The circus that is set up for 2023 is not Brian's doing. Given Kirk's over conservative control on the offensive reins, injuries, OL/WR experience deficits and overall poor QB play, the finish over the last 6 games was much improved and should have been enough to call off the dogs. Joey's performance vs Kentucky alone, after his first 3 weeks of practice ever as a starter, was miraculous, Brian should have gotten a Gold Star as an OC. Simply brilliant work.
But no, the fan's and media attacked from all directions drawing on worn-out, toxic criticisms based on Offensive statistics rankings, nepotism and charges of racial inequity as the only measures of Brian's success. They chose to crucify Brian for all this regardless of the many things outside his control that caused them.
Yes, the buck stops with the OC regarding all things that impact the offense. So lack of depth, recruiting misses, departures to the TP at OL and WR remain a huge concern. Not entirely Brian's fault but definitely his domain.
So here we are again, another season, but now with with this ridiculous 25 point average watch, that appeals only to the fan's and Media who believe firing Brian and possibly even Kirk is what is best thing for Iowa. These people could care less if Iowa wins 9 or 10 games in the regular season, wins the Western Division, and competes for a B1G title and a possible CFP birth. They would still insist that Brian be fired if his Points per Game average falls below 25 points. What a joke.
I don't blame Brian for feeling the way he obviously does, only that he is paid enough to play the media game better than he did his week. He should prepare a better, more even handed response for these obvious questions. Something like "We will still be a Balanced Pro Style offense, this is Iowa's identity, so...no huge changes there, but yes, reflective of the experience and health of our overall offensive talent, we will have some new looks and wrinkles that our opponents will need to defend. Naturally, we won't show our hand in this forum but yes, I am certain the fans will enjoy what they see from this team on the field this year."
And, "Regarding the Points per Game metric that has captured the attention of so many, that average has never been and will continue not to be a factor, in how we call a game. That metric is an overall season measure, one of many that will be considered as part of my overall performance evaluation at the end of the year. Yes, unfortunately, it is a metric that has been emphasized as a measure of my continuing as a OC here at Iowa, I will continue to focus on doing our part as an offense to getting the "W". If we get enough wins, I am fine with where ever these chips fall."
These two answers would have been enough, honest, respectful, less adversarial and should be enough going forward for that matter. No reason why Brian can' repeat himself on these repeated topics over and over.
