Takeaways From Kyle Whittingham’s Houston Week Press Conference
Oct 21, 2024, 2:45 PM | Updated: Oct 22, 2024, 12:15 pm
Whittingham discusses what his team can take away from their lopsided win over the Thunderbirds. (Photo courtesy of Michelle Bodkin)
(Photo courtesy of Michelle Bodkin)
SALT LAKE CITY – On Monday, Utah Football head coach Kyle Whittingham addressed members of the media in his week nine press conference of 2024.
Coming off of a 13-7 loss to TCU, this week’s press conference was quite different. Andy Ludwig resigned from his post as offensive coordinator Sunday night and that was the hot topic for Whittingham this week.
BIG news for Utah…
Andy Ludwig has resigned and stepped down from his role as offensive coordinator. https://t.co/YDHUtxdUAz
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) October 21, 2024
RELATED: Utah Offensive Coordinator Andy Ludwig Steps Down
To begin the week, Whittingham met with the media as he always does. After the 15-minute presser, here are five key takeaways from Utah’s head coach press conference.
Andy Ludwig’s reasoning for his stepping down
“As I’m sure you’ve probably heard, we have had a change on the coaching staff,” Whittingham said to open his press conference. “Andy Ludwig, on his own volition, has decided to step down as the offensive coordinator.”
RELATED: Utah Announces Mike Bajakian Elevated To Offensive Coordinator, What You Need To Know
After five and a half seasons overseeing the offense, Ludwig’s time with the program has come to an end. Whittingham explained why Ludwig decided to make this move.
“Andy just felt it was time for the offense to hear a new voice, have new leadership, he was really at a loss for why we were in the situation we were in,” Whittingham explained. “He just felt that like a new direction, or at least a new leader would at least provide a spark.”
The last three weeks have not provided Utah with any answers on offense. In fact, the problems have only continued to mount. It’s an unfortunate end but sometimes things just run their course. A fresh set of eyes, a new voice, and new playcalling from the position seem to be the only option for Whittingham.
Give him his flowers, Ludwig deserves them
Whittingham and Ludwig have worked quite well together. They have a great history, filled with highlights and successes. That is how and what Ludwig should be remembered for in his time with the Utes.
“I can’t say enough good things about Andy as far as our relationship, what he’s meant to this program. We go way back, 30-plus years. I consider him a close friend and a tremendous offensive coordinator. We won a bunch of games together, and championships together. He will be missed, is the consummate professional, and again—a great person and outstanding football coach. He has had a very storied career. We wish him the best in whatever future endeavors he undertakes.”
During their time together, Whittingham often praised Ludwig for his work ethic and attention to detail. He put in the work and gave a lot to the program. That should not be lost on anyone who follows Utah football.
RELATED: Kyle Whittingham, Utah Football In Need Of Change Following 13-7 Loss To TCU
Mike Bajakian’s experience is why he was elevated to OC
That being said, Mike Bajakian will be the interim offensive coordinator through the rest of the season,” Whittingham announced. “After the season, we’ll evaluate where we are and press forward beyond that depending on what the circumstances are.”
Given the interim tag, Bajakian is not cemented in the role. This won’t be his offense but he now captains the ship. Bajakian has a lengthy background in the spread offense and that is where we will likely see the biggest shift in offensive attack.
“Mike is very well-versed in our offensive scheme, obviously, he’s been with us for several months,” Whittingham shared. “There’s not going to be a wholesale change, Mike has coordinated with the spread offense in the past. He’s experienced and really on the same page with what we were already doing here, so it’s not a completely new thing for him.”
Over the last month, the offense became too predictable and bogged down to a limited number of plays. There is talent at every position that has been underutilized. Increasing the usage of that talent and mixing up what certain players are asked to execute should be a focus for Bajakian.
How can this help Isaac Wilson?
“He’s got an excellent pedigree, great resume as far as coordinator experience– Tennessee, Cincinnati, Boston College– a stint in the NFL,” Whittingham said of Bajakian. “In the circumstances and the situation we’re in, he was the obvious choice to finish the season.”
With his background as a quarterbacks coach, Isaac Wilson should be the big focus of his moving forward. Bajakian has been working very closely with Wilson and all the quarterbacks this year. That won’t change and should only help Bajakian implement the necessary changes to help Wilson and the offense overall.
“Mike has been the quarterbacks coach all season long,” he said. “When they changed the rule, it allowed for analysts and whoever else within a certain extent to be coaching and on the field, as well as in the meeting room.”
As Bajakian steps into the role, his top priority has to be helping Wilson make the strides he needs to get as much out of the talent around him as possible.
