DRC: Harrell finalizing deal to take over as USC offensive coordinator late Monday night

Brett Vito · January 29, 2019

DRC: UNT losing offensive coordinator to traditional national power

https://www.dentonrc.com/sports/harrell-on-way-to-usc-after-finalizing-deal/article_5502e3df-1d8d-5956-ba93-afa4bc49d0b1.html

Edited January 29, 2019 by Brett Vito

chrisfisher · January 29, 2019

I am thankful for his services in the awesome turn-around in our football program. We clearly have an improved offense, and I think his name/reputation in Texas helped recruiting. Maybe it's just me, but I not overly saddened by this loss. I thought that he was still coming into his own as offensive coordinator. He often had good first half game plans, but our second half always seemed lacking....He didn't seem to adjust/adapt to the half-time adjustments made by the other team, and he struggled to win many of our the big games, including bowl games. I felt like he was still in the early growth stage of his offensive coordinator career, but with massive potential... As such, I think that this hire may be a little early for him and USC. I think we can at least replace what he was doing, and possibly improve on it, with the right, experienced offensive coordinator hire. Nonetheless, I wish him absolute very best and thank him for his role in the massive turn-around of our football program.

Mike Jackson · January 29, 2019

I concur with chrisfisher. This seems early for Harrell. But with that said I think Arizona Cardinal's move that made this opportunity available was the bigger reach. I think we are going to quickly get more data judge Harrell's impact on the QB Developement in Denton.

UNTLifer · January 29, 2019

I thought it was a coupe when Littrell got Harrell and Filani to leave Washington State and come to Denton, so I will trust that he will find a great replacement. I thank Graham for his time here and really wish him nothing but the best at USC and what appears to be a mess of a situation to step in to.

97and03 · January 29, 2019

26 minutes ago, UNTLifer said:

I thought it was a coupe when Littrell got Harrell and Filani to leave Washington State and come to Denton, so I will trust that he will find a great replacement. I thank Graham for his time here and really wish him nothing but the best at USC and what appears to be a mess of a situation to step in to.

I think the reason he was able to get them was because they had almost no experience. GH was hired as OC two years experience and one year removed from not even being an on-field coach. I seem to remember Filani had one year only plus two GA years.

UNTLifer · January 29, 2019

1 hour ago, 97and03 said:

I think the reason he was able to get them was because they had almost no experience. GH was hired as OC two years experience and one year removed from not even being an on-field coach. I seem to remember Filani had one year only plus two GA years.

Oh, I agree, but it was a smart move on SL's part. He knew Harrell's name carried some weight with the Texas High School coaches and players. As a recent OC, Littrell could work with Graham and bring him along. Filani was the perfect addition to teach the concepts to the WR's while Harrell's focus was on the QB's.

VideoEagle · January 29, 2019

If we have to lose a coach, being able to point to someone coming into North Texas and then getting hired as OC at USC certainly helps make our jobs more attractive. We certainly are losing the "career killer" reputation. I trust Littrell to find a quality replacement just as I trust Baker will find a quality replacement for Littrell some day.