During the game, I tweeted a bunch, but here are some post-game thoughts on BC's upset of Florida State. BOB went on the road against a ranked team looking to bounce back and punched them in the mouth. BC purposely came out and dominated the clock and the game with its OLine. It was a thing of beauty and a reminder of so many great BC teams of the past. And I know it is only … [Read more...] about Bill O’Brien era opens with a bang
BC-FSU preview
A new coach. A new season. A new era. I am all about the fresh start. I have faith in O'Brien in the long-term, but I don't know what to expect for this season. Will he get more out of the current talent than Hafley and his crew did? Will he build the offense to Castellanos' strengths or force him into a scheme that calls on him to pass a lot? We don't know. But I do have … [Read more...] about BC-FSU preview
Learn more about Bill O’Brien’s coaching techniques and philosophies
Yet another difference in hiring Bill O'Brien vs a first time head coach is that he has been prominently involved in numerous coaching clinics over the years. The following series dates back to his Penn State days but also touches on his time with New England, Houston and Alabama. They are very insightful into his personality and how he will run an offense, a coaching staff and … [Read more...] about Learn more about Bill O’Brien’s coaching techniques and philosophies
Thoughts on O’Brien’s introductory press conference
I've blogged through five new Head Football Coaches' introductory press conferences. I know this doesn't really mean much beyond the respective coach's introduction to BC. But given that, here are a series of thoughts...1. If we are going by energy and vibes, this was the most even keeled and professional. O'Brien set the right tone. He didn't make over the top promises. He … [Read more...] about Thoughts on O’Brien’s introductory press conference
A new era
Identities are important...especially for institutions. Institutions need their identities, so as times and people change, the identity carries on and new people can grasp on to something. It provides security and trust. Changing that identity is risky and members of institutions are naturally risk averse. They wouldn't hold onto institutions if they wanted something new. BC … [Read more...] about A new era
Don’t fall for the BC coaching narrative
Every time BC has a coaching change you hear and read about how bad the BC job is, how hard it is to win at BC and how it is a career killer. With Jeff Hafley's departure, the same canards are back. But they are not true. Let's break it down.BC is a bad jobRarely when someone calls BC a bad job, do they ever really explain why. As I say ad nauseam, this is a P4 job. There are … [Read more...] about Don’t fall for the BC coaching narrative
Jeff Hafley: the perfect fit that never really fit
The Jeff Hafley era is over. It ended like most of his tenure -- in an unpredictable manner. He is leaving BC to take a Defensive Coordinator role with the Green Bay Packers. Four years ago that would have been a step back. (Jags left a Green Bay coordinator role to take the head job at BC.) Now with exploding salaries in both levels and the job descriptions changing daily, it … [Read more...] about Jeff Hafley: the perfect fit that never really fit
BC-SMU preview
It should come as no surprise that in the lead up to the Bowl game, Hafley is saying all the right things. He always does. His mood seems good and the players speaking with the media seem to be buying in. BC's success in the transfer portal confirms that their message is working and they are committed to getting better. But what about the actual game? Can BC pull off the upset … [Read more...] about BC-SMU preview
BC-Miami preview
The most interesting reaction to last week's loss was from the neutral parties. We know how the diehards feel and even the casual BC fans. But due to playing during a national spotlight, you saw more of the regular football fans and football media paying attention to BC and Hafley for the first time this season. And while not a consensus, many were very critical. BC should have … [Read more...] about BC-Miami preview