WVU head coach Bill Stewart announced today that he has hired Wake Forest quarterbacks coach Jeff Mullen as WVU's new offensive coordinator. Mullen replaces Calvin Magee, who left for Michigan with Rich Rodriguez after WVU somehow failed to ask him to fill the void. Magee said he was merely “exploring his options” by getting on a plane with Rodriguez, flying to Ann Arbor, and allowing himself to be introduced as part of Rodriguez's staff. WVU should have anticipated the move and asked him to interview for the head WVU job. Since it didn't, WVU is obviously racist.
Married guys, here's a tip: The next time your wife catches you cheating, simply tell her you are "exploring your options." Then, flip the script on them: accuse your wife of being a monogamist and failing to ask you if you want a three-way with your neighbor's wife.
- B/R Ticket Guide
But I digress.
Here's what Coach Stew said about Mullen:
"He will install motion and movement within the framework of our spread offense, which will make our offense even more efficient."
Under head coach Jim Grobe, Wake Forest runs a pass-centric version of the run that is so motion-heavy that it looks chaotic at times.
The basic set features a wideout or slot who usually goes in motion behind the quarterback as if to run a reverse. The Dunkin' Donut Deacons rarely run the reverse but in theory, if you fake the reverse every time, I suppose, the defense has to play for it every time. If they don't, and the quarterback sees that, he has the option to execute the reverse once the ball is snapped.
Also, after the reverse is faked, that wideout can run unattended downfield, as he is no longer of concern to the defense. But that often leaves him open for a pass.
I think this could be a good move for WVU.
I wrote last season that—whether it was Rodriguez's or Magee's fault—WVU's offense was beginning to look stale and predictable. In the Fiesta Bowl after Rodriguez left (even though Magee was still calling plays), WVU did not call one bubble screen (a Rodriguez hallmark) and instituted a couple of new plays, such as the running back drag across the middle in front of the linebackers.
It's clear from Coach Stew's statement that WVU will continue to run the spread and, with Pat White and Noel Devine, it will be run-first. Which, given the returning offensive line, is a good thing.
But if this Mullen can toss in some more passing and different sets, that can only be good.
And who knows, maybe, just maybe, WVU will actually throw to a tight end next season.
Naw, that's just crazy talk.
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11 months ago
PAY UP DEADBEAT
11 months ago
Nice analogy about Calvin Magee, there was nothing racist about the situation, the only thing WVU would hold against him is that he was sitting at a UM press conference with Dick Rod (one of only two assistants attending that press conference). I personally still love Magee and appreciate that he stayed with the team through the bowl game, that shows a lot of character, at least regarding the team. WVU's administration did ask him if he was definitely going to Michigan and when he says yes to that question, why ever expect an interview?
11 months ago
I think he will bring a great new aspect to our spread offense. He is a great coach, I can't wait until next year.
11 months ago
Looks like integrity wins out again..................as it should. WVU can forge ahead and not look back
and be in a better position to proceed to greater heights and breathe cleaner air.
Larry Bradfield
11 months ago
As my buddy and I sat in the end zone at the Fiesta Bowl, I turned to him and said, "Joe, we need to throw the damn ball." As if on cue, White to Tito for the huge TD. We high-fived, laughed, and proclaimed how Rich Rod would never call that play! Time will tell if Mullen is the guy, but I gotta think that we will get more vertical in our passing game. We just need to get the wideouts who can execute, and I'm not sure if they are on the roster right now.
Nice read!
11 months ago
Frank,
While I have no doubt that you possess knowledge of the game, your assessment of Wake's offense is pretty off.
Wake's WRs ran the ball 70 times last season on sweeps and reverses. I wouldn't call them rarely running.
Secondly, Wake runs almost no option whatsoever. Our QBs don't really have the option of handing off, it is more like a play fake.
I also would be quick to call Wake's offense as pass-centric when they ran the ball FAR more than they passed (550-400 plays)
That said, I think Mullen can do great things at WVU. I hope he does well.
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