Georgia Southern’s Chris Hatcher inherited a 3-8 team when he became head coach last year. He had come from Valdosta State where he was the winningest coach in the Blazers’ history. On page 23 of this issue, Coach Hatcher talks candidly about the change, his overall strategy and objectives. After arriving in Statesboro, he and his staff felt there were three priorities:

1. Changing the attitude. That is, eliminating, as quickly as possible, all the negativity surrounding the program and installing a fresh, positive feeling that would permeate the entire campus.

2. Developing trust between players and coaches. Hatcher was the third coach in a thirteen-month period in Statesboro and there was a valid concern among the players about a new staff coming to town. He knew developing this trust would be an on-going process.

3. Finding a motivational rallying cry that will help the entire program. As Hatcher put it, “We wanted something to hang our hat on.” He found it by continuously talking to players, coaches, and the administration about the tradition of GSU football. In a 16 year stretch (1985-2000) Georgia Southern won six National Championships.

    The Eagles improved to 7-4 last fall in Hatcher’s first season in Statesboro. He felt the best adjustment they made was changing from his Air Raid offense that he employed at Valdosta State to a Zone Option offense. Based on the talent they had, wide receiver Jayson Foster was moved to quarterback to give the Eagles the best chance of success. The Eagles became a run-oriented team and it worked. Foster ran for over 1,800 yards, and GSU led all FCS colleges (Division I-AA) in rushing offense. GSU also upset National Champion Appalachian State during the regular season.

    Coach Hatcher also turned the program around immediately at Valdosta State when he became their head coach. After being named head coach in 2000, the Blazers improved from 4-7 to 10-2 in his first season. Hatcher’s 2004 team won the Division II National Championship and his overall seven-year record was 76-12. Now, he’s in the process of rebuilding a tradition at GSU. After all, it’s something to hang your hat on.

We hope you enjoy this issue of Gridiron Strategies.

        Respectfully,

       
        Rex Lardner
        rlardner@lcclark.com
        800.537.4271 (ext. 329)