Tuesday, March 3, 1998

Lindsey’s new
challenge: offense

He turned around the UH defense,
can he do it on the other
side of the ball?

By Paul Arnett
Star-Bulletin

Bill Walsh recently asked Don Lindsey if he wouldn't mind writing 2,500 words about defense for the American Football Quarterly, a magazine designed for coaches.

Of course, Lindsey will oblige one of the great offensive minds of the time. But part of him wanted to write back to Walsh and tell him, "Sorry Bill. I've gone to the West Coast offense. I won't have the time."

If you can't find the humor in that statement, then you're probably not a regular of the Lindsey household. Over the years, the veteran defensive assistant hasn't been the West Coast offense's biggest fan. He doesn't believe in it.

The irony isn't lost on Lindsey that he has inherited a University of Hawaii offense that has a West Coast philosophy. But his job, now that he accepted the role of offensive coordinator, will be to conduct a revival similar to what he did for the UH defense.

In two years, he took the Rainbows from No. 90 in the nation in 1995 to No. 20 last year, an accomplishment only a coach can truly appreciate. In five weeks, he will come face-to-face with that defensive monster he helped create.

During those 15 spring practices, he will try to develop the same mental and physical toughness for the offense that helped make the defense what it is today. You can call it boot camp, if you want. But one thing is certain: If an offensive player doesn't come each day with his helmet strapped on, he's liable to lose it -- head and all.

"Number one this spring will be to remember the past," Lindsey said. "Because if you don't, then you are doomed to repeat it. Number two will be an attitude change. We may not be big-timers yet, but we're going to walk around with our heads up and our chests puffed out.

"I'm not saying we're going to dwell on how bad we were at times. But we will remember what we did wrong -- interceptions, fumbles, penalties -- and what that has to do with losing. I'm going to expect human bulldozers, construction workers, who bring brown paper bags to lunch.

"Our attitude will be one of can, not can't. I don't want to hear any excuses. Fundamental mistakes we can control. Once we develop that, that we have faith and belief in ourselves, then we'll give ourselves a chance to win."

That chance is what UH head coach Fred vonAppen is looking for from Lindsey, who will be his third offensive coordinator in three years. For whatever reasons, Guy Benjamin and Wally English couldn't get it done.

Hawaii finished No. 106 nationally in total offense under Benjamin and No. 103 with English at the helm. VonAppen believes the teacher in Lindsey can make the offense fundamentally sound.

"He is a great teacher and student of the game," vonAppen said. "I believe Don can get it done, or I wouldn't have asked him to do it."

Did Lindsey seek this position? After all, he hasn't coached on the offensive side of the ball since his coordinator days with Jim Sweeney at Washington State in 1968 and 1969. Of his 33 years of experience, only three have been spent with the offense.

"To answer your question, no, I didn't request this assignment," Lindsey said. "I was looking forward to coaching an experienced defensive unit with the same coaches in the same positions. But that's not what Fred needed.

"He wanted me to do what he believes is best for the team. And because I've always believed in being a good soldier, to do what your boss asks of you, I told him I would. But it was not an easy decision for me."

Many of the players and offensive coaches are happy with the change. Junior quarterback Dan Robinson said the offense needed the same disciplinary approach as the defense.

"The quarterbacks and the receivers are out here every afternoon working together to get better," said Robinson, who still hasn't been cleared for full duty this spring because of his tender shinsplints. "Last year, guys showed up only if they felt like it. We already have a new attitude."

That's good, because the offense is going to need it. New defensive coordinator Tom Williams asked Lindsey what he could run during the spring. In the past, the defense has been plain vanilla during practice.

"I told Tom he could run whatever he wanted to," Lindsey said. "He can blitz on every down. Heck, we may run only four plays and tell the defense what those are and when they're coming.

"I want tough guys on my side of the ball. I want guys who can make plays, even when the defense knows what's coming. We're going to be a more tough-minded football team. We're going to establish the run, so we can make our passing game better.

"Take Florida as an example. They are a great passing team, right? But did you know they're among the best in the Southeast Conference in yards per rush? I'm not saying we're not going to throw. We are. But we have to be able to throw it, to get open, to catch it and to pass protect in order for that to work."

Lindsey said he's going to review films and see what Hawaii did well on offense the last two years, and keep those plays in the book. How much the Rainbows throw and from what formations will depend on which quarterback is under center.

"I'm not coming over here to lose," Lindsey said. "I don't like the thoughts of the West Coast offense. To me, plays are plays. Everybody does the same things, but great plays are made by great players, not because you draw something on a piece of paper.

"My wife could draw up plays. It's the players who count. All I can add is what hurts defenses by design. And how defenses will react to certain plays. That's what I can bring to the table.

"I also can teach fundamentals. We will keep as much of the offense as we can and improve on what works. I'm not promising miracles. But I do promise that we will work hard to get better everyday. This is a tough game played by tough individuals. The ones who thrive and survive will be the ones who play for me."

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