Published: February 08, 2007 12:25 am      

COLLEGE FOOTBALL: UB offense in Gill’s hands

AMHERST — In his playing days, Turner Gill was most effective with the ball in his hands. He’s now applying that principle to his coaching career.

Gill will get his first chance to be an offensive coordinator in his second season as the Buffalo Bulls head coach.

Responding to a direct question Tuesday regarding the Bulls’ vacant offensive coordinator position, Gill disclosed that he will assume that title in 2007, along with the playcalling duties.

Gill did not mention the offensive coordinator position earlier in his press conference when discussing modifications to his coaching staff. The team currently lists "TBA" as the offensive coordinator on its Web site.

A former Heisman Trophy-finalist quarterback at Nebraska, Gill spent 13 seasons as an assistant at his alma mater, first as a position coach then later as assistant head coach.

Gill replaces Gerald Carr, whose contract was not renewed. Carr also served as UB’s quarterbacks coach last season.

Gill also announced that former Cincinnati quarterback Danny Barrett will join the Bulls staff next week as quarterbacks coach and assistant head coach.

Barrett spent the last seven seasons as head coach of the CFL’s Saskatchewan Roughriders, compiling a 57-68-1 record. His contract was allowed to expire in November after a third straight 9-9 season.

“He’s played the (quarterback) position, so he understands it,” Gill said. “He’s a quality man.”

Despite recruiting a pair of dual-threat quarterbacks and revealing that wide receiver/kick returner Naaman Roosevelt (St. Joe’s) will get to compete at quarterback during spring football, Gill diffused speculation that UB will implement a more option-oriented attack.

“I wanted to keep our scheme the same,” Gill said. “I didn’t want to bring somebody in here new that would totally change everything. To have continuity, I think it was best myself taking over.”

The Bulls utilized a multiple-formation, pro-style offense in 2006. The team’s 18.3 points per game average was an eight-point improvement of the previous season but still ranked last in the Mid-American Conference. UB finished 2-10 in Gill’s first season as head coach.

Starting quarterback Drew Willy was used primarily as a pocket passer, but did run option plays on occasion.

Nebraska utilized the option almost exclusively during Gill’s playing career and the time he spent there as quarterbacks coach.

• UB’s defensive staff has also undergone changes, Gill said Wednesday.

Coordinator Jimmy Williams will now also serve as linebackers coach, replacing Brian Mohnsen, who has moved to defensive ends coach. Toby Williams will now focus on defensive tackles after coaching the entire defensive line last season. Matt House will remain as defensive backs coach.

Contact Jonah Bronstein at bronsteinj@gnnewspaper.com.