Danielson from Boise State has “non-negotiables” for the new offensive coordinator of the Broncos.
Bush Hamdan left this week to take up the same position at Kentucky, so Danielson, the former defensive coordinator for the Broncos who took over for former head coach Andy Avalos in December, is now searching for a new offensive coordinator.
On Thursday, Danielson appeared on KTIK radio’s “Prater and Ballgame” program and enumerated the qualities he considers “non-negotiables” in a candidate.The 35-year-old first-time head coach started with a coordinator who has experience developing quarterbacks and running a prolific attack.
Just seven pass plays totaling at least 50 yards and three that covered at least 60 were completed by the Broncos in the previous campaign. With the help of one of the best running backs in the country, Ashton Jeanty, who finished with 1,347 yards and 19 total touchdowns, the rushing attack was far more potent. Eleven of Boise State’s rush attempts went for at least thirty yards, seven for at least forty, and seven for at least fifty yards.
This season, Danielson expressed his desire to see more of that in the passing and rushing games. Danielson stated to KTIK, “I want to be on the attack.” “Our offensive will be explosive and offensive.”
“A real QB developer,”
A youthful crop of quarterbacks is vying with the Broncos to take Taylen Green’s spot after he transferred to Arkansas in December.
Malachi Nelson, a former five-star prospect who transferred from USC with four years remaining in his eligibility, is the leader of this year’s group. He’ll go off against redshirt sophomore Maddux Madsen, who will be sidelined for most of spring training due to knee surgery recovery. Late in the spring, Madsen will have an opportunity to work light, Danielson stated on National Signing Day.
With Madsen still down, the Broncos also have redshirt freshman quarterback CJ Tiller, who started the LA Bowl and will likely see a lot of playing time this spring. Kaleb Annett, an incoming freshman, arrived on campus early and has been there since January. Colt Fulton and Max Cut forth are walk-ons with the Broncos.
Danielson stated on Thursday, “(I’m looking for) a true quarterback developer.” “Our quarterback group is excellent, but they are younger. I want them to grow and be held to a high level.One of the most effective running backs for Boise State receives an invitation to the NFL Scouting Combine.
Additionally, Danielson stated on Thursday that a track record of success as a playcaller is a requirement for the Broncos’ next offensive coordinator.He declared, “I’m searching for a real, experienced playcaller that understands how to attack defenses.” “They know what to do when the game is on the line and it’s third-and-5. They are familiar with the experience, having been there before. They will be on the attack and possess the answers.
An outstanding relationship with the players that extends off the field is Danielson’s last non-negotiable.
Danielson stated, “You have to love the players, be involved in their lives, hold them to a high standard, and help them grow as people.” “If you don’t want to be involved in their lives and help them develop into men, you can’t coach here.” The newest recruit at Boise State has a unique “family” tie to a former NFL player.
A rotating door
At Boise State, changing out offensive coordinators is nothing new. The Broncos are looking for their sixth since 2019, if you include the interim coaching position held by previous head coach Dirk Koetter following Tim Plough’s firing in 2022.
Danielson stated on Thursday that he has already spoken with a number of applicants and has been fully involved in the hiring process since Hamdan informed him he was leaving.
Danielson stated that he is “walking the process with him” and that he has spoken with wide receivers coach Matt Miller. However, he did not reveal any names other than possible internal possibilities.
Since 2020, Miller, a former Boise State wide receiver, has served as the receivers’ coach for the Broncos. He served as Montana State’s offensive coordinator in 2018 and 2019 before going back to his former school. “Matt has called plays, and his work at Montana State was excellent,” Danielson remarked. NFL players and Boise State Hall of Famers: JUCO transfers help the Broncos succeed.
On Thursday, Danielson also expressed his respect for Nate Potter, the coordinator of the run game and tight ends coach. Potter, a 2022 recruit who played offensive lineman at Boise State, became a co-offensive coordinator this season.
Danielson stated, “I saw him lead the offense from the running game standpoint, not only in games but also in practice, so I made him co-offensive coordinator in January.”
Danielson stated he has many alternatives, but he would not say if he is giving individuals who are already on staff greater weight. He said there was a large pool of candidates.
“This is a big-time job, from the players you’re going to be around and the offensive weapons we’re going to have, to the place, the university, and where you live,” Danielson remarked.Nineteen of the starting players from the previous campaign, including Jeanty, are back for the Broncos.
Danielson stated on Thursday that he will not make snap decisions, but he also stated that the new offensive coordinator will be appointed prior to the start of spring practice. He stated that he is thinking of delaying the start of spring practice by one week because he is so dedicated to it. It is slated to start on March 5.”We’ll take care of that so the offensive staff can unite and start playing right away,” he stated.