Joe Moorehead Fordham intro comments

[Carl Spackler]

http://www.theramonline.com/news/jo...-head-coach-at-fordham-1.2682857#.Tu9L1tQV3LE

Nice read. Interesting to read what the man thinks about how he wants to play the game of football. Attack. Attack attack. On defense and offense. Doesn't relaly seem to jive with what we actually saw on the field until 2011 from his phase of the game he had at UConn.

Contrary to what many probably think, I think he was a great coach and did some very impressive things in 2011 given the situation he was dealt.

..and one other comment....on going into the Fordham job...

"I fully believe that this is not a rebuilding job,"

Of the things required in hiring a good college coach, it's been said by at least one guy I know that's pretty respectable, is that knowing the competition and knowing the environment is pretty important, previous experience is negligible, and a bonus if you can get it, but knowing the recruiting profile for your sport, the recruiting territory, and being able to successfully recruit it is absolutely essential.

I think Fordham made a great hire and wish Mr. Moorhead success.

 

[nebrich]

A public thank you.

I don't think the fans will ever fully understand or appreciate what Coach Moorhead brought to UConn football. It's easy to point to offensive stats and pass judgement on a coach, but that would not even scratch the surface with this coach! Coach Moorhead had the full respect and support from all his players. He was the type of coach that pushed the players to be great but in a way that made football continue to be fun. This is a rare quality in a coach. Coach Moorhead recruited my son Michael and built a close bond with him and the family. When Coach Edsall left unexpectedly, our family went through a very difficult period just weeks before Michael was to report to UConn. Joe was there to reassure our family that he would be there during the difficult transition period. He was true to his word and for that, and for all that he did to support my son during this challenging season, we are forever grateful. The Nebrich family will miss you Coach Moorhead! Thank you for all that you have done for us and the UConn family! We wish you and your family the very best as you begin this next chapter in your life! We hope our paths will cross again in the future!

-- The Nebrich family

 

[BlueMAB]

He was the type of coach that pushed the players to be great but in a way that made football continue to be fun. This is a rear quality in a coach. Coach Moorhead recruited my son Michael and built a close bond with him and the family.

Nice post, funny typo, but nice post.

Moorehead, through no fault of his own, never really got the chance to do his thing here. Tough place to recruit, but I'm sure he'll do well at Fordham.

 

[nebrich]

thanks...

 

[NEforceUConn]

Thanks for the insight.

It must be tough to have coaches leave. Kids sure have to grow up fast and learn the vagaries of the world quickly. Wish it was not so.
Here's to what's next.

 

[ucjoet]

Nice to get an insiders view on a coach. We really have no idea how the coaches ( especially assistant coaches) interact with the players and what type of people they are. We make assumptions based on what we see for a few hours during games. Good luck to Coach Moorheadand to MN.

 

[huskypantz]

Thanks for the insight, Mr. Nebrich. Most of us have wondered what Ambrose or coach Moorhead could do with all the pieces in place. Wish the best for him and his family.

 

[Carl Spackler]

Interesting. I didn't get the opportunity to get to know him at all. I just thought the introduction press notes were quite interesting. Sounds like the approach that Coach P, D, B brought to UConn on offense and defense, was right up his alley, while what we were actually doing on the field through 2009-2010 on both sides was much different.

And given his background and coaching experience, he seems like a really good fit to recruit kids to play ball in the Patriot league for a school in the Bronx, and he's had a pretty good progression working his way up to that head coach spot, and a place that any football coach should be humbled, and dedicated to be the best they can be as a football caoch. Seven blocks of granite.

as for #2 in the blue and white, I'm looking for big things in the sprng. Except this time, he'll have a year in the offensive system under his belt.

I've got high hopes for that one. If he' not already been taught, ind somebody to train him on how to study film and develop a thinking and recognition pattern for what defenses are doing, or tell him to go to coach D's office, and keep banging on his door and asking him questions, until he shows him how to study film, and then keep going back for more and more film and telling him what he sees and how he sees it, and start to develop a solid thinking pattern to make decisions fast on the football field and see things happening before they happen. And if he has been taught, and there's probably a good chance that a guy like Moorhead has already taught some good habits to the young guy, start breaking down film. Lots of it. Lots and lots and lots of it.

You can work all day and night at throwing the ball in a perfect spiral on 3, 5, 7 step drops, but you become a great QB in the film room, and you learn how to make decisions and read a defense in the film room, and you earn that huddle when the other 10 guys in the huddle realize they can lean on you to tell them what's going to happen, and then go do it.

 

[sportsart]

I always wished we had the talent to implement his no huddle, hurry up offense. We did the no huddle but rarely was it a hurry up. I think RE held him back more than lack of talent now that I think about it.

I loved the chest bump between Moorehead and McCummings in one of the last 2 games after McCummings ran one in.

 

[mauconnfan]

Wow, you just can't get insight on a coach from a better source than that. Great post and interesting!

 

[Nostical]

Don't underestimate the impact and loyalties developed by players and their families for the assistant coach that was involved and most interactive in the recruiting process. As Mr. Nebrich attests, Morehead formed a great bond with Mike ad the entire family. There are several players who felt the same way about Ambrose. He was called " charismatic" and "such a great guy". It helps explain why some kids are gravitating to Towson, and why he will be successful there. I see Joe Morehead turning Fordham into a force in the FCS.

 

[ZooCougar]

I thought Moorhead was one of Edsall's best hires. Despite the fact that Edsall handcuffed him, he still left an indelible mark on the program. Fordam will be well served by his leadership.

 

[Kingspoint]

"I fully believe that this is not a rebuilding job," Moorhead added.
Does anyone else think he was taking a shot at FUCRE when he said this? I do.

BTW, I met him and his family his first season at UConn. They were all very gracious and really glad to be part of the UConn family. I'm sorry to see him go, but wish him and his family all the best and success at Fordham!

 

[CAPS]

WE WANT NEBRICH! WE WANT NEBRICH! WE WANT NEBRICH! Boy never got a fair shake in 2011. good luck coach Joe.

 

[ctchamps]

Thanks for the post Mr. Nebrich! It's great to have an insiders perspective on things. I hope Michael adjusts to not having Coach Moorhead at UConn. I hope he has a happy a successful career. We are wishing him and Coach Moorhead a bright future.

 

[MattMang23]

Ditto everyone's sentiments. It's always bittersweet seeing one of your team's assistants leave. Great for Coach M. and also for UConn. It's a good thing when other schools want your coaches as it means your school has achieved a recognized level of success and your coaches are clearly respected and highly thought of. Stinks for UConn too in that a valued piece of the coaching staff has left town.

As for Michael Nebrich: would have loved seeing him on the field more this year. I hope he wins the QB1 job next season.