Moving Forward...Add Special Assistant to the HC

[pitt2533]

I don't know if anyone has suggested this before now and honestly I have stayed away from the boards until now because I didn't want to read the nonsense about Narduzzi should be fired and anything else moronic.

But moving forward, I would like to see HCPN add a Special Assistant to the Head Coach that can offer insight and offer him input during the games. A veteran type coach with Head Coaching experience that can help game management decisions.

You have seen other teams do this including VT who added Jerry Kill and even the Steelers who have Austin in a similar role for Tomlin. And there are other teams who have done this as well.

I think the Pitt program is close. We have stability, we have a solid foundation, recruiting is starting to get better and I really believe we are close to taking the next step of being a Top 15 to Top 25 type team. We have some playmakers coming in next season and a good foundation at this point. Narduzzi's teams play hard for him week in and week out with a few exceptions that 99% of teams have.

But I think it would be beneficial to Narduzzi to bring someone on board in a Consulting type role. We have way too many decisions that make no sense...FG from the Penn St 3, Punting Saturday at the VTech 40 down multiple scores when offense is doing nothing, etc...

Of course, HCPN could be too stubborn to accept this so.....

 

[Macchiato]

They already have an assistant head coach. You are proposing a gov bureaucracy.

 

[pitt2533]

They already have an assistant head coach. You are proposing a gov bureaucracy.

Who is responsible for a specific unit, the DL.

I am not talking about an Assistant Head Coach.

I am talking more about a Quality Control/Special Assistant/Consulting type coach. A guy with previous HC experience that can take a look at the overall program and offer suggestions, etc..

In VTech's specific instance, they have 2 Assistant Head Coaches and still added a Special Assistant.

 

[9nationalchampionships]

Are you proposing an "in game" coach with no position responsibilities?

 

[pitt2533]

Are you proposing an "in game" coach with no position responsibilities?

Not necessarily an in game coach because ultimately HCPN is that coach and the final decisions need to come from him.

But in game advice would definitely be part of it. Situation suggestions, review suggestions, etc...

But so would reviewing the overall program from a higher level. Offering advise even outside of game days.

 

[pittchagg]

Not necessarily an in game coach because ultimately HCPN is that coach and the final decisions need to come from him.

But in game advice would definitely be part of it. Situation suggestions, review suggestions, etc...

But so would reviewing the overall program from a higher level. Offering advise even outside of game days.

Unfortunately, those decisions are often informed by analytics and data. Narduzzi seems much more in the "screw the numbers, I coach with my gut" variety than that would allow.

At the end of the day, he's only been a head coach making head coach decisions for five years. A lot of coaches screw up fourth down decisions after coaching for 20. Most coaches are just bad at it - the better ones listen to data and analytics.

 

[pitt2533]

Unfortunately, those decisions are often informed by analytics and data. Narduzzi seems much more in the "screw the numbers, I coach with my gut" variety than that would allow.

At the end of the day, he's only been a head coach making head coach decisions for five years. A lot of coaches screw up fourth down decisions after coaching for 20. Most coaches are just bad at it - the better ones listen to data and analytics.

Agree which is why I said in my initial post that HCPN is probably too stubborn to accept any kind of help like this.

 

[9nationalchampionships]

May be worth investigating further!

Not necessarily an in game coach because ultimately HCPN is that coach and the final decisions need to come from him.

But in game advice would definitely be part of it. Situation suggestions, review suggestions, etc...

But so would reviewing the overall program from a higher level. Offering advise even outside of game days.

 

[Joe Magarac]

I don't know if anyone has suggested this before now and honestly I have stayed away from the boards until now because I didn't want to read the nonsense about Narduzzi should be fired and anything else moronic.

But moving forward, I would like to see HCPN add a Special Assistant to the Head Coach that can offer insight and offer him input during the games. A veteran type coach with Head Coaching experience that can help game management decisions.

You have seen other teams do this including VT who added Jerry Kill and even the Steelers who have Austin in a similar role for Tomlin. And there are other teams who have done this as well.

I think the Pitt program is close. We have stability, we have a solid foundation, recruiting is starting to get better and I really believe we are close to taking the next step of being a Top 15 to Top 25 type team. We have some playmakers coming in next season and a good foundation at this point. Narduzzi's teams play hard for him week in and week out with a few exceptions that 99% of teams have.

But I think it would be beneficial to Narduzzi to bring someone on board in a Consulting type role. We have way too many decisions that make no sense...FG from the Penn St 3, Punting Saturday at the VTech 40 down multiple scores when offense is doing nothing, etc...

Of course, HCPN could be too stubborn to accept this so.....

You are suggesting what Fuente did at VT when he hired Jerry Kill as special assistant. Funny how things improved when Jerry came on board about 5 to 6 weeks ago. According to the ESPN crew Jerry asked if Fuente wanted him to be honest with his observations. Apparently the answer was yes.
I am not aware of what Narduzzi’s coaching needs are at this point. I do know what I can see. That is a coach who appears to loose his cool when he disagrees with the officials. A coach who does not admit personal responsibility for undisciplined team behavior such as excessive penalties or pre game skirmishes with the opponent. This team seems to be taking on the personal characteristics of their coach. They can see what the rest of us see. Maybe Narduzzi needs to say yes to an honest assessment.

 

[Burgh15]

I'm in favor of adding talented coaches whenever possible. It's very evident when Narduzzi loses games with his management decisions. It is often the same mistakes year after year. However, if you're a coach who needs a special assistant, is the AD confident in the job you're doing? It's another person who is there who could potential take your job if you slip up and if they shine.

 

[Black_Man_Panther]

Of course. Because the head coach has more important things to do during a game like ranting and raving like a lunatic.

 

[Gunga_Galunga]

Not necessarily an in game coach because ultimately HCPN is that coach and the final decisions need to come from him.

But in game advice would definitely be part of it. Situation suggestions, review suggestions, etc...

But so would reviewing the overall program from a higher level. Offering advise even outside of game days.

 

[RoguePanther]

We need a running game coordinator.

 

[thebadby2]

I don't know if anyone has suggested this before now and honestly I have stayed away from the boards until now because I didn't want to read the nonsense about Narduzzi should be fired and anything else moronic.

But moving forward, I would like to see HCPN add a Special Assistant to the Head Coach that can offer insight and offer him input during the games. A veteran type coach with Head Coaching experience that can help game management decisions.

You have seen other teams do this including VT who added Jerry Kill and even the Steelers who have Austin in a similar role for Tomlin. And there are other teams who have done this as well.

I think the Pitt program is close. We have stability, we have a solid foundation, recruiting is starting to get better and I really believe we are close to taking the next step of being a Top 15 to Top 25 type team. We have some playmakers coming in next season and a good foundation at this point. Narduzzi's teams play hard for him week in and week out with a few exceptions that 99% of teams have.

But I think it would be beneficial to Narduzzi to bring someone on board in a Consulting type role. We have way too many decisions that make no sense...FG from the Penn St 3, Punting Saturday at the VTech 40 down multiple scores when offense is doing nothing, etc...

Of course, HCPN could be too stubborn to accept this so.....

This kind of stuff is hilarious to me. Basically you’re saying the head coach isn’t competent, but we can fix it by bringing in some kind of coach whisperer to help him with basic football decision making.

That’s funny stuff!

 

[Las Panteras]

This kind of stuff is hilarious to me. Basically you’re saying the head coach isn’t competent, but we can fix it by bringing in some kind of coach whisperer to help him with basic football decision making.

That’s funny stuff!

Isnt that what Va Tech has done?

Aren't they about to take the coastal?

 

[thebadby2]

Unfortunately, those decisions are often informed by analytics and data. Narduzzi seems much more in the "screw the numbers, I coach with my gut" variety than that would allow.

At the end of the day, he's only been a head coach making head coach decisions for five years. A lot of coaches screw up fourth down decisions after coaching for 20. Most coaches are just bad at it - the better ones listen to data and analytics.

Narduzzi has an analytics staff and an analytics guy up in the box every game. He has talked about that before.

This thread is great-some of you guys are acting like he’s the unfrozen cave man head coach that just needs a little help getting up,to speed on current football trends. Like every other D1 college program, Pitt has a staff of analytics people that work all year on tendencies etc and that data shapes the offensive and defensive game plans every week.

Here’s the deal-a guy either has what it takes to be a successful head coach or he doesn’t. Some guys are just smarter and better chess players than others. Just like any other profession. And the only measure of a head coach is wins and losses. That’s it.

Narduzzi has shown nothing to date to separate him from the middle to back of the pack as a P5 head coach. His teams lack discipline and organization, and often appear to be unprepared on Saturday. There is confusion on the sideline and on the field. The program lacks consistency and identity from year to year, week to week. What kind of program is he trying to establish here? After 5 years people shouldn't have to ask that question.

 

[thebadby2]

Isnt that what Va Tech has done?

Aren't they about to take the coastal?

Isnt that what Va Tech has done?

Aren't they about to take the coastal?

If the head coach can’t manage a game and the critical in-game decision on his own with his coordinators and staff he’s the wrong guy for the job.

Do you think Jerry Kill is there to tell Fuente what to do on 4th down from the 2 yard line? Whether to punt or go on 4th down? Whether to run or pass?

If you can’t make those decisions on your own you’re not a head coach.

 

[Las Panteras]

If the head coach can’t manage a game and the critical in-game decision on his own with his coordinators and staff he’s the wrong guy for the job.

Do you think Jerry Kill is there to tell Fuente what to do on 4th down from the 2 yard line? Whether to punt or go on 4th down? Whether to run or pass?

If you can’t make those decisions on your own you’re not a head coach.

Nevertheless,

Kill is there. VA Tech is going to the ACC title game.

You think Fuente would agree with you??

Doubtful

 

[Joe Magarac]

If the head coach can’t manage a game and the critical in-game decision on his own with his coordinators and staff he’s the wrong guy for the job.

Do you think Jerry Kill is there to tell Fuente what to do on 4th down from the 2 yard line? Whether to punt or go on 4th down? Whether to run or pass?

If you can’t make those decisions on your own you’re not a head coach.

It’s a bit more subtle than that. Most consulting occurs before game day and on a wide range of topics.

 

[SoufOaklin4Life]

This kind of stuff is hilarious to me. Basically you’re saying the head coach isn’t competent, but we can fix it by bringing in some kind of coach whisperer to help him with basic football decision making.

That’s funny stuff!

Yeah

I really like the op
But if you need a coach to coach your coach .

game over

 

[thebadby2]

It’s a bit more subtle than that. Most consulting occurs before game day and on a wide range of topics.

Right. Not whispering in the HC’s ear on gameday. See the OP for the context of my response. The consulting is day to day stuff and film study.

Still, it’s a fact that the good ones don’t need anyone giving them tips on how to run their programs or make in-game coaching decisions. That’s what the HC gets paid his millions to do. This whole idea that Narduzzi just needs a little professional help from a smarter coach to do his job is really lame. If anyone really believes that’s the case, why would they want him to stay on as HC?.

 

[steelcurtain55.]

The overwhelming majority of collegiate coaches are the same guys. Some have resources others don't and it blurs who is better/worse.

Amazing how much better one drives on a race track with a Porsche vs an Oldsmobile...

 

[steelcurtain55.]

If narduzzi hired kill, most of you would criticize the hire because how poor he was at Minnesota and finally Rutgers.

 

[cease10]

even the Steelers who have Austin in a similar role for Tomlin

U lost me here. Teryl Austin?

He's never been a HC and is listed as a
SENIOR DEFENSIVE ASSISTANT/SECONDARY
https://www.steelers.com/team/coaches-roster/teryl-austin

 

[pitt2533]

This kind of stuff is hilarious to me. Basically you’re saying the head coach isn’t competent, but we can fix it by bringing in some kind of coach whisperer to help him with basic football decision making.

That’s funny stuff!

Not at all what I am saying but carry on.

 

[PittFamily2]

That's what the staff should do after every game.
PN should have the ability to sit in a meeting and listen to a candid analysis of what transpired during the game from all of his staff.

If PN is the kind of guy who shuts people down when they attempt to provide him with constructive criticism he wont learn much from anyone.

Not sure how he works.

 

[pitt2533]

Right. Not whispering in the HC’s ear on gameday. See the OP for the context of my response. The consulting is day to day stuff and film study.

Still, it’s a fact that the good ones don’t need anyone giving them tips on how to run their programs or make in-game coaching decisions. That’s what the HC gets paid his millions to do. This whole idea that Narduzzi just needs a little professional help from a smarter coach to do his job is really lame. If anyone really believes that’s the case, why would they want him to stay on as HC?.

I agree, I posted that quickly while at work and didn't have time to get into details and it came off as sounding like I was saying a coach to help make game day decisions. I did not explain that very well.

I am referring to more of a consulting type coach that encompasses a bunch of stuff. One that mainly can help look at the bigger picture of the program. One that can sit in coaches meetings before games, after games, etc..offer suggestions, offer critiques, etc.. Game day advice on decisions could definitely part of it but ultimately you are correct those decisions need to be on Narduzzi to decide. But he could be in communication with Narduzzi and talking through situations as they come up during games and be used as a sounding board.

I think Narduzzi does a lot right and I do think our Program is close. But I think some spontaneous type decisions are not HCPN strong point so perhaps having someone there as a sounding board could help him there.

 

[lilspainishflea]

That's what the staff should do after every game.
PN should have the ability to sit in a meeting and listen to a candid analysis of what transpired during the game from all of his staff.

If PN is the kind of guy who shuts people down when they attempt to provide him with constructive criticism he wont learn much from anyone.

Not sure how he works.

In the USAF we called that a "hot wash." I had the ability - and did - correct Lieutenant Colonels who were also my squadron commander if they got something wrong. And Airmen were totally in the right to correct me. One person cannot see everything. And openness to new ideas is a prerequisite to successful leadership.

But there's no reason to assume this isn't the case. We went away from Kenny throwing the ball in 2018 and totally redid our offense. It worked. Then we went away from the power running game in 2019 because we lacked the line and backs to make it happen. Bates has also said he's gotten significant freedom in controlling the defense this year. Seeing/hearing those things, I have no reason to doubt PN shuts down new ideas from his staff.

 

[lilspainishflea]

Nevertheless,

Kill is there. VA Tech is going to the ACC title game.

You think Fuente would agree with you??

Doubtful

They have to win this week first.

 

[Joe Magarac]

That's what the staff should do after every game.
PN should have the ability to sit in a meeting and listen to a candid analysis of what transpired during the game from all of his staff.

If PN is the kind of guy who shuts people down when they attempt to provide him with constructive criticism he wont learn much from anyone.

Not sure how he works.

I hope it is the former. All we see is on field behavior and press conferences. I remember an old saying from business “charm school”.
Quote:
“Oh would some power the gift give us, To see ourselves as others see us! It would free many a blunder and foolish notion”.

 

[HopeandChangeforAntoons]

How about allowing fans to vote #GO or #Kick anytime Pitt has a 4th down? Of course no one would actually own up to voting the wrong way if it didn't work.

 

[BuffetParrothead]

In the USAF we called that a "hot wash." I had the ability - and did - correct Lieutenant Colonels who were also my squadron commander if they got something wrong. And Airmen were totally in the right to correct me. One person cannot see everything. And openness to new ideas is a prerequisite to successful leadership.

But there's no reason to assume this isn't the case. We went away from Kenny throwing the ball in 2018 and totally redid our offense. It worked. Then we went away from the power running game in 2019 because we lacked the line and backs to make it happen. Bates has also said he's gotten significant freedom in controlling the defense this year. Seeing/hearing those things, I have no reason to doubt PN shuts down new ideas from his staff.

As a Global Business Director I reported to c-suite people in the business world who were ready willing and able to get rid of people they thought were under performing.

After each big "event" I would meet with my team for as long as it took for a debrief.

The two locked in rules for me were:
1.listen
2.ask questions

Every successful person or organization has a feedback process that involves mostly listening to smart people with good ideas.