Media Day reactions

Addazio and his coordinators spoke with the media Tuesday. It was pretty standard preseason stuff without much true news. At this point we know Addazio, he knows the fans, he knows his team, his AD and the media. The college football world is not waiting on his media address in August, but I think he does use this to set expectations for the season. Now I am about to get into all sorts of speculative nonsense, but I think Addazio is a little worried about the season. He specifically avoided a win total discussion and only vaguely included competing for a division. That is understandable considering Clemson is in the division, but in prior years he was a bit bolder. He put a lot of emphasis on building a culture and not wanting to disrupt that culture and the recruiting hit you take when you do. That seems directed at his critics -- like me -- and potentially his AD. I think the timing of this is all off for him. Last year was supposed to be the year. This year seems harder, so just when he needs a breakthrough, he will have to scrape that much harder to maintain.

I do trust him on his evaluation and enthusiasm for the OLine. If this team does exceed expectations it will be because the OLine made things easier for Dillon.

Sheridan was low key. He seems to like his squad and is not worried about the transition from Jim Reid. He was much more frank about the youth and how they aren't ready. I guess he has a lot to do before VT.

Bajakian didn't offer much news either. He does seem to buy into what BC is and what Addazio is selling. I found his criticism of Brown's accuracy important. I think it is one of the issues to get AB to the next level, but I also think Brown needs to work on finding the best option and also his general awareness. Some of that will come with maturity, but most of that will have to be nurtured by Bajakian. 

Thoughts on Spring Football press conference

Steve Addazio held a press conference Wednesday to kick off Spring Football. There were a few news worthy tidbits from him and his two coordinators, plus a few things you could read into what they each said. Here are a few of my thoughts...

Addazio is pretty confident
Considering how many players departed and a change in coordinators, Addazio seems pretty confident. The guy wears his emotions on his sleeve so I don't think he is bluffing or puffing up the outlook for recruiting purposes. Maybe he thinks with a healthy Brown, Dillon and the Tight Ends, we will be that much better on offense.

Bajakian and Addazio had no prior relationship
Bajakian's candor was refreshing. Not only did he not know Addazio, he didn't know any of the current offensive staffers. In the past, Addazio has clearly put a priority on guys who he knew and worked with at prior jobs. And even when he didn't seem to have a prior working relationship (Reid), there were clearly multiple connections and a clear shared history. That's not the case with Bajakian. I think that's a good thing. This is a critical position and an important year. Had Addazio limited his search to just guys he knew and coaches who are in his direct network, it would have been limiting (see our season with Fitch as OC). The risk is that Addazio and Bajakian don't work well together and never get on the same page. I am willing to take that risk.

The Bill Sheridan promotion seems safe but uninspiring
Addazio clarified how his defensive staff will work. It had been rumored that Reid would retire and Campanile would take over as the sole DC. Clearly that didn't happen as Camp went to Michigan, Reid stayed but in a lessor role and Addazio promoted Sheridan to DC. This will provide a certain amount of continuity. I will break down Sheridan's history as a coordinator later this spring. However, for a guy whose reputation is for X and Os and not necessarily connecting with players, the press interaction didn't change that perception. With Reid still around as the old guy the players like, perhaps Sheridan can just focus on schemes. Sheridan also explained it would still be very collaborative.

Addazio talks Spring Ball and new staffer

In preparation for Spring Practices, Addazio spoke with the media Thursday. He started by making his long-rumored staff changes official. Smith remains coaching DTs. New face Bill Sheridan will take over linebackers and Jim Reid will coach Defensive Ends. Addazio referenced Sheridan's experience as a Coordinator, so perhaps he will take over when Reid retires (if all goes well). There was no mention of Paul Pasqualoni. No "best wishes" or "we'll miss him." Given their history, I thought Addazio might say something. But Addazio seemed a little more subdued and calm in the presser.

He does have a confidence in his roster and depth. As he went through each position group, he kept emphasizing the talent and how excited he is. What I found interesting and hopeful, was Addazio's belief in the the well-roundedness of his offensive skill guys. According to him, gone are the days when a player's presence would signify a certain play like Jett Sweep. It sounds like Dillon will be an every down back too.

Brown remains out as well as names like Allen, Strachan and potentially Max Richardson. Because of their experience, Addazio is not worried about their missed time. Let's hope they all recover and their backups have great springs. 

Still no official word on Bill Sheridan

Early Wednesday, Football Scoop reported that BC would backfill Pasqualoni's open staff position with Detroit Lions assistant Bill Sheridan. Sheridan has spent more than a decade in the NFL, but prior to that was a college coach. He and Addazio worked together at Notre Dame. I thought that BC would make it all official after Signing Day, but nothing so far.

If Sheridan is the guy, it seems like a pretty good fit. Like Pasqualoni, he has an excellent reputation. He seemingly could slot into multiple staff roles on the D. What is unknown is his ability and willingness to recruit. I also don't know if he has the type of relationship with Addazio, where Addazio could look to him for advice and assistance.

Maybe things are not final and that is why BC is waiting. I am sure Addazio wants to lock something up soon, so that his staff is a full capacity for recruiting and Spring Ball.