The June departure of offensive coordinator Mouse Davis left head coach Jerry Glanville with large shoes to fill for just one man. Rather than hiring someone to replace Davis, Glanville decided almost two weeks ago to promote two of his coaches already on staff to jointly run the offense.
Jim Craft and Kevin Strasser were set to take over the offensive duties for the running game and the passing game, respectively. But, once again, there was a coaching change before the season has begun.
It was revealed on Monday that Strasser is leaving Portland State for a job in Canada. In light of this, Craft will be the offensive coordinator until Glanville says differently. The Vikings will also be hiring a new wide receivers coach to replace Strasser.
Craft is a nine-year veteran of the coaching staff and has spent time coaching all over the field. Until the most recent promotion, he was the offensive line and recruitment coordinator for the team.
Craft says there won’t be much of a departure from the run-and-shoot offense installed by Davis. He says that when Glanville took over the team in 2007 he knew very decisively what direction he wanted to go in offensively, and he doesn’t see that changing.
“The offense we use in each game will be directed by what the defense gives us,” said Craft.
During the nine years on staff, Craft, who is also a PSU alumnus and played football for the Viks, says he has learned invaluable lessons from the coaches around him, including the best way to employ the talent he has.
“[After nine years] I know when we’re good and when we’re bad. This year we have a lot of talent on offense, and this season looks good,” said Craft.
For the time being, Craft says he is set to keep his recruiting duties, a job he seems to enjoy. He says PSU sells itself with the community and academics it has to offer.
Though Davis’ presence will be felt on the sidelines and in the play calling, Craft seems ready and enthusiastic to take ownership of an offense that he says has more talent than it has had in a long time. With any luck, his confidence will be contagious and the Viks will be able to improve on the four-win mark that they set last year.