Letter From the Editor: \'She Called me a Traitor...\'

by: Rex Lardner
Editor American Football Monthly
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Head Coach Chuck Martin of back-to-back defending NCAA Division II National Champion Grand Valley State University has an unusual distinction. In 2003, the Lakers won the D-II Championship when Martin was the defensive coordinator under Brian Kelly. After Kelly left for the head job at Central Michigan, Martin became GVSU’s head coach. In the three years since, the Lakers won national titles in 2005 and 2006. But what’s unique is that Martin made the complete transition to the offensive side of the ball. He learned the intricacies and nuances of the offense and, in essence, went from defensive play-caller to offensive play-caller.

“I was able to make the transition for two reasons,” said Martin. “We had an outstanding coach – Matt Pawlowski – that I knew could run the entire defense, and, all the decisions in football are made on offense. If it’s fourth and two, do you punt, go for it, or kick a field goal? I wanted to be the one to make those decisions. It was a slow process but with the help of a great staff, I made the transition. My heart is on the defensive side but now I feel just as comfortable on offense.”

In researching this change, it is believed that Martin is the only coach to run the defensive side and then the offensive side on championship teams in different years for the same team. That is, in the era of two-platoon football that began in 1964.

“For me, to be the best coach,” says Martin, “my staff had to buy into it which they did. It helped my professional development. I wanted to make the decisions during the season and in the playoffs. Our OC, Todd Colster, was especially supportive in the process. By doing so, it also helps us as a staff. On the D-II level, most head coaches are also position coaches. If one of our coaches happens to take another opportunity, I feel comfortable in being a position coach now, on either offense or defense. So, if we lose a coach, we can now go after the best available coach and teacher, regardless of specific position. I can move to offense or defense when we bring someone else in.”

While, as Martin mentioned, his heart is in defense, the change has been toughest on his family. “It’s been the hardest on my wife,” he says. “She called me a traitor when I went from defense to offense.” Maybe, but it paid off…

This month’s issue of AFM includes an inside look at another defense: Virginia Tech’s and their architect, Bud Foster. Nevada’s innovative ‘Pistol’ offense is also featured as well as an in-depth look at sideline communications; what are the game-day duties and responsibilities of each member of a coaching staff?

We hope you enjoy this issue of AFM.

Respectfully,
Rex Lardner
Managing Editor
American Football Monthly
rlardner@lcclark.com
561-355-5068 (x 329)

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