Rocky Long, Utah DC?

by JazzyUte on Nov 19, 2008 3:30 PM MST in Football

Rocky Long might have resigned from New Mexico, however, he probably isn't done coaching yet. If Gary Andersen bolts for Utah State or Wyoming, which seems possible, what would you think of Kyle Whittingham bringing on Rocky Long as Utah's DC? It would mean a dramatic shift in the Utah defense philosophy, but I don't think anyone can deny how good his Lobo defenses have been over the years.

Also, rumor has it Long was offered the DC position at BYU, but turned them down. I don't know the validity of this rumor, but we all known the ties Long has to the Brigham Young program, as his father played for the Cougars, he was born in Provo and Bronco was the Lobos' defensive coordinator prior to taking over under Crowton in 2003.

Only time will tell and maybe Andersen sticks with f ah, but if he were to bolt, would you want Long as Utah's DC?

Poll

Long as Utah's DC, what do you think?

Yes, even if it means changing the defense.

80 votes

No, Long has a history of downplaying Utah football, he isn't a very good coach and I don't like him.

10 votes

No, he's a good coach, but I don't like his defensive philosophy.

51 votes

141 votes | Poll has closed

Tweet Comment 8 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

I voted yes

but only if Anderson goes. Otherwise… why try to fix something that isn’t broken?

The Utah Jazz

by UtesFan89 on Nov 19, 2008 3:45 PM MST reply actions

I agree and this is only if Andersen leaves.

by JazzyUte on Nov 19, 2008 3:55 PM MST up reply actions

I don't think he would want to coach here.

He said in his resignation, that he wanted to see New Mexico succeed and that was the reason for resigning. It doesn’t seem like coaching an in conference foe would only hurt NM. Other than that, I think he’s a good coach and would be a perfect fit in the DC position for someone.

by seaute on Nov 19, 2008 4:40 PM MST reply actions

My concern is too many chefs.

I don’t know how easy it is for a head coach to take a position as a DC, especially in the same conference. I know there are several former HCs who are currently working as coordinators (Crowton, for instance) but I don’t know if any of them are doing it in the conference where they used to be HC and where they were HC for 11 years. I would worry that Rocky wouldn’t mesh well with Kyle as far as proper direction, motivation, training, etc. It is not that Rocky isn’t a great coach, my concern would be the chemistry.

Everyone hates a pink-shirt-wearing communist.

by displacedute on Nov 19, 2008 5:06 PM MST reply actions