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Auburn hires Temple's Loeffler as new OC

Posted on: January 22, 2012 8:20 pm
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Posted by Jerry Hinnen

Gene Chizik has made his choice to replace Gus Malzahn--and it's a name that won't be unfamiliar to SEC fans.

Auburn has announced that it has hired away Temple offensive coordinator Scot Loeffler. Loeffler spent five seasons as the Michigan quarterback coach and also has stints with the Detroit Lions and Central Michigan, but is best known for having served as Florida's quarterbacks coach for two seasons--including their 2009 undefeated regular season with Tim Tebow. 

“Auburn is one of the special jobs and special places in college athletics with a tremendous amount of history and tradition," Loeffler said in a statement. "It’s an honor to be joining Coach Chizik’s staff and I’m very appreciative of this opportunity. I’m excited to get started and look forward to beginning recruiting, meeting the players and staff, and interacting with the Auburn family.”

"Scot is a rising star who has worked with some very good quarterbacks, and has achieved a tremendous amount of success," Chizik said. "He is a tireless worker, is an outstanding recruiter and knows the rigors of competing in this conference."

Chad Henne was one of multiple quarterbacks to have flourished under Loeffler's tutelage in Ann Arbor. 

Despite those qualifications, Loeffler, 37, remains an unproven quantity when it comes to running an SEC-level offense; his single year at Temple (having followed ex-Gator coordinator and current Owl head coach Steve Addazio) is his only one as a play-caller. The Owls finished 63rd in total offense but a much-better 35th in yards-per-play, with the ground game particularly impressive; behind Bernard Pierce's 1,481 yards, the Owls finished 7th in the FBS in rushing.

Between Loeffler's track record of quarterback coaching, his effective 2011 run-scheming, and an age and energy level that should play well on the recruiting trail, it's easy to see why Chizik would be interested. (That Loeffler may be able to install some of Urban Meyer's spread concepts along with his bread-and-butter pro-style running attack could help ease the transition from Malzahn's spread   philosophy.) But a coach with as little play-calling experience is a huge gamble all the same--and it's one that after an iffy 7-5 season, Chizik likely can't afford to lose. 

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Category: NCAAF
Tags: Auburn, Auburn, Bernard Pierce, Central Michigan, Chad Henne, Detroit Lions, Florida, Gene Chizik, Gus Malzahn, Jerry Hinnen, MAC, Michigan, Scot Loeffler, SEC, Steve Addazio, Temple, Tim Tebow, Urban Meyer
 
Comments

Since: Jan 21, 2010
Posted on: January 23, 2012 10:34 am
 

Auburn hires Temple's Loeffler as new OC

Be weary Auburn fans...this guy was under the idiot Steve Addazio that couldn't produce a productive an effective offense even with Tim Tebow at the helm; you better hope he hasn't caught the "HB dive" bug hahaha

Since: Dec 1, 2010
Posted on: January 23, 2012 7:46 am
 

Auburn hires Temple's Loeffler as new OC

I can't imagine this is the name we all waited for. My guess is coach could not afford to wait any longer for the Ravens OC.  We were losing recruits left and right. Sad part is, this may not help us very much.  Only time will tell with this guy.  

Since: Nov 9, 2010
Posted on: January 23, 2012 7:16 am
 

Auburn hires Temple's Loeffler as new OC

Great article from www.autigers.com 


Here are a few things to consider about Auburn’s Scot Loeffler.

 

  • Under his supervision, his starting quarterbacks at Michigan, Florida and Temple had a TD-INT ratio of 2.34. Anything over 2.0 is very solid.

 

  • Though his offense at Temple this past season appeared to be run-heavy, it would be wise to focus on the 142.8 pass rating his THREE starting quarterbacks compiled. In comparison, Auburn had an overall pass rating of 124.7. It was amazing he obtained that kind of efficiency from his quarterbacks. His run offense was No. 7 in the nation but the focus should be on his pass offense and play calling. When you consider Auburn is 49-1 over the past 12 years in games with 175-yards rushing and a QB rating of 135.0or better, Coach Loeffler will maintain offensive balance, when it comes to efficiency.

 

  • When Auburn has committed to the running game, the Tigers have always been able to field a solid running game. This was the case under Pat Dye, Terry Bowden, Tommy Tuberville and Gene Chizik. The key being committed to the run. For Gene Chizik, he wanted the next offensive coordinator to have the ability to develop quarterbacks and to field an efficient pass-offense. Scot Loeffler has plenty of experience at working with quarterbacks at the collegiate and professional level.
Under Scot Loeffler, Temple's offense gave the opponent multiple looks. He utilized power formations to run the ball. He used 2 and 3 TE formations as well as 4-5 WR sets. The quarterbacks played under center and in the shotgun. With his coaching stops at Michigan and Florida, Loeffler will field an offense, which will utilize the "skill" players on the field.

During the 2011 season, Temple had 7 different offensive players, who had at least 6 impact plays. In comparison, Auburn had 5 different players. Their run offense generated 34 plays of 20-yards or more or 1 every 18.7 carries. The 2011 Auburn running game generated a 20-yard run every 38.3 carries. A quarterback like Kiehl Frazier will have an opportunity to thrive under Coach Loeffler, running and throwing the football. 

His lack of experience as an offensive coordinator is the only possible concern but he will certainly make up for it with his effort and creativity. His former employers have praised him for his diligence in preparation and his relationship with his players. He has a creative offensive mind and has built a reputation for being a solid recruiter. Based on what I was told about the interview process, Scot Loeffler must have impressed Coach Chizik in breaking down defenses. 

I know there has been an issue about the delay in the hiring and the questioning of the delay. Though we may never know the exact reasons for how this hiring played out, common sense would tell you Coach Chizik made the hire when he did for a legitimate reason(s). Does anyone actually believe Chizik would intentionally delay the hire with no concerns with recruiting? At this point, it makes no difference and Auburn has their coordinators in place. 

Since: Jan 23, 2012
Posted on: January 23, 2012 3:05 am
 

Auburn hires Temple's Loeffler as new OC

It is and has been a horrible event to as a fan of college football watch the manner with which Joe Paterno was treated. Abuse of any kind is deplorable. it is sad though that people cant or wont be honest with the truth. this man waws from an era and a time when you could not hold a womans hand without blushing. |Old, cofounded, and to watch the very life ripped from this man is and was very sad to watch.  I am not a Penn State fan, SEC, shame what happened to a great man who should have been an example for our boys, but lost his life and legacy for a criminal.

Since: Jul 23, 2009
Posted on: January 22, 2012 11:01 pm
 

Auburn hires Temple's Loeffler as new OC

This isnt the big time name like Chizik made with D.C. VanGorder but I do like the hire.He will bring back the pro-style running game we Auburn fans are use to plus he can throw in some packages with spread like plays to use the amazing talent Chizik has on the roster.The big thing is what he will do for Auburns two big time Q.B. youngsters Frazier and Pike,the guy has proven he can churn out some quarterbacks so lets see what he can do with the talent Auburn has.WAR EAGLE COACH...Welcome to the Auburn family

Since: May 20, 2008
Posted on: January 22, 2012 10:13 pm
 

Auburn hires Temple's Loeffler as new OC

As a Temple fan I would tell you the passing game cost them two wins. It took forever to decide on a qb. Addazzio might be part of the problem but Loeffler certainly did not shine at Temple. Good luck Auburn.

Since: Sep 25, 2006
Posted on: January 22, 2012 9:44 pm
 

Auburn hires Temple's Loeffler as new OC

Last year had the worst QB play that I have ever seen on the plains (injuries to Blake & Reed didn't help either).  Hopefully Loeffler can develop Frazier or bring Pike up to speed pretty fast.

My only problem is that Temple didn't throw the ball effectively last year either.  I'd say on the surface that the O is going to be pretty run heavy next year, but we have some playmakers @ WR that can stretch the field & I hope this guy can work them into the package.

WDE!  

Since: Sep 18, 2006
Posted on: January 22, 2012 9:12 pm
 

Auburn hires Temple's Loeffler as new OC

Although I'm optimistic about the hire, I have to agree. I do like the fact that he is a young guy, but he must have been 2nd or 3rd choice in my opinion. It may turn out great. He has his work cut out for him with our QB situation.

Since: Sep 3, 2011
Posted on: January 22, 2012 8:57 pm
 

Auburn hires Temple's Loeffler as new OC

I hope he does great but it took 40 days to hire the Temple OC
DAMN 
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