Orange Coaching Staff Working To Build Winners
8/14/2007 1:34:54 PM | Football
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The combination of Orange veterans and Syracuse newcomers on the coaching staff is proving to be a good formula for the 2007 football squad. Head coach Greg Robinson has infused offensive line coach Chris Wiesehan, defensive line coach Derrick Jackson and running backs coach Randy Trivers with the members of the staff he hired during his first two seasons to lead the Orange. The focus is preparing the student-athletes for the 2007 season-opener against Washington Friday, August 31 (8 p.m., ESPN). Click here to buy tickets or call the Carrier Dome Box Office (1-888-DOMETIX).
"I am pleased with our group, the whole staff," Robinson said. "In regard to the new guys, Derrick is an excellent teacher. I think he’s a real motivator. He demands the little things and I think that is critical when you talk about line play – offensive or defensive. Chris Weisehan has brought a dynamic I was looking for. He’s a fiery guy and he’s lit a fire under that group. They just have to keep working, but I think he has good expertise – very fundamental coach. Randy Trivers brings a lot of energy. He’s on the move. He’s on the go. He’s demanding of his guys. I think he communicates well with them."
"It’s a great group," quarterbacks coach Phil Earley said. "We all enjoy each other. We have fun and we all respect each other because we work hard. We have young guys and older guys. I think that we’ve really gelled well. We have some great personalities. The thing, I think, coach Robinson has done with this group of coaches is we have a diverse group in a lot of different ways. Some guys are a little more fiery and other guys are a little more laid back. You don’t want everyone to be the same. It’s a good mix. I think (offensive coordinator/tight ends) Brian White and (defensive coordinator/linebackers) Steve Russ have done a great job on their sides of the ball and (wide receivers/recruiting coordinator) Chris White is such a detailed guy when it comes to the kicking game. We have a really good thing going."
Earley, Russ, Brian White and Chris White return along with cornerbacks and secondary coach Jim Salgado, safeties and nickel backs coach Scott Spencer. Combined, the six have more than 200 years of collegiate or professional coaching experience.
"We have a good blend of experience and youth and real energy," Chris White said. "They are really intelligent coaches, who work real hard and work together. I think everyone is on the same page. It’s the third year of coach Robinson’s system and the coaches know what he’s all about and what demands from the coaches."
Jackson joined the Orange after spending 2006 with Michigan State. He was one of 30 coaches invited to the 2007 the Men’s Coaching Academy, which is an NCAA program that addresses the critical shortage of ethnic minorities in head coaching positions in college football, primarily at the Division I-A level.
"Coach Jackson, I believe he’s a great man," said senior defensive end Jameel McClain. "He’s a good fundamental coach. He knows all the techniques to the game that can help out the defensive line. With his skills and expertise, everything he brings to the table is everything we need. As a person, he’s a great man and just a great person who you really learn from to live life."
Just as the coaches and players like having Jackson in Syracuse, he also enjoys his new home.
"First off, I love the place," Jackson said. "My wife moved here about three months ago. She’s excited to be here and she’s been out to practice a number of times and the one thing she always says is, ‘You always seem to have a smile on your face when you are out there on the field.'"
Trivers came to Syracuse after spending nine years as the head coach at Northwest High School. During his time he won the 2004 Maryland 3A State Championship in addition to three regional and five district championships. He earned 12 Coach-of-the-Year accolades and coached 51 players who went on to play college football, including 20 who earned full scholarships.
"Coach Trivers has attention to detail," said junior running back Curtis Brinkley. "He wants you fundamentally sound. He’s a worker. He chases you up and down the field. I just appreciate the things he’s done so far."
The transition from high school to college can sometimes be a tough one, but Trivers finds comfort in his colleagues.
"It’s definitely been an adjustment in terms of having one job for nine years and making a transition," Trivers said. "It’s been challenging and very exciting, as well. I’m just pleased to be working with a very committed group of professionals – hard working professionals. I stress the word professional, just the way the entire staff carries themselves in terms of how they deal with the players and each other. There is certainty a high level of focus and commitment to doing the things it takes to win."
Wiesehan took charge of the Syracuse offensive line after coaching James Madison’s offensive line, which led the Dukes that ranked 11th nationally and first in the Atlantic 10 in rushing. With such an experienced staff working next to him, Weisehan has no problem asking for guidance.
"It would be a mistake not to ask them questions," Wiesehan said. "It’s amazing what you can learn after you know it all and these guys have been through some battles. These guys are great resources for a new guy."
The Orange will hold its first practice in the Carrier Dome tonight at 6:30 p.m.
