New Assistant Coaches - Biggest

[johnnyzip84]

Since it's a little slow this time of year, I thought this might stir up some discussion. I'll lead it off by stating that I am thrilled to have both Harris and Montgomery aboard. But I really believe Okruch will have the biggest impact. True, he is helped in a sense in that any improvement on the defensive side of the ball may be more obvious given the recent struggles here. But if you look at his track record, it's very impressive. My Illini co-worker was really sad to see him go after he coordinated UI's best defense in years. Apparently, he had a personality issue with the Zooker.

[ZachTheZip]

I also voted for Okruch. While I believe that coach harris will improve our QB position quite a bit, and that coach Montgomery will run an efficient offense, those weren't exactly problems last year when compared to the defense.We were completely abysmal when it came to getting pressure on the QB or even getting beyond the LOS in any capacity.

[Zips fan]

I voted for Walt Harris. If I truly look at the question of impact, Okruch makes sense because he has the most room for improvement. I voted for Harris because I think that CJ is ready for a marketable improvement over last year.

[Class of 82]

I think Harris will have the biggest impact, simply because I think that if anyone can help CJ overcome the mental errors that have plagued him as a starter, it's a coach with Harris' background and track record.I hope Okruch has the bigger impact, though. God knows defense has generally been a weakness since Faust was here.

[Zipsrifle]

I think Harris will have the biggest impact, simply because I think that if anyone can help CJ overcome the mental errors that have plagued him as a starter, it's a coach with Harris' background and track record.I hope Okruch has the bigger impact, though. God knows defense has generally been a weakness since Faust was here.

Am I incorrect in thinking this is just the line forming behind JD so when he leaves in a few years, we have another HC ready to go? I didn't think the Stadium would be this tempting to other coaches.

[ZachTheZip]

Am I incorrect in thinking this is just the line forming behind JD so when he leaves in a few years, we have another HC ready to go? I didn't think the Stadium would be this tempting to other coaches.

Both Harris and Montgomery failed at being head coaches at their last jobs. Also, Harris appears to be here primarily because of his connection with JD. I am curious how JD managed to pull in Okruch (pronounced "Oh-crew", which makes me want to call him "The O-Crew"), though.

[Zipsrifle]

Am I incorrect in thinking this is just the line forming behind JD so when he leaves in a few years, we have another HC ready to go? I didn't think the Stadium would be this tempting to other coaches.

Both Harris and Montgomery failed at being head coaches at their last jobs. Also, Harris appears to be here primarily because of his connection with JD. I am curious how JD managed to pull in Okruch (pronounced "Oh-crew", which makes me want to call him "The O-Crew"), though.

Yea, I know that Montgomery and Harris were head coaches at other programs and weren't successful, but that I don't think that keeps them from wanting to give it a go again. When was the last time an Akron assistant coach stepped into the HC position?

[johnnyzip84]

Bump.After 2 games, I'd say ZN nailed this poll. I know it's still early, but for some reason already I don't have that sick feeling in the pit of my stomach when the Zip defense takes the field this year. I actually feel pretty confident when they're out there. AND they've been fun to watch so far, even against PSU. Vince Okruch is THE MAN!

[g-mann17]

Bump.After 2 games, I'd say ZN nailed this poll. I know it's still early, but for some reason already I don't have that sick feeling in the pit of my stomach when the Zip defense takes the field this year. I actually feel pretty confident when they're out there. AND they've been fun to watch so far, even against PSU. Vince Okruch is THE MAN!

They picked up where they left off with creating turnovers. But, they also learned how to tackle when that guy behind the QB get's the ball. 2 games 177 yards rushing (Less than 88.5 yds per game)6 shut out quarters on defense4 turnovers created (3 interceptions and a fumble recovery to our 1)48 points scored in two games (48 - 31)(yes it's all perspective) but let's face it, we always talk about how a team like Morgan State shouldn't be able to do anything against us, and look, they actually did less than anything against us.This defense just has a much better feel then any in the Brookhart era. Thank you Coach Okruch for lighting a fire under their collective butts and getting them to believe that being aggressive can make things happen.

[tim123]

I think it's Walt Harris and Shane Montgomery working with a third year starter that does not seem to have all the tools needed to suceed in division one football. He lock"s into one reciever from what I,ve witnessed. The running back situation needs to be addressed .. who,s healthy and ready...

[GP1]

Yea, I know that Montgomery and Harris were head coaches at other programs and weren't successful, but that I don't think that keeps them from wanting to give it a go again.

Harris was successful at Pitt before being let go. I know they didn't renew his contract....that means he was fired. In fact, they went 9-2 and to a BCS game his last year.Wasn't Monty on staff at Miami when they finished in the Top 10? A lot of coaches make it good somewhere else after getting fired at another program.I don't think Harris would be coaching right now if his home in Pittsburgh wasn't getting remodeled.