UCLA football head coach Chip Kelly continues to make changes with his new program as he looks to add former Navy offensive line coach Bryce McDonald to an administrative role, bolstering an already impressive staff under the new Bruin coach.
It has only been four months, but Chip Kelly has already evolved his UCLA football team several times over. Whether it is his player roster or his coaching/administration staff, this program is no where near where he wants it to be and he is working diligently to get it there as soon as possible.
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That was evident today as he has added another member to his already impressive staff. Bryce McDonald, the former offensive line coach at Navy is now apparently joining the UCLA football team (it has not yet been made official), though he is not coming in as a coach, but as a member of Kelly’s administration.
Correction, Bryce McDonald going to UCLA. My bad. Big step for Bryce and more recognition of Navy football among Power Five programs.
— Bill Wagner (@BWagner_CapGaz) March 30, 2018
Why is this a big deal? First let us look at where he is coming from?
Navy had one of the best rushing offenses in the nation last season. The Midshipmen ran for a total of 4,568 yards, averaging 351.4 yards per contest (both of which were second in Division I football). They also added 42 rushing touchdowns, 4th best in the nation.
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This is due to their well oiled triple-option attack that they have perfected in the last several seasons, which uses elements of the zone read and run-pass option, similar to what we should see with the Kelly’s Bruins this fall.
Go Joe Bruin writer Michael Hanna also added that this move was to possibly “get the inside scoop on the play designs Navy uses on option plays and how their offensive linemen are always ruthless despite being undersized, which is good information to have institutionally.”
Oppositely, UCLA has been one of the worst rushing teams in the nation the last few years. Though they made slight improvements last season, it was nothing significant.
That should change with Kelly who is bringing in his run-based offense. Though the Bruins have several talented running backs at their disposal, the offensive line has not been impressive. UCLA recently hired Justin Frye from Boston College where he helped the Eagles produce stellar passing and running attack.
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Now mix that with the knowledge of McDonald and the Bruins have several OL masterminds ready to elevate the line play and overall rushing attack of the program. Is it September yet?