Meacham could have big impact early with existing roster

The TCU offense was looking for answers when Gary Patterson hired Doug Meacham and Sonny Cumbie to the be the co-offensive coordinators. They were sluggish on offense in 2013 and Patterson was looking to shake things up.

The next season under guidance from Meacham the TCU offense was nation’s most improved offense. After the 2014 season Meacham was a finalist for the Broyles Award that goes to the nation’s top assistant coaches.

Billy Wessels covers the TCU program and got a chance to see the offense make big strides with the help of Meacham’s system.

“He is really an offensive mastermind in a way,” Wessels said. “He thinks a lot about everything. He’s one of those guys that nothing really ever gets by him. He analyzes situations and plays well. He is a real high energy guy. He will come in and light a fire under the Kansas guys especially the quarterback and wide receiver positions for sure.”

One of Meacham’s strengths is taking the current talent and improving it. That’s what he did in 2014 and 2015 with quarterback Trevone Boykin. The improvements the Horned Frogs made came with players who were already in their system.

“Those guys were on the team in 2013 but they weren’t utilized to their full potential,” Wessels said. “He can really make the most of what you have already. You don’t need to go and make sweeping changes when you get a guy like Meacham. He can take what you have and take it to the next level.”

Before arriving at TCU Meacham spent one year at Houston as the offensive coordinator and before that eight seasons at Oklahoma State. When he was at Oklahoma State he landed several recruits.

Wessels says Meacham wasn’t responsible for a lot of the recruiting at TCU but he has the personality to be a good recruiter.

“He can tell a story with the best of them,” Wessels said. “He’s an interesting guy who loves to talk and tell stories. You better have plenty of red bull in Kansas he goes to that like water.”