Today on Hurrdat Sports Radio, Sam McKewon of the Omaha World-Herald joined hosts Ravi Lulla and Damon Benning to discuss the intricacies of college football coaches and their team dynamics, focusing on prominent figures like Lincoln Riley, Brian Kelly and James Franklin. They highlight how each coach’s personality affects team performance, with McKewon providing a nuanced breakdown of each coach’s strengths and potential pitfalls.
The Structured and Intense Approach
McKewon begins by addressing the influence of coaching styles on team morale and gameplay. He notes that coaches like Penn State’s James Franklin bring a structured, intense approach, yet despite consistently winning expected games, Franklin’s team struggles to triumph in the marquee matchups. McKewon believes Franklin’s teams often mirror his personality: organized and focused, but perhaps lacking the drive to overcome top-tier opponents.
Critical Eye on the Sideline
Turning to LSU’s Brian Kelly, McKewon describes the experienced coach as “an angry dad” who walks the sidelines with a critical eye, which can sometimes impact his team’s performance. He praises Kelly’s intellect and strategic prowess but suggests that Kelly’s level of frustration may infiltrate the team, potentially hindering LSU’s consistency.
Uncertainty in USC
McKewon’s insights into Lincoln Riley’s USC program provides another layer of analysis. Despite Riley’s impressive record, McKewon notes that his teams often seem uncertain in the closing minutes of tight games, a trait he speculated might be influenced by Riley’s demeanor. While the Trojans’ tough schedule this season has tested them, McKewon argues that the perception of Riley as a coach might not fully align with his actual success rate, suggesting that the challenges of transitioning between conferences, moving from the Big 12 to the Pac-12 and then the Big Ten, have added layers of complexity to his tenure.
Deserving of Patience
They shift over towards potential longevity and leeway for coaches at high-stakes programs, where McKewon ranks Florida State’s Mike Norvell as deserving the most patience, followed by Lincoln Riley, Brian Kelly and, lastly, Brent Venables at Oklahoma. The common struggle of defensive-minded coaches like Venables face is building robust offenses. McKewon notes that defensive coordinators often rotate through quarterbacks, searching for the ideal fit.
Culture Shifting in Nebraska
Finally, McKewon provides insights on Nebraska’s own coaching situation, focusing on Coach Matt Rhule. He emphasizes Rhule’s unwavering consistency and intensity, traits that he believes will serve Nebraska well if the team adopts them on game day. Rhule’s steadiness compared to the more volatile styles of past Nebraska coaches, can suggest that Rhule’s approach may foster a culture of sustained focus and drive. The pivotal role a coach’s temperament and strategy plays a part in shaping a team’s identity and success, offering fans a closer look at how the sidelines impact the field.
