NC State Football
NC State Offensive Line Coach John Garrison Heading to Ole Miss for Same Role
NC State Offensive Line Coach John Garrison is making a lateral move, heading to Ole Miss to become the O-Line Coach for Lane Kiffin, who he worked for at FAU, prior to coming to Raleigh.
There has been buzz about this move this week, so it isn’t surprising. Also, it isn’t surprising because new Wolfpack Offensive Coordinator Robert Anae’s specialty is O-Line, spending 14 years of his coaching career with the big fellas.
Will Anae coach the O-Line? It wouldn’t be surprising. We will have to wait and see what they do.
The Wolfpack’s former Offensive Coordinator Tim Beck, also coached the Quarterbacks. While QB’s have flourished in Anae’s offenses, he has never specifically coached the Quarterbacks.
It wouldn’t be surprising to see current NC State Running Back’s Coach Kurt Roper moved back to Quarterback’s Coach, which was his position for the Wolfpack before the arrival of Beck. Roper has spent 18 collegiate seasons coaching QB’s. If that happened, then NC State would be in the market for a Running Back’s Coach.
All that to say, with the exodus of Garrison, NC State will be looking for at least one more assistant coach.
Garrison did a heck of a job with the O-Line at NC State the last 4 seasons, with players earning 8 All-ACC honors.
We wish you the best Coach!
I admit I am not much of a football fan, much less a knowledgeable fan. But I tended to blame the O-line when our running backs didn’t perform like I thought they should. I know the game has changed and protecting the passer is critical. With the emergence of a dual threat quarterback, we need personnel who can run block as well as protect. I really think Anae could elevate our offense in several areas.