BYU football: What options does Jeff Grimes have for staff?
By Ron Jensen
BYU football’s new offensive coordinator has lofty goals in mind for the Cougars. But what options, exactly, does Jeff Grimes have?
Jeff Grimes, BYU football’s new offensive coordinator, has stated that his goal is to assemble “the best offensive staff BYU has ever had.”
His comments raise an important question. What would that entail?
That’s a tough one to answer. There have been some impressive names to come through Cougar Nation. That’s not to say it can’t happen.
Another issue that has surfaced, is that Grimes is someone that might not be with BYU football long term. With success, he could be moving up to a head coaching position or more prestigious OC job in just a few seasons.
Whoever he decides to have on his crew might not be only important for immediate results, but could end up being an offensive coordinator in waiting. That being said, it now becomes fascinating news to find out who he selects.
Who are some feasible members of such a staff? Let’s take a look at the possibilities.
Quarterbacks Coach
Paul Peterson: The head coach of Snow College was interested in the OC position and still might be willing to serve in this capacity in the case that it might turn into more in the future. Peterson is an innovative and experienced play-caller, that was an excellent quarterback in his own right at Boston College.
Kevin McGiven: This Orem native was just let go at Oregon State. He served as offensive coordinator for the Beavers in 2017 and for Utah State from 2013-14. He was quarterbacks coach for Oregon State in 2015 and 2016.
Jason Beck: The current Virginia quarterbacks coach seems pretty comfortable where he is, but with the chance of becoming a future OC at his alma mater in the mix, it might be enough to bring him back.
Wide Receivers Coach
Aaron Roderick: Roderick may not have been a first choice for offensive coordinator, but he has certainly proven to be a capable position coach. From 2005-2013 he coached the receivers at Utah. His skill and experience, might be what BYU football needs.
Dennis Simmons: Why would Simmons think about leaving the sweet gig he has at Oklahoma? Besides being a former BYU football player, if he has any desire to one day become an OC, this might be the stepping stone he needs.
Fesi Sitake: The Weber State OC and former receivers coach would be another individual with play-calling experience. Sitake also brings a ton of valuable experience to the table, so he might be presented with more opportunities in the future.
Offensive Line Coach
T.J. Woods: Another previous Oregon State assistant, Woods was the o-line coach in Corvallis from 2015-17, at Wisconsin from 2012-14, and at Utah State from 2011-12. Those were fairly successful groups, especially the one in Wisconsin.
Mike Empey: The current O-line coach seems to be a candidate to remain in place. It’s hard to know for sure, but he seems to be providing what the program desires at this point for the position. He also has a history with Grimes, as the duo worked together with BYU football in 2004.
Dallas Reynolds: A graduate assistant at BYU right now, Reynolds doesn’t have too much experience. But, he did play for Grimes. If Grimes has any interest in starting from scratch and mentoring a former player, Reynolds might be an option.
Running Backs Coach
Joe Dupaix: – The Southern Virginia head man was previously the running backs coach at BYU and Navy, before being excused by Robert Anae. But despite Anae gutting the staff upon his return from Arizona, Dupaix might make a return.
Mark Atuaia: Dupaix’s replacement at BYU, Atuaia is currently the Virginia RB coach. He could desire a ticket back home and might be someone Grimes would have interest in.
Telly Lockett: Lockett worked at Oregon State the last three years coaching this position. In 2014, he held the same position at South Florida.
Tight Ends Coach
Steve Clark: This current tight ends coach and former Weber State OC is certainly not underachieving. He found relative success with his players the last two seasons and coached Matt Bushman to the USA Today Sports All-America team. Grimes also knows Clark from his time at BYU football, so he may stay in town.
Steve Ensminger: The LSU tight ends coach also served as the Tigers’ interim offensive coordinator in 2016. LSU’s tight ends haven’t been particularly stellar over the last few years, but they aren’t called upon to do much more than run block. Still, if Grimes can get him to Provo, it would be a big get.
Dave Baldwin: Baldwin spent this last season as the inside receivers coach at Oregon State. But from 2001-15, he served as OC at Cincinnati, Baylor, Michigan State, Utah State, Colorado State and Oregon State. His experience and knowledge would be an invaluable resource.
Plus, Baldwin admitted to ESPN that he drinks 16-18 Diet Cokes per day. So he’ll fit right in in Provo.
Can Jeff Grimes really put together the “best offensive staff” in BYU football history? I can’t wait to find out.