Let's talk staff for a minute

It has been a little while, and a lot of things have settled in, so let's talk staff changes for a minute shall we?

John Chavis

Biggest change is John Chavis at Defensive Coordinator. As a member of the Fightin' Texas Aggie Class of '93, and therefore a huge fan of the Wrecking Crew, can I just say I am over the moon with this? Oh my goodness. Yes, I know Slocum had topped out, but that run from 2003 until now has been a lot of frustration because football is as much defense as offense, and even the fantastic offense we had in '12 and '13 was fun but not great as you knew once we played a team with a top notch defense, we were going to struggle to win the game.

So I love me some defense. And what I have read about what Chavis will do with this group - easier to play (less complicated), focus on fundamentals like tackling, etc. - makes me feel very good that next year we will see significant improvement and then very soon (another year or two maybe) we will probably have a top tier defense.

What makes this move so interesting is how often do you have a top offensive mind in Sumlin paired with a top defensive mind like Chavis? At major college or NFL levels? Usually it is Great plus Really Good rather than Top and Top. That is what makes the Alabama thing with Kiffin so interesting. And it will make Auburn interesting as well - but in a nice irony that I really like, only for a while as Muschamp will likely look for another head coaching position soon. Chavis, on the other hand, is here specifically because LSU wouldn't commit to him long term. SO excited.

But it does raise a very interesting question. You did have something like this in Texas once before. Jack Pardee, Kevin Gilbride and Buddy Ryan with the Houston Oilers. Best record they ever had, but what a pathetic ending... So I for one am going to be watching closely to see how all three phases work together. You see with the Dallas Cowboys this season how a running game and well planned offense can help an average defense. Ultimately, hopefully the Ags won't have an "average" defense - although they probably will be that at least for this year.

Dave Christensen

One thing that really troubled me last year was the play of the offensive line at times. How much of that was personnel? How much of that was adjustments that had to be made because of quarterback or skill position play? And how much of that was coaching?

Well, Dave Christensen ought to address most if not all concerns about coaching. Sure, Mike Sherman was fantastic for the position, and there will be a lingering question about how much of '12 and '13 were because of his efforts bleeding into Sumlin's era, but Christensen comes with a lot of experience and success. Keep that Left Tackle U thing going and things will be just fine. Remember, the SEC is always and forever a LOS league, so we have to make sure that is taken care of.

A lot of the talk has been that we have recruited well at the position as well, so he should have good tools to work with.

Another role Christensen has is running game coordinator. Man, there has GOT to be a way to better utilize the running game. So not to put it all on you, Dave, but please help Spav out here!

Aaron Moorehead

The sleeper of the group, in my opinion. Them Hokies were upset something awful when he signed with us. They love him both as a recruiter and as a coach, which is fantastic. I will admit, when Beaty left, I was worried as he did a fantastic job recruiting for us. But like the OL, the WRs underperformed last season, so if Moorehead can both coach and recruit - fantastic!

And the direct line to the NFL does not hurt. No sir. People who have the talent want to play in programs that can get them to the pros. This is a huge get from that angle.

Overview

I have said time and again - and mostly because of what we saw with Mack Brown and the Longhorns - that Sumlin needs to keep his roladex up to date. Well, this sure looks to me like upgrade, upgrade and upgrade, so he gets an "A" from me for this off-season.

Add in the fact that we still have a very solid recruiting class adding to a lot of talent returning - even if we don't get some of the big names we are currently going after - and  you have to feel good about the direction of the program.

Time will tell, but it sure looks good on paper! Now close on Mr. Murray and as many of those top recruits as possible and let's go into a very friendly schedule next year and get some work done!