What really stands out from watching Colorado is just how well coached their players were on the art of football itself moreso than their specific roles or techniques within a system. Their best players were capable of moving around and playing in different spots on defense, which gave Leavitt flexibility in how he handled various offenses.
I wondered at times last year how much of Colorado’s game planning success on defense was related to having a former DC at HC in Mike MacIntyre and a former HC at DC in Jim Leavitt. We’ll have a better idea based on how Colorado does at replacing all of the great DBs they just lost without Leavitt around, as well as how Oregon does. I believe DB coaching is Mac’s background whereas Leavitt thrived up front, both areas were good for Colorado last year.
This is all of some interest (I assume) to Big 12 fans and K-State fans in particular because Leavitt coached defense at K-State back in the Snyder heyday in the 90s and has a clause in his contract that makes it easier for him to get out of Colorado if it’s the Wildcats in particular who come calling for his services.
Personally I think hiring Leavitt and keeping Dana Dimel and Collin Klein around to carry on the offensive tradition is the best current solution to the problem of replacing Bill Snyder whenever he steps down from coaching. That could be soon, or not, it seems foolish to bet agains the Purple Wizard maintaining his place.
Good stuff. A brief note.
Living in Oregon, I had the opportunity to ask someone familiar with the inside of the program about the transition under Taggart. Best part of the conversation was when I asked how complicated or simple the defense was going to be. Guy answered “You ever see Jim Leavitt holding a play call sheet?” I told him I couldn’t recall ever seeing him doing so. And he followed that up with “There’s your answer.”
That’s kinda funny, I’ve noticed he ran a decently complex system. Probably a lot of player empowerment on the field though.
Oh, I’m sure it is not simple per se. But definitely got the impression that Jim Leavitt replayed the scene from Remember the Titans where the other coaches were shocked at the size of the offensive playbook Denzel Washington handed them.