The Coaching Carousel - Impact Hires of Offensive Line Coaches
Dec 06, 2023 7:26 pm
Coach ,
In the dynamic and ever-evolving landscape of college football, the coaching changes continue as new head coaches work to put together a strong staff which will bode well in recruiting as well as developing their players, in particular, the offensive line coaches have made a big splash in the last week..
Three notable coaching hires have grabbed the attention of fans and pundits alike. Cody Kennedy taking moving from Arkansas to SEC West rival Mississippi State, Adam Cushing following Mike Elko to Texas A&M, and Matt Luke jumping back into the game by joining Clemson are all intriguing appointments that bring unique perspectives and experiences to their respective programs.
Let’s take a look at their coaching philosophies, and the potential impact they might have on their new teams.
Cody Kennedy to Mississippi State
New Mississippi State Head Coach Jeff Lebby made a significant coaching move by hiring Cody Kennedy away from Arkansas to lead the offensive line. Coach Kennedy, a rising star in the coaching ranks, comes to Starkville with a reputation for his ability to teach the details of offensive line play.
Known for his emphasis on physicality and a relentless work ethic, Kennedy's coaching style aligns well with the tough, hard-nosed culture that Mississippi State has cultivated over the years. With a background in developing offensive linemen and a keen eye for schematic details, Kennedy could bring a refreshing and dynamic approach to the Bulldogs' offense.
Coach, loves a physical, downhill run game. Duo is a play he’s used that fits the bill. To him, it’s a play in which they utilize their gap scheme double teams “up” to the linebackers. They equate it to getting 600 pounds of offensive linemen on 300 pounds of a defensive lineman.
The schemes you add will have to attack some of the trending fronts as well, and the most popular front we’ve see in the last couple of seasons has been the Mint front or 4i-0-4i that has been made popular at the college level. The Duo is great for attacking this front, and Coach Kennedy explains it here:
Video: Odd Front Blocking Examples of Duo
Kennedy breaks down game film of the Duo play in this video:
Coach Kennedy has spoken at a number of clinics. You can get a bundle of his presentations here: The Cody Kennedy Power Run Game Bundle.
Adam Cushing to Texas A&M
Texas A&M made waves with the hiring of Adam Cushing, the former head coach at Eastern Illinois who joined Head Coach Mike Elko at Duke for two seasons. Coach Cushing brings a wealth of coaching experience, and detailed teaching with a keen focus on building unit culture.
Cushing's experience as a head coach at the FCS level has prepared him for the challenges of coaching a high-profile program like Texas A&M. His offensive acumen and leadership qualities could provide a fresh perspective for the Aggies, who are eager to establish themselves as a power in the SEC.
For Coach Cushing, the process of building his unit will begin with really learning about his players and what makes them tick. He has a process called “Life Graph.” This unique tool which he uses helps a coach understand the events in the individual’s life which have been formational in who he is. Coach Cushing explains the “Life Graph” here:
In his latest clinic presentation, Coach Cushing established that consistency is the hallmark of greatness.
The beginning of his talk focused on delivering a consistent message to your players to help cut through a noisy world that delivers an abundance of different messages. He pointed out that while the message may not hit home immediately, eventually your consistency will make your point come across clearly.
A great takeaway from this talk was what he calls “homework.” He talked to all of the offensive line coaches he knows to put this together for his offensive line. It is a daily list of things that the players focus on each week on their own.
The way he does it is collaborative amongst his players giving them each a section to focus on. He shows the template and explains it in this video:
Coach Cushing has presented in our clinics three times and those are available in a bundle here: Adam Cushing - Building OL Culture
Matt Luke to Clemson
Clemson made a splash by bringing in Matt Luke back onto the field. A seasoned coach with extensive experience in the SEC, was previously the head coach at Ole Miss and then the Offensive Line Coach for Georgia’s 2021 National Championshgip team. His tenure with the Rebels and the Bulldogs showcased his ability to recruit top talent and compete at a high level within the ultra-competitive SEC.
At Clemson, Luke will serve as offensive line coach, bringing his wealth of knowledge and recruiting prowess to an already formidable program. His experience in the SEC could provide valuable insights as Clemson looks to maintain its status as a national powerhouse.
You can expect the strong foundationwith his offensive line. Matt Luke delivered an excellent presentation at the COOL Clinic in which he talked about organizing and offense. Here he points out how important it is to understand how your players learn (click on image for video):
Video: How Do Your Players Learn?
The recent coaching hires at Mississippi State, Texas A&M, and Clemson reflect a trend of programs seeking fresh perspectives and innovative approaches to elevate their football programs. Cody Kennedy, Adam Cushing, and Matt Luke each bring a unique set of skills and experiences to their new roles. There’s a reason that this position is one of the first hires. The OL is the heart of a team, and these coaches excel in developing them.
Always be growing!
Coach Grabowski