My First Impressions of Rich Scangarello

There’s a huge difference between judging a coach by watching press conferences on the computer and seeing the coordinator answer questions in person. I first saw Kentucky offensive coordinator on Tuesday. Rich Scangarello talked to the media after practice and I have to say that I was impressed. 

First, it’s obvious that Scangarello is a detailed, highly intelligent, and analytical coach that appears to eat, sleep, and do football stuff twenty-four hours a day. He is calmer by nature than Liam Coen. The former coordinator had a tendency to get a little excited. That’s not a bad thing by the way. Scangarello possesses a quietly confident personality. Xs and Os oozed from his remarks. 

For those (me included) that wanted to get a full glimpse into the Wildcats’ new scheme, don’t expect to see that on Saturday. Scangarello’s plan for the spring game is to not show his hand too early. He outlined his strategy by saying, “One of the advantages we have right now is that there is an unknown of what we’re doing. No, we aren’t going to open the playbook to the world.”

Smart move coach. Miami (Ohio) is up first on the schedule followed by a trip to the Swamp to take on the Gators in an early-season SEC East matchup. Keep Florida guessing by forcing the new staff to watch San Francisco film. 

The Big Blue Nation clamored over the outside zone run scheme in 2021. That series of plays never materialized and failed to become a consistent portion of the ground game that averaged 200-yards per contest. Scangarello was pleased with his offense’s ability to run the football and had this to say about the outside zone.

“The run part has been good. The defense challenges you because they’re multiple and do different stuff. As far as the run game goes, I feel very strongly that we are on pace. It is what we do, it is important that we master it. Yes, we have emphasized it (Outside Zone). No, we won’t go away from it during the year.”

Having Chris Rodriguez Jr. as the go-to running back provides UK with an advantage in the rush game. While I expect his carries to increase, I also believe that the running back will thrive in the 49ers’ style of play. 

I wanted to hear Scangarello’s style, or frame of mind as a play-caller. He delivered. While defensive players have described his attack as “Crazy” to defend, the coordinator explained his game planning’s simplicity that’s designed to put pressure on opposing defenses.

“The core of the offense you’re just trying to put defenders in conflict,” he said. “The whole goal is can you make everything look the same, whether it’s a run or it’s a pass. Can the formation look the same? Can the pad level of your players look the same?”

What does that mean? Expect a great deal of play-action after establishing the run game. Kentucky was efficient in that action a year ago. I’d expect that to remain an offensive strength. 

Scangarello is challenging his players mentally as well as physically. He’s searching for a lineup filled with high football IQ players that can adapt and quickly adapt with the flow of the game.

“Bottom line is that it’s our job to learn what they can and can’t handle and push them to the max,” the coordinator explained. “I’ve been very pleased. In the end, if you have the quarterback that has the mental capability to learn a lot, a center like Eli that can handle a lot I think they can steer the ship and bring others along.”

Remember the old phrase that I use quite often, “When you have a quarterback you have a chance?” That’s the 2022 Wildcats. 

What Does All This Mean?

You probably don’t know that my role at KSR goes beyond football stuff. The business side of the organization often keeps me away from most press conferences. Nick and Adam are far better at the car wash circuit than I ever could be and they’re terrific. With all that said, Tuesday was the first day I’d been around Rich Scangarello. I didn’t know what to expect from the first-year coordinator. 

I have to say that I was impressed and left the media opportunity confident in the play caller’s ability to expand on UK’s upward offensive trajectory. Scangarello has a unique personality. It’s one that’s full of analytics and quiet-natured remarks. I don’t foresee him getting too high or too low about his unit’s performance. His level-headed approach fits. He has a quarterback and center that meet his demanding and cerebral approach. 

Don’t expect a “Wow” quote from Scangarello. He’s not a “Rah Rah” guy. The quiet-natured and leveled coach is a football dude from head to toe. I departed the Joe Craft Football Training Center confident in the new play-caller and I spent all of eleven minutes with him. I can’t wait to see the finished product.