New football coaches adjust to Purdue's program

By Greg Doddridge
Staff Writer

The two new football coaches at Purdue, Blaine Bennett and Ted Gilmore, have both worked with head coach Joe Tiller in the past.

Bennett, who took over for Greg Olson as quarterbacks coach, was on the offensive coaching staff at Washington State in 1989 as a graduate assistant when Tiller was the offensive coordinator. Bennett spent the past six years as the head coach at Western Oregon, compiling a 27-32 record. Over the years, he said, he stayed in contact with Tiller.

"Basically, he just gave me a phone call," said Bennett. "I am a quarterback guy in this offense. When Greg Olson left to go to the San Francisco 49ers, which is a great opportunity for him, Tiller was looking for somebody that he knew and somebody that had been involved in this offense and coached the quarterbacks in this offense. So he gave me a phone call and that's kind of how it all came together."

Gilmore, who replaced Kevin Sumlin as receivers coach, first came into contact with Tiller and the coaching staff in 1988, his first of two seasons as a player at Wyoming. Tiller was the offensive coordinator at Wyoming in 1987 and 1988 and the head coach from 1991 to 1996. Gilmore worked at Wyoming on the football staff for five years, including three years as a graduate assistant under Tiller from 1994 to 1996. Last season Gilmore was the receivers coach at the University of Houston.

After Sumlin left, Gilmore said, he got a call from Purdue assistant head coach Scott Downing. Gilmore said Downing recruited him to play at Wyoming.

"When I got involved with coaching, I was with those guys," said Gilmore. "So I know them very well. To be a part of the success that they have had, absolutely, it was a no brainer."

Both Gilmore and Bennett like the opportunity to continue their passion for the one-back offensive system that is used at Purdue.

"I think I fit the guy that they were looking for — a coach that can coach the quarterbacks in a one-back offense," said Bennett.

Gilmore said that outside of a few minor adjustments, the Purdue offense is exactly like the offense that Tiller employed at Wyoming.

"Tiller runs a clean program and holds the kids accountable," said Gilmore. "It's everything I believe in and it is what I came up in. From that standpoint, I was excited to get back into it."

And Tiller likes the fact that Gilmore has had past experience in this offense, when Gilmore was a player at Wyoming.

"I'm pleased that he's been able to transfer his knowledge of the offense, having played in the offense, to our players quickly and I think it'll provide big benefits down the road," said Tiller.

Bennett is 36 years old and Gilmore is 33 years old. Tiller thinks that their "youthful" enthusiasm will add a new energy level to the team. Bennett played quarterback at Idaho from 1983 to 1985 and redshirt freshman quarterback Brandon Hance said he has been able to relate well with Bennett. Hance said Bennett is a "young, fun guy."

"I think him and I have kind of grown together," said Hance. "Obviously, he has a lot more knowledge of the offense. But just in terms of going together in this particular offense at this particular school, he has had to adjust to a new school and players. I think it has been good for the both of us."

Bennett is excited about both Hance and incoming freshman quarterback recruit Kyle Orton.

"I think Brandon Hance has some great talent," said Bennett.

He also said that Orton was a fantastic recruit and that Orton has a great, strong arm.

Gilmore is excited about one particular recruit at the receiver position.

"I have seen tape on Kevin Noel and heard the guys talk about him," said Gilmore. "We expect and would like for him to come in and give us some depth right off of the bat. Is that a huge responsibility for a freshman? Absolutely. But if he is physically ready to do it, this group will welcome him with open arms."

Gilmore said Noel could be another freshman who sees a lot playing time, just like sophomore John Standeford did last fall as a true freshman.

But for now, Noel isn't here practicing on campus. And Gilmore's family isn't yet in the West Lafayette area. He said that once his family moves here and settles down, he will consider the move complete.

As for Bennett, he is enjoying his time in West Lafayette.

"I have never been out here in the Midwest, so it's all new to me," said Bennett. "It's exciting to compete in the Big Ten. And it's exciting to be here at Purdue."

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