Did Iowa State Find The Missing Piece in Jordan Langs?

Jordan Langs has quickly become a celebrity in Iowa State athletics. For years Matt Campbell has been criticized for finding a special teams coordinator unnecessary. After a season of special teams disappointment Matt has finally decided that it is time to fill that hole. Jordan Langs has been named the running back/special teams coordinator.

Coach Langs comes from a history of football and is the former head coach of Indiana Wesleyan Wildcats. As an Alum Jordan returned to Wheaton College as a starting place for his coaching career. He started as the defensive backs coach for two seasons before being named the defensive coordinator. After Wheaton Jordan was recruited to Indiana Wesleyan University to be their head coach. Coach Langs has led the Wildcats for six seasons with an overall record of 31-16. This extremely quick upbringing has serious upside but also brings many unknowns.

Currently one of the biggest questions people may have is, will Coach Langs have a big part in the running game if Nate Scheelhaase is the team's offensive coordinator? Coach Scheelhaase is known for his excellent record of running backs and may not feel the need for help in that part of the offense. Another big question many fans have is, Coach Langs doesn't have any FBS experience so how will Coach adapt to this new level of competition? Iowa State hasn't had a special teams coordinator since 2018. Therefore, Coach Langs should have room to breathe and learn.

So what are healthy expectations for Iowa State's special teams in 2023? Iowa State's biggest special teams issues come from field goals and punts. Missed field goals were the biggest issue with the team missing ten this season and though many think this is a result of a bad kicker it is a cumulative result of multiple positions and could be fixed by Langs. A reasonable expectation for 2023 would be to make more field goals and have fewer snap errors. Snap errors have been an issue this year and consistent analysis of the special team's procedure should decrease these kinds of issues.

So what will Coach Langs' role be in the running backs room?

Obviously, Coach Langs will be a big part of the development of the running back. Some of his other responsibilities should include player recruitment, playbook development, and film analysis. Coach does have a short but strong record of productive running backs so he should have a beneficial impact on that room.

Overall I see Jordan Langs as a high-ceiling hire by Matt Campbell. He is extremely young and has much to learn but should fit into a developmental program such as Iowa State. In terms of special teams, fans should be extremely pleased that Matt has conceded to the comments and gone out and hired a coach that seems to be rising in success.