Thursday December 24, 2020
FBS Staff Tracker: The 2020-21 FBS Staff Tracker page, where you can see how each new head coach is filling their staff, is up and running.
On this truly special Christmas Eve we wish each of you a truly Merry Christmas. We don't know and frequently don't understand the plans God has for each of us; but we are called to trust his never ending love for each of us. We hope each of you is able to enjoy time with loved ones this Christmas season. God bless.
Arkansas State: Pitt's Pat Narduzzi has announced the departure of linebackers coach Rob Harley, who, as we shared a few days ago, is joining Butch Jones' staff as defensive coordinator and assistant head coach.
Hamilton Tiger-Cats (CFL): The Hamilton Tiger-Cats have signed reigning CFL Coach of the Year OrlondoSteinauer to a contract extension, per 3DownNation. The report adds thatSteinauer is expected to keep his coordinators - Tommy Condell (OC), Mark Washington (DC) and Jeff Reinebold (STC) - in place.
Detroit Lions: With interim head coach Darrell Bevell being identified as a close contact of someone with COVID and not able to coach this Saturday, Robert Prince will fill in the interim head coaching role for the day and quarterbacks coach Sean Ryan will call offensive plays. A full run down of the changes is here.
South Carolina: Sources tell FootballScoop Shane Beamer is poised to add special teams guru to his staff.
Illinois: According to Illini Now / Sports Illustrated, Bret Bielema is targeting Michigan head strength and conditioning coach Ben Herbert for the head strength job with the Illini. The two previously worked together at Wisconsin and Arkansas. The report also shares that running backs coach Mike Bellamy, tight ends coach Corey Patterson, and defensive ends coach Jimmy Lindsey will all have the opportunity to interview with whoever Bielema hires as his coordinators.
Detroit Lions: The organization has announced that they have completed interviews with GM candidates Scott Pioli, Rick Smith and Thomas Dimitroff.
South Dakota State’s Split Mid-Zone Concept: In order to run the ball effectively in the highly competitive Missouri Valley Conference, it became necessary to find ways to get uber disciplined second level defenders to misfit base zone concepts. South Dakota State University found its answer in mixing its Mid Zone run with divide zone (swipe) action. The wider aiming point for the back prevented LBs from back gapping like they would in traditional divide zones and the possibility of the ball cutting back prevented defensive linemen from “lagging” on the full zone blocking scheme. After toying with the concept, the Jackrabbits majored in it the past couple of seasons where it assisted in accounting for 200 yards on the ground per game. Offensive line coach and offensive coordinator Jason Eck worked exclusively with the researchers at X&O Labs to detail how he meshes the blocking scheme and how he formations the play in continually finding ways to gut the defense. Enter The LAB: Go here to read this report and watch the game film.
Louisiana Monroe: ULM's courtship with their new head coach Terry Bowden actually began five years ago.
UTSA: Head coach Jeff Traylor has tested positive for covid. Pending a reversal of that positive test, he will miss the Roadrunners’ appearance in the First Responder Bowl on Saturday. Associate head coach/offensive coordinator Barry Lunney, Jr., would serve as head coach in Traylor’s stead.
San Jose State: After a 7-0 season and conference title, Brent Brennan has agreed to a contract extension at SJSU.
Boise State: Bryan Harsin’s departure comes at a fascinating time for Boise State. This could be a short, but interesting search.
Arizona: Here are the details of Jedd Fisch’s contract in Tuscon.
Fan Controlled Football League: The Fan Controlled Football, a new professional football league launching in January 2021, is searching for a coaching intern for the upcoming season in the position of QB,OL,WR,LB. This position will serve as a graduate assistant type of role working under a position coach/coordinator. This position will provide the selected candidate with great experience working with a veteran coaching staff with decades of professional and major college coaching experience. The position will run from January 8th 2021- March 25th 2021 and will pay $2,500 total for the season. The candidate will have all meals provided and will have housing provided at the league hotel and will have their own private room. To be considered for this position please email your resume specifying which position you are applying for to the FCF Director of Coaching, Shawn Liotta CoachLiotta@fanchi.se for more information on the league visit https://www.fcf.io/home.
New Coaching Changes Page: Keep track of all the 2020-21 NFL and College head coaching movement here.