Mendenhall, Whittingham addressing offensive struggles


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SALT LAKE CITY — Two defensive coaches are promoted to the top job. Eight years later they’re both still trying to figure out how to be successful on the offensive side of the ball. Two rivals, similar problems.

That’s the plight for both BYU head coach Bronco Mendenahall and Utah’s Kyle Whittingham. While both programs have been consistently good — and at times great — on the defensive side of the ball, the offenses have been less than stellar. Surprising, considering the overall success both have had in the win-loss column.

For Mendenhall, he hired Robert Anae as his first offensive coordinator and reaped the benefits as BYU’s offense excelled with the likes of John Beck and Max Hall at quarterback. The struggle occurred when Hall left and the Cougars were left with a return missionary in Riley Nelson, who could not throw, and a heralded freshman in Jake Heaps, who needed time to develop. It was then, according to what rumor or story you want to believe, discord began among the staff that led to Anae’s resignation.

Former BYU Offensive Coordinator Brandon Doman yells a the refs to throw a flag as BYU and Utah play. (Scott G. Winterton/Deseret News)
Former BYU Offensive Coordinator Brandon Doman yells a the refs to throw a flag as BYU and Utah play. (Scott G. Winterton/Deseret News)

Mendenhall turned to up-and-comer Brandon Doman for the next two years. Doman then turned the quarterback job over to Nelson, resulting in Heaps transferring, which one can argue set the offense back two years. That led to the heralded return of Anae, who will direct the offense once again this upcoming season. How many programs essentially force a coach out only to welcome him back two years later for the same job? I would guess not many.

Whittingham’s story has been a little rockier. After Andy Ludwig left following the 2008 season, and with the recent hiring of Dennis Erickson, five different coaches have held the offensive coordinator title. That’s five in the last five years. In fact, two coaches are still on the staff that once called plays for the Utes: Aaron Roderick and Brian Johnson. So how many programs have coaches that were essentially demoted still on their staff? I would also guess not many.

On the flip side, both schools have had just two defensive coordinators. Mendenhall assumed dual roles when he accepted the head coaching job. In 2008 he turned over the DC duties to Jaime Hill before firing him midseason during the 2010 campaign, only to take over the position once again. Obviously that has turned out well, judging by the results of the defense finishing No. 3 overall this past season.

Utah offensive coach Brian Johnson, left, and head coach Kyle Whittingham on the opening day of the University of Utah football camp Thursday, Aug. 2, 2012. (Tom Smart/Deseret News)
Utah offensive coach Brian Johnson, left, and head coach Kyle Whittingham on the opening day of the University of Utah football camp Thursday, Aug. 2, 2012. (Tom Smart/Deseret News)

As for Whittingham, he appointed Gary Andersen as his first defensive coordinator. When Andersen left for Utah State, he then promoted Kalani Sitake as the new DC. Whittinham was a mentor to both, which explains why the overall identity and performance of that side of the ball has been consistent, regularly outshining the offense.

So why have these two bright, successful coaches had issues fielding competitive and successful offenses?

In Mendenhall’s case, it’s giving the offensive coordinator full autonomy. From the very beginning of his reign he has said as much. So while Mendenhall has created a successful identity for his defense, he didn’t establish the same mission for his offense — particularly with Doman, who was clearly in over his head. Add in his decision to fall in love with the wrong quarterback and you had one of the worst offenses BYU has had in years. Mendenhall needs to realize that, as a head coach, his job is to oversee both sides of the ball, which means motivating and setting out the goals much like he has done with defense.

Whittingham’s problem is that maybe he’s been too hands-on to go along with being impatient. When you switch up offensive coordinators and systems annually it causes upheaval, which leads to inconsistency and confusion. For instance, this past season, due to injuries the Utes switched their entire offense to the spread midseason. And much like Mendenhall, when you make mistakes — for instance, giving the OC job to the young and inexperienced Johnson and deciding on Jordan Wynn to be your starting quarterback — the offense is in trouble.

With the new coordinator hirings, the two coaches set out to correct their respective offensive issues once again as the pressure continues to mount on both coming off disappointing seasons. If you’re a fan of either school, you can only hope they finally get it right. Unfortunately, their track records indicate otherwise.

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