Hawk Fanatic podcast: Chuck Long talks XFL title, Cade McNamara and Brian Ferentz
IOWA CITY, Iowa – Former Iowa quarterback Chuck Long made a guest appearance on Friday’s Hawk Fanatic radio show and podcasrt.
The 1985 Heisman Trophy runner-up addressed multiple topics, including his part in helping the Arlington Renegades win the XFL title this past Saturday at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.
Arlington defeated the DC Defenders 35-26 in the championship game.
Long is a part of an Arlington coach staff that has a heavy Hawkeye influence with former Iowa defensive back Bob Stoops the head coach and former Iowa and NFL tight end Jonathan Hayes as the play caller.
The team experienced some peaks and valleys along the way, but the addition of Luis Perez at quarterback helped put Arlington on track for a title.
Long, a former first-round NFL draft pick, works full time as the Executive Director of the Iowa Sports Foundation, but coaching in the XFL is a part-time job, so he was able to do both.
He lived in a hotel in Texas during the season, and has since returned to Iowa.
Long said he is taking a one-year-at-a-time approach with coaching in the XFL.
He enjoyed his first year, and he enjoyed being around his former Iowa teammates, and he would like to do it again.
Long also talked about the current Iowa football team, and he is happy about the addition of Michigan transfer Cade McNamara at quaterback.
Long is concerned, however, about what Iowa offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz said in an April press conference about the offense not changing much from an approach or philosopy standpoint.
There was a lot of speculation at the time about the offense making significant changes now that McNamara was behind center.
But Brian Ferentz squased any of that talk, saying instead that the offense just has to be better at what it does.
Long was disappointed to hear that because he feels Brian Ferentz should make changes to the offense.
Long bases his feelings on the fact that Iowa finished last season ranked 130th out of 131 teams in total offense, and the offense wasn’t much better the season before.
Long in a previous interview was also very critical of the decision to make Brian Ferentz the quarterback coach, pointing to Brian Ferentz’s lack of experience.
Long would like Iowa to be more aggressive in throwing down field, and he would also like the receivers to play a more significant role.
Long’s interview on Friday starts about 30 minutes into the two hour podcast and lasts for about 35 minutes.
We appreciate Chuck being our guest, and always enjoy his unique insight and honesty.