A Longhorn Christmas

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Bevo World. Ho ho ho, Longhorn football faithful. Imagine this – there are a few coaches that won’t be joining us for the holiday season this year. Offensive coordinator Greg Davis, oft-noted on these pages (and typically for all the wrong reasons) announced his resignation on Monday. Along with this stunning development, offensive line coach Mac McWhorter and defensive line coach Mike Tolleson are retiring. 

Maybe, just maybe, this is the sign of an upcoming joyous post-bowl game period. The Longhorns may not be going bowling this year, but if this season is what was required to incite change, then so be it. I’ll gladly sacrifice a season for it. At least we beat Nebraska this year. Enough said on that one.

Of course, the news brought talk of all the accolades these coaches have received while on the Forty Acres. We were reminded of how Davis has “mentored” three NFL quarterbacks from the UT roster – Vince Young, Chris Simms, and Colt McCoy. Suffice it to say that at least two of these players (you make the selection) were going to find a way to win regardless of the game plan. I would have you think back to Young’s stunning 4th-and-eternity scramble against Kansas, or his National Championship “Reggie Who?” all-world performance. Not that I am debating the offensive statistics that have been garnered over the years – but when you have talent like that, it’s tough to look bad.

Speaking of talent, the offensive and defensive lines have plenty of talent recruited from the state of Texas. How we were unable to take advantage of this in 2010, I will never understand.

But the bigger story is that Mack Brown finally parted ways with Greg Davis. Perhaps it required an Act of Congress, or a special stealth legislative session in the Texas House, but either way, we’re moving forward from what was a dismal offensive display this year, and a very predictable display in years past. So now, Longhorn faithful, we’re left to ponder who should become the next offensive coordinator. Maybe Opie? Or how about the Pirate?

There will be many alumni that will clamor for Opie, otherwise known as Major Applewhite. I have mentioned him as an option, an option that at many times this season looked preferable to Davis’ bubble screens. But there are many fine offensive minds out there. Perhaps the Horns will go gunning for Chad Morris of Tulsa, the former coach of none other than Garrett Gilbert. You might even hear mention of Norm Chow from UCLA. Sure, they are all sound options, yes?

But wait, there is one other option worth pondering - seriously. He’s available. He is a brilliant offensive mind. And he would put some fans in the stands. His name? Mike Leach.

Bring in the Pirate. I can hear it now …

“Ahoy mateys, it’s time to throw the ball down the field! What are ye doing, throwing it behind the line of scrimmage? Find me a reasonable running back – Malcolm Brown, arrrrr shiver me timbers - and he’ll get plenty of yards when the opponent’s defensive backs are scared of our wide receivers going long. Ahoy!”

Sadly, it probably won’t happen. But for this Christmas, that would be my number one request from Santa for my beloved Horns. Santa, after this past season, I’ve already had plenty of coal. I have no doubt you can find good offensive and defensive line coaches that can mold the great in-state talent. But please, please bring me a brilliant offensive gem? Please?

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