Moving forward with Mike MacIntyre

 New Colorado Buffalo Football Head Coach Mike MacIntyre said all the right things at his introductory press conference, filled with enthusiasm, positivity and “passion”, utilizing some great expressions to live by: “I look at California as in-state” got the best reception, plus some typical clichés: “No excuses, no regrets…Instead of ‘patience’, I use ‘perseverance’…We’ll get the best 22 out there.”  He absolutely emphasized academics, making that a priority when he talked to players about finishing the semester the right way.  MacIntyre finished his well-received presser by presenting his wife as evidence he can recruit.

MacIntyre was originally contacted last Thursday night, had a big recruiting weekend in San Jose before talking more to CU officials and to his family over the weekend (not sure if he was in Colorado on Sunday or not).  He will sign a 5-year, $2 million contract (400% raise) with specific stipulations (outlined in contract that will be released next week) that the university will make certain upgrades on a timetable (much like Jeff Bzdelik originally insisted be written into his contract and which kick-started the basketball program to some extent).  He will also be given a large sum toward his assistant pool. Here's what we are looking at:

Pedigree: MacIntyre has an impressive coaching resume and list of mentors, including Bill Parcells and QB guru David Cutliffe-he professes to coach QBs with the “Cutcliffe way…and it’s never failed”.  He was instrumental in convincing Archie in letting Eli got to Ole Miss.  He has coached and recruited all over the country (Ole Miss, Duke,), especially California (see above quote), as well as in the NFL (NY Jets, Dallas Cowboys).  MacIntyre receives raves from former players like Denver Bronco practice-squader Duke.  There has been very little negative even insinuated about him.

Detractors? One radio personality (no idea which one at this point) said he had talked to two FBS head coaches who compared MacIntyre to a “car salesman”.  Alfred Williams pointed out he only had such great success this past year after bringing in a new offensive coordinator as well as a JUCO QB.

Alignments: On offense they will run a Pistol shotgun formation, with varying personnel groupings, and will pass a lot, especially screens and bubble screens, but will also utilize the run with some play action and zone-reads.  The pistol is a shotgun formation, but with the QB a little closer to the line, to help him make quicker decisions, especially with the run.  The biggest question is there a QB on the roster that can run it?  Shane Dillon is probably best shot.  San Jose State’s offense was excellent this year, ranked (~?)30^th, with many players ranked high as well, including the QB and some receivers.  They will be coached either by the young, innovative Lindgren or the master of the Pistol Bob Stitt, so they will be in great hands.

On defense they will run a 4-3, with some 4-2-5 nickel to combat the many spread opponents and said it would look a little like TCU.  Although he has coached numerous positions, he has generally been a defensive and secondary coach, so he will take careful interest on this side of the ball. 

He said they would be an aggressive special teams unit (but who ever actually says they will be passive?) and said it all depends on a fast returner.

In general, they will utilize numerous personnel groupings to keep fresh and keep “everyone happy”.

Assistants: He is planning on asking both coordinators-innovative Brian Lindgren on offense and a very experienced Kent Baer, with seven stops as DC on defense-to come with him to CU (if neither are not named head coach at SJSU).  He also mentioned DL coach and Texas recruiter Jim Jeffcoat.  He also said that he will interview all CU coaches and I wonder if Cabral actually survives another coaching change, but since Baer is also a LB guy, Cabral does probably ride off to coach high school in Hawaii.  The naming of Jeffcoat does not bode well for Kanavis McGhee (unless he is asked to be recruiting coordinator?) or Mike Tuiasasopo.  Bobby Kennedy could be asked to stay on at wide receivers, maybe TEs coach JD Brookhart.  Bienemy, Brown, Marshall (please!), Scherer are all probably gone; recruiting coordinator Darian Hagan’s time as a Buff is also likely up. MacIntyre also says he has a few guys from outside either program in mind.  If Lindgren were to be offered and accepted the HC job at SJSU, then Mines coach Bob Stitt would be the obvious and likely choice for OC.  There is a $2.6 million pool for assistants and at least one guaranteed multi-year contract.

Recruiting: I have no idea if verbal commit Sefo Liafu has the skill set necessary to run the pistol offense, but QB has got to be first priority. If there is a JUCO guy who can get into CU, I would not be that surprised to see one come in.  Priority 1A is making sure DE greyshirt Kisima Jagne is on campus in January and 1B is making a call (tonight?) to 4-star Chapparal TE Mitchell Parsons, who decommitted a little while back.  He will need to talk to LT Bahktiari about not being too hasty in jumping to the NFL.

   Of the other greyshirts and verbal commits, MacIntyre said he would honor all commitments and I would expect most to stick around, although not at all surprised to see a couple jump.  I think everyone is most curious about 3-star DB/WR Devein Ross who has been openly looking around.

MacIntyre said they will focus heavily on both “in-state” California (he gave this stat: 7 FBS schools in Cali, 1048 high schools), as well as work hard to keep Colorado kids, and do some recruiting in Texas (see Jeffcoat).  He also has lots of connection in the South and could conceivably dip into Florida or elsewhere to grab a few guys occasionally.

There are actually a few players that San Jose and CU were competing for, and although he would never admit it, MacIntyre will flip most of them and maybe a few others as well.  Since it will be a relatively small class, depending on if any current players leave, there probably won’t be any new “splash” names from outside the two teams’ targets, unless he can get Parsons back in the fold, or convince a different QB to flip.

MacIntyre is already in touch with the parents of a hot, ten-year old QB prospect, keeping an eye on the next Manning to grace the football fields- Eli’s son.

Current players generally gave thumbs up and positive comments to reporters and via twitter.  There is now word yet of any threats of transfers.  They were told they can win now and liked hearing that from their new coach. Woodson Greer III tweeted that he almost went to San Jose because of him.  MacIntyre will meet with each player as soon as he gets settled and gets some recruiting done.

GO BUFFS!!!