As new coaching staffs take the reigns of their new program, players have to get used to a new approach, new terminology, new schemes, and a new way of doing things overall.
New Miami defensive coordinator Manny Diaz was asked about how players, and freshman in particular, are adapting to the new defensive approach at The U, and he responded with a nugget that should serve as a reminder for guys taking over a program.
"There is always an 'unlearning process,' and a lot of things aren't all that different, but it may just be a different way that you describe how to do something."
"So [for freshman], when you do come in with a blank slate, in some ways, you don't have to 'unlearn' as much so that might help them out a little bit."
If you're coming into a new situation and changing some stuff, take Diaz's advice and allow for an "unlearning process" and be patient as players get acclimated. It seems simple enough, but it's something that may get overlooked as you try to hit the ground running as fast as possible.
Later on in the interview, Diaz notes that in his defensive scheme he'd like to be able to play six linebackers during the course of a game, and adds that "for sure, you have to be able to play eight defensive lineman to survive. Sometimes I try to equate this defense to a full court press in basketball, you can't full court press and only play five people." Diaz notes that tempo offenses have forced defensive coordinators to establish depth in the defensive line, and front seven in particular, if they want to be successful in modern day college football.