Paul Randolph Brings Enjoyment and Excitement While Coaching the Defensive Line

Image: Indiana University Athletics

Written by Sammy Jacobs (@Hoosier_Huddle)

Indiana defensive line coach Paul Randolph wants thew players in his room to enjoy playing the game of football. Randolph, who came to IU from Texas Tech in the offseason, is all for having fun himself as well as he brings out the energy and passion in his players.

“They have energy, they have passion, and they like to have a little fun. That is part of it, too. It is a tough game, especially in the trenches in this league, and the guys still have to have a little fun. I tell them all the time, 'whistle while you work.' We have extreme focus and are executing at a high level, but you've got to make it fun and have fun with your brothers.” Randolph explained.

Energy and passion is woven into the DNA of Tom Allen’s team. They lost it toward the end of last year, but with the new additions on the staff, there seems to be more of it than ever in Bloomington. That’s a good thing.

Having fun doesn’t necessarily mean the players are not asked to work hard towards their goals for 2022.

“I will tell you that the group of guys I've got is a great group of guys. I'm really enjoying the room, first and foremost, the character, the people, the energy that they have, the brotherhood that they have started forging already. They really take care of each other, coaching, teaching different techniques. The maturity in the room, for me, is really exciting. Then, their work ethic. Once you take everything we do in the classroom, we go out on the field, and they are executing at a high level.” Randolph said.

How a coach fits into the staff and the goals, schemes and philosophies is also important. Randolph seems to fit right in, even if he can only bend so much nowadays.

“I have always been an 'I'll show you' [coach], or now an 'I'll try to show you' kind of guy. I am not as young as I used to be.” Randolph joked. “I will show you what run to the football looks like. I will show you once or twice what coming out of your stance looks like. The hip, hands and feet -- things of that nature technique wise. Then just running to the ball, chasing the ball with high energy. That is what we want to be about, that fanatical effort. Just coaching with a passion and a purpose with energy. I think that is my biggest asset and I think the guys tend to do what you do. So, if my energy level is high and I am having a great day, which I do every day, then they are going to do the same thing. Then, I am really excited because they try to emulate me.”

The Hoosiers defensive line will need to play with energy and passion this season if they want to have more fun while getting after opposing quarterbacks in 2022. Nobody said you can’t have fun while working hard.