lousy habits should concern fans about Cosgrove. If Corey McKeon's penchant for over-running plays is that obvious to fans watching the game, then you know it showed up to coaches in practice or in the game film. The same is true of Octavien running "around" blocks, and Asante's inability to fill a hole against the run. The list goes on and on. This might be players trying too hard to make a big play. There is little a coach can do in that case. But, if he saw it coming or has a chance to substitute for more disciplined defenders, then he needs to.
A Missing Element
I have read about how good Cosgrove is at innovation with scheme. And, I'm always hearing about how much this group of players likes and respects him.That is both reassuring and concerning. I honestly would like to hear players say they have a healthy amount of fear for the head defensive man. Players genuinely feared Charlie McBride at times. Bo Pelini evoked fear from some players. So did Kevin Steele when he coached linebackers at NU in the 1990s. I don't see anybody on this defensive staff who makes kids feel like they want to run through a wall - and an opponent - just because their coach said to do so. And, that's the problem. Right now, I'd say that NU's defense needs to simplify and intensify what they are doing.
The Bottom Line
I honestly can't stand to hear people talk about coaches being "under pressure" to win. If you are earning $300,000 or more per year, you are not under real pressure. The guy working two jobs to feed his family is under pressure. But seriously, college football has never had higher financial stakes, which makes it more of a bottom line business. Win and generate revenue, or get out.
Bill Callahan just renewed his contract with NU. He's not going anywhere, no matter what people want to say. The assistants - however - are on rolling one-year deals. Nothing is guaranteed for them. If Steve Pederson comes to Bill Callahan and says changes need to be made on defense, I don't doubt for a second that Callahan will be willing to implement changes or find someone willing to do it. Too much is at stake. His friendship with Cosgrove means little. It's a business decision at the end of the day.
My gut feeling is that if things don't improve on defense, some action will be taken. Though, maybe not draconian action. I'd guess that Cosgrove will be asked to give up his role as linebackers coach, and just be the defensive coordinator. NU's staff would be best served if that linebacking corps were led by a fire-breathing young guy, who generates fear and demands precision.
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Jason Sep 18 07
I think you pretty well summed up the discussions that are happening around water coolers and kitchen tables.
Reading this made me realize why any talk of coaching change right now really bothers me... We're three games into the season!
Unless something really drastic happens, no coaching changes will be made during the season. Therefore, it seems counterproductive for fans to be screaming for change when we still have at least nine games left to play.
Should we be satisfied with the performance on Saturday? No, not by a long shot. But, let's get behind our team and see how the rest of the season plays out.
Once the season is over we'll have more data to make a rational decision, not just a knee-jerk reaction to one poorly played game against the #1 team in the nation.
Tyler Sep 18 07
Absolutely, this is not the time for a coaching change. My beef is not with his scheme, nor do I place the responsibility of the loss on KC. KC and his staff (read Elmo, Wyatt, Busch) are responsible for making sure there are sound fundamentals and intensity. Both were lacking Saturday.
Simplify and intensify sounds like a good mantra, but I think the film study them did on Sunday as a team and the return to practicing full-contact this week should help.
If the coaches open up the competition again and let the starters know their Blackshirts are in jeopardy, this might be effective as well. It doesn't have to be spun as a lack of confidence, but good-hearted competition to hold your spot.
darren Sep 18 07
Agreed, Tyler.
I stopped short of saying this in the post, but I think a week without black practice jerseys might get some attention.
Then, players would have to *earn* blackshirt status back with their individual play on the field.
Husker Mike Sep 18 07
Much of the outcry this week against Coz is a cathartic release of anger at the egg the Huskers laid on Saturday. If most folks stopped to think for a second, they'd probably agree that we can't fire Cosgrove today. Very few coaches would change teams in midseason, so the only candidates would be someone on the current staff (Busch? Elmo? Wyatt?) or someone out of work (Marvin Sanders?) Not a lot of selection.
When Cosgrove was hired, I was warned about him by relatives in Big 10 country, and they were right. The flirtations by the Vikes towards Coz could have been a win-win for everyone, but sadly, Coz decided to stay. Now we've got an embattled d-coordinator who might end up dragging down a embattled head coach and embattled athletic director, depending on how long this situation is allowed to continue.
mitch markussen Sep 18 07
great article, darren. well constructed points and i agree with you on most of them. but. we obviously have short memories. the cosgrove experiment has been going on for 3+ years now, with no change with his prevent philosophy he adheres to.
mitch Sep 18 07
husker mike, you are correct. i lived in wisconsin while he was there and use to heckle my badger buddies. little did i know they'd get the last laugh. and. i don't believe the vikings were ever serious.
Chad Sexington Sep 18 07
I understand the hesitancy to start chopping off heads three games into the season, but this is about much more than three games. Cosgrove has coached 3 of the worst 6 Nebraska defenses since 1969 in terms of yards per game average (including the worst in 2004). He has 2 of the only 3 defenses since 1969 to give up an average of more than 20 ppg. The only other defense was coached by Bohl. And Cosgrove's managed to accomplish this in three years!
After seeing USC, and even Wake Forest with a back-up QB, put up big numbers on us, the majority of us don't see a McBride-like outcome with Cosgrove. There is a slight chance things could improve, but never anywhere close to what the standard is in Nebraska.
Scott Sep 18 07
I know I read at one point that the defense "saved" us against Wake Forest. Weren't they the ones that got us in that position anyway with their play???
The USC game was not the only bad game this year as far as tackling. 2 of the 3 games have not been too impressive as far as having a dominating defense.
alex Sep 19 07
to be sure, we got embarassed by USC. but let's not forget that it was coz's D that gave us ample opportunity to win against texas, oklahoma, and auburn last year.
for every game the D hangs us out to dry, there is another where the offense is nowhere to be found (most recently, at wake forest).
our problem is not defense or offense specific, it's an overall lack of consistency...
Mike-Buffalo,NY Sep 19 07
For whatever it's worth, even as far removed as we are from Nebraska(Buffalo,NY), we still plan our weekend around the Husker's schedule. It still
hurts just as bad from here when they lose one.
Since the end of last season, everyone has looked at the USC game as a benchmark for the Callahan era. One can't help but wonder why he was offered a new contract with this game on the horizon. I guess Pederson knows his tenure is tied directly to Callahans. Assuming that's the case, you know that they will offer Cosgrove as the scapegoat to save their own hides.It won't happen till after the season, but Cosgroves release, and a new inexperianced quarterback will be the excuses needed to buy another year or two for "Alphonse and Gaston".
John Sep 20 07
Good article because of its total perspective
Husker Guy Sep 20 07
Great call on the tackling drills in practice. When I played in college, we always were in half-pads, with "thud" tackling being the norm. What it amounted to was running to the ballcarrier full speed, then half-ass wrapping him up, then letting go. Incidentally, our tackling sucked in games. If your a coaching staff, you HAVE to have drills that put the players in real live tackling situations. Otherwise, all it does is create bad habits, which is what we are seeing with the Huskers.
Vince Sep 20 07
I'll grant you that as much of an asset as Bo Pelini was for the one year he was our DC, Mizzu, K-State and Texas punched holes in his defense in '03 but let's face it, they don't compare to today's USC teams.
However, I'm inclined to think that the defenses under Pelini would have improved year after year with him leading the way as the talent got better. Yes, Cosgrove has had his monents (i.e. Auburn) but as a whole we are no better now than we were in 2004. Our tackling is still spotty as well. Whereas we have improved every year offensively under the new staff. I would contend that if we had a defense that played even halfway championship caliber ball, we would would have gone 10-2 in each of the last two years. I'm willing to give Cos the rest of the season to address what ails us but if we don't improve we need to cut our losses and send him on his way.
matt Sep 20 07
Your article is well thought and even more well intentioned. However, Kevin Cosgrove needs to be summarily dismissed. These young men are striving to be successful and are being limited by a inept coordinator and benign teacher. The players are executing the scheme and performing the techniques coached. The tackling has always been poor under Cosgrove and always will unless the 'high and hard' approach goes away. Football is an easy sport, the team that blocks and tackles the best will win, see Appalachian State v. Michigan. I feel nothing but regret for these young men. They are being led poorly. What a waste of talent, energy, and enthusiam.
Bill in Iowa Sep 20 07
What is Nebraska football most known for?
FUNDAMENTALLY SOUND FOOTBALL and a ABUSIVE O-lines and D-lines.
Nebraska fans can accept losses and defeats, but not UGLY FOOTBALL. And that is what we got...even after the warning signs of Wake Forest...which I found to be just as ugly and fundamentally unsound as the game against USC, even though we squeaked out a win.
I don't care who stays or goes...but whatever happens we better strap it up each week and go out there and CONTROL THE LINE OF SCRIMMAGE on both sides of the ball!
By the way...Pelini has a the number one ranked defense in the country right now (LSU)...so the guy has proven what he did in one year at NE was not a fluke.
Bill in Iowa Sep 20 07
By the way...I wonder if LSU fans would be willing to trade Pelini for Cos straight up?
http://www.shreveporttimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070918/SPORTS0202/309180003/1001/SPORTS
Tony Sep 22 07
Today's game against BALL STATE emphasized the problems talked about above. Coz must go. NOW. We can use an existing coach to fill the DC position in the interim and conduct a search (maybe offer enough money for Bo Pelini to come back?)for a new coordinator in the off-season. The interim DC can simplify things so that the players don't have to hesitate and think about what to do instead of reacting to the play.
Dwayne Sep 22 07
I'm so sick and tired of hearing Pelini's name in the conversation. And the crowd booing is such a lack of class but what really irritates me the most are the fans who were and are getting on Lucky and Keller. These two players have had solid seasons at this point heading into the conference. If it is the coaches that fans are upset about, find an alternative to express your frustration instead of booing during the game. These are probably the same sort of people that try to live their own lives throught their kids. After all, would you treat your own child like that?
burtman Sep 23 07
Coaching makes a difference. Bo Pelini came to Nebraska and made a great defense out of mediocre talent, and he had NO offense to support him. Coach Cosgrove's defense is characterized by poor fundamentals, the guys can't even line up and tackle, and by an inability to adapt to our opponents. The defensive coordinator must have an answer to whatever the opposing offense is doing. We can't even stop a simple dive play. Coach Cosgrove should fly to LSU and spend a week learning how to coach from Bo Pelini.
Dwayne Sep 23 07
There's his name again. I'm sure there are a lot of other fine coordinators besides the guy that coordinates the defense at LSU. Can people just get off the thought of this guy? And I don't disagree that coaches make a difference. And who is to say he would've still been at NU had Pedersen not made the switch?
Roy Sep 24 07
It's very apparent that Cosgrove can't coach a defense of any kind to success. FIRE THE IDIOT AND GO ANOTHER DIRECTION NOW!!!!!
RM Sep 25 07
Scary stat- 2004 to the present.. 3rd quarter points scored:
Nebraska- 224 points
Opponents- 253 points
Where are the half-time adjustments?
Chuck Sep 26 07
Firing Cosgrove in middle of season without good idea of replacement probably won't help. There is no reason to believe any of other defensive coaches could step in. However, he needs to go at end of regular season and new defensive coordinator should have free rein with getting new assistants. Also, it appears conditioning/strength (long Nebraska attributes) have gone by the wayside so new regime is failing there also and changes need to be made.
Dana Oct 07 07
Dwayne, booing is a good test of solidarity in a person's character. It's a test that Cosgrove fails. Think of it like giving a kid an F on an assignment in which he/she did terribly--sure that kid's feelings will be hurt the moment the graded is handed back, but it's up to him/her whether or not to get his/her head out of his/her ass for the *next* assignment. For three years we've been putting up with a Defensive Coordinator who, when the square peg doesn't fit in the round hole, just grunts and pounds harder.
Paul Oct 08 07
Following that pathetic blowout loss to an innovative Missouri team, in which the defense looked like confused puppy dogs at a neutering event, how can anyone defend Kevin Cosgrove in any manner? These aren't the Blackshirts. I've shredded my blackshirt tee shirt and won't replace it until we have someone who can actually make the Blackshirts defend against someone.