As Mickey Joseph tries to sort out the struggling Grambling State offense and considers changes to be made to get the unit going, the first-year coach isn’t — at least for now — contemplating adjusting the play-caller.
On Monday, Joseph told the media during his weekly press conference that he would stick with longtime SWAC offensive coordinator and former head coach Eric Dooley despite the team’s struggles.
“Dooley is the play-caller,” Joseph affirmed when asked whether Dooley, who was hired in the offseason after being fired at Southern, would have his role reduced.
Prior to Saturday’s 17-15 loss to Alcorn State, Grambling had averaged 24.5 points per game, fifth-best in the conference since league play began. The Tigers had also scored only five touchdowns, which tied for second-worst with Mississippi Valley State and Bethune-Cookman.
After the game, Joseph indicated that he would consider deploying a two-quarterback system to protect starter Myles Crawley from a shaky offensive line and add a run element with redshirt sophomore backup Ashton Frye.
“I think it has to do with execution, it has to do with play calling, it has to do with starting something and not finishing it,” Joseph said. “We gotta get them back believing they can score points.”
Joseph was later asked at what point he would consider intervening if the offense continued to struggle, and he gave a very candid answer.
“I think we can get it back this week with me being more involved this week. I’m more involved than I have been,” he said. “I’m gonna tell you what plays I want to see and what plays I want you to call.”
