Nick Sheridan and the Offense Trying Their Best to Ease the Transition of OC Change

Nick Sheridan talking to IU’s quarterback group Image: Indiana University Athletics

Written by Sammy Jacobs (@Hoosier_Huddle)

The Indiana Hoosiers enter 2020 under their third offensive coordinator in as many years as Nick Sheridan takes over for Kalen DeBoer who is now the head coach at Fresno State. That could spell doom for many programs as too much change in terminology and scheme can set an offense or defense back on the learning curve.

“We are trying our best to keep the terminology the same for their ability to retain and build off of what we did last year'“ Sheridan said. The Hoosier offense improved drastically in points per game from 88th nationally in 2018 under Mike DeBored to 42nd under DeBoer. Allen hopes that promoting Sheridan who worked under both of the previous Indiana offensive coordinators can promote continuity.

However, there will always be challenges to overcome. Players only have a finite amount of time in a program and team’s bring in dozens of fresh faces annually. “The biggest change, and the biggest challenge for each coach each year, is that it is not the same group” Sheridan explained. “You have different pieces. Certainly, we have a bunch of guys that are returning, but at the same time there are still new pieces that you are trying to integrate.”

Beyond the scheme and terminology there are other challenges that the Hoosier offense will face in 2020. Indiana has to replace three starting lineman from last season’s opening day lineup as well as receivers Nick Westbrook and Donavan Hale.

Sheridan is confident that they can fill the holes. “ Guys that had smaller roles last year could have bigger roles this year” he said, “we are trying to emphasize what those strengths are, we are trying to highlight those strengths of each player. The guys that had big roles last year, we are looking to push them to improve and expand their roles even more.”

The Indiana receiving corps is one place where the Hoosiers have a star, Whop Philyor, that other teams will game plan around leaving the younger and less experienced receivers to step up. “The challenge is for us to develop depth to where if they want to double Whop or tilt the coverage towards Whop, other people have to separate, get open and go get the football. If we do that consistently, then they realize they cannot do that. No doubt, Whop is a guy that has earned touches and we will be looking to get him the ball. We are developing the guys around him. We are expecting big things from Ty Fryfogle (and) Miles Marshall “ Sheridan said.

There are high expectations for an Indiana offense that had three players named to the Maxwell Award Watch List, an award given to the college player of the year. While some are nervous that there will be a major drop off from DeBoer to Sheridan, the Hoosiers do have continuity on their side.