Mike Bajakian Focused On Getting Utah, Isaac Wilson Back To Winning Ways
Oct 21, 2024, 7:30 PM | Updated: Oct 22, 2024, 12:24 am
LOGAN, UT - SEPTEMBER 14: Isaac Wilson #11 of the Utah Utes, drops back in the pocket against the Utah State Aggies during the first half of their game at Maverik Stadium on September 14, 2024 in Logan, Utah. (Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)
(Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY – It’s been a whirlwind of a weekend for Utah Football, who said goodbye to Andy Ludwig and introduced Mike Bajakian as the interim offensive coordinator for the remainder of the season.
Coach Bajakian met with the media for the first time this season as well. That provided him the opportunity to share thoughts on his background and plans for the Utah offense.
Mike Bajakian’s first media availability with the media since being named Utah’s interim offensive coordinator. pic.twitter.com/eJR4KH1U4V
— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) October 22, 2024
What have the last 24 hours been like for Mike Bajakian?
“It’s been a whirlwind, that’s for sure,” Bajakian stated. “There’s a lot of emotions that play into it, on the part of staff, the part of our players, and obviously personally.”
Bajakian came here to work closely with the now-former offensive coordinator.
“I’m thankful to Andy Ludwig for being the impetus in me being here,” he said. “He’s an elite coach, I came to Utah to be part of this wonderful program, and to learn from an elite football mind. He and his wife Jill have been so great to me and my family.”
Still, Bajakian’s focus remains on what matters most– the players.
“Years ago I think I heard Bob Stoops at a convention once, say ‘we as coaches exist because of the kids and for the kids'” he stated. “So our primary concern is how do we nurture these players and how do we get back to our winning ways. So, it’s exciting but definitely a little emotional.”
What is Mike Bajakian’s offensive philosophy?
“Talking to the people down in Houston, we’re going to wishbone triple-option, change things up schematically, heard it’s been effective,” Bajakian joked. “Listen, the system is the system, there will obviously be tweaks but we’ll address those as they come.”
It’s a unique situation of taking over midway through the season. There won’t be wholesale changes but Bajakian will try to put his stamp on the offensive moving forward.
“There’s only so much you can do with a system in place,” he shared. “This is an unbelievable coaching staff, from every position coach to the support staff, and there will be input from everybody on how to get back to winning football games.”
Bajakian’s past offenses have been built around in a shotgun spread attack. There has also been some pistol formation and under-center stuff mixed in. This isn’t as significant since he will work within the current playbook rather than installing his offense. However, his background will still likely influence his playcalling.
What does Mike Bajakian want to accomplish?
With the offensive system in place, Bajakian believes a re-emphasis of the finer details of the game is the most pressing issue.
“I don’t think there’s a magic potion that is going to fix things,” he shared. “We had a team meeting today and stressed buying in and stressed the little things make the biggest difference.”
What are those little things for Utah Football?
“I equate it to golfing- I’m not much of a golfer myself but the easiest way to shave strokes on your game, go work on the thing that’s easiest being putting,” he shared. “So, for us, we’re going to emphasize doing the little things, from our effort to our physicality, to trying to change things with our passion and energy.”
How does Bajakian plan to help Isaac Wilson?
“Isaac is a smart player, he’s driven, he’s dedicated, he works really hard, he’s got a lot of arm talent, he’s got a lot of athletic ability,” he said of the young quarterback. “As a freshman he’s still learning but shoot, I’m 50 years old and coaching for 29 years and I’m still learning We’ll play to his strengths, try not to tip our too much to what may or may not change, but we’re going to play to his skillset and his mentality.”
Wilson has the talent but it’s been a bit of struggle the last couple of outings. Simplifying things for the quarterback can be accomplished in a number of ways. This has to be the top task for Bajakian as he takes over.
