Michigan State Football: 5 biggest questions facing offense in 2019

2. Will the staff shakeups actually work?

The one decision met with the most criticism this offseason had to have been Mark Dantonio’s decision to re-shuffle the staff instead of making serious changes.

Fans and alumni were calling for the heads of Dave Warner and other offensive assistants, but instead of letting his coaches go, he decided to make demotions and promote others. Warner was demoted to quarterbacks coach and Brad Salem was promoted to offensive coordinator.

Jim Bollman was demoted from co-offensive coordinator to offensive line coach and Mark Staten moved from the line to tight ends. Terrence Samuel went from receivers coach to assistant defensive backs coach with Paul Haynes and Don Treadwell moved to receivers.

All of these changes may seem like moving deck chairs on the Titanic, as some put it, but they actually make sense when you size them up.

Bollman has plenty of experience as an offensive line coach and he’s better suited there than as a co-offensive coordinator. Treadwell is a solid receivers coach with a good offensive mind. Staten is better suited to coach tight ends, especially with the line struggling. Warner was the quarterbacks coach from 2007-12, helping develop Brian Hoyer, Kirk Cousins and the began the process of Connor Cook’s rise.

Lastly, Salem is a “brilliant” offensive mind according to Dantonio and if he brings a fresh look to the offense, it could pay major dividends.

Will the staff shakeups prove people wrong or blow up in Dantonio’s face?