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AFM Magazine


Embrace the Past

Three current coaches say don’t fight the past - make the most of it
by: Richard Scott
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For new coaches attempting to fill huge shoes, history suggests it is smart to embrace the legend and make the most of it instead of trying to cut ties with the former coach and his assistants.

When Gary Crowton took over at BYU for LaVell Edwards following the 2000 season, he reminded Cougar fans, “I’m not LaVell Edwards. I tried my imitation on the sidelines, and I’m not him. But I’ve learned from him. I’ve watched his contributions. I’m just thankful for the opportunity to follow him.”

Solich appears to be one of the smartest coaches to follow a legend, mostly because of his realistic understanding of what takes to win over the people. When Nebraska chose him to move from running backs coach to head coach, Solich didn’t change the offense, the defense or the uniforms and kept an outstanding coaching staff intact.

“I’ve never operated out of the fear of failure,” Solich said. “I don’t see that as a negative, the amount of games we’ve won in the past.

“I know what the expectations are. Some people might have 8-3 expectations, but I haven’t run into many of ‘em. They don’t seem to ask me how we’re going to do, they tell me what we’re going to do. That’s a little nerve wracking. I know how the business works. Who is Frank Solich to think I won’t be criticized?”

Lloyd Carr brought similar expectations to his new job when he took over for Moeller at Michigan.

“The expectations are to win every game,” Carr said. “There is a small margin of error. Anytime you don’t win the Big Ten, it’s a disappointment, and that’s pressure. But it’s also a great place to coach.”

Like Solich, Crowton and Carr, Zook seems to be embracing the challenge of following a legend.

“Obviously, coming in behind Coach Spurrier is not the best thing you’d like to do. All he has done is set the standard; set the bar,” Zook said. “It’s our job to try to maintain that bar, and if possible, throw up the bar.”

The criticism surrounding his hiring won’t make the job any easier for Zook, either.

“I think you need to have some people doubt you. I like that,” said Zook. “That’s a challenge, and challenges are what make people work harder. So let’s get it on.”





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