Maze Run with Coach nortonis
Back again with another sit down. This one is with the newly minted national champion. As the headline suggests we have a little run with the champ. We heard before from coach blitziscomin and figured why not talk to the man who dethroned him as the champ. Figured the people would want to hear from the man who went for the king and didn't miss. With all that said I had a virtual sit down with the reigning national champion, below are the results of that virtual sit down. I hope you enjoy.
How did you get into GD given so many other options out there? And have you tried any of the other options out there?
In the early internet days, there was a sim called Dolphin sim (or something like that). That was primitive but fun. In the last ten years, I tried some of the other options like Goal Line Blitz. I think GD is the best.
What about GD keeps you here?
Skinner box - look it up. I recently considered taking a break but it keeps bringing me back.
How has the game changed since you joined?
WIS used to care. Also, I liked changing position of players.
What is your favorite part of this game? And obviously what is your least favorite part of the game?
Recruiting is my fav and recruiting is my least fav (it depends on the season)
What would you like to see be improved in this game:
As far as recruiting?
I don't like that it's so location-based. Is 90% of Michigan's real team from 180 miles away? I doubt it. There needs to be some element of recruiting that is not based on proximity. I also can't stand that it takes up a lot of time on random days. If it falls on Thanksgiving or Christmas, you're screwed.
As far as game planning?
There are some basic things that make sense (formation and positions) but a lot of it is discovering random things that work (until they don't any more).
As far as the simulation?
I don't watch it.
As far as realism and all the other bells and whistles?
There are so many changes that can be made that would improve the game. It's a shame WIS doesn't care any more. I like reading suggestions on the message board. There are lots of great ideas.
How many teams do you have and why that many?
3 but I am planning to cut down. I just don't have the time any more.
Why have you picked the schools that you picked, through time and the one you have now? Which school would you want to coach if you could and why?
My teams are a result of luck and circumstance. I believe the fastest route to an elite is to dominate a weak conference like the WAC (which is why I went to Wyoming). I had much less experience than other coaches that were passed up for my job but I got it (and I think it's bc of W-L record).
As far as was there any personal reasons to take certain teams?
No - all circumstance
When job openings start, how often do you consider moving?
Not much any more. Elites rarely open up in Wilk and there aren't many teams I'd leave for. My next job in Wilk will probably be no job.
What schools would you like to coach the most?
A few - Florida for personal reasons. It would also be fun to coach Texas because it's such a recruit goldmine.
What are your hopes with your team for the next season?
Survive the loss of some key pieces. Adjust my gameplan to prevent exposing my new backup QB for the scrub he is.
What would make you just drop the game all together?
Outside demands
What does it take to be a champion, from a recruiting standpoint, to gameplanning and anything else?
There are some great coaches in Wilk and a lot of becoming a champ here is recruiting luck. With so much competition, you have to roll the dice on some recruits that may not end up high potential. If you wait and scout, you will almost definitely lose out.
Recruiting really changed for me when I started taking a very mathematical approach. It's simple. There are a few considerations when considering whether to battle for a recruit:
distance advantage
school prestige
budget (scholarships open and bowl money)
When I started looking at it this way, I started really improving recruiting by avoiding battles and winning those I decided to engage in.
I also realized that, to some extent, recruits are fungible. 5 seasons ago I tried to recruit some QB and Notre Dame (or maybe Ohio State- I can;t remember) jumped on him. In the past, I would have battled him for the QB and screwed up everything. That season, I looked further away and found an avg potential QB with a high rating who was overlooked. I jumped on him and signed him. That was Adrian Mason - he just won me a NC.
We have not had a repeat champion in a while, how do you rate your chances of repeating?
Slim to none. I had 2 unbelievable QBs this season. I'm losing one of them and my new backup is terrible. There's only so much you can do with 1 QB.
Which game was the toughest for you this year on your way to a National Title?
Definitely the NC game but the CC was a close second. The NC was a rematch of a close game I won during the season, Blitz is a great coach and I knew he would gameplan me. I won by a larger margin than during the season, but it was tough to gameplan.
Was this your best season?
Definitely
Was this your best team?
No doubt about it. I had 2 QBs, 1RB, and 1 WR that would have been the best player on any other team I've ever had. My OL was also strong and I had 3 SR LBs. I seriously considered this being my last season but the game brought me back for at least one more.
What is the best advice for new coaches that they probably can’t find on the forum?
Don't recruit emotionally. You cannot overcome a scholarship disadvantage against a coach at a similar prestige team.
Experiment with gameplans.
I'd warn a new coach to stop playing before the game consumes them.
Thank you for interviewing me.
I would like to say many thanks to coach nortonis for taking the time to go on a run with me in the Maze. There are some golden nuggets in there for everyone to pick up and hold on to. Thanks for taking the time to read through this Maze run and many thanks again to coach nortonis. Until the next time take it easy everybody.
