Gordon Sammis Named OC | Page 3 | The Boneyard

Gordon Sammis Named OC

If Sammis is promoted this move screams desperation. But being one of those also screaming for a new OC this was alway a possibility, albeit the worst possible one. Even if he comes out with clear goals, objectives and a plan to elevate the passing game how are recruits expected to buy into that vision? What comparable offense has he ever ran? We needed to show a commitment to elevating our offensive production by bringing in someone with a track record of success at all aspects of this position and there are guys even in lower divisions that have done that. A proven OC can hit the ground running even if an overhaul is necessary, and it probably is. Before Spring football starts is not too late which makes this move totally baffling. Knowing what was necessary and failing to do it can't be papered over. We still don't have an OC and that's a very bad look. I don't care how good he communicates, players have to be wondering what's going on. I can run with hope if it's based on something, but I'm out on hopium.
 
Bubba1957 said:
That first series in game 1 against NCState was amazing. I thought we finally were turning the corner and good things were on the way. Faganno played great. Then we turned a corner, into a wall. I remember a play on the NCState sideline on the second possession where he got hit hard out of bounds. He was never the same after that. Did something happen to him or was that first drive just luck?
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I agree the first series I legit thought wow we have something. But the wheels came off fast ... game ball would have gone to Rosa anyways. The final drive where Fagnano threw into triple coverage for the game ending INT was classic for UConn fans
 
Just guessing here, but I suspect that HCJM wants to stay with the current playbook. The players all know it. The coaches all know it. He most probably wants to keep any changes to an evolutionary variety, perhaps a different emphasis in certain situations. Variations on a theme, not major changes.

But this choice does not immediately scream more downfield passing. UConn has a freshman now who can stand in the pocket and sling it. At least we think they do. This doesn't sound like UConn is all that eager to utilize him.
 
RSTuthill said:
Just guessing here, but I suspect that HCJM wants to stay with the current playbook. The players all know it. The coaches all know it. He most probably wants to keep any changes to an evolutionary variety, perhaps a different emphasis in certain situations. Variations on a theme, not major changes.

But this choice does not immediately scream more downfield passing. UConn has a freshman now who can stand in the pocket and sling it. At least we think they do. This doesn't sound like UConn is all that eager to utilize him.
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But the problem is opponents all seem to know the current playbook too....
 
You guys are funny. It isn’t like there has never been an OL coach who was also OC or promoted to OC. Florida State and USC have that combo. When Urban Mayer was at Ohio State his OC was had started his career as oline coach then was promoted to OC at a MAC school. It is actually a pretty common promotion path in football. Oline coaches need to have an understanding of the whole offense since their guys are key to all aspects of it, not just running backs or quarterbacks. And Sammis is a highly respected coach. He is known to be innovative in his approach to line play. Would I have liked an experienced OC? Yeah, but this is a pretty common promotion, a very respected coach and I think it has a good deal of potential to be pretty successful. Can’t wait for all the whining when he is being touted to go to run the offense at a P4 program in a couple of years.
 
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I'm still on the Mora train, but boy I would have liked to be a fly on the wall to overhear the Charlton thing and this decision.

Maybe in this situation, with the many UConn fb doubters, it would be positive if Mora explained all. If anyone gets upset - tough (you have to break a few eggs to....).

UConn fb is near Defcon 2 in the national picture with a 2 or 3 year fuse (unfortunately).
 
With the limited time prior to spring practice, if there was going to be an official OC hired and not interim OC named, it was going to have to be someone currently on staff and run the spring practice with whatever offense was already in place, you didn't have time bring someone in. Given the options already on staff Sammis is the best choice they could've made prior to spring practice. Where you could quibble is if you wanted to see him elevated to the full position or if you would've rather him be named interim OC and a continued search after camp.
 
freescooter said:
You guys are funny. It isn’t like there has never been an OL coach who was also OC or promoted to OC. Florida State and USC have that combo. When Urban Mayer was at Ohio State his OC was had started his career as oline coach then was promoted to OC at a MAC school. It is actually a pretty common promotion path in football. Oline coaches need to have an understanding of the whole offense since their guys are key to all aspects of it, not just running backs or quarterbacks. And Sammis is a highly respected coach. He is known to be innovative in his approach to line play. Would I have liked an experienced OC? Yeah, but this is a pretty common promotion, a very respected coach and I think it has a good deal of potential to be pretty successful. Can’t wait for all the whining when he is being touted to go to run the offense at a P4 program in a couple of years.
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I don't think folks have a problem with the pathway just given the state of the program, there is apprehension toward it beginning it here.
 
Jimdish255 said:
We needed to show a commitment to elevating our offensive production by bringing in someone with a track record of success at all aspects of this position and there are guys even in lower divisions that have done that.
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No attack at you @Jimdish255, just using your statement to help with mine. So many here are slandering the coaching moves with out a bit of knowledge who would be interested in coming here. I'm confident Jim has been making calls but how many have been getting back?
Yes many a lower division coaches want to climb the ladder but how many are waiting for a stronger rung as to not take a carrier step back?
I being the eternal optimist have purchased tickets but have no idea what to expect. This who has shown interest or been offered. It's not easy being us. ;)
 
RSTuthill said:
Just guessing here, but I suspect that HCJM wants to stay with the current playbook. The players all know it. The coaches all know it. He most probably wants to keep any changes to an evolutionary variety, perhaps a different emphasis in certain situations. Variations on a theme, not major changes.

But this choice does not immediately scream more downfield passing. UConn has a freshman now who can stand in the pocket and sling it. At least we think they do. This doesn't sound like UConn is all that eager to utilize him.
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I mean theoretically the playbook isn't wrong. It's just the choices.

I think we'd all want an experienced hand thar we don't have to question. It's more than just play calling at some point.
 
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Having slept on this for a night, I've done what I usually do when confronted with initially perplexing news from the UConn football program. Accept and embrace.

Sammis has done a good job with the OL and is deserving of this opportunity. He is young and building his coaching resume so he is motivared to succeed. He knows the players and the playbook and apparently has a good relationship with HCJM. I'm sure he will give it everything he has. Hopefully the qualities that have made him a good OL coach will enable him to succeed as the OC. Good luck to him.
 
Drew said:
It’s really ridiculous they try to claim to be “big time”/committed to success in FB and in the last five years we’ve voluntarily cancelled a season and hired two OL coaches with no coordinator experience to run our offense

Unless something drastically changes by this time next year with the commitment we make to the sport, I will no longer be buying tickets to support the program. Just a total waste of $.
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Who else are they going to get less than a week before spring?

Some NFL burnout? The timing of this sucks but I am glad he is gone.

Everything I have heard about Sammis is glowing. Frankly, I’m surprised he wasn’t hired away already.

This is making the best of a suboptimal situation.
 
Jimdish255 said:
If Sammis is promoted this move screams desperation. But being one of those also screaming for a new OC this was alway a possibility, albeit the worst possible one. Even if he comes out with clear goals, objectives and a plan to elevate the passing game how are recruits expected to buy into that vision? What comparable offense has he ever ran? We needed to show a commitment to elevating our offensive production by bringing in someone with a track record of success at all aspects of this position and there are guys even in lower divisions that have done that. A proven OC can hit the ground running even if an overhaul is necessary, and it probably is. Before Spring football starts is not too late which makes this move totally baffling. Knowing what was necessary and failing to do it can't be papered over. We still don't have an OC and that's a very bad look. I don't care how good he communicates, players have to be wondering what's going on. I can run with hope if it's based on something, but I'm out on hopium.
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My initial thoughts were similar. But is there a different angle to look at this from?
Sammis isn’t an unknown variable. He has developed relationships with Mora, the other coaches and most of all players. This move helps to keep some continuity in a program that has had very little over past decade.
Yeah, I would love to see a big name hire. But that doesn’t guarantee anything and if Sammis is hungry and talented, and bleeds blue, I’m open to giving him a chance.
 
I loved Sammis as our OL coach. Natural progression for him to be an OC. Just because Giofre wasn’t able to succeed as OC here doesn’t mean all former OL coaches are doomed to failure as coordinators. I do hope we hire a young OL coach in the summer so Sammis can focus on coordinating. My gut tells me he is going to be great. We will see obviously.
 
At this point I don’t care who is OC as long as they can prove they’re competent with on field results. The bar is in hell and they still find ways to trip over it.
 
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Forte said:
But the problem is opponents all seem to know the current playbook too....
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Well, they know know which pages of the hymnal are likely to be chosen, I will give you that. But there is a lot of the playbook that is underutilized.
 
Most of you won't like this comment, but GDL was an OL coach before he was made the OC/OL coach at Syracuse and he was innovative during his time and the Syracuse offense performed well. Unfortunately, his schemes were tired by the time he got to UConn and he wasn't successful here.

I'm not excited by making Sammis the OC due to the lack of experience, but I'm going to be hopeful.
 
UConnJim said:
Most of you won't like this comment, but GDL was an OL coach before he was made the OC/OL coach at Syracuse and he was innovative during his time and the Syracuse offense performed well. Unfortunately, his schemes were tired by the time he got to UConn and he wasn't successful here.

I'm not excited by making Sammis the OC due to the lack of experience, but I'm going to be hopeful.
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Yeah we got the expired milk version of GDL but his zone blocking scheme was revolutionary to the game of FB at one time.
 
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I, for one, welcome our new offensive coordinator. He did nice work with the O-line, knows the players and plays, and is already a known commodity for HC Jim Mora. I'm pleased with the move.
 
I wish they had spent more time on the hire but if it all goes wrong it will be like charlton... out the door at the end of the season.
 
RSTuthill said:
Well, they know know which pages of the hymnal are likely to be chosen, I will give you that. But there is a lot of the playbook that is underutilized.
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You know, I once had the opportunity to meet a pretty well respected college coach who graduated with me from UConn. We were talking about football and the difference between Yankee Conference ball where he played and major college ball where he coached for years. He said at UConn they had many(40 sticks in my mind) offensive plays, but he now has 6 basic plays. It is about execution and choosing the right option within the play. Especially execution, though. If Sammis can get better execution we will be fine.
 
Patman said:
I wish they had spent more time on the hire but if it all goes wrong it will be like charlton... out the door at the end of the season.
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Why do you think you have any idea how much time was spent on the hire? Do you think Charlton woke up one morning last week and decided to go to the NFL? For all any of us know, Mora saw this as an option he wanted after the season ended, and was just working on placing Charlton in a way that was palatable to all parties. Who knows??
 
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