* Hamdan says the offensive approach always begins with personnel. The next couple of weeks will be getting to know that personnel and what they’re capable of. Next thing is variance in tempo. Some times you’ll need to go fast, sometimes you’ll need to control tempo. But there will be a focus on creating explosive plays no matter what.
* Decision to come to UK was probably the most difficult of his young career. Boise State is is alma mater and will always hold a special place in his heart. Thought Barnhart and Stoops’ long tenure here spoke to their commitment, and the SEC is a big part of the equation. It was just an opportunity too good to pass up.’
* Complementary football is one of the hallmarks of UK football, he says. Have to play to your team’s strengths.
* On the roster… You get about 2–3 days to get a feel for it in the process of taking the job. Likes the size up front. Excited about the skilled players. TEs that can run, WRs that are elite, NFL-type players. And you don’t take a job like this unless you’re excited about that QB room. Excited to work with Brock Vandagriff.
* Feels like his scheme has complex elements from the NFL, but they are simple enough for college kids to grasp and execute. In that way, probably similar to what Liam Coen was doing.
* On involving the QB in the run game… Critical. Thinks the QB has to get you at least two first downs with his legs in any game. Always a fine line, though, not to take too many hits.
* He generally goes non-huddle about 60% of the time. That’s the base of how they like to run it.
* Excited about getting to know Eric Wolford and his ”pedigree” with O-Line play.
* LIkes to be upstairs in the box during games. Jokes, “I really enjoy coffee, so I like being up there.” But thinks you can see things better from up there.
* Marriage of the run game and pass game and being able to run everything out of packages that look the same is something he learned from his time with the Atlanta Falcons in the NFL.
* Physicality of UK Football is something that always stood out to him. Noted that he’s had a 1,000-yard rusher every year he’s been an OC, so “the stats don’t lie” when it comes to that commitment. But the thing he prides himself on is adding the explosives element on top of that commitment to
* Asked about UK’s recent turnover with OCs, Hamdan says he felt like there needed to be commitment on both ends in this deal.
* Prides himself in his recruiting ability. One of the hard things about leaving Boise was how many good players they had recruited for next year. Thinks it’s critical to the job. Says you have to be flexible in this age of college football, too, with all the changes, the portal, NIL, etc.
