A Change Would Do You Good

[OrangeXtreme]

Fran Brown promises changes are coming after 3-9 season: ‘We will never be in the storm that we’re in’

Syracuse head coach Fran Brown said the Orange's offseason focuses will include adding experienced quarterbacks and improving its offensive line.

www.syracuse.com

Exactly who might be involved in implementing those changes next season remains unclear.

Brown declined to share specifics about how much change he plans to make on his coaching staff and changed his tone from earlier when asked if his two coordinators will be back next year.

“I’m not sure,” Brown said, when asked how much change he expects to make on his coaching staff. “I don’t want to say anything or make impulsive statements. I’ll have to go back and sit back and watch film and go through some things.”

He offered a similar sentiment when discussing his coordinators, Jeff Nixon and Elijah Robinson. That was a notable change from his response two weeks ago when he said the two would be back next year.

In the two weeks since, Syracuse suffered one of the worst losses in program history against Notre Dame and became the only FBS program to lose to Boston College in this season’s home finale.

Those games were part of an eight-game losing streak in which the Orange lost by a combined margin of 220 points.

Syracuse had never lost eight consecutive games by more points in program history, making it one of the worst stretches of football that the school has ever seen.

“We’re just gonna watch the film and go through a bunch of stuff,” Brown said about his coordinators once the stretch was over.

“I don’t want to make any rash or impulsive statements. I’ll deal with that next week.”

 

[OrangeXtreme]

Axe: 5 things Fran Brown has to do to get Syracuse football back on track

Brent Axe offers five things Fran Brown can do to get Syracuse football on track after a dreadful 3-9 season.

www.syracuse.com

Syracuse finished the 2025 season giving up 35 points per game, a mark that ranks dead last among Power 4 teams and 126th in the country.

After giving up 377.5 yards per game in 2024 (78th nationally), SU plummeted to giving up 427.5 yards per game this season (121st).

Brown has to overhaul his defensive staff, starting with removing the defensive coordinator duties from Elijah Robinson.

Brown and SU AD John Wildhack needs to be sensitive to the recruiting prowess of some staffers (namely defensive line coach Nick Williams) but a clean sweep of the defensive staff is not out of the question and perhaps may be needed to give that side of the ball a clean slate.

 

[HRE Otto IV]

I like that we brought in Brown this year. But he was here for this debacle. Yes he wasn't making the actual calls but he was on the staff. I don't think having him be DC fixes the problem.

When Nixon mixes things up he is very good (see Clemson). But he has an aversion to doing so. His running scheme is poor (and that is putting it lightly). But his passing scheme is elite. That is why I want him to be back next year. He gives us a chance to be elite passing the ball.

A new OC will undoubtedly be better on the ground, but they will not be as good in the air. Is it not better to be elite at one thing instead of decent at both? Also having a new OC will take time for the players to learn the system. Which puts us in the hole those first 4 games.

Nixon is frustrating as hell. And he is useless without a QB. But IMO if we want 7+ Ws next year he has to be the OC.

 

[Millhouse]

I like that we brought in Brown this year. But he was here for this debacle. Yes he wasn't making the actual calls but he was on the staff. I don't think having him be DC fixes the problem.

When Nixon mixes things up he is very good (see Clemson). But he has an aversion to doing so. His running scheme is poor (and that is putting it lightly). But his passing scheme is elite. That is why I want him to be back next year. He gives us a chance to be elite passing the ball.

A new OC will undoubtedly be better on the ground, but they will not be as good in the air. Is it not better to be elite at one thing instead of decent at both? Also having a new OC will take time for the players to learn the system. Which puts us in the hole those first 4 games.

Nixon is frustrating as hell. And he is useless without a QB. But IMO if we want 7+ Ws next year he has to be the OC.

Everyone is useless without a QB
Robinson always stinks
Maybe Nixon stinks at maximizing a lax player offense but I don't care about that

 

[MadNY3]

Fran Brown promises changes are coming after 3-9 season: ‘We will never be in the storm that we’re in’

Syracuse head coach Fran Brown said the Orange's offseason focuses will include adding experienced quarterbacks and improving its offensive line.

www.syracuse.com

Exactly who might be involved in implementing those changes next season remains unclear.

Brown declined to share specifics about how much change he plans to make on his coaching staff and changed his tone from earlier when asked if his two coordinators will be back next year.

“I’m not sure,” Brown said, when asked how much change he expects to make on his coaching staff. “I don’t want to say anything or make impulsive statements. I’ll have to go back and sit back and watch film and go through some things.”

He offered a similar sentiment when discussing his coordinators, Jeff Nixon and Elijah Robinson. That was a notable change from his response two weeks ago when he said the two would be back next year.

In the two weeks since, Syracuse suffered one of the worst losses in program history against Notre Dame and became the only FBS program to lose to Boston College in this season’s home finale.

Those games were part of an eight-game losing streak in which the Orange lost by a combined margin of 220 points.

Syracuse had never lost eight consecutive games by more points in program history, making it one of the worst stretches of football that the school has ever seen.

“We’re just gonna watch the film and go through a bunch of stuff,” Brown said about his coordinators once the stretch was over.

“I don’t want to make any rash or impulsive statements. I’ll deal with that next week.”

Translation: I’m making changes after signing day.

 

[OrangeXtreme]

Translation: I’m making changes after signing day.

Three days from now.

Once you sign on the dotted line, we're firing the guy who recruited you.

 

[MadNY3]

Three days from now.

Once you sign on the dotted line, we're firing the guy who recruited you.

Nah, they all come because of FRAN BROWN.

 

[Scooch]

Three days from now.

Once you sign on the dotted line, we're firing the guy who recruited you.

LOL. DART!

Seriously, I get it, but it’s pretty cold hearted towards the recruits.

 

[richmondcuse03]

A few of the changes may even help on the recruiting front. I’m not sure we will wait that long.

 

[OrangeXtreme]

LOL. DART!

Seriously, I get it, but it’s pretty cold hearted towards the recruits.

Happens everywhere.

Kids can decommit on Signing Day. Schools pull offers at the last minute.

It's a "dog eat dog" world and we're wearing Milkbone underwear.

 

[AZOrange]

I like that we brought in Brown this year. But he was here for this debacle. Yes he wasn't making the actual calls but he was on the staff. I don't think having him be DC fixes the problem.

When Nixon mixes things up he is very good (see Clemson). But he has an aversion to doing so. His running scheme is poor (and that is putting it lightly). But his passing scheme is elite. That is why I want him to be back next year. He gives us a chance to be elite passing the ball.

A new OC will undoubtedly be better on the ground, but they will not be as good in the air. Is it not better to be elite at one thing instead of decent at both? Also having a new OC will take time for the players to learn the system. Which puts us in the hole those first 4 games.

Nixon is frustrating as hell. And he is useless without a QB. But IMO if we want 7+ Ws next year he has to be the OC.

His running scheme is poor because his OL play is poor. Fix the trenches and staff there first. I think the D overhaul starts next week. Nick might be saved but the rest will be gone or layered over

 

[HoustonCuse]

LOL. DART!

Seriously, I get it, but it’s pretty cold hearted towards the recruits.

The recruits are paid professionals at best and transient mercenaries at worst. They come for the money. If they are paid, then they should show up and play. All is fair.

 

[PhatOrange]

His running scheme is poor because his OL play is poor. Fix the trenches and staff there first. I think the D overhaul starts next week. Nick might be saved but the rest will be gone or layered over

I don't agree. An example is when he pulls the guard and tackle on the same play and fails to have anyone block the backside DEnd. Who crashes down and makes and easy tackle in the backfield. Go watch first play vs ND That's scheme. His relentless handoffs into the 1 and 2 hole are scheme.

 

[phil77]

If I am Fran and I am evaluating I see that with handpicked QB1 season 1 and 4 games season 2 Nixon offense was one of the nations best and put up points so many points it covered for our terrible defense. So I would think Nixon is a must keep I need that offense back while I try and fix the defense.

I would have a conversation about what we prioritize in a QB on tape we are looking for ability to read defense, quick release, and accuracy anything else like great athlete or arm strength is a bonus. Get a stable of like QBs an train them in the system. In college, system is important so get players that fit system especially QB.

 

[djorange1989]

If getting rid of Nixon means Gattis becomes OC, then please keep Nixon. The entire defensive staff needs to go, we have zero identity and strategy there, get a guy who plays an attacking style of D.

 

[OttoinGrotto]

If I am Fran and I am evaluating I see that with handpicked QB1 season 1 and 4 games season 2 Nixon offense was one of the nations best and put up points so many points it covered for our terrible defense. So I would think Nixon is a must keep I need that offense back while I try and fix the defense.

I would have a conversation about what we prioritize in a QB on tape we are looking for ability to read defense, quick release, and accuracy anything else like great athlete or arm strength is a bonus. Get a stable of like QBs an train them in the system. In college, system is important so get players that fit system especially QB.

Yeah, supposedly we had 6 QBs.

Angeli, Collins, Carney, Williams, Filardi, Belin

We actually had 2 that fit the system, and 1 couldn't execute it. Carney, Williams, Filardi and Belin didn't make sense. We had 2 QBs.

That's not their fault. That's an evaluation issue.

 

[phil77]

Yeah, supposedly we had 6 QBs.

Angeli, Collins, Carney, Williams, Filardi, Belin

We actually had 2 that fit the system, and 1 couldn't execute it. Carney, Williams, Filardi and Belin didn't make sense. We had 2 QBs.

That's not their fault. That's an evaluation issue.

Correct they need to do a better job of evaluating what is important traits for QBs to run the system. Then bring in multiple QBs with those traits. I don’t care if a kid can run fast or throw far he needs to properly execute the system and get the ball out on time and accurate to our WRs. Let the WRs do the work. Don’t need an NFL QB to do that to be successful.

 

[ImperialOrange]

We need a new OL and QB coach... and possibly RB coach. If Nixon is back he better have a plethora of new coaches in the room with him

 

[tep624]

Nixon has a track record of success here when he has a competent passing QB. If the goal is to aggressively stack the QB depth chart then we shouldn’t have the same problem next year we had this year.

Robinson is a whole different conversation. Great pedigree coming here but really hasn’t shown much as a DC.

 

[OrangeXtreme]

We need a new OL and QB coach... and possibly RB coach. If Nixon is back he better have a plethora of new coaches in the room with him

Plethora?

Is that like a cornucopia?

 

[ImperialOrange]

Plethora?

Is that like a cornucopia?

Ha! Not quite. A plethora is a large grouping, a cornucopia is an overflowing abundance with positive connotations. Not sure anything on our offense resembled a positive

 

[sufandu]

Translation: I’m making changes after signing day.

Does it matter anymore? Guys can enter the portal in a month if they don't like the changes that are made.

 

[Archbold44]

Yeah, supposedly we had 6 QBs.

Angeli, Collins, Carney, Williams, Filardi, Belin

We actually had 2 that fit the system, and 1 couldn't execute it. Carney, Williams, Filardi and Belin didn't make sense. We had 2 QBs.

That's not their fault. That's an evaluation issue.

An offensive coordinator should be able to move the ball in a variety of ways, if necessary. Look how we moved the ball with the wildcat on one drive. Navy runs for 275 YPG, but somehow also passes for 100+ YPG. At some point, the chef has to make AN entree. If he does not have the ingredients to make his favorite entree, he needs to serve something though.

The wildcat showed that our offensive line can run block from time to time. Imagine if we had just had Villari throw one pass. What's the worst that could have happened? A Pick-Six. We had four of those against Miami/ND (with one called back by a pity penalty). Why not have Rickie run a wildcat? He could have faked one out of 8 runs and thrown a long pass to loosen up the defense.

The bye week after SMU would have been a great time to start working in some new concepts... but Nixon couldn't or wouldn't. I guess we will just be a one dish pony and hope for the best. Maybe our QB stays healthy next year, but our tackles get hurt or are a disaster. Or we have WR injuries. Seems like we will always need a healthy team to have an offense with Nixon...

 

[Scooch]

Happens everywhere.

Kids can decommit on Signing Day. Schools pull offers at the last minute.

It's a "dog eat dog" world and we're wearing Milk one underwear.

I totally get it. It just makes me chuckle. All the talk about family, etc. but we’re also perfectly comfortable hiding a coaching change from a recruit until they sign.

Slogans.

 

[Scooch]

The recruits are paid professionals at best and transient mercenaries at worst. They come for the money. If they are paid, then they should show up and play. All is fair.

See my reply above. I agree. Just don’t expect me to believe all the culture, family and DART stuff isn’t anything more than marketing.