I was a proponent of Denbrock returning, but I think this could work out well. I think Rees REALLY appreciates the importance of running the ball and of having a run-first smash-mouth offense. I think he learned that first and foremost as a quarterback. He knows that being tougher and stronger and meaner up front, along with not making mistakes, is what the game of football is all about. I am very confident he will be running the ball a lot. I think the bowl game was a preview, although I think he will get better at it and that it will be more suited to the talent than the first dress rehearsal was.
While I think Rees will stick to the running game, I also think Taylor will be excellent at getting the best out of the running backs and designing a lot of the schemes and nuances that Rees will employ. I think they are both young, very smart, completely on the same page in what they'd like to do and that they're in a place in their careers that they will think outside the box and not be limited to already being "in the box." I think together, they will be able to stand up to Kelly and sway him and convince him if he is wrong, yet open to seeing when they are wrong, and that is good. I think the players will like them both very much and play very hard for them, which is very, very important.
Lastly, it is done without yet replacing Long's position. Because while the two of them are two of the steps, the third step and what is still missing is the super-important hire of a new OL coach. That position is the third piece of the puzzle. I actually think the OL coach and play may be more important than the OC coach. Because I don't care who the OC is, if the OL play is no better than the past two years it won't make a difference. A young, super sharp, charismatic and talented OL coach that is on the same page with Rees and Taylor is what must be done next.
And because the hire was internal, Quinn will be able to remain on staff as TE coach and will remain the excellent recruiter for us that he is and will not have to be removed or remain as OL coach. That is a very good thing and, if we are running the ball more, having a TE coach with OL coaching experience is a fit. So this can be very, very good. Now finish the puzzle.