How do we feel about our Special Teams coach!?

[dwilmont44]

We are all too fast to blame the coaches...just like parents want to blame the teachers for their kid's bad grades...If your kid isn't studying for the test and doing his homework, he will get a bad grade. # 72 missed his assignment, he didn't block the free defender to his side...simple as that! Either he learns from his mistake or we get another guy to play that position. That is not a Coach's fault. Stop blaming he coaches. Coach Fran said it best in his press conference, it is disrespectful! We want to jump right to bad coaching.

You yourself pointed out it has happened multiple times. That's on coaching.

 

[MSOrange]

We are all too fast to blame the coaches...just like parents want to blame the teachers for their kid's bad grades...If your kid isn't studying for the test and doing his homework, he will get a bad grade. # 72 missed his assignment, he didn't block the free defender to his side...simple as that! Either he learns from his mistake or we get another guy to play that position. That is not a Coach's fault. Stop blaming he coaches. Coach Fran said it best in his press conference, it is disrespectful! We want to jump right to bad coaching.

Come on Dr Bill. We've essentially had 4 blocked kicks in 5 games. Either the coach is not scheming our blocking correctly or the players are repeatedly not executing and he can't get them to do so. Either way, it's a coaching issue that needs to be fixed.

 

[Chip]

I cannot stand the rationale of playing starters on special teams to enhance to appeal to the NFL. I would prefer we focus on winning games now.

It is unconscionable to me that Gadsden would NOT be off the field on 2nd and 20, but would be on the field to be the adjuster for punt team. Foolish to not have Gadsden in the field for almost every offensive snap.

Using Petry and Mang as personal protectors is a bad decision. Neither has the lateral mobility to be affective nor the speed to get down field after ball is kicked. Besides that, both are going to be tired following an offensive series.

Our kickoff return team is bad. Why can’t the returner figure out when to put up the iron cross or fair catch the ball? We seem to be experimenting with new returners every week and many are true freshmen who lack the experience to make good decisions in games. It’s doesn’t have to be that complicated, fair catch the kick and start the possession at the 25 yard line.

We have played five games and every week there’s a new adventure on special teams. We should be settling in a getting better, instead we are still trying to figure out how not to beat ourselves.


The most frustrating part for me is how good could we be with a few adjustments?

- Fire Vollono.
- Put the o-line coach on notice
- Leave Gadsden on the field and stop running him on curls and hitches. He’s a hybrid TE let him run crossing routes. He ran one last night for a big gain.
- Can we stop giving WR’s a ten yard cushion?


Go Orange!

UNLV’s best WR (by far) was the one who blew up the first punt and blocked the second punt. Something to be said for putting your best players in position to do things like that.

Not saying it’s the same with Gadsden, I don’t really know what his ST role is. I don’t know what anyone’s is really. You know you have trouble with punt blocks and you only put 2 guys behind the snapper instead of 3 like everyone else? I don’t get it.

 

[Dr. Bill]

Come on Dr Bill. We've essentially had 4 blocked kicks in 5 games. Either the coach is not scheming our blocking correctly or the players are repeatedly not executing and he can't get them to do so. Either way, it's a coaching issue that needs to be fixed.

Punt blocking is not rocket science. Blocking is always about a "Hat On A Hat" I posted a still of the pre snap look on the first block. There was no pre snap defensive movement or stunts. There were 8 defenders lined up on the line versus 5 offensive linemen. A hat on a hat...3 defensive linemen are going to come up free. Our 3 offensive players on that second level have to pick up those 3 defenders...and you can determine who the free defenders will be...before the ball is snapped, as long as there are no stunts or twists, which there were none. It appears, we have guys playing special teams...who should not be playing special teams because they are missing assignments. This special teams coach is a professional, working with these kids everyday I assume. You can't tell me that he has not taught the basic essentials of punt blocking...his kids are not executing what is being taught. Good teacher and excelling hard working, smart students, and you usually have good results...Good teacher and poor students, even if they are hard workers, you will get mixed results at best. I agree with all comments, it is obvious, something is wrong with Special Teams, my money is on the wrong players in these spots as opposed to bad coaching; and yes, it is ultimately the job of the coach to fix problems and the buck does stop with the Head coach and he has taken responsibility for this mess.

 

[ECE '76]

This isn’t to defend Vollono because the results speak for themselves.

But I can’t help but wonder how much time we’re allotting to ST in practice. Is it the same as other schools?

They had a bye week - everything from soups to nuts about STs could have been fixed for the rest of the season...

We have depth on this team - we should stop using guys like Gadsden on STs and start training 2s and 3's to be ST specialists. Texas A&M uses ONLY walk ons for kick coverage.

The OL coach and the TE coach need to be involved to fix the punting and FG kicking blocking schemes.

 

[MSOrange]

Punt blocking schemes is not rocket science. Blocking is always about a "Hat On A Hat" I posted a still of the pre snap look on the first block. There was no pre snap defensive movement or stunts. there were 8 defenders lined up on the line versus 5 offensive linemen. A hat on a hat...3 defensive linemen are going to come up free. our 3 offensive players on that second level have to pick up those 3 defenders...and you can determine who the free defenders will be...before the ball is snapped, as long as there are no stunts or twists, which there were none. It appears, we have guys playing special teams...who should not be playing special teams because they are missing assignments. this special teams coach is a professional, working with these kids everyday I assume. You can't tell me that he has not taught the basic essentials of punt blocking...his kids are not executing what is being taught. Good teacher and excelling hard working smart students, and you usually have good results...Good teacher and poor students, even if they are hard workers, you will get mixed results at best. I agree with all comments, it is obvious, something is wrong with Special Teams, my money is on the wrong players in these spots as opposed to bad coaching. and yes, it is ultimately the job of the coach to fix problems and the buck does stop with the Head coach and he has taken responsibility for this mess.

If the wrong players are out there, then it's on the coach. We're way past the point of excuses. Sure Fran is taking responsibility like a good leader, but that's Vollono's unit.

 

[Ozone!]

Let HCFB solve the issues involved around SpecialTeams miscues.​

 

[two3zone]

UNLV’s best WR (by far) was the one who blew up the first punt and blocked the second punt. Something to be said for putting your best players in position to do things like that.

Not saying it’s the same with Gadsden, I don’t really know what his ST role is. I don’t know what anyone’s is really. You know you have trouble with punt blocks and you only put 2 guys behind the snapper instead of 3 like everyone else? I don’t get it.

It's indefensable at this point.

If you're doing it because your coverage stinks, well, it can't stink that bad.

Watch, they'll put 3 back next came and someone will run one back for 70 yards.

 

[SUforme]

Let HCFB solve the issues involved around SpecialTeams miscues.​

You don't say...

 

[MSOrange]

UNLV’s best WR (by far) was the one who blew up the first punt and blocked the second punt. Something to be said for putting your best players in position to do things like that.

Not saying it’s the same with Gadsden, I don’t really know what his ST role is. I don’t know what anyone’s is really. You know you have trouble with punt blocks and you only put 2 guys behind the snapper instead of 3 like everyone else? I don’t get it.

I don't understand why we haven't done 3 behind the snapper either. Sure you might give up a return, but at least getting the kick off would be progress and we can deal with a new problem.

 

[Dr. Bill]

If the wrong players are out there, then it's on the coach. We're way past the point of excuses. Sure Fran is taking responsibility like a good leader, but that's Vollono's unit.

None of us know all of the dynamics here, maybe Vollono wants to use more starters on Special Teams and Fran wants to see freshman and non starters prove themselves by playing special teams. Now, that the current special teams situation has reached critical mass, Coach Fran is now ready to do whatever it takes to fix this mess. Let's see how these problems are fixed, will it be personnel changes, scheme changes, or a combination. Look at placekicking, he changed kickers...Every option appears to be on the table except firing the Special Teams Coach!!did you hear how Coach Brown stood up for Vollono in his presser?

 

[ECE '76]

Who was that John McVay?

John McKay - the first head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

 

[kcsu]

Stone is a good punter. Max protect for him and tell him to kick it towards the sidelines.

 

[ECE '76]

None of us know all of the dynamics here, maybe Vollono wants to use more starters on Special Teams and Fran wants to see freshman and non starters prove themselves by playing special teams. Now, that the current special teams situation has reached critical mass, Coach Fran is now ready to do whatever it takes to fix this mess. Let's see how these problems are fixed, will it be personnel changes, scheme changes, or a combination. Look at placekicking, he changed kickers...Every option appears to be on the table except firing the Special Teams Coach!!did you hear how Coach Brown stood up for Vollono in his presser?

You might not be aware that Fran has stated multiple times, he uses players with NFL potential on STs so they have a better chance of making an NFL team.

 

[djcon57]

Now, that the current special teams situation has reached critical mass, Coach Fran is now ready to do whatever it takes to fix this mess.

The fact that you (hopefully not Coach Fran) didn’t think it was at critical mass after we almost lost the GA tech game due to STs and we kicked Fgs like a JV football team vs Holy Cross has me concerned

 

[pokercuse08]

This isn't even debatable and Fran isn't a moron, so this should be handled by Monday morning. I don't care if they have to bring in a high school football coach, there's someone better out there somewhere.

I don't care if they create a new title for a demotion or whatever and keep him on payroll, or flat out fire him. The team needs to know it's handled and the DA in DART matters, and they aren't going to win many games spotting opponents two touchdowns.

 

[CanadianSU]

One thing about backing the coach you brought in, but a bit overboard on the defense of said coach. A simple we have stuff to work on ST coach included would have sufficed.

One thing about bringing in your friends you sometimes need to put feelings aside. The whole he has a family and kids response was a bit Shafer’esque reply.

 

[Tony DeFranco]

a special teams play not talked about. UNLV kicked off from the 20 and we got the ball at our own 16. That’s tough to do.

At the game I almost got up and left because this was coming off the blocked punt for a 40 yard TD - to be fair though it was a total fluke - WIllis moved up which made sense and the kicker bombed it over his head - then the ball landed before the endzone with backspin and it didnt make it to the enzone

 

[dasher]

We are all too fast to blame the coaches...just like parents want to blame the teachers for their kid's bad grades...If your kid isn't studying for the test and doing his homework, he will get a bad grade. # 72 missed his assignment, he didn't block the free defender to his side...simple as that! Either he learns from his mistake or we get another guy to play that position. That is not a Coach's fault. Stop blaming he coaches. Coach Fran said it best in his press conference, it is disrespectful! We want to jump right to bad coaching.

No. If it was one play, that would be one thing. Our specials have sucked all year. And that isn't one play and it isn't just on punts. The missed fg's. The kickoff out of bounds. At some point, it is the coaches. And sometimes, the teachers do suck.

 

[STEVEHOLT]

They put the special in special teams

 

[STEVEHOLT]

No. If it was one play, that would be one thing. Our specials have sucked all year. And that isn't one play and it isn't just on punts. The missed fg's. The kickoff out of bounds. At some point, it is the coaches. And sometimes, the teachers do suck.

The approach to special teams should be a “do no harm” attitude. My guess is they’re practicing to make big plays instead. Just don’t feed yourself a shyte sandwhich and move on. It’s not that difficult. Every other team seems to be able to do it

 

[ECE '76]

UNLV’s best WR (by far) was the one who blew up the first punt and blocked the second punt. Something to be said for putting your best players in position to do things like that.

I'd like to see Fran take a page from Barry Odom's book, and use Malachi James to rush the punter!

In fact, get the 3 fastest guys on the team to do this.

 

[BillSU]

Stone is a good punter. Max protect for him and tell him to kick it towards the sidelines.

Agreed. Stonehouse is averaging almost 42 yards per punt with a lot of hang time - we cannot afford to have his kicks blocked. Three in the back field definitely.

At TROY:
The Trojans had strong special teams play under Vollono's guidance the past three seasons, while he helped build the program into a consistent winner. Troy went 23-5 over his two seasons there, won back-to-back Sun Belt Championships and had appearances in the Cure Bowl (2022) and Birmingham Bowl (2023). The Trojans finished the 2022 season ranked in a major poll for the first time in school history, checking in at No. 19 (AP), No. 20 (USA Today/Coaches) and No. 22 (College Football Playoff) in each outlet's final ranking.

This past season, kicker Scott Taylor Renfore made 19-of-24 field goal attempts, the second-most makes in program history. Punter Robert Cole turned in the ninth-best season in school history, averaging 42.27 yards per punt.

In his first season at Troy, kicker Brooks Buce made 17-of-19 field goal attempts, setting the school's single-season field goal percentage record. Buce was a perfect 4-of-4 on kicks longer than 40 yards. Punter Mike Rivers averaged 42.1 yards per punt that same year, which is the 10th-best mark in school history.

His coverage and return units were also strong in his time in Troy. In 2023, his punt unit ranked 36th nationally in punt return defense, surrendering just 5.64 yards per return. The year prior, Troy allowed just one punt return of more than 20 yards (23), and the kickoff team tied for eighth nationally in allowing just one kickoff return of more than 30 yards (36).

Based on the above, I don't think it's the teacher, but the consistently bad play of the ST unit on punting and FG unit has raised questions in my mind that's why I went to see his background. HCFB was in his face on camera after one miscue Friday night - let see what happens because Fran said he is addressing it very quickly.

 

[Maisel123!]

This isn't even debatable and Fran isn't a moron, so this should be handled by Monday morning. I don't care if they have to bring in a high school football coach, there's someone better out there somewhere.

I don't care if they create a new title for a demotion or whatever and keep him on payroll, or flat out fire him. The team needs to know it's handled and the DA in DART matters, and they aren't going to win many games spotting opponents two touchdowns.

We have a very good football team and great enthusiasm among us fans. But I'm not sure we are good enough to overcome the complete incompetency of the special teams. That's on the ST coach. What has he been doing all these weeks?

 

[Offthedome]

A coaching thing!! This is the first block. UNLV lineup with 8 men on the line, notice that 2 are linked up in the gap to the right of the center…. One of these guys comes free unblocked up the middle. The last OL men to the left, looks inside and lets the outside defender rush the punter unblocked!!!! #72 on the second line on the left,looks inside and doesn’t block the guy on his outside at all!!!! How is that coaching? The guy is back there to block and he blocks no one!!!

Isn't decision making part of coaching? I see two blockers taking off downfield. I don't believe that has never happened before in practice, even if it was to a lesser degree. It's on the coach to see it and fix it, immediately. "Hey! We don't do that. Get on the line, run it again."

I know that's an extremely simple scenario, considering all the other special teams issues this isn't on the players overall. It's ultimately on the coach to make sure this never happens. That might not be completely fair, but that's the way it is.