Q&A with Phil Elmassian, cornerbacks coach

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Eric the Red

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Q&A with Phil Elmassian, cornerbacks coach

BY STEVEN M. SIPPLE / Lincoln Journal Star

Sunday, Aug 20, 2006 - 12:18:44 am CDT

Nebraska cornerbacks coach Phil Elmassian apparently is enjoying his stay in Lincoln, because Elmassian seldom stays anywhere for long. Before coming to Lincoln in 2004, he had been an assistant coach at four different schools in a four-year span. All told, the 55-year-old bundle of energy has coached at 16 schools in the last 33 years.

What’s the deal with this faded, sweat-stained red cap you’ve been wearing at practices this month?

“It’s a statement. It’s how I feel.”

Oh, come on, you’ve been running laps after almost every practice. You’re feeling great, right?

“I’ve always been a one-cap guy. Anyway, I haven’t stayed many places long enough to have a cap deteriorate.”

What’s the greatest part of coaching?

“Kids. They keep you young. They bring you back to the game. There are only maybe a couple of things that bring you back to the game. When there’s a minute left and you’re ahead by 30 points — that’s one of them. And then the scene in the locker room after the win. The other thing is the players. They bring you back.”

What made you so proud of last year’s team?

“After those three losses (to Missouri, Oklahoma and Kansas), the players couldn’t wait to be coached, and we couldn’t wait to coach them. And that’s not just a bunch of B.S. That makes it all worthwhile.”

Have you ever considered a job other than coaching?

“I’d say other people have tried to consider it for me. No question about that. But I’m a lifer. I’m in this for life. Ever since I saw Ara Parseghian speak at my church (in the early 1960s) — we’re both Armenian — I knew that’s what I wanted to be. I swear to God.”

This is your third season at Nebraska, an eternity for you. What do you like about this place?

“They like me. At least I think they like me. I don’t know. As long as Bill (Callahan) likes me, I’m happy. Seriously, it’s a wonderful place. It’s the best thing that’s ever happened to my family. It’s a unique place — the people, the commitment. It is a very, very special place. ... We have a challenge here to win a Big 12 championship, and the challenge of a national championship because of the commitment you have here. That remains the goal and purpose for everybody.”

If you had to coach another sport, what would it be?

“Baseball. I love it. It’s my favorite sport. The athleticism in that game ... it’s remarkable.”

You’ve been a defensive coordinator at Ferrum (Va.) College, Virginia Tech, Boston College, Louisiana State and West Virginia. Ever miss being in charge of the defense?

“No. I don’t know why. My focus now is to help (Nebraska defensive coordinator) Kevin Cosgrove, to help the defense, to help the players. That’s my focus and that’s the fun part right now. I’m thrilled. At some point after the season, you always evaluate where you are, what you need to do, what you love. As long as I’m here at Nebraska, this is what I want to do.”

 
As of right now we are in so much trouble at cornerback. I can't lie, we are going to get torched by some teams this year with the pass. Our pass rush isn't going to get him every time.

 
They are talking about it right now on 1620. They said it is a bigger deal than everyone said it was to lose Bowman. Luckily there is still two weeks to get ready for the opener and four to get ready for the SC game.

 
***SNIP***
“Baseball. I love it. It’s my favorite sport. The athleticism in that game ... it’s remarkable.”

***SNIP***
Click to expand...
Baseball?!?!? BASEBALL?!?!?!?!?

 
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As of right now we are in so much trouble at cornerback. I can't lie, we are going to get torched by some teams this year with the pass. Our pass rush isn't going to get him every time.
Click to expand...
eric, you are so (unfortunately) correct.....that is what i have been trying to tell everyone....the lack of that experience of the dbs is likely to cost us at least 2-3 games.....this is unfortunate, i don't want to hear anyone blame the dbs for giving up big gainers via the pass, but damn it.....it is gonna happen......it can't be fixed before we get into the season.....yes, what we have back there should be improved by the 5th or 6th game......but we will have to wait until next year to field a formidable defensive secondary with any chance of a "shut-down" performance..it takes more than a great set of LB's to make a solid defense...doesn't mean the rest of the D won't be good this year, but do not expect the secondary to hold up..........

hunter

 
As of right now we are in so much trouble at cornerback.  I can't lie, we are going to get torched by some teams this year with the pass.  Our pass rush isn't going to get him every time.
Click to expand...
eric, you are so (unfortunately) correct.....that is what i have been trying to tell everyone....the lack of that experience of the dbs is likely to cost us at least 2-3 games.....this is unfortunate, i don't want to hear anyone blame the dbs for giving up big gainers via the pass, but damn it.....it is gonna happen......it can't be fixed before we get into the season.....yes, what we have back there should be improved by the 5th or 6th game......but we will have to wait until next year to field a formidable defensive secondary with any chance of a "shut-down" performance..it takes more than a great set of LB's to make a solid defense...doesn't mean the rest of the D won't be good this year, but do not expect the secondary to hold up..........

hunter
Click to expand...
I disagree that the defense will lose 2-3 games for the team before it is too late. Going into last year, Grixby was questionable, Green was out of position and looked lost most of the time and Bowman didn't play with much confidence till about the 10th game. Grixby has a whole season of experience, Jones sounds like he is a stud, and if they can get any sort of help, I think it won't be that bad. I think there could be some break downs, but the offense is going to be much improved and offset things like that. The pass rush will help. I can see the ISU game being a game that is like 38-34, but I think NU rolls into the UT game 6-1 at worse.

 
On the other hand, we've got a good corps of linebackers, more than we can field at a time.

4-4-3?

 
As of right now we are in so much trouble at cornerback.  I can't lie, we are going to get torched by some teams this year with the pass.  Our pass rush isn't going to get him every time.
Click to expand...
eric, you are so (unfortunately) correct.....that is what i have been trying to tell everyone....the lack of that experience of the dbs is likely to cost us at least 2-3 games.....this is unfortunate, i don't want to hear anyone blame the dbs for giving up big gainers via the pass, but damn it.....it is gonna happen......it can't be fixed before we get into the season.....yes, what we have back there should be improved by the 5th or 6th game......but we will have to wait until next year to field a formidable defensive secondary with any chance of a "shut-down" performance..it takes more than a great set of LB's to make a solid defense...doesn't mean the rest of the D won't be good this year, but do not expect the secondary to hold up..........

hunter
Click to expand...
There's no choice but to play more zone and a bend don't break philosophy. Keep everything in front. Most big time WR in the Big 12 will smoke these young CB's.

Fluellen and Spain moving to cb means nothing to me. It's a move of pure desperation. Luckily, we have an abundance of WR's.

 
On the other hand, we've got a good corps of linebackers, more than we can field at a time.
4-4-3?
Click to expand...
No never happen. This isn't class "C" football in Western Nebraska where 3 yards and a cloud of dust is the norm.

 
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