Game Management Coordinator

[drew_hawk]

Watching the Rams-Jets game and overheard one of the commentators talking about how every team in the NFL has a designated "Game Management Coordinator" who is responsible for knowing the analytics of situations when a timeout should be called, going for it on 4th, etc.

This made me wonder, does Iowa have such a designated position on the coaching staff, and if not then why not? We've all witnessed numerous game/ clock management errors over the Ferentz years, many of which have been of the egregiously head-scratching nature. Over the years these errors have occurred pretty regularly (like clockwork?) and have cost us time and time again; it just seems obvious to me that our football team would greatly benefit from having someone on the sidelines other than Ferentz assuming responsibility for clock management decisions. Game theory wise it just seems like a no-brainer.

 

[icwesthawk]

 

[jonesy5960]

Watching the Rams-Jets game and overheard one of the commentators talking about how every team in the NFL has a designated "Game Management Coordinator" who is responsible for knowing the analytics of situations when a timeout should be called, going for it on 4th, etc.

This made me wonder, does Iowa have such a designated position on the coaching staff, and if not then why not? We've all witnessed numerous game/ clock management errors over the Ferentz years, many of which have been of the egregiously head-scratching nature. Over the years these errors have occurred pretty regularly (like clockwork?) and have cost us time and time again; it just seems obvious to me that our football team would greatly benefit from having someone on the sidelines other than Ferentz assuming responsibility for clock management decisions. Game theory wise it just seems like a no-brainer.

I think that Kirk makes these decisions based upon the tightness of his sphincter. I'm not sure how a coordinator would factor into that. 🤔

 

[drew_hawk]

 

[Dr. Phil Seuss]

Kirk ferentz’s gut has that job at Iowa

 

[Beattheohiostate]

I don't know how we played sports before the nerds too over. How did we know when to call a timeout, when to go for two, when to take a bathroom break . . .

Pardon me, but no matter the sport, any good coach, any good athlete, will do just fine without nerds telling them what to do and when to do it. History provides ample evidence, if you're among the few who appreciate evidence these days . . .

 

[drew_hawk]

I don't know how we played sports before the nerds too over. How did we know when to call a timeout, when to go for two, when to take a bathroom break . . .

Pardon me, but no matter the sport, any good coach, any good athlete, will do just fine without nerds telling them what to do and when to do it. History provides ample evidence, if you're among the few who appreciate evidence these days . . .

If that is the case then how do you explain the alarming number of clock-management mistakes Iowa has made during the Ferentz era?

I do appreciate evidence, and I would contend that the evidence points towards clock-management being a significant leak at Iowa that needs to be addressed. If you play to win the game, then would it not make sense to take advantage of every aspect of game management that increases your likelihood of winning?

 

[hahkize]

I think that Kirk makes these decisions based upon the tightness of his sphincter. I'm not sure how a coordinator would factor into that. 🤔

 

[SnootHawk]

Watching the Rams-Jets game and overheard one of the commentators talking about how every team in the NFL has a designated "Game Management Coordinator" who is responsible for knowing the analytics of situations when a timeout should be called, going for it on 4th, etc.

This made me wonder, does Iowa have such a designated position on the coaching staff, and if not then why not? We've all witnessed numerous game/ clock management errors over the Ferentz years, many of which have been of the egregiously head-scratching nature. Over the years these errors have occurred pretty regularly (like clockwork?) and have cost us time and time again; it just seems obvious to me that our football team would greatly benefit from having someone on the sidelines other than Ferentz assuming responsibility for clock management decisions. Game theory wise it just seems like a no-brainer.

I was watching the game and heard that too - and had exactly this question! I wondered the same thing given our horrible clock management.

 

[eyesofhawk]

Watching the Rams-Jets game and overheard one of the commentators talking about how every team in the NFL has a designated "Game Management Coordinator" who is responsible for knowing the analytics of situations when a timeout should be called, going for it on 4th, etc.

This made me wonder, does Iowa have such a designated position on the coaching staff, and if not then why not? We've all witnessed numerous game/ clock management errors over the Ferentz years, many of which have been of the egregiously head-scratching nature. Over the years these errors have occurred pretty regularly (like clockwork?) and have cost us time and time again; it just seems obvious to me that our football team would greatly benefit from having someone on the sidelines other than Ferentz assuming responsibility for clock management decisions. Game theory wise it just seems like a no-brainer.

1. I think the distinction needs to be made between game management coordinator and game management executor.

Yes, the NFL teams have GMC's that make the staff aware of situational analytics.

But the act of GM decisions in real time is executed by the head coaches.

2. KF has had some game mismanagement overs the years. First, and most importantly, I think it's something he's improved upon.

You also have to remember he's been here 26 and we are aware of his weaknesses and every mistake. Over 26 years a guy will make some mistakes. But KF has pitched exponentially more perfect games.

Can he continue to improve? Sure. In the end, is he really that bad of a game manager, though? With the tiny margin for error Iowa has, as a program, and the small margin for error Iowa has in lower scoring games that are common to them, I don't think Iowa would have been able to have the consistent and prolonged success that they've had if KF were a bad game manager.

3. Between coaching clinics and coaches exchanging info with each other (especially with KF's and TL's NFL contacts), I'm sure a good deal of the analytical information has trickled down to the Iowa offices.

One thing I'm not sure of is how well situational analytics specific to college data have been established. Some of the NFL analytics would have to be adjusted for college game usage due to the difference in skill level

 

[herkhatescy2]

Watching the Rams-Jets game and overheard one of the commentators talking about how every team in the NFL has a designated "Game Management Coordinator" who is responsible for knowing the analytics of situations when a timeout should be called, going for it on 4th, etc.

This made me wonder, does Iowa have such a designated position on the coaching staff, and if not then why not? We've all witnessed numerous game/ clock management errors over the Ferentz years, many of which have been of the egregiously head-scratching nature. Over the years these errors have occurred pretty regularly (like clockwork?) and have cost us time and time again; it just seems obvious to me that our football team would greatly benefit from having someone on the sidelines other than Ferentz assuming responsibility for clock management decisions. Game theory wise it just seems like a no-brainer.

In Kirks offense it's QB's job to be Game Management Coordinator.

 

[drew_hawk]

One thing I'm not sure of is how well situational analytics specific to college data have been established. Some of the NFL analytics would have to be adjusted for college game usage due to the difference in skill level

In this sense one could argue that having a designated individual/expert in clock management analytics could be even more advantageous on the college level.

 

[eyesofhawk]

In Kirks offense it's QB's job to be Game Management Coordinator.

Ummm, no

 

[jberesford]

Probably another one of the gift from heaven Budmayrs duties.

 

[swagsurfer02]

I’m guessing every fanbase says this about their coach. Although I can’t tell if every other team enters half time with more time outs left than Iowa does. Also seems like we take a knee with the ball more than most teams do at half as well, regardless if we are winning or losing.

 

[herkhatescy2]

Ummm, no

You are telling me Ferentz doesn't want his QBs to be in game managers? You're kidding right? Although I know you're just on here to argue with everybody and you don't know shit about anything.

 

[eyesofhawk]

You are telling me Ferentz doesn't want his QBs to be in game managers? You're kidding right? Although I know you're just on here to argue with everybody and you don't know shit about anything.

Of course KF wants his QB's to be good at managing the game.

But the term, "game manager", as it relates to QB's, falls short of the entirety of game management executed by the head coach, and the type of game management being discussed in this thread.

For example, the QB has no say in whether it's 4 down territory, whether or not to go for two, etc., etc.

 

[Hawkfan_08]

If that is the case then how do you explain the alarming number of clock-management mistakes Iowa has made during the Ferentz era?

I do appreciate evidence, and I would contend that the evidence points towards clock-management being a significant leak at Iowa that needs to be addressed. If you play to win the game, then would it not make sense to take advantage of every aspect of game management that increases your likelihood of winning?

It is quite litetally one of the worst blind spots of KF's gameday coaching. It's never been addressed. It did give us one of the greatest moments in Hawkeye history though with the 05 Capital One Bowl. I remember SCREAMING at Kirk in the student section due to pathetic clock management to pure elation due to Tate and Holloway.

 

[2bagger22]

It is quite litetally one of the worst blind spots of KF's gameday coaching. It's never been addressed. It did give us one of the greatest moments in Hawkeye history though with the 05 Capital One Bowl. I remember SCREAMING at Kirk in the student section due to pathetic clock management to pure elation due to Tate and Holloway.

It’s never been addressed? I’d argue it has over the last eight-years. ISU this year withstanding, Iowa has often had the potion to whittle down the clock to allow a win. Consider Michigan ‘16 and ISU ‘19. Not perfect, but they have the data to do it.

 

[danny14]

Timeout, timeout! Shine it on the Children's Hospital so Kirk can see it. We can hire Brian back to run the light!

 

[Hawk_4shur]

Watching the Rams-Jets game and overheard one of the commentators talking about how every team in the NFL has a designated "Game Management Coordinator" who is responsible for knowing the analytics of situations when a timeout should be called, going for it on 4th, etc.

This made me wonder, does Iowa have such a designated position on the coaching staff, and if not then why not? We've all witnessed numerous game/ clock management errors over the Ferentz years, many of which have been of the egregiously head-scratching nature. Over the years these errors have occurred pretty regularly (like clockwork?) and have cost us time and time again; it just seems obvious to me that our football team would greatly benefit from having someone on the sidelines other than Ferentz assuming responsibility for clock management decisions. Game theory wise it just seems like a no-brainer.

IMO, "clock management" is using time-outs appropriately, instructing players to get out of bounds, etc to save game time to score.

Decisions to "take a knee" is not clock management, again IMO. Not going for it on 4th down is not clock management. It's a conservative approach to the game.

Cap One bowl was bad clock management that did not cost the Hawks. Wisky in 2010 may have cost the game. Taking a knee vs OSU in 2009 was a conservative decision to take the game to OT.

We may not agree with his conservative approach, but they are not clock management errors.

Please provide examples of clock management errors that have cost the Hawks games, preferably in the last decade. I'd settle for errors that almost cost the Hawks games.

 

[TXHCHawk]

I believe Game Management Coordinator goes beyond solely “clock management.”

 

[jberesford]

It is quite litetally one of the worst blind spots of KF's gameday coaching. It's never been addressed. It did give us one of the greatest moments in Hawkeye history though with the 05 Capital One Bowl. I remember SCREAMING at Kirk in the student section due to pathetic clock management to pure elation due to Tate and Holloway.

After the Lions-Bears game where Eberflus fired himself I used that direct comparison. The difference between a heroic walk off touchdown for Iowa and getting fired for Chicago was simply the completion. The confusion worked for Iowa but the Lions still played adequate defense.

I guess the best way to keep the defense guessing is to have no idea WTF you're doing yourselves.

 

[Hawkfan_08]

It’s never been addressed? I’d argue it has over the last eight-years. ISU this year withstanding, Iowa has often had the potion to whittle down the clock to allow a win. Consider Michigan ‘16 and ISU ‘19. Not perfect, but they have the data to do it.

Just my opinion but those things are not the blind spots I'm talking about. Use of timeouts (offensive and defensive) to control clock is more of what I mean. What's more frustrating is when KF wastes a timeout once or twice a year to yell at officials.

 

[intrepodor]

Cant afford another coach.

If that is the case then how do you explain the alarming number of clock-management mistakes Iowa has made during the Ferentz era?

I do appreciate evidence, and I would contend that the evidence points towards clock-management being a significant leak at Iowa that needs to be addressed. If you play to win the game, then would it not make sense to take advantage of every aspect of game management that increases your likelihood of winning?

 

[Rambler Hawk]

I’m guessing every fanbase says this about their coach. Although I can’t tell if every other team enters half time with more time outs left than Iowa does. Also seems like we take a knee with the ball more than most teams do at half as well, regardless if we are winning or losing.

I gotta believe we lead the nation each year in taking a knee before half….heck, didn’t we once go into a V formation with half the 4th quarter still left?!🤪

 

[DutchyFunStar]

It seeems like the last couple years we called more time outs on defense to get the ball back before half. Helps having a really good defense.

4th down, 1:20 left on the clock. Up 3.

a) attempt a 58 yard FG to go up 6 knowing a TD beats you
b) punt and pin them deep knowing they could settle for a FG and OT instead of selling out for a TD.

 

[danny14]

If you're not calling the plays or running the defense, I would say clock management would fall to the head coach.

 

[kceasthawk]

If that is the case then how do you explain the alarming number of clock-management mistakes Iowa has made during the Ferentz era?

I do appreciate evidence, and I would contend that the evidence points towards clock-management being a significant leak at Iowa that needs to be addressed. If you play to win the game, then would it not make sense to take advantage of every aspect of game management that increases your likelihood of winning?

I just love how people actually think this is yet another "Iowa issue". If you watch enough football, both college and pro's this stuff happens a lot with "humans" making those decisions in real time. The Bears coach just made such an egregious error it cost him his job, (although probably more because he came out afterwards and defended his decision). I'd bet you could replay a seasons worth of college and pro games and see hundreds of situations you can second guess. I know its really easy to be infallible watching the game on TV in your recliner or kicking the coach around with your buds on the website on Monday.