WEST LAFAYETTE − Considered one of college football’s top special teams coordinators, James Shibest will try to inject his wisdom with Purdue football.
In 25 years coaching special teams, Shibest twice has been recognized as Special Teams Coordinator of the Year, including at his most recent stop with UNLV.
Shibest spent two years at UNLV coaching with Barry Odom, then followed him to Boilermaker country when Purdue hired Odom as head coach.
Opportunities lacked for Purdue’s kicking and return units last year.
Keelan Crimmins, who transferred to Illinois after the season, did lead the Big Ten in total punt yardage, which is more indicative of how bad the offense was. Purdue ranked sixth in punting average and net yardage.
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3 questions with Purdue football special teams coordinator
Q: You’ve only worked for three head coaches (Houston Nutt, Justin Fuente and Barry Odom). How much trust does there have to be with the head coach when you want to do trick plays like a fake punt or field goal? There’s got to be some freedom to trust the special teams coordinator, right?
A: First of all, you’ve got to have time to work on them things. You usually start with a base three to four fakes and whatever you install in fall camp. We kind of choose from the looks we’re getting for the week. Coach Odom is a gambler, which is awesome. A lot of these guys just want to get the ball out of there and not take any risk.
Dec 26, 2023; Phoenix, AZ, USA; UNLV Rebels special teams coordinator James Shibest against the Kansas Jayhawks in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Q: What philosophy will you and Barry Odom have as to which athletes are on special teams?
A: It all comes down to personnel. Regardless if it’s…
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