Sep 14, 2013; Berkeley, CA, USA; California Golden Bears head coach Sonny Dykes stands on the sidelines during action against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the third quarter at Memorial Stadium. The Buckeyes defeated the Golden Bears 52-34. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
First-year Cal Golden Bears head coach Sonny Dykes spent seven years at Texas Tech as an assistant coach under current Washington State head coach Mike Leach. Their familiarity and shared background makes for an interesting sub-plot, but Dykes is downplaying its significance, as Lew Wright of All Coug’d Up examines.
"Will the relationship between these two coaches impact an important Pac-12 contest for both schools?Coach Dykes suggests a reality check for fans because, “…it’s really a lot less significant than people think it would be.”Neither coach will be on the field trying to make plays. Their role is simply to get their respective ball clubs prepared, put together a winning game plan and then direct play from the sidelines.“Football’s not about coaches, it’s about the players. I don’t think it’s going to have one ounce of impact on the football game. The players have to go out and make plays.” – Cal Coach Sonny Dykes"
The two broke into the profession at similar times, each as members of Hal Mumme’s staff at Kentucky. They’ve since brought their unique versions of the air raid offense developed in Lexington in the 1990s to the Pac-12 North.
Each took a different path from days together in Lexington and Lubbock to where they are now, but face very similar challenges in their new roles. read more at All Coug’d Up.