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AFM Subs Ask – with Ron Erhardt Former NFL Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator

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Ron Erhardt was the head coach of the New England Patriots (1978-1981), the offensive coordinator of the New York Giants for a decade (1982-1991), and the OC of the Pittsburgh Steelers (1992-1996). While with the Giants, his teams won two Super Bowls with two different quarterbacks, Phil Simms and Jeff Hostetler. He was also a very successful college coach, having an overall record of 61-7-1 in seven seasons as the head coach at North Dakota State.

Erhardt’s offensive philosophy includes smash-mouth football with big linemen and running backs and plenty of pulling and trapping. He also believes in the vertical passing game with a strong mix of play-action passes. His Patriots were #1 in the NFL in rushing offense in his first year as head coach and the team’s 441 points scored in the 1980 season stood as the club record until surpassed in 2007.

Now retired and living in Florida, Coach Erhardt answers your questions.

Q. From your experience, what are the advantages of being under center as opposed to being in the shotgun? Bob Craig, Head Coach, Beggs High School (OK)

Being under center gives you all of your offense and your possibilities are endless. To some degree being in the shotgun limits you to primarily pass and draw plays.
 
Q. What is your trick play plan? Is there a time in a game or situation that presents itself where you would use a trick play? Any favorites over the years? Chuck Klausing, retired coach, Indiana (PA)

I think a way to add to your trick play arsenal is to have the head coach tell all the members of his staff that he would like a trick play from each of them which has been successful for them over the years. The staff, after all are presented, can then vote on the best play and add it to the playbook. From my years coaching, lots of great plays have come out of this idea. While I don’t have a favorite play, we developed a trick or gadget play as a basic part of our offensive system which we used quite a bit. 
 
Q. I would love to hear how some coaches stop the double wing offense. From your days as a defensive coach, what have been good fronts, blitzes, keys, etc. to stopping this offense? Ron Woitalewicz, Head Coach, Dakota Ridge High School (CO)

Here is an example of our over-wide 8-man front that could be used to stop the double wing offense. At all levels, it helped us win a lot of big games. It really is a variation of the old 4-3 which Buddy Ryan tweaked over the years (See Diagram).


We used both zone and man cover with this 8-man front. The two tackles are shaded. One is to the weak side shoulder of the center and the other to the outside shoulder of the strong-side guard. The linebackers cover the flat routes while the strong safety and Mike linebacker cover the hook routes. The weak-side safety covers the deep middle of the field. 

Q. Looking back on your career and your offensive philosophy, what is the one change you would make if you had it all over to do again? Fred Shambaugh, Assistant Coach, Madison High School (TX)

Reflecting back on my high school, college, and professional career, I think the one thing I would change is to increase the number of multiple formations and movement in my offenses. More specifically, that would include formations with two or three tight ends, more three, four, and five wides, especially on first downs. It would create more deception and add another dimension to the offense. 

Q. From your years as head coach with the Patriots and serving as the OC with both the Giants and Steelers in the 80’s and 90’s, how was the game changed in your view? Is today’s game better than it was 25 years ago? Steve Armstrong, Assistant Coach, Gotham High School (ID)

I feel that over the years the innovations of various offensive systems have exploded and it’s been difficult for the defenses to catch up. There seems to be more personnel changes than ever before as well as all types of formations. What’s interesting is that play-action passing is still an art and an effective way of disguising plays. It’s as relevant today as it was in the 70’s. I think the game is more exciting than it’s ever been.
 
Q. You used a ‘smash-mouth’ football approach as your offensive philosophy when you were coaching with the New York Giants. Do you feel it’s the best approach in today’s game? Steve Dubose, Assistant Coach, Sandia High School (NM)

It depends on your personnel, their strengths and weaknesses. Today’s game has a lot of different looks in the passing game. What has always remained difficult is finding the right personnel you need whether it be as a high school, college, or professional coach.

Q. Over the years you’ve coached some great NFL quarterbacks. What do you look for in evaluating a quarterback and how important are his intangibles? Bob Van Nuys, Lakeland High School (NY)

In my evaluation of a quarterback, he must possess these seven characteristics to be successful:
1. Size.
2. Arm strength.
3. Accuracy and footwork.
4. Quickness and release.
5. Quickness and movement from under center to the pocket.
6. Intelligence.
7. Ability to read coverages.

The most important intangible is leadership. Each QB is different and you may have to help develop him as leader to be successful.






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