The USC Trojans haven’t had a set-aside specialist to coach special teams under Lincoln Riley. The head coach didn’t think it was worth it to use up one of 10 precious spots on his on-field coaching staff for a special teams coordinator. We refer to 10 coaching spots because that’s what the NCAA allowed in terms of coaches who could coach on the field at practices and during games. However, that limitation has ended. The NCAA Division I Council approved to lift that restriction. Riley and other head coaches can now hire other assistants for on-field roles. Analysts are no longer prohibited from being able to coach on the field. We have arrived at a new era of unlimited coaching staffs in college football. Here’s more from Pete Nakos of On3 Sports on the wave of reforms sweeping through the college football industry:
“Sources have indicated to On3 that quarterback, middle linebacker and special teams are key positions to watch where programs will look to leverage the rule.
“The decision is the latest change to the college football game. The NCAA’s Playing Rules Oversight Panel approved adding helmet communication for FBS games and two-minute timeouts at the end of each half in April. FBS programs will have the option to use coach-to-player communications through the helmet of a player in the upcoming season. Communication will be shut off with 15 seconds left on the play clock or the snap of the ball — whichever comes first.”
Lincoln Riley now faces no constraints on his staff. He can hire a special teams coordinator and let all his other coaches focus even more on teaching their own positions, which should ostensibly improve how USC is able to go about its business.
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