After five seasons on staff with the Samford University football team, Offensive Coordinator Russ Callaway’s tenure with the Bulldogs has come to a close.
On Sunday, SEC Network analyst Cole Cubelic announced that the LSU Tigers would hire Callaway as a senior offensive analyst.
During Callaway’s five-year tenure with the Bulldogs, including four years as the offensive coordinator, Samford’s offensive unit and passing attack captured dozens of victories.
Among Callaway’s greatest contributions to the team were his development of offensive impact players.
Additionally, he served as the quarterbacks’ coach and is well known for training quarterbacks inlcluding Devlin Hodges, Chris Oladokun and Liam Welch.
Under the direction of Callaway, the Bulldogs led the nation in passing yards per game (392.7) in 2018.
That 2018 team was also ranked fourth in the nation in total offense (519.9 YPG) and eighth in red zone offense (.898).
“I really liked working with Callaway,” said former offensive lineman Zach Kadum. “He was a cool guy and everyone liked him. He definitely wanted to, and deserved to, coach for a bigger school, though.”
Despite the fact Samford has reached the FCS Playoffs only two times during Callaway’s tenure, the offense has been known for high-powered ability and speed.
Sometimes it appeared that the offense’s primary goal was to make up for the sins of the defense, and with Callaway gone, the Bulldogs may have a tough time keeping games close next season.
Head coach Chris Hatcher, who has coached the Bulldogs for five seasons, will now be without the man who ran his ambitious passing attack for four of those years.
Hatcher and Callaway could not seem to find an adequate replacement for Hodges in 2019, and now, a new offensive coordinator will have to be a part of that development and decision process.
Samford has yet to release any plans for the hiring of a new offensive coordinator as of press time.
