The debate about the safety risk of fast-paced offense in football resurfaced Wednesday at SEC Media Days.
Missouri coach Gary Pinkel dismissed as “fiction” the notion, argued by some of his fellow coaches, that hurry-up offense exposes players to increased injuries.
“We came from the Big 12. The Big 12 has been doing the fast-paced thing for the last seven years,” Pinkel said. “Never once in all those years in the fastest league … did I have my team doctor, my trainer, any of my coordinators walk into my office and say, ‘I’m concerned about the health of our football team.’
“I don’t buy the health issue in any way. … I think it’s fiction.”
A few hours later, Arkansas coach Bret Bielema, who came to the SEC from the Big Ten and has been outspoken about what he perceives as the safety risks of fast-paced offense, rejected Pinkel’s fiction characterization.
“I’m probably more of a reality‑based movie guy more than fiction, I guess,” Bielema said. “I think I deal more in what I know, what I see, what I believe.
“Have I softened in my view of fast‑paced offenses? … You’re asking me, have I softened my view on player safety? The answer would be no. …
“I firmly believe that, yes, our responsibility as coaches is player safety. However that comes about, whether it be a 10‑second rule in the future, whether it be a substitution mandatory rule … I think the game is going to be a safer one because of it.”
Bielema also was asked about his relationship with Auburn coach Gus Malzahn, a leading proponent of fast offense.
“Gus runs an offensive style and philosophy that is completely opposite of what I believe in, but who can argue with his success?” Bielema said. “That makes me respect him even more.
“We’ve talked on the phone a couple different times about different issues. None of them have been player safety-related, I can assure you of that. … I can’t say that we’re breaking bread together and going to dinner when we can, but I’m not throwing bread at him.”
