What does Ballard need to do to improve in 2014? What do they need to keep doing to be successful? Remember, please be constructive.

anyword on what the Bruins have returning for 2014? Schedule? Did the staff get replaced or is there open positions still?

anyword on what the Bruins have returning for 2014? Schedule? Did the staff get replaced or is there open positions still?

 

Lost 7 starters on D, 7 on O.

 

Schedule same as last year (Riherd's scoreboard on khsaa.org). Last year we lost to 5 teams: 3 were in the 6A top 5 final poll and 1--Collins--won the 4A state championship over Highlands.

 

Contrary to what I've heard 'out in the community' (not sure the source) staff was not 'replaced.' I was clear at end of season that new systems would be run on offense and defense. Most of previous staff were only comfortable running systems we ran last year. Almost all were asked to return, but told they'd be coaching within the new systems and chose to coach in programs running systems with which they were more comfortable. One chose to go back to college to finish degree, another is a parapro whose job will require more out of state travel so cannot coach next year, five will be coaching at other programs (one got a head coaching job), one just had a young child and may or may not coach next year, two had job changes within JCPS that would not allow them to make it to practice on time, and one -- Mark Green -- chose to remain on staff.

 

In the meantime, a new staff is set and ready to install the new systems on offense and defense (LaKunta Farmer -- former head coach at Doss HS -- will be the new defensive coordinator). I will be running the offense. The new rules implemented last year allow us to work football-specific in the off-season and we've taken full advantage in our 4-day-a-week off-season program.

 

The kids we have coming back have embraced the changes -- I think what we're doing on both sides of the ball moving forward fits this group of kids (and what we traditionally have at Ballard) very well. And they are the strongest group I've ever had -- 18 Deadlifted 405+, 17 Benched 225+, and 15 Power Cleaned over 225. So we'll be strong enough...but wins and losses come down more to EXECUTION. That remains to be seen.

Sorry...didn't answer whether all positions are filled.

 

We currently have ONE varsity position (WR's) and ONE Frosh position open. Am in discussions with people for both positions, but they are not officially hired on yet.

anyword on what the Bruins have returning for 2014? Schedule? Did the staff get replaced or is there open positions still?

 

Welcome to BGP, PILEDRIVER85!

I may have missed this in the old thread. What are the new schemes going to be?

Welcome to BGP, PILEDRIVER85!

 

Thanks. Sounds like things are headed in the right direction on Brownboro! I was curious, been a long time reader and it seemed odd to not have any chatter on the Ballard thread. Other than the community talk that everyone seems to hear.

Coach J, just curious as to why such sweeping changes were needed. Glad to see you survived the mass exodus.

Coach J, just curious as to why such sweeping changes were needed. Glad to see you survived the mass exodus.

 

Thanks. Mass exodus (lol).

 

Why the change? I just don't feel our results the last 2 years match the potential we have. As Einstein said, to continue to do things the same and expect different results is the definition of insanity.

 

Also, I have to be the person ultimately accountable for what I think is underachieving. So the systems we run need to be what I think is right for the kids we have year-in year-out -- as opposed to delegating major scheme responsibilities to what others think is right. Then, if the results aren't what I want, I'll be the one not only ultimately accountable, but will know it was MY decisions causing the success or lack thereof all along.

 

In other words, I've tried to run this program similar to how a college head coach would -- with varying degrees of success. I just felt my program maximized it's potential better other places when I was more hands-on scheme-wise.

 

As to that scheme, we'll be more run-first on offense and on defense we'll just be approaching pass coverage in a very different way than we have (our run defense has been pretty good recently--so no need on D for a complete scheme change).

 

I want to be CLEAR--there was no 'purge.' The coaches who were here previously were ALL extremely good coaches (which is why I wanted almost every one of them back)...just didn't want to coach w/ these new schemes--it's not what they know best. So to say there was a need for a change in scheme I'm in NO WAY saying those coaches did a poor job (much the opposite--they were some if the hardest-working, care-about-kids guys I've ever worked with); coaches just need to coach systems that match what they know best. That goes for our assistants and the head coach.

Thanks for clearing that up, Coach. I'm sure you can see how questions come up. With facebook and Twitter nowdays kids talk to kids in other schools, parents talk to other parents, nobody knows for sure what is going on so it becomes part of the rumor mill . When almost the whole staff leaves at a high profile program its bound to create some buzz.

I'm sure you can see how questions come up... nobody knows for sure what is going on so it becomes part of the rumor mill.

 

Totally agree. I'm one who understood when taking on a career like football coaching it meant people watching you while you work (at least on game nights) and criticizing what you do, everybody around you thinking they could do better at your job (though they only see about 10% of what you do), and that rumors will fly about that--try as you might--you just can never control.

 

Part of the reason I'm on here without a pseudonym is that I want info about my program coming straight from the horse's mouth.

 

But I totally understand the human desire to 'spice things up' when telling a story. Not to do so makes for a boring story and to dig to find the truth of what really happens takes too much time and energy for most.

Thanks. Mass exodus (lol).

 

Why the change? I just don't feel our results the last 2 years match the potential we have. As Einstein said, to continue to do things the same and expect different results is the definition of insanity.

 

Also, I have to be the person ultimately accountable for what I think is underachieving. So the systems we run need to be what I think is right for the kids we have year-in year-out -- as opposed to delegating major scheme responsibilities to what others think is right. Then, if the results aren't what I want, I'll be the one not only ultimately accountable, but will know it was MY decisions causing the success or lack thereof all along.

 

In other words, I've tried to run this program similar to how a college head coach would -- with varying degrees of success. I just felt my program maximized it's potential better other places when I was more hands-on scheme-wise.

 

As to that scheme, we'll be more run-first on offense and on defense we'll just be approaching pass coverage in a very different way than we have (our run defense has been pretty good recently--so no need on D for a complete scheme change).

 

I want to be CLEAR--there was no 'purge.' The coaches who were here previously were ALL extremely good coaches (which is why I wanted almost every one of them back)...just didn't want to coach w/ these new schemes--it's not what they know best. So to say there was a need for a change in scheme I'm in NO WAY saying those coaches did a poor job (much the opposite--they were some if the hardest-working, care-about-kids guys I've ever worked with); coaches just need to coach systems that match what they know best. That goes for our assistants and the head coach.

 

Way to hit the nail square on the head. I have found that it takes special assistants to understand the chain of command, or the head coaches wishes. Only one will be ultimately held accountable and the buck starts and stops with you. Good luck this season.

Will the new offense be similar to what we saw Oldham County run in 03

Way to hit the nail square on the head. I have found that it takes special assistants to understand the chain of command, or the head coaches wishes. Only one will be ultimately held accountable and the buck starts and stops with you. Good luck this season.

A question for Coach Reed. If a head coach has assistants who have ben around a while, hasn't he participated and overseen the systems being installed? Back when I coached, assistants were sounding boards and we got input, but the head guy did what he wanted and we followed. To say we didn't understand the chain of command is a little unfair, in some cases. The head coach has a responsbility to communicate his wishes. I worked for a guy who was too layed back. When things went bad, he pointed fingers at the staff. Luckily the AD saw through it. I'm just saying that in some instances like I experienced, the head coach doesn't lead, and in my example, he tried to let all of us take one for the team.

FSB...

 

Just talking in terms of people not understanding that it is up to the HC to make the decisions about his/her program. I have had many conversations with fans/coaches that seem to think that a HC must poll everyone before making a decision. I do agree that there are HC's out there who are laid back, but I think the normal course of action is to hire good assistants but inform them of how your program is ran, lead and they should follow loyally. I have seen many places where the HC's are fired, and the assistants keep their positions and the cycle repeats itself. So I am a big believer that the HC should chart the course as he/she see's fit because if the axe falls, the assistants are normally fine. So kudos to all head coaches who "Lead" their programs with their vision like Coach J...