What made Lavell such a great coach?  His record and BYU's rise to football dominance speak to him being an all-time great.  Still, Lavell didn't come up with the offense that innovated football. 

One thing players always point to is that Lavell cared more than anyone.  Is that what made him great?  If so Kalani is the right guy.  I'm not sure that is it. 

Was Lavell a great recruiter?  He certainly didn't seem like the type although he also got plenty of top talent to Provo.  Then again recruiting was much different in the 70's and 80's than it is today.  Again, I don't think being a great recruiter is the key to Lavell's success.

Was Lavell a great in game tacticianer?  According to KSL after the game he certainly wasn't.  I think he did a good job, but I don't think that is what separated him. 

So what was it?  To me his greatest attribute was Bronco's biggest weakness.  The ability to find great coaches to coach along side him.  His assistant coaches came up with the offense (he certainly played a part and was adaptable).  Looking back BYU was filled with tremendous coaches all over the field.  Part of that was that they wanted a part in the "new" offense of the time period, but a lot of it was Lavell choosing the right guys at the right time. 

Does Kalani have this?  Well I was pleased with the Ty Detmer hiring.  Empey seems solid, but beyond that I have been less impressed.  Cahoon was a great WR, but somehow when he is the WR coach our WRs don't seem to live up to expectations.  Tuiaki wasn't really qualified to be a DC at a major school based on his resume.  His defense played good in year one, but in year 2 has shown some flaws in scheme (still not the biggest problem with the team) and in game predictability. 

I'm certainly not down on Kalani, but this year has been a disappointment.  There could be many things to blame, but I honestly don't think we are getting the most out of our talent.  Maybe we should be 1-3 based on talent, but the lopsided scores and close game 1 shouldn't reflect that.  We need coaches that will take good players and make them great.  I have faith in Kalani, but am wondering if we have the right other coaches in place (yes I am certainly willing to give Ty longer). 

Kalani can also do it "his" way as he doesn't need to be exactly like Lavell.  Being an elite recruiter would help.  Lavell was one of a kind.  I miss seeing his stoic face on the sideline.