Central Michigan University Athletics
Head Coach Brian Kelly Answers Fans' Questions
11/6/2005 12:00:00 AM | Football
Nov. 6, 2005
MOUNT PLEASANT - Central Michigan University head football coach Brian Kelly answers fans' questions on a variety of topics, including how the Chippewas' recent success has been reflected in recruiting and options related to scheduling a 12th game next season.
How does the success you have had to this point in the season help in recruiting?
Terry
Mount Pleasant, MI
Coach Kelly: That's interesting, because I think we've been very well-received even when we weren't winning as many games. I think when you start winning consistently and start winning championships, then you start to get some of those guys that are on the fence. It helps especially with recruiting in Michigan, because you're able to keep some kids closer to home who might have gone to Bowling Green or Toledo.
During the preseason, what goals did you think you would have to accomplish for 2005 to be a successful season? Give your current record and standing in the MAC, has that definition of a successful season changed at all?
Robbie
Lansing, MI
Coach Kelly: Our standard for success coming into the season was to have a winning season. That is what we were focused on and what we worked toward, and that is still the same today.
How much input do you receive from the coaches in the press box when it comes to calling plays? Can you explain the thought process that takes place before each play call?
Todd
Big Rapids, MI
Coach Kelly: We have coach Danna and coach Dews up in the press box, and their responsibility is essentially confirmation of our gameplanning. They provide suggestions, but I make the final decision on the play calls. They have the gameplan sheets in front of them, and there is a constant stream of communication between myself and them because they can see things upstairs that I can't see on the field.
I'm always thinking about the next play and considering what the down and distance is going to be. For example, if it's second-and-four and we have a go route called where we're throwing the ball downfield, I'm looking at third-and-four and what we have in the gameplan for that situation. If it's first-and-10, we have a lot more options. But, I'm thinking about if we're not successful, what our next move is going to be instead of actually watching the play.
With the schedule going to 12 games next year, how would you like the nonconference schedule to go? I would like to see two away games and two home games. What are your thoughts?
Tim
New Lenox, IL
Coach Kelly: I would like to see us schedule three Division I-A teams and one I-AA team. That is a change from my previous philosophy of us scheduling four I-A opponents in those slots. The reason for that is the NCAA now allows you to count wins against I-AA teams toward bowl eligibility. Teams in a lot of conferences can knock themselves out of bowl eligibility by beating each other in conference play, which can allow a MAC school to sneak in and grab an at-large bid. If we schedule a I-AA opponent, that's another opportunity for a win that can help us become bowl eligible.
