Just saw something...

[superhornet]

...and I'd like your opinion.

A while back when we were all crying about how horrible Diniz 2.0 was, someone brought up the idea of bringing in a special kicking coach. It turns out that there is current precedent for that.

In 2010, the Dallas Cowboys hired a retired Cowboy kicker, Chris Boniol, as a kicking consultant for their FG kicker. Last year, he was made an assistant special teams coach with a special position focus on the kickers. The Cowboys claim improvement in kicker David Boehler, though I haven't seen any hard stats to substantiate that. Other NFL teams have a second special teams coach, but don't specify his specific function.

I understand that there are FCS rule restrictions on the number of assistants and that there is the extra cost involved in hiring a paid assistant. Theoretically, we COULD get a volunteer, but there aren't all that many available who would take on such a job on that basis. That option might ALSO count against the FCS coaching cap (though I'm not certain about that).

If all hurdles could be cleared, I would personally be fully behind such a move. What say you?

 

[SacHornet]

well its a little difficult to compare Sac State to the Dallas Cowboys. Even in the NFL i think it is rare for there to be a dedicated kicking coach. Most kickers at all levels have a personal coach that they go to. I know some of the big kicking coaches are Chris Sailer and Kohls Kicking. But there are private trainers all over the place.

 

[FamousBaller]

...and I'd like your opinion.

In 2010, the Dallas Cowboys hired a retired Cowboy kicker, Chris Boniol, as a kicking consultant for their FG kicker.

I understand that there are FCS rule restrictions on the number of assistants and that there is the extra cost involved in hiring a paid assistant. Theoretically, we COULD get a volunteer, but there aren't all that many available who would take on such a job on that basis. That option might ALSO count against the FCS coaching cap (though I'm not certain about that).

If all hurdles could be cleared,.....

Specialized "kicking" coaches have been around for a while. And that makes perfect sense when you consider that kicking and punting motions are not much different than golfing or batting swings (and what pro golfer doesn't have a swing coach?). All athletic swings, throws, kicks, hits etc. are dependant upon an understanding of biomechanics and the lifelong pursuit of making your body do what it should (as opposed to what feels good) especially in the heat of the moment, under pressure.

Over a playing and coaching career longer than 40 years I was very fortunate to have been tutored by some of the all time great kicking coaches including: Ben Agajanian Cowboys, Ray Guy Raiders, Wayne Sevier Redskins/Chargers, Steve Ortmeyer Raiders, Les Miles Colorado/LSU, as well as full time kicking professionals Ray Pelfrey, Rick Sang, Chris Sailer, The Kohls and many more. The World of Football is small and the kicking world is smaller so if anyone is talking about punting or kicking I'm interested, and that's also why I believe have a solid understanding of these specialties.

Unfortunately the NCAA rules regarding the number of coaches allowed are very strict and that is mainly why the job of kicking coach rarely gets filled. Grey areas like "volunteers" have been scrutinized and eliminated in many cases. The task of kicking coach usually goes to the position coach with the least on his plate.
Sac State coaches are currently taking the time to learn more about helping their specialists succeed, and they are excited about the kicking / punting competition in fall camp.

Go Hornets!