BYU Football: Is It Time for a Change with Aaron Roderick?
consider a new direction.
The BYU Cougars capped off a 10-2 regular season, their second in the Big 12. This marks their highest win total since the Covid-shortened 11-1 season in 2020, and achieving double-digit wins in a power conference is a significant accomplishment.
Teams with this kind of success rarely make drastic changes, but BYU might be considering a shake-up involving their offensive coordinator.
Aaron Roderick has a commendable track record at BYU. He’s sent two quarterbacks to the NFL, led some of the most explosive offenses in college football, and adjusted well to the higher level of competition in the Big 12. His achievements deserve recognition.
Even during a rough 2023 season when Jake Retzlaff faced harsh criticism as a power conference quarterback, Roderick rallied the offense. He tailored strategies to highlight Retzlaff’s strengths while downplaying his weaknesses, leading to a rebound.
At one point, Retzlaff’s performance sparked brief Heisman discussions, with him becoming the face of BYU football in national media. Much of this success can be attributed to Roderick.
So, why are some questioning his job security after such achievements, including a mini “QBU” resurgence and Retzlaff’s turnaround?
When BYU’s first offensive series in their season finale against Houston ended with a failed trick play, I turned to my friend in frustration, saying, “They were moving the ball so well—why overthink it with a trick play?”
His reply was sharp and clear: “That’s the A-Rod experience.”
BYU’s offense often incorporates trick plays. While they sometimes deliver, like the double pass against Arizona, failed attempts frustrate fans hoping for consistent drives.
Predictability in offense can favor the defense. Occasionally, bold play calls ignite a scoring spree, but excessive reliance on them can backfire. BYU’s offense went from dominant early in the season to predictable and containable in the latter half, starting with their narrow win over Utah.
Losses to Arizona State and Kansas were close, each just one successful drive away. Missteps hampered BYU against Kansas, while a slow first half against Arizona State forced yet another unsuccessful comeback attempt.
It’s unclear what the right decision is. Roderick is an experienced collegiate coach, and I’m just a spectator critiquing his choices. I’m not equipped to determine the best course of action.
The Cougars still have a high-profile bowl game ahead, and I won’t complain about a ranked postseason matchup. It’s also possible that Roderick will lead an even better offense next year.
With the regular season over, speculation about Kalani Sitake’s next steps in Provo will run rampant. Could a coaching shake-up spark a new offensive era, or would replacing Roderick be a costly mistake?
Would a change disrupt a good thing, or are the issues too big to overlook?
Big decisions could be looming this offseason.