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SALT LAKE CITY — Dennis Erickson is no stranger to college football or coaching offenses.
Known as one of the original architects of the spread offense, the 23 year head coaching veteran was introduced to the media as the co-offensive coordinator for the Utes at a press conference at the University of Utah Wednesday.
"It's a pleasure to be here and have an opportunity to work with Kyle and the coaching staff, who I've gotten to spend some time with over the last three days," Erickson said.
"And the players, that's what it's always about to me. That's what I miss the most in the year that I didn't coach. It's fun to be here."
I've always had great respect for Kyle... I saw a program that was making a change. A change to this league. To me, it was a real challenge to make that move, to help them make that move, knowing that we can. That's the biggest reason... I just thought this would be a great opportunity to get back and try to help a program get to the next level, so that's basically why I'm here.
–Utah co-OC Dennis Erickson
Erickson was highly complementary of the atmosphere at Rice-Eccles Stadium, pointing out the Utah student section, The MUSS.
"We played here my last year at Arizona State, and the place was packed. The students were unbelievable. You can always tell good football programs by how the students are and how excited they are about the game. It was fun to play in that atmosphere and be able to come out of it alive."
Erickson will be asked to restore an identity to an offense that has struggled mightily in its first two seasons in the Pac-12.
One of the changes you'll see in 2013? A no-huddle, fast tempo offense.
"As you look at the top 10 offenses in college football, all of them run 75-80 plays. You can't run 75-80 plays and huddle... And in saying that, doing that is a little harder than people think. There are a lot of communication things; you have to know what you want to do."
For a team that will be using its sixth offensive coordinator in six seasons, the Utes are hoping Erickson sticks around for a few years before he hands the reigns back over to Brian Johnson.
"I could see myself being here the rest of my career - could be three years, could be four years, could be two years. I just take it a day at a time and see what I can do to help make this program successful," Erickson said.
"Brian is a superstar in our business. I've spent 3-4 days with him, and he is. You're not a player like that, and do the things he does as a competitor and not be able to transfer that to a coach. We'll spend a lot of time together. Hopefully he'll learn from me, because I know I'll learn from him. It's a two-way street. You've always got something to learn."
When asked what his offensive philosophy will be, Erickson simply replied, "(Kyle) just wants us to score touchdowns."
The Utes start spring practice on March 19, with the Red vs. White scrimmage set for April 20.
