There have been a couple of mildly intriguing developments since Scott Shafer unexpectedly executed a midseason shakeup of his Syracuse coaching staff earlier this week.
Monday, the Orange head coach announced that George McDonald had been demoted as the team’s offensive coordinator in the midst of his second season, replaced by quarterbacks coach Tim Lester. McDonald did retain his role as associate head coach and will continue to work with the wide receivers, as well as retaining a limited role offensively even as Lester would take over play-calling duties.
While in one breath McDonald talked of the demotion serving as “a great opportunity for me to test my character and my integrity and my will power,” he also rued leaving his previous job.
“If I would’ve known I was only going to get 18 games to be offensive coordinator, I would’ve stayed at the University of Arkansas,” McDonald told the Syracuse Post-Standard Tuesday. “I would’ve never came here.”
A few hours later, McDonald attempted to cram the toothpaste back into the tube.
“I understand that I shouldn’t have said that I wouldn’t have come (to Syracuse),” McDonald said. “Shafer gave me a great opportunity and it didn’t work out. I was frustrated and let my emotions get the best of me when I said that.”
McDonald added "[i]t would take something crazy for me just to leave” the Orange prior to the end of the season. After the season, though, it would appear McDonald will be in search of a new coaching opportunity.
Shafer has not yet publicly commented on McDonald’s initial -- and admittedly emotional -- comments.
Through five games, the Orange was eighth or worse among ACC offenses in nearly every major statistical category. As the Post-Standard wrote, McDonald “cited the Orange’s 38th-ranked rushing offense and 86th-ranked passing offense through five games this season, up from 40th and 105th, respectively,” as evidence of that unit’s progression under his direction.