Mike Traini of "Fight Massachusetts" has a post on coaching changes in Amherst.
I've already done a blog post on Alex Miller joining the Minutemen as OL coach and run game coordinator.
UMass was #126 (out of 127) in rushing offense with 67.2 yards/game in 2020. A good running game usually means an effective offense and also makes a quarterback look good. When the opposing defense knows you can't run the ball, it makes defending the pass a lot easier. When a quarterback is usually facing third-and-long, it doesn't do anything for his stats either.
The Minutemen did not get good run blocking in 2020. In addition, even Group-of-Five teams have four or five scholarship running backs. UMass currently has two and a transfer coming in. The Minutemen were dead last (#127) in total offense this year. We need to fix the run game to improve in 2021.
Mike also reports UMass strength and conditioning coach Matt Shadeed has left to join the South Alabama staff.
In Neolithic times (say back in the 1970's or earlier) strength and conditioning was not a factor at most teams. Legendary coaches like Vince Lombardi discouraged weight training as it was supposed to make people slow and nonathletic. Then came Nebraska...
For about four or five years until everyone caught up, the Huskers just blew away everyone physically.
The strength coach probably spends more time with the players than any other coach. The strength and conditioning coach is an important hire in 21st century football.
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