Kiffin adapting to his two new coordinators

BOCA RATON — Florida Atlantic coach Lane Kiffin is trying to make the adjustment as easy as possible.

Dealing with two new coordinators is a tough process, but Kiffin has simplified it by adapting to them instead of the alternative. The Owls hired offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. and defensive coordinator Tony Pecoraro in the offseason.

Kiffin said he’s allowed both to bring in their philosophies so the transition is smoother.

“To me, when you hire someone you’ve got to let them, especially on the other side of the ball, run their system and not try to make him run your system from before,” Kiffin said.

Both coordinators have big shoes to fill. Last year, the Owls had one of the best offenses in Conference USA, led by running back Devin “Motor’ Singletary. He ran for a school-record 1,920 yards and led the nation with 32 touchdowns. The Owls’ defense ranked fourth in the conference in scoring and featured AllConference players Shelton Lewis, Jalen Young and linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair. They helped FAU finish 11-3, capture its first Conference USA title and win a bowl game for the first time in 10 years.

So far, Kiffin has been impressed with both new additions. Pecoraro replaced Chris Kiffin, who accepted a job with the San Francisco 49ers. Weis steps in for Kendal Briles, who took the same position at the University of Houston. The Owls also have a new offensive line coach (John Garrison), special teams coach (Jaron Fairman) and secondary coach (Wes Neighbors)

“He’s very multiple, very aggressive and creates a lot of havoc,” Kiffin said of Pecoraro.

Pecoraro spent the past four seasons at Southern Miss, while Weis was an offensive assistant with the Atlanta Falcons. The decision to hire Weis was considered a gamble because of his age. At 24, he is the youngest offensive coordinator at the Division I-A level. Weis makes up for his youth with experience. He is also the son of a former NFL assistant and college head coach.

“What does age mean over experience,” Kiffin said. “If I’ve coached for 10 years and you’ve coached for 10 years but we’re 10 years difference in age, we’re the same. When everybody else was playing in college, Charlie was coaching.”

Kiffin, considered an offensive guru, is still debating how to handle the play calling. Although he allowed Briles complete control of the offense last season, he is still contemplating the approach with Weis.

“We’re figuring that out,” Kiffin said. “He calls them now. It’s good practice for him. We’ll just kind of figure that out as we get closer. He’s brought some good ideas.”

JIM RASSOL/STAFF FILE PHOTO Head coach Lane Kiffin, left, is trying to make the transition with new coordinators a smooth one by letting them bring in their own philosophies.