Boston College epitomizes consistency in the realm of college football success.
The Eagles (9-3) are winners oftheir last six bowl games and are looking to extend the nation?s longest current streak today when they face Navy (9-3) in the Meineke Car Care Bowl. But Boston College will have to do that without the one constant during the team?s recent run of success: head coach Tom O?Brien.
After 10 seasons, O?Brien abruptly resigned earlier this month after accepting an offer to take over at N.C. State. Coincidentally, Navy coach Paul Johnson was rumored to be one of the top candidates for the job.
O?Brien?s departure sent shockwaves through the school, which named defensive coordinator Frank Spaziani interim coach before eventually hiring former Boston College assistant and current Green Bay Packers offensive coordinator Jeff Jagodzinski as a permanent replacement beginning next season.
Eagles quarterback Matt Ryan said O?Brien?s departure was a distraction at first as the team began its preparation for Navy. However, the stability of having the rest of the coaching staff in place, along with a bowl preparation game plan already set, made the transition easier.
“At first, it was a little shocking to hear that Coach O?Brien was leaving,” Ryan said. “We then went through the interim period when Coach Spaz did a really great job keeping everyone together and motivated, and we had some really good practices in Boston.
“Then obviously, we hear Coach Jag is our head coach. Everyone is excited about that, but that?s next year. So then we settled down, and I think everyone really worked with the coaching staff. Also, not too much has really changed because we have the same position coaches and the same type [of] game plan. Everyone, I think, is comfortable and ready to play.”
Boston College offensive guard Josh Beekman said O?Brien leaving was tough to handle at first. Still, Beekman had nothing but positive remarks regarding his now-former coach.
BOSTON COLLEGE NOTES
» Jeff Jagodinski signed a five-year contract earlier this month to become the 33rd coach in Boston College history.
» During Jagodinski?s tenure as the Eagles? offensive coordinator in 1997-98, the team averaged more than 400 yards per game and allowed the fewest sacks in the Big East Conference.
