Weis on the sideline
The view from the sideline is not always the best, especially if you’re trying to read opposing defenses and call offensive plays. But there is a level of comfort there for Florida offensive coordinator Charlie Weis, who has a history of successful play-calling from the sideline. That’s where he’ll call the plays for the Gators this season.
Weis started calling plays from the sidelines with the New England Patriots, way back when a young, unproven quarterback named Tom Brady took over for the Patriots.
“I’ve coached on the sideline ever since the day that Drew Bledsoe went down with a hit from Mo Lewis and Tommy took over as the quarterback,” Weis said. “We felt at the time with the Pats, there was a leadership void with the drop-off from Drew to Tommy.
“And then we won a bunch of championships and Bill (Belichick) wasn’t going to change it at that point. I’ve been upstairs and downstairs. There are pros and cons with both of them. Upstairs, you see the field so much better and you’re away from all the distractions. Downstairs you get the finger on the pulse of the players and know what has to be said. Sometimes they get the faraway eyes and you have to snap them back to reality.”
With the Gators implementing an entirely new pro-style offense under Weis, the decision was made that quarterback John Brantley and the rest of the offensive players would be more comfortable with Weis on the sideline. That’s where you’ll see him Saturday night, and for at least the rest of this season.
“This year with a new system, Will (Muschamp) and I talked about it,” Weis said. “We think this is the best way to go. I don’t know if we’ll keep it this way forever, but for now it makes the most sense.”
Robbie Andreu has been The Sun’s college football beat writer since 1993. He covered every game of the Steve Spurrier coaching era. The only game he’s missed since he has been in Gainesville is the 2006 Florida State game in Tallahassee. He happily stayed home for that one because of the imminent birth of his second child. Before coming to The Sun in March of 1993, Andreu worked for the Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel for 10 years, covering a variety of sports, including the Miami Dolphins, the Miami Hurricanes, professional golf and baseball (playoffs and World Series). He also worked in Clearwater and Bradenton. He graduated from UF in 1977.
Must be where the cheeseburgers are.
by Gator4Ever
Weis is a steady hand that’s good to have with a new regime. He may very well be the best offensive coordinator in football — college and pros. I’d like to know who’s up in the pressbox reading defenses for him. Hope it’s someone competent.
by 76gator
[...] to play “physical and fast.” (As opposed to playing weak and slow.)3. Charlie Weis will call plays from the sideline for now.4. Gator fans are going to find a shiny, new present under the tree on Saturday.5. Georgia might [...]
by Alabama | MrSEC.com