An opinion on a new head coach. This is a topic that has begun a great firestorm. The coach I would have primarily selected has already been mentioned in these threads. So, for the sake of argument I will leave him alone. after all, finding a new coach is about being able to broaden the field before narrowing it. So, let me open another box.
Coaching is primarily teaching. Who can reach and relate to the audience. A teacher who brings a presence. That is the individual when anybody walks in the room demands attention. I always loved being around the coaches and leaders that could best command with silence and a look. This combination should allow for an impact in the living rooms of recruits. A coach who can let the feel of Liberty come through in a living room yet able to be aggressive without creating questions about credibility. Recruiting is such an honorable part of the process …
We need a coach who can fire up the current base and build a larger fan base. We need boosters and filled seats. Sorry, this will eventually mean raised ticket prices and higher Flames Club dues. Have I even talked about a prospect yet?
A coach who can bring the talented coordinators and other assorted coaches required to be a winning program. This will more than likely require an established name. A personal note of mine is despite the love of big offensive numbers I have always, and always will be, a fan of defense first. Or at least the most integral part of winning. The small things do matter here. When and where to train, when to work on process, and when to work at speed. Coaching players alone is not an easy task now throw in all the other intangibles.
Who can represent Liberty and its mission. That does not mean a fire and brimstone coaching team but a team that will lead by example. Faith is the cornerstone. A man with faith and practicing will not be hard to find. Some are more open than others but this is not as a difficult task as some may think it is. I believe many coaches given the environment to speak about faith publicly, will. Many locker rooms are filled with faith. Do we require a Liberty connection? In my humble opinion, this is not required but it would be nice to have a person on staff with some connection. Have I mentioned anyone yet? Sheesh, no wonder my wife will banish me to the man cave at times.
Dave Aranda from LSU but he is under contract for one more year. The contract part would be difficult to manage but we did not bring in a new AD for nothing. It is up to our AD to sell the long-term potential. This move could be viewed as a step back or as an opportunity to be an architect. A young man who we may be able to keep around for some time. His resume is nothing but gleaming of the defensive side of the ball and is now an assistant as well at LSU. Fire, determination, class, and an ability to inspire. Well connected with other coaches and can build a staff that is solid. I think it would pay to explore what this young man’s aspirations are. What is a great fit for his family? Lynchburg has much to lure a prospect in.