Monken comes back to OSU

Originally Published: Feb 9, 2011 9:3 PM CDT

Flexibility. It must be one huge key to Todd Monken's success in coaching, and it will play a part in any success he has as he comes back to OSU, this time as offensive coordinator.

He has to know what he's doing. You don't coach for as long as he has at the levels he's been by faking it. His first go-round in Stillwater featured his molding a corps of receivers headed by Rashaun Woods into one of the more danergous groups in the conference. His demeanor? Fiery, but not without a sense of humor.

I was paired with Monken during one of Les Miles' media golf outings prior to the season. I came away with the sense that he's a good communicator with a solid background in the game (football that is), and someone who'd get back in your face if you challenged him.

Lower level college, then Big 12, SEC and then NFL. Monken has experience. He's coached through things a lot of others that were rumored to be on Mike Gundy's list haven't yet seen in the game.

Can he call the right plays at the right time? That's a question to be answered this fall, just like for Dana Holgorsen, every game, every week for the rest of his career.