Sonnie Cumbie landed the head coaching job at Louisiana Tech in large part because of his offensive acumen after coordinating stops at Texas Tech and TCU.
However, after a 1-3 start where they have struggled offensively, unable to break through a 25-point ceiling in their first four games, Cumbie came to the conclusion that change was needed.
"Quite frankly, on offense, we haven't played very well. I've been the offensive play caller for the last two and a half years and the first four games of this season. I have to own the fact that we haven't played very well on offense. We have not been very productive and we have not scored very many points," Cumbie shared.
"You want something so badly and you just want to be just perfect and you want everything to go just right and you're trying so hard to win at times, I think the kids on offense probably sensed that from me. I think that, at times, causes hesitation. Maybe it causes guys not to be free and just freaking go out and play, and I really felt i brought that a little bit."
"This week, as I looked at things, I talked to our kids and this is what I said, 'On our offensive staff, I think we have guys on our staff that have called offense and guys that are really good at calling offense. I said right now, and I told our players this, I love being the starter as the play caller. I want to be the starter. But right now, I have not been producing and I have not been doing very good in that role."
"So this week, I'm going to take a step back. Moving forward, I'm going to let Nathan Young be our offensive coordinator and take over the offense. Take over the play calling duties. I'm still going to coach the quarterbacks."
Young, the Bulldogs co-offensive coordinator and offensive line coach, joined the staff in Ruston just before the 2022 season after serving as the offensive line coach at Stephen F. Austin and at the time of his hire Cumbie referred to him as "one of the smartest, hard-working teachers of offensive lineman that I've come across," and "a difference-maker."
"It'll allow me to be in a role to be a better head coach. I can better serve our players and I can better serve this team if I do that," Cumbie added.
After scoring just 25 points in a narrow win (25-17) over FCS Nicholls to open the year, the LA Tech has managed just 20 points in losses to NC State and Tulsa, and then just 10 points against FIU last weekend.
Young will get his first shot as a major college play caller next Thursday when they welcome Middle Tennessee to Ruston.
As always, stay tuned to The Scoop for the latest.