Frank Spaziani announced today that Boston College has hired former Kent State head coach Doug Martin as offensive coordinator / quarterbacks coach. Nice things were said by all.
"Doug Martin is an excellent addition to our staff," Spaziani said. "He brings a wealth of experience, not only as an offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach but as a head coach as well. Doug's record of success, particularly in mentoring young quarterbacks, is impressive."
"I'm really excited to join the football staff at such a prestigious academic institution," Martin said. "I look forward to working with Coach Spaziani and the fine student-athletes at Boston College. It is an honor to have this opportunity."
Martin went 29-53 (21-35 MAC) in seven seasons as the Golden Flashes head coach, including a trifecta of losses to BC in 2008, 09 and 10. Last season, Martin spent the year at New Mexico State serving as offensive coordinator / quarterbacks coach. The Aggies actually had a decent season according to Aggie standards. NMSU went 4-9 this season (2-5 in the WAC), the program's highest win total in five seasons. Martin's offense ranked 46th nationally this season, rolling up over 400 yards per game.
According to the release, Martin is the ultimate QB mentor having coached David Garrard, Marcus Crandell, Richard Alston and Joshua Cribbs.
Of course, we've been down this road before. Hire a moderately successful offensive coordinator, get our hopes up that said OC can turn things around only to have him take a medical leave of absence just two games into the season. So we'll just have to see how a former I-A head coach handles any internal staff turmoil that we have been reassured was never actually there in the first place.
My gut: With due respect to Martin, I'm a bit underwhelmed by the hire. I'm not sure what was wrong with Dave Brock serving as OC for a second season, other than the added excuse now in Spaz / Flip's backpocket should Martin not work out on the Heights. Obviously, my hope is that Martin proves me wrong and succeeds in Chestnut Hill because frankly, the offense can't get much worse than it has been over the last few seasons.
More on this hire over the next few days. For now, leave your thoughts in the comments section.