Groh doubles his workload
With staff shorthanded from rash of departures, Virginia coach has taken on defensive play-calling responsibilities for bowl game.
Date published: 12/23/2005
By TAFT COGHILL JR.
CHARLOTTESVILLE--Al Groh had rarely moved so fast.
As his press conference to talk about next Friday's matchup with Minnesota in the Music City Bowl wrapped up, Groh hurried out the University Hall press room door.
It's not that Groh couldn't wait to get away from the media. He just has more work to do now that four of his assistant coaches have taken jobs elsewhere.
Groh's offensive coordinator Ron Prince was named head coach of Kansas State; defensive coordinator Al Golden will take over head coaching duties at Temple; outside linebackers coach Danny Rocco will lead Liberty; and inside linebackers/special teams coach Mark D'Onofrio will join Golden's staff.
Rocco and D'Onofrio are helping the Cavaliers (6-5) prepare for Minnesota, but not Prince and Golden.
It all means a heavier work load for Groh, who has actually enjoyed the chance to be more hands-on with his players.
"It's the busiest that I've been," Groh said. "But frankly, I'm having more fun than I've had in a long time."
Groh has basically taken over Golden's duties in addition to his daily administrative job as head coach.
He's working with the secondary, and he'll also call the defensive game plan against Minnesota.
"That's by default," Groh said. "It's certainly not by genius."
Groh said his offensive coaches have made the adjustment to not having Prince around. And with him taking over the defensive duties, there shouldn't be much drop-off.
But if D'Onofrio hadn't decided to help out for the bowl game, the Cavaliers' special teams would've greatly suffered.
"Of all the coaches who have moved onward, [D'Onofrio] would've been the most difficult to replace," Groh said.
The assistant-coach duties aren't new to Groh. He was a well-respected defensive coordinator under Bill Parcells in the NFL.
Virginia players said they can tell why he was such an effective coordinator on the professional level.
They also said they've noticed a higher energy level in Groh since the assistants left.
"It's definitely been interesting," Virginia All-Atlantic Coast Conference linebacker Kai Parham said. "It's been kind of cool. I think he's enjoying it. He's a really good teacher."
Groh and his remaining assistants will have their work cut out in preparing for the Golden Gophers (7-4). Minnesota boasts the second-ranked rushing attack in the country, with 279.9 yards per game. The Gophers have won 19 consecutive nonconference games.
MUSIC CITY BOWL Virginia (6-5) vs. Minnesota (7-4) The Coliseum, Nashville, Tenn. Noon, Dec. 30 (ESPN) Payout: $780,000 |
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Date published: 12/23/2005
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