[UPDATED 11/24] Coaching changes?

Updated 11/24  Mike Bohn said after the Stanford game that there will be changes in the CU Football program (and I think he means more than the previously announced additions to the recruiting staff).  The speculation has been running wild across the internet ever since, and some type of announcement should happen this week.  Here’s my take:

There is absolutely no way that this coaching staff remains intact in the offseason.  As much as consistency can be a positive in limiting turnover on a staff, when the group is this bad and inexperienced, something needs to change.  That being said, Jon Embree is not going to get the ax, yet, but he needs to surround himself with better support and more veteran perspective.  However, in order to do so, Embree will need to make some changes and let go of some of his buddies and “CU” guys.  There are talks of wholesale changes to both sides of the ball, possibly resulting in a major shake-up.  On offense, there is also discussion of switching to a more “spread” style, which would invite many changes on that side of the ball.  On defense, something drastic has to happen as that group has been abysmal this season.

Greg Brown, Defensive (and he should feel that way) Coordinator, and Secondary-IN WAY TOO DEEP!!!  I don’ think they can demote him to just DBs, but like Bienemy, he is probably better suited to be a position coach. His young DBs have suffered this year from his lack of attention with them because he had way too much to worry about.  This is where Embree needs to make his first move.  Possible names: Bob Simmons, Chuck Heater, David Gibbs.

It was once thought LB coach Brian Cabral would stay in Boulder until the next time Hawaii looks for a head coach. However, since the staff will need two guys to replace Brown, one as coordinator and someone else for the secondary, one of the three guys in charge of the “front seven” (really “front six” in a defense that is in a nickel or dime more often than not against so many of CU’s opponents), Kanavis McGhee (outside d-line), Mike Tuiasasopo (inside d-line) or Cabral (inside LBs) will need to go elsewhere; three coaches are too many to be responsible for only 6-7 defensive slots on the field.  While some have said it is ridiculous, the rumor persists that Cabral will be the odd man out and will be forced to ungracefully retire, which would be an absolute travesty.  McGhee could also end up becoming part of the recruiting staff since that might be his specialty.

Eric Bienemy, Offensive (can be pronounced either way here) Coordinator, Running Backs- This man is a true Buff, but he is in way over his head.  He is a great recruiter and running backs coach, period.  He looks lost on the sidelines, staring at his playcard, clueless as to which play to call.  I don’t think he would accept a demotion to RB coach only.  Especially if they switch to a spread, and even though he is entitled to a buyout, I think he will make the “tough decision to do what is best for his family” and accept an NFL job in the offseason, creating a clean break and “out”.  Names thrown out there: Jeff Tedford, Bob Stitt.

Steve Marshall, Offensive (both pronunciations again acceptable) Line- HAS TO GO!  Cal was right, he is awful, his line is terrible and not making nearly enough gains.  I think the talent on the line is decent, not great, but should be able to perform a little better than the crap they have shown. Graduating senior and career backup Ryan Dannewitz said after the Utah game that he is coming back as an intern, or possibly graduate assistant, which concerns me that Marshall is being retained.  Names out there: anyone else.

Rip Scherer, Quarterbacks- This group is scary.  Whenever you have two (let alone three) guys, you have less than one and that was the case here all year long.  Not sure how much can be attributed to his coaching.  He is one of the more experienced guys on the staff, so he is likely back.  However, if Embree goes in a specific direction with the offense, he could be out as well, especially if the new OC is a QB guy like Tedford.

Bobby Kennedy, Wide Receivers- He has nothing to work with, will get P-Rich and a bunch of frosh next year.  However, I could also see him taking a coordinator position at a smaller school.  A new coordinator could also sway him to stay or possibly look elsewhere.

JD Brookhart, Tight Ends, Special Teams- Both of his main responsibilities have been shaky areas for the team.  Is he doing too much as well?  The TEs have shown flashes, and they have a bunch of young guys for next year, but are mediocre at best.  Special teams, however, outside of the punting, have been atrocious (remember, Mosley’s return was a botched blocking effort and he made the play by himself breaking a tackle and reversing fields to outrace the rest of the Utes and they followed that up by giving one up the other way).  It may just be the speed deficiency, but something has to change here.  His situation could also depend on the OC, but is likely to stick around.

So, no one’s job is safe, although it is unlikely that all of those guys will be gone.  There will definitely be some change in both coordinators, even if it is just a “co” addition to someone’s title, although completely new names are probable, which would create a domino effect.  I would guess 3-4 overall changes on the staff.  Next year will need to see some definite improvement or more changes will need to be made.