Chad Morris Hired as OC
by DrB on Jan 9, 2011 11:52 AM EST
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PrintRivals and Joe Schad report that Chad Morris accepted the offer and will join the staff at Clemson as expected.
I've been watching Tulsa games most of this week since the BCS games ended and tried to look beyond the statistics that they've put up in their conference, which don't tell me as much as actually seeing them play fundamentally sound football.
What I see is that they do play well, and their QB G.J. Kinne (former backup to Colt McCoy at Texas) is a smart, talented player. Morris lets him throw it and he lets him attack all levels of the defensive coverage, plus he can scramble when he needs to. Many comparisons have been made to Gus Malzahn's offense and with just one season to watch,I would say its very close.
I should point out that Tulsa's defense is hot garbage....like Michigan-bad....so Morris has had to throw more and it affects the impression of his offense as a more pass-happy system than Malzahn's, but it is balanced and the play-calling made sense. He has a skill player talent advantage over his opponents too at Tulsa. Their WRs didn't play as crisp and as sound as TCU's, but they played more fundamentally sound football than ours have.
Their OL is quite short and pretty small, and they move their feet well but you can see there is not very much talent up front, which tells me that Morris can do quite a bit with less talent. People have made a big deal of our personnel and coaching up front to teach such a system, but zone blocking is zone blocking no matter what and you don't need a line coach that has experience under this offense to properly teach the offensive line technique. Then again, Brad can't coach, so who knows how we'll be up front with this. I worry more about conditioning of our front than who coaches it though.
As far as his resume, I think the argument that he's inexperienced does hold water. We just fired a guy where the major knock was inexperience. Morris has been a HS head coach for 16 years before going to Tulsa, going 169-38 with 3 state championships in Texas. Malzahn was basically the same situation for Arkansas when he moved up. We don't know if he'll be as successful as Malzahn with one year of college experience. HS experience does not translate into college experience necessarily, but I do think this hire is a good one. I like the system and its going to be fun to analyze each week for us.
Hopefully Dabo will give him full control so we can really evaluate him.
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Any word on RB coach?
Will he bring any of his staff?
Woody
Me too. Woody’s old school, was one of Danny’s boys…I think we’d see a huge improvement in rb development with him as rb coach.
by veryveryproud on Jan 9, 2011 7:58 PM EST up reply actions
I was leaning toward disapproving because I'm an under center guy
but I think you swayed me into believing this could work for us.
Do you believe this is an offense that will give Boyd a chance to excel?
Its about par for the course. Dabo is a pop warner level coach, at least we got a high school coach
as OC. Maybe its a step up? {sarcasm}
This guy has one year of college experience. Who knows if he’s a flash in the pan?
Dabo clearly showed his colors with this hire. He’s scared. He wouldnt even give Ralph Friedgen the time of day. Why interview these two inexperienced guys? Morris and Fuente, and thats the best search he could do? He’s scared of hiring somebody with experience who actually knows football because it would expose him as a complete poser as a coach. Well I hope he likes his one more year at clemson, after this hire flames out the whole staff will be gone and we can start fresh. Which is what we should have done after firing tommy bowden.
Me too gggg but,
we don’t have Matt Barkley or Charlie Whitehurst at QB right now. We don’t have a mean and nasty OL or a 225 pound physical RB. If you include our recruiting class this year, we will have spread personnel on campus for years.
I’m “Mr. I-Formation” on this site and I believe a pro-style offense is the offense to build your program around long-term but, I’m on board with Morris and his offense.
My three favorite things about this are:
1. Nobody in the ACC will see an offense like this all year. So, they’ll basically have 5 days to prepare for it.
2. We will have an offensive identity.
3. Using history as a guide, it will likely take DCs a few more years to catch up with this Malzahn/Morris style of offense.
Good Points
I’m like you. I’m an I-formation, smashmouth guy and was hoping Fridge would be hired, but you make good points about our personnel. For now, I suppose I’m board with this hire. But if Clemson goes 7-6 or 6-7 again and Dabo gets the can, I pray to GOD ALMIGHTY we get a coach who believes in sound, fundamental, smashmouth football with a nasty defense and great special teams. I’m tired of dink and dunk and finesse. Fuck that shit. Coach Ford ruined me. When I think Clemson, the above is what I think we SHOULD be.
by veryveryproud on Jan 9, 2011 8:04 PM EST up reply actions
Sorry I'm lazy and don't feel like watching a ton of video today,
but does he run the QB as much as Auburn? If so, Boyd needs to looks some weight.
Boyd is not a runner like Newton, so one would think that Morris would taylor is offense
occordingly. We will see some of the same things that we saw out of Auburn but will not see the repeated QB designed runs, would you not agree?
Clemson Sports Analysis and Insight
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It was big for Townsend commit this weekend too.
It looks like Dabo is going to be able to hold this recruiting class together. Hopefully they can grab Steward and some of these last guys.
now that the OC spot is filled I would think that special teams coach would be the largest hole to fill . especially since the staff has offered another specialist a full ride based on one kick.
This is a garbage hire. Who wants to see clemson football throwing it 50-60 times per game
I’d be surprised if bellamy and lane stay committed after this hire.
If this guy is truly the best candidate in the country, so be it. But to only interview two guys? Thats a fucking joke and a slap in the face to clemson fans and contributors. I’m fed up with this cheap ass mentality that has permeated the clemson ad.
I wouldn't say it's garbage, I'd say its the " buy me a 4th year" hire.
Friedgen was the no-brainer hire here based on his proven success. Dabo has clearly had this guy in mind for a long time. He’s clearly trying to catch lightning in a bottle.
Here’s how I see it: If we’re scoring a lot more points next year, which I think we will, it will be hard for everybody to point the finger at the offense (ie. Dabo). Steele, who is losing a lot of talent on his side, will have a down year but, will be safe based on the defense’s performance this year (2010).
In other words, barring another losing season, Dabo probably just bought himself a 4th year with this hire. Plus, we should have more talent on campus in two years then we have had since 1990.
The Admin has publicly stated that they already want to give Dabo that “4th year.” I think that with this hire, the “4th year” just became Dabo’s make or break year instead of next year. I think this is the smartest, best self preserving move Dabo has made as a coach.
I wasnt really talking about Morris as being garbage, just the hire. Let me explain
Dabo owed it to the players, the school, and the fans to put forth the most exhaustive search possible. He only interviewed two guys. One with only one yr experience, and the other isnt even a full OC, hes a co-OC. I mean this is Clemson and thats who you interview? Ralph called him and practically begged for an interview. Not saying Ralph will turn out better than Morris, but when a guy with the resume and qualifications of Ralph calls and begs for an interview and you blow him off, that speaks volumes as to what dabo thinks and feels. I honestly believe he’s afraid of being exposed as a fraud as a head coach. Thats why he doesnt even insert himself into the defense and he keeps looking for offensive people with less experience than him.
The national coaches convention is like next week and he was thought to be going there to interview lots of candidates in one location. Why waste that opportunity and jump prematurely at Morris. There is nothing about this guy that makes that even a logical decision. Success in HS means shit in college. I played at Sumter High and we played for the state championship almost every year. Does that mean our head coach would be qualified at Clemson?? HELL NO!!! It means you happen to coach at one of the largest schools in the state and you’re lucky to have a few really good players there at one time and they carry your team to state championship game year after year.
Oh yeah, I agree with almost everything you wrote...
except for the first line. This is a business and Dabo has been hired to win and put butts in the seats. He doesn’t owe anybody an exhaustive search. He owes us a winner and, most of us feel, a championship caliber football program.
In other words, nobody would care about the lack of an exhaustive search if we win the ACC next year. Most Clemson fans I talk to don’t care about or understand football schematics and just want to “score some points.” Well, this guy will probably give them that next year.
Don’t get me wrong, I do agree with everything else you wrote. He could have found a more qualified OC and chose not to. It is possible that he thought Morris was the best available OC for Clemson. It is equally possible that he thought Morris was the best available guy that wouldn’t “big time” him with his resume. None of that matters though, if we are winning.
I think he does owe, and owe a lot. The fans are what makes clemson great. We pay a lot
of money and donate a lot of money to IPTAY, we pay his salary. Morris may be a great coach, but how would dabo know if he was the best one out there? He only interviewed TWO guys. I would feel a lot more confident if he had interviewed 5-10-15 guys and then said this Morris guy is awesome. But to only interview two inexperienced guys and say this is the right guy. Its an insult to Clemson football…however it is just what TDP wouldve done. Especially after that “national” search we saw for Tommy Bowden’s replacement.
I know what you are saying...
But when you have so many of these high profile offensive recruits becoming shaky when they have been firm all this time…he had to be quick and decisive. Most of these recruits have had others in their ear having them look elsewhere…and holding this class together was priority number 1. Interviewing that many people would have taken too long….probably close to 10 days before Signing day. That’s not gonna keep these kids from jumping ship if they are taking official visits w/o an OC in place [many are coming next week].
He could point at Fuente and say…“TCU had a wonderful year offensively and he we are gonna run that next year” and it’s an easy sell. He could say “look at these stat’s that Morris team put up last year…yeah it’s just one year…but that could be us next year scoring that much”.
It’s easy for an opposing coach to shoot daggers at the negativity around the Fridge and Rich Rod this year…their issues are just too new IMO.
Yea, but you cant hire an OC just to make sure a few recruits stay on board
You have to hire the best guy for the job, that’s what’ll pay more dividends in the long run. Winning brings in the recruits. The few recruits that may have jumped ship would be offset by bigger recruiting gains from winning on the field.
IF Dabo wants to avoid being exposed as a "fraud" of a hire, then the best way to to do that is win.
He obviously thinks Morris will help us do that, and he obviously thinks Morris gives us a better chance than RF. Also, I am not sure I want to hire someone who has to beg for an interview.
There is something in these Hills!
by Tigerplowboy on Jan 10, 2011 10:40 AM EST up reply actions
I hope Dabo's right. And I said, if, after a thorough search he though Morris was the right
guy for the job then hire the guy. But how can you tell if Morris is? He only interviewed TWO guys. And its like the second interview was just a token interview so he could say he didnt hire the first guy and never interview anybody else.
Believe me, there’s nothing more I want than dabo to succeed. Not for him, but for Clemson. Personally I think dabo is a joke as a football coach, he’s more suited for head cheerleader. But I still wish him the best of luck because I want to see Clemson win, and win, and win some more.
Don't see why Lane would switch to Auburn
because Auburn’s offense is the same. if anything he goes somewhere besides the two schools and Rumph certainly affects his decision.
Bellamy is more suited to playing in this offense than he is a pro-style system.
by DrB on Jan 9, 2011 2:23 PM EST up reply actions
He wont throw it 50-60 times a game. Who do you think we should have hired as OC? Bryan Narsin at Boise would have been my odds on favorite.
by WAO on Jan 9, 2011 9:01 PM EST up reply actions
I just want dabo to hire the best OC out there. Gotta get out there and roll your sleeves up and
interview lots of candidates.
I'm not overly pleased with this hire
Like others here, and Billy Napier, I prefer an I-Form and play action type system. Chad Morris will be successful here and will earn my respect if he does a few things: 1.) Plays the best players over the players who have been here forever (i.e. Hopkins over Dye and Ashe) 2.) Resists calling trick, JV style plays b/c we are too scared to run head first into the line. 3.) Commits to one system (obviously the system has to work, or I’ll still be pissed) 4.) Develops the players over the course of spring practice, two a days, fall practice, and ultimately throughout the season. The only group to improve over the course of the season in my opinion was the linebackers. How about Kavell Conner playing his ass off last night vs. the Jets, btw. 5.) Brings a toughness factor to this team. They have improved in this intangible since Swinney took over, but there is still work to do.
I am partial to the I-formation, as well, but look at the two teams playing for the National Championship.
Also, I think the best offense we have had a Clemson the last 20 years was in 2000 when Rich Rod was running a hurry-up, spread offense. I think that is what Dabo wanted all along, and I think that is what we are going to get.
There is something in these Hills!
by Tigerplowboy on Jan 10, 2011 10:43 AM EST up reply actions
Not pleased but not displeased
I am not displeased with Morris. I am displeased with the lack of interest in a proven experienced coach. This half ass little midget we have at coach is afraid to hire someone who will make him look bad.
by Boilingspringstiger on Jan 9, 2011 3:40 PM EST reply actions
Morris Approval Heirachy
In the current “dictatorial” environment that now exists at CU, Dabo could not have solely “hired” Morris without the consensus of Barker, BOT & TDP. At CU, Dabo is only a figure-head “front man” in this backroom decision. He’s NOT the CU Football CEO or a BOD member, really only maybe a “Junior” level manager in reality, as far as his overall “weight/influence” within this strategic decision. Oh, and our critical position searches are mostly “bargain basement” driven…getting somebody with “potential” upside (but with heavy risk), at the lowest possible cost basis—-thus under the current regime, we will NEVER contract proven blue-chip talent, and will continue to under-achieve.
Anybody know what we are paying Morris and Hobby?
I heard on Dan Scott’s show that we are 10th in the country in assistant’s salaries currently. I wonder if Dr. B could find out if that is true or not.
Hobby was making over 300K, Rumph about 180K
So you can bet we upped that 30-50K at least…..makes perfect sense right?
I believe Morris was making about what Billy was making – 250-275K.
by DrB on Jan 9, 2011 5:59 PM EST up reply actions
Yea, I saw that in USA Today as well. Clemson is in the top 10 in assistant coach's salaries
And for who we have on staff and the performance on the field, we’re getting ripped the fuck off. No way a staff that has brad/jeff scott, billy napier on staff should be top 10 salary wise. A lot of that I believe is kevin steele’s salary. He’s making a ton of money, more than twice what Vic made, yet our defense is worse than any one of Vic’s defenses.
Good Hire
He may not have a lot of college level experience, but he has what is lacking at Clemson. Extensive knowledge on the offensive side of the football. There is no debate about that. Can he recruit and develop players over a 4 year span AFTER high school? We need long term efficiency on offense. I predict he will be successful at Clemson.
Well, he’s on the sinking ship now. Just hope when it finally goes down that we’ll be able to clean house and start with a totally new staff.
Which brings up an interesting point actually. Assume next year is shit too, do you think the administration is more likely to hire within to avoid the cost of having to pay off all the expensive assistants, as well as Dabo?
Dabo wants the spread
So, at least we will see what Dabo wants as opposed to him and Napier screwing it up together. Maybe now, Dabo will pull back and let his OC run his system.
Personally, I like ‘smash mouth we’re running it up the middle so you can suck it’ football, but I’d really like to win either way.
Titanic stoking the boilers for a full steam sail.
Dabo needs credibility and experience. This hire gives him neither.
Freidgen was the no brainer. Course I thought that when TB had the offer to Arkansas…..you clearly let him go with no buyout. You also hire Freidgen when he wants to come. Clearly no one in our athletic department has any common sense.
We’ll be making a search for a new head coach next year.
by Tiger Rag Fishing Team on Jan 10, 2011 10:01 AM EST reply actions
Arkansas never offered Tommy Bowden the head coaching job.
Well before Terry Don Phillips foolishly agreed to give Tommy Bowden a contract extension (with a needless $4M buyout) the Arkansas newspapers and ESPN had already reported that Arkansas’ Board of Trustees had rejected Bowden as “a lateral move”.
QB's
If T.Boyd turns out to be a bust this coming year (which I can’t help but suspect is possible) which of our incoming qb’s would fit Morris’ offense the best, Stoudt or McNeal?
Neither, both Stoudt and McNeal are more drop-back types.
Though I recall hearing that Chester’s coach believes that McNeal can run on a healthy leg and that their scheme does not let him do that often.
OC hire
This has been said, but i see 2 reasons why this was done
A – Dabo’s ego would not permit a more established coach to come year. Dabo wants to be the alpha dog and doesn’t want a guy that’s going to compete with him for the spotlight.
B – Morris seems to share Dabo’s vision for this offense which is a spread. This should mean that we no longer see 2 series in the I followed by 2 in the spread.. followed by 2 in the I. Whether you like the spread or not, this should allow us to have an Identity.. it’s just not 80’s Danny Ford Clemson football.. it’s Dabo’s vision.
I agree that this will now give him 2 years to see if it will work. There won’t be any doubt whose system this is.. He will sink or swim with a guy that has the same philosophy. As much as it will drive some of us nutz to see screen after screen after screen followed by “cute” trick plays.. that is who we are going to be.
I agree with point A and point B ,
and most of your last paragraph sedge94 , but I do think that only if Dabo interferes with Chads playcalling will we see “cute” trick plays , and screen after screen after screen . I know , we ALL are “gun shy” about the spread after Rob Spence . The Morris system however , IMO – is not about being “cute” and trick plays . Its more about shifting – misdirection – attacking – and mentally /physically wearing down the defense so that they cannot keep up at the end . In other words , its about pace . Actually I see it as probably a "run first " scheme , but with a potential deadly mix of play action at such a fast pace ( no huddle ) that would make us a huge threat in the ACC .
HOWEVER , I HATE what it means for our defense . I , like you and any Clemson faithful LOVE a great defense , and we all want that “orange crush” back in town again .
It ain’t Danny Ford football no , and I would LOVE to see a smash mouth " BAMA " style program here in Clemson on BOTH sides of the ball . I still have an idea Dabo will screw this up too .
Face it , you – me – and a lot of others will not be happy until we hire a Nick Saban quality type coach and program , but this is what we have for now…………
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