Overall (not just Game Management) thoughts on the coach

[ScottVib]

I already typed my thoughts about last night's game. I think everyone with a clue, and even most of those without recognized the latest in a series of recurring issues with Diaco's clock management. As a defensive coach you know the drill there, you don't let someone get up, should have been pass (or boot pass with a pass-run option for Sherriffs) and then if you must run, you run on the last play when the clock is going to expire anyways.

Beyond that.. (and yes I recognize the morning after it's a bit like asking "other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?") what are the thoughts on Diaco as an overall head-coach. Game day is obviously a big part of it, but Benedict and/or Diaco can come up with a solution there, you can appoint someone to act in a clock management capacity if your head-coach or offensive coordinator (or both) just doesn't get it. I think one of the things that perhaps head-coaches from the defensive-side of the ball don't realize as well is clock management. As a D-coordinator, the clock is your ally, you don't want to push tempo, if the clock runs out, they can't score. As a part of that comes the challenge of not really having learned how to manage the clock or play-calling to maximize opportunities to score, if/when you ascend to lead your own program.

In the end, though, there is more to the head-coaches responsibility than just the game day. There is the program management and recruiting. While the game-day is the most visible, the day-to-day operations are of course, as important, if not moreso to the future of your program. This is where I think Diaco has done a pretty good job. Unquestionably the program was left in a poor shape by the former regime. Recruiting is as good, if not better, than it's ever been. The players believe in the program, and you can see development and improvement in the player's skill levels and physical ability year after year. There is some positive here and the clock-management can be developed (and must be helped in the short-term). Improvement must be shown, and I'm sure (or hopeful) the AD and Head Coach will have some blunt conversations on the mistakes made and a real plan to address them for next week and beyond.

Not that the boneyard is ever shy, looking at things in total (not just the game-day disasters) how does coach stack up? Are there enough positives to outweigh the game-management "opportunities"?

 

[Sky ball]

I agree but it's too early for a reality wake up...many still want to rant over yesterdays 17 sec debacle.

 

[Cubbybear]

I agree with you. He needs a game manager for those important things like clock management, down and distance substitution numbers etc.
Im not certian if Andy Baylock is around the program but he is a former head BB coach who can get that job done. He's a bit older, very respected and has been around the program

Or what about his grad assistants , you dont need a ton of coaching experience for clock management skills

 

[coachcap]

I agree with you. He needs a game manager for those important things like clock management, down and distance substitution numbers etc.
Im not certian if Andy Baylock is around the program but he is a former head BB coach who can get that job done. He's a bit older, very respected and has been around the program

Or what about his grad assistants , you dont need a ton of coaching experience for clock management skills

First of all Cubby, it's been too long. Welcome back to the active roster. Second, we both know of an NFL qb languishing in the twilight of his career in Detroit. If he retires at the end of the season, Diaco should immediately hire this distinguished alum as "Clock management coordinator". Coach Baylock would be acceptable in the interim if his health allows, otherwise hire Casey Cochran for this purpose.
ScottVib: while reading your thoughts of head coaches whose background was on defense, which I agree with, I was drawn to the difference between Edsall & Diaco. While both were defensive coordinators in their previous employment, FHCRE was a quarterback while Coach D. played linebacker. Therein lies the difference. Randy was acutely aware of clock management. He harkened back to his playing days before there was a play clock. Qbs in his era had an internal 30 second clock to get a play off. Diaco needs to do some soul searching & develop this internal clock a.s.a.p.

 

[Chin Diesel]

Coaches who are good at the day to day minutiae of running a program- scheduling practices, setting recruiting visits, building bodies up over the off season, etc are called Asst. Coaches.

Head coaches are expected to shine on Saturdays. All the behind the scenes stuff we don't see are jobs for coordinators, assistant coaches and football operations people.

There are things that need to be done in a football program and things that need to be done by the head coach. Diaco hasn't improved in that in three years.

It's clear that once again players will have to overcome coaching decisions to have success.

 

[coachcap]

Coaches who are good at the day to day minutiae of running a program- scheduling practices, setting recruiting visits, building bodies up over the off season, etc are called Asst. Coaches.

Head coaches are expected to shine on Saturdays. All the behind the scenes stuff we don't see are jobs for coordinators, assistant coaches and football operations people.

There are things that need to be done in a football program and things that need to be done by the head coach. Diaco hasn't improved in that in three years.

It's clear that once again players will have to overcome coaching decisions to have success.

To your last thought: What if Sherriffs went full Sgt. Hulka & said "F$%^ THIS!" on the final play call, lined up in shot gun & ran the play giving him the 4 options of handing off to Johnson, running himself, throwing to an open receiver, or throwing the ball away to survive for 1 last play? To do that he's have to have the self confidence of Dan O. & not be a robot? Oh, to dream.

 

[Jimdish255]

To your last thought: What if Sherriffs went full Sgt. Hulka & said "F$%^ THIS!" on the final play call, lined up in shot gun & ran the play giving him the 4 options of handing off to Johnson, running himself, throwing to an open receiver, or throwing the ball away to survive for 1 last play? To do that he's have to have the self confidence of Dan O. & not be a robot? Oh, to dream.

Interesting question. Would Coach D have run onto the field to burn the TO if we could have gotten a play off, or would he have let it play out and maybe had a life changing moment? I'm guessing TO all the way. He overthinks stuff with the determining factor being how can we stay in my comfort and control zone.

 

[tduconn]

I agree with you. He needs a game manager for those important things like clock management, down and distance substitution numbers etc.
Im not certian if Andy Baylock is around the program but he is a former head BB coach who can get that job done. He's a bit older, very respected and has been around the program

Or what about his grad assistants , you don't need a ton of coaching experience for clock management skills

While I missed the last few minutes after Navy scored the "go ahead" points, I am pleased with the "fight" in the players, and discussed

 

[CTMike]

I think Diaco is a smart guy - I really do. But there is a definite stubbornness about him, too. Is he open to look at data that doesn't fit his world view and then change accordingly? Doesn't seem that way. I think his entire objective in life is to avoid turnovers. On the surface - that's great! Teams that turn the ball over often lose! But his interpretation of this has been to turtle up and be ultraconservative, always worrying about the downsides, instead of playing with confidence. He's convinced of his plodding, power running style when there is no evidence we can get push off the line. He refuses to be aggressive until he absolutely has no choice. And even when his hand was forced, and passing was by all measures successful - he overthought things again, turtled up and went back to run because "what if". He's recruiting and developing nice kids, great students, kids with desire that work their tails off - everything you'd want a head coach to do - except seal the deal on game day. It's head scratching and frustrating.

 

[Chief00]

If you want to be power running team your offensive linemen need to power drive off the line of scrimmage - there needs to be more truck convoys into the end zone.

 

[freescooter]

Sounds like a fair amount of excuses going around to me. Jeez Whacky Bob is not the first guy to move from a coordinator to head coach. There have been several who did it around the same time who have been much more successful and who don't seem to have as many issues. I agree he came into a messy situation but to some degree he has made his own mess. Year 1 he basically threw the season to refocus on the future. Last year there was some hope but also some questionable decision-making. When you look at some other coordinators who took over programs that were in pretty bad shape I'm not sure there were so many questions this far in, at least among the successful ones.

I still think he needs to at least meet or exceed last year's results, get back to a bowl. Or he will be a defensive coordinator somewhere before too long. P

 

[businesslawyer]

I already typed my thoughts about last night's game. I think everyone with a clue, and even most of those without recognized the latest in a series of recurring issues with Diaco's clock management. As a defensive coach you know the drill there, you don't let someone get up, should have been pass (or boot pass with a pass-run option for Sherriffs) and then if you must run, you run on the last play when the clock is going to expire anyways.

Beyond that.. (and yes I recognize the morning after it's a bit like asking "other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?") what are the thoughts on Diaco as an overall head-coach. Game day is obviously a big part of it, but Benedict and/or Diaco can come up with a solution there, you can appoint someone to act in a clock management capacity if your head-coach or offensive coordinator (or both) just doesn't get it. I think one of the things that perhaps head-coaches from the defensive-side of the ball don't realize as well is clock management. As a D-coordinator, the clock is your ally, you don't want to push tempo, if the clock runs out, they can't score. As a part of that comes the challenge of not really having learned how to manage the clock or play-calling to maximize opportunities to score, if/when you ascend to lead your own program.

In the end, though, there is more to the head-coaches responsibility than just the game day. There is the program management and recruiting. While the game-day is the most visible, the day-to-day operations are of course, as important, if not moreso to the future of your program. This is where I think Diaco has done a pretty good job. Unquestionably the program was left in a poor shape by the former regime. Recruiting is as good, if not better, than it's ever been. The players believe in the program, and you can see development and improvement in the player's skill levels and physical ability year after year. There is some positive here and the clock-management can be developed (and must be helped in the short-term). Improvement must be shown, and I'm sure (or hopeful) the AD and Head Coach will have some blunt conversations on the mistakes made and a real plan to address them for next week and beyond.

Not that the boneyard is ever shy, looking at things in total (not just the game-day disasters) how does coach stack up? Are there enough positives to outweigh the game-management "opportunities"?

So other than that you liked the play Mrs. Lincoln?

He is doing many parts of his job fine. There are others for which he has a ways to go.

 

[tduconn]

I agree with you. He needs a game manager for those important things like clock management, down and distance substitution numbers etc.
Im not certian if Andy Baylock is around the program but he is a former head BB coach who can get that job done. He's a bit older, very respected and has been around the program

Or what about his grad assistants , you dont need a ton of coaching experience for clock management skills

We don't need more coaches......we need the current coaches to pay attention and do their job. Maybe when you are on the sideline your field vision can be blocked for any number of reasons. but that is not an excuse to NOT know what down it is, or where the ball is located, or the result of a play.

Were there video screens in the stadium?

What about coaches in the booth? Nothing should be able to block their view except a heavy fog. Do they have binoculars? Do they use them? Do they pay attention to "complete/incomplete/out of bounds/ stop the clock/etc" signals given by referees?

Do they use their electronics (eg headphones) to communicate with the coaches on the side lines? Do the coaches on the sidelines listen? There has been more than a few times I've seen BD with his headset draped on his shoulders.

Absolutely no excuse for not knowing game time situation. Absolutely "what if excuses" are unacceptable. Anything is possible on a given snap......no reason not to think ahead! I'll add a couple of ridiculous "what if excuses for inaction"...what if Shirreffs fumbles the snap? What if the team goes "offside"? What if Johnson ......fumbles handoff? What if the sun's angle blocks a receives sight and the pass falls incomplete? And BD's excuse....the pass can be intercepted.

If after years of experience the coaches coach based on "what IF's"....... (never mind)

Coaches should do their jobs! Pay attention and know what the heck is going on and have a gave plan whereby at least the team don't have to wait 20+ seconds for coaches to make up their mind figuring out all the "what IF's"

 

[UConnSportsGuy]

Bob Diaco is the perfect Head Coach for our program 165 hours of the week. Unfortunately, he is a horrendous Head Coach for 3 hours of the week.

Regrettably, all the great things that he is doing for 98% of the week are being ruined by the 2%. And sadly, I don't think fixing those 3 hours is something that he is willing and/or is capable of doing.

People are focusing Diaco's horrible clock management (and rightfully so after this weekend). But his in-game strategy, adjustments, and game management is amateur at best and is completely maddening as a fan.

 

[ZooCougar]

I already typed my thoughts about last night's game. I think everyone with a clue, and even most of those without recognized the latest in a series of recurring issues with Diaco's clock management. As a defensive coach you know the drill there, you don't let someone get up, should have been pass (or boot pass with a pass-run option for Sherriffs) and then if you must run, you run on the last play when the clock is going to expire anyways.

Beyond that.. (and yes I recognize the morning after it's a bit like asking "other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?") what are the thoughts on Diaco as an overall head-coach. Game day is obviously a big part of it, but Benedict and/or Diaco can come up with a solution there, you can appoint someone to act in a clock management capacity if your head-coach or offensive coordinator (or both) just doesn't get it. I think one of the things that perhaps head-coaches from the defensive-side of the ball don't realize as well is clock management. As a D-coordinator, the clock is your ally, you don't want to push tempo, if the clock runs out, they can't score. As a part of that comes the challenge of not really having learned how to manage the clock or play-calling to maximize opportunities to score, if/when you ascend to lead your own program.

In the end, though, there is more to the head-coaches responsibility than just the game day. There is the program management and recruiting. While the game-day is the most visible, the day-to-day operations are of course, as important, if not moreso to the future of your program. This is where I think Diaco has done a pretty good job. Unquestionably the program was left in a poor shape by the former regime. Recruiting is as good, if not better, than it's ever been. The players believe in the program, and you can see development and improvement in the player's skill levels and physical ability year after year. There is some positive here and the clock-management can be developed (and must be helped in the short-term). Improvement must be shown, and I'm sure (or hopeful) the AD and Head Coach will have some blunt conversations on the mistakes made and a real plan to address them for next week and beyond.

Not that the boneyard is ever shy, looking at things in total (not just the game-day disasters) how does coach stack up? Are there enough positives to outweigh the game-management "opportunities"?

It's not as if I expect Diaco to do all of the game day and clock management all by himself.

All of the coaches that excel at this, or at least don't suck at it, delegate this stuff out to staff and put in control measures to make sure it doesn't happen.

So basically, either Diaco doesn't delegate this stuff out or the people he has managing it for him just suck. And regardless, the sideline is completely disorganized. They still often stuggle to get plays in on time. With a second year QB, this is unacceptable.

Fire him? No. But, this is on his record now. And all of the great off the field stuff is for nothing if you can't manage a game. There is parity in college football.

And yes, a coach can lose a game. A player can lose a game. It often comes down to one event in one play that is the difference. If your coach can't manage the game in an elite manner, then the players will have more difficulty competing at an elite level.

 

[ZooCougar]

Bob Diaco is the perfect Head Coach for our program 165 hours of the week. Unfortunately, he is a horrendous Head Coach for 3 hours of the week.

Regrettably, all the great things that he is doing for 98% of the week are being ruined by the 2%. And sadly, I don't think fixing those 3 hours is something that he is willing and/or is capable of doing.

People are focusing Diaco's horrible clock management (and rightfully so after this weekend). But his in-game strategy, adjustments, and game management is amateur at best and is completely maddening as a fan.

He's a great offseason head coach.

 

[WestCoastHusky]

It has been a few days. I am slowly getting over this horrible loss. I am still shaking my head, but I am trying to look at the overall big picture. Here is my honest assessment of Diaco:

Pros:

• Great communicator - I believe he is a good communicator to players. He is more open to the media and fans than previous coaches.
• Great motivator - I do believe the team believes in him and his overall goal for the program.
• Good recruiter - he is able to recruit his kind of players. So far, we are seeing talent improvement in some areas.
• Good role model - he comes across clean-cut. He cares about his players' education. He is someone parents can trust their kids with.

Cons:

• Questionable Hires - I am not sure about his latest OC hire. Either our OC is as conservative as Diaco, or he lacks imagination with playcalling.
• Very conservative - For someone as young as him, he coaches like they used to do in the 60s. As a result, we lose to inferior teams like Navy. It will happen again.
• Boring offense - It is like watching paint dry with his run, run, pass, punt approach. This Navy game showed us we are capable of much more. Why not trust the players more and let them play?
• Lack feel for the game - For teams like Maine, we should have blown them out from the first play. Maine is a bad team. Maine just lost to Toledo 45-3 or something. Instead, we let them hang around, or wait until we are way down before we finally open the playbook up.
• Horrible in-game playcalling - He is either crazy or he makes some really questionable calls. In the Navy game, we punted when we were in Navy side of the field at 4th and 3 or 4th and 4. Navy marched down and scored a TD with no resistance from our D. Next drive we were in the same situation, he punted like he did the first time. Navy marched down and scored another TD with zero resistance from our D. A good coach would know his D was not playing well at that point and went for it. Diaco was super stubborn and punted. Next thing we know we were down 21-0. We won't even talk about the 3 straight runs up the middle right before Navy scored the winning TD.
• Bad clock management - this has been beaten to death.
• Stubborn as a mule - We are seeing similar mistakes being made over and over. He is in year 3. He needs to learn and change.
• Diaco is great for the program, but he lacks what's required to be a head coach. Will he ever learn? I have no clue. We are in year 3 already.

Like many of you, I have no clue what will Diaco do next. He might surprise us and win the next 3 games. Then again, he might lose them all on some really really dumb in-game play calling or other screw ups. The sad part is we really don't know. The positive is we know our players are capable of winning games. The question is will he let them play on the field vs. making some dumb calls or adjustments to lose more games?

 

[SubbaBub]

The job of Head Coach can be whittled to the following in no particular order.

1. Winning
2. Recruiting
3. Teaching
4. Motivating
5. Brand Ambassador
6. Managing the Program


The timeout fiasco falls under winning, which we aren't doing enough of along with a bunch of other reasons.

He has been average to above average in the other 5 tasks. He can still get better, his recruiting classes making an impact will probably define his tenure should the win number gradually increase. I don't think we have the next Nick Saban, but we also don't have the last five coaches collectively rolled out by BC and Syracuse either.

 

[Jimdish255]

Like many of you, I have no clue what will Diaco do next. He might surprise us and win the next 3 games. Then again, he might lose them all on some really really dumb in-game play calling or other screw ups. The sad part is we really don't know. The positive is we know our players are capable of winning games. The question is will he let them play on the field vs. making some dumb calls or adjustments to lose more games?

That kinda looks like the sad part then the sadder part.

 

[John Greene]

The job of Head Coach can be whittled to the following in no particular order.

1. Winning
2. Recruiting
3. Teaching
4. Motivating
5. Brand Ambassador
6. Managing the Program


The timeout fiasco falls under winning, which we aren't doing enough of along with a bunch of other reasons.

He has been average to above average in the other 5 tasks. He can still get better, his recruiting classes making an impact will probably define his tenure should the win number gradually increase. I don't think we have the next Nick Saban, but we also don't have the last five coaches collectively rolled out by BC and Syracuse either.

Since you bring Saban up in your post here is a list of what I have concluded are his priorities. This list is based on hearing him make a presentation & answer questions at 4 Bham Quarterback Club lunches.

1 Recruiting
2 Selecting Staff
3 Motivating (Players & Staff)
4 Teaching
5 Keeping focus on what you do and how you do it
6 Day to day improvement

Winning would not be on the list it is a result of successfully implementing the list.

 

[Kaizen]

I agree but it's too early for a reality wake up...many still want to rant over yesterdays 17 sec debacle.

 

[sdhusky]

As a result, we lose to inferior teams like Navy. It will happen again.

Navy hasn't lost a game to a non ranked team in 18 games. They've won 12 straight at home.

How do you figure they are inferior?

 

[Excalibur]

The job of Head Coach can be whittled to the following in no particular order.

1. Winning
2. Recruiting
3. Teaching
4. Motivating
5. Brand Ambassador
6. Managing the Program


The timeout fiasco falls under winning, which we aren't doing enough of along with a bunch of other reasons.

He has been average to above average in the other 5 tasks. He can still get better, his recruiting classes making an impact will probably define his tenure should the win number gradually increase. I don't think we have the next Nick Saban, but we also don't have the last five coaches collectively rolled out by BC and Syracuse either.

Winning is the result of doing the other things. If you are good at the other elements but not winning you need to consider why that might be the case.

 

[microfich]

Dear Coach Diaco,

I am convinced you are an astute football man and a leader of men. I am also convinced you are a micromanager of the first degree. This trait may serve you well during the week but being a young coach there is no way you can have become comfortable with making game decisions while also sticking your neck into every sideline huddle. You have enough to think about re: the game at hand. Trust your assistants. They're your guys. Focus on the series, the clock, the opposition's adjustments. Clear the clutter and maybe you'll surprise yourself.

Sincerely,

A tired, lifelong UConn fan

 

[Exit 4]

My frustration with wacky Bob is with the following:

i) he way his teams play not to loose, rather than playing to win <-- its his job to get these kids playing with confidence. a place that emphasizes not making mistakes is a place where people play tight.
ii) the distinct possibility he has surrounded himself with all the yes man he met over the years rather than innovative types. <--is anyone on his staff offering up solutions or do they just shut and follow orders? it seems he has a staff with zero threats to his authority.
iii) the lack of dynamics to his offensive schemes. <--need to get away from bunch formations, its obvious our O-line, TEs and FB can be overwhelmed when we are in compact formations. need to make more in game changes to schemes.
iv) the possibility he has over emphasized size & weight room discipline for speed & pure athleticism. <--to be answered by the end of the season...so far I worry many players look ripped, but have lost speed.
v) not owning up to botching the Navy game. <--coaching needs to take ownership, just like players.
vi) the possibility he runs too much of a feel good program. <--jury is still out.

The good:
i) he's strong salesman - although sometimes he gets needlessly 'wacky.'
ii) overall the D has played pretty well in his era.
iii) his youth is generally a pro.
iv) still has time to win seven games this year. six is the floor, seven is acceptable progress and eight would force all doubters to shove it.