UMGriz75
Well-known member
I think he's smart, and "quick-minded" while talking, but on the Field last year, too many games saw a coach unwilling to change strategies when they were obviously failing (CP, Weber, PSU, NDSU) and then too willing to change strategies when they were successful (ISU). He has a great game, record breaking, with a "simplified strategy" and a third stringer, and then awful games with his "complicated strategy" and his best QB. Apparently there are no ironies to be observed in Montana football.Umista said:Coach Stitt brings a new style of football to Montana. Far and above any recent coaches. The guy is very smart and quick minded. One needs to visit with him one on one to get a grasp of what he is all about. I will admit he looked out of sorts last season.
There is a predictability to his coaching that is, to me, hugely surprising. NDSU, unfortunately, did not find it surprising. "I read your book, Rommel!" Coach Klieman was reported to have said during the game.
His penchant, while talking, about saying things like "we never lose in our house!" just before doing just that with Cal Poly, and "my offense can beat any defense" which comes across as almost delusional given his record, do not do his credibility any good. The difference between confident and blowhard is a fine line, and its always best not to walk too close to it. And, a few bad games can push that line in the wrong direction all too easily.
I think he probably can pull this off -- coaches who did far worse elsewhere did great here -- but, there are "aspects" to the way he goes about things that, once past the hype, are at best puzzling, and do end up making his performance look "out of sorts" in large part because what he says and what he does often indicates a coach not fully in communion with himself.
Maybe it was just a "breaking in" period at a different level. Plausible. It will be interesting. "Staff" is the part that can make the difference, and he seems to have a good one.