Owens Returns to His Alma Mater to Mentor the Offensive Line
March 30, 2023 | Football
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - University of Louisville offensive line coach Richard Owens is excited for his return to his alma mater to lead the offensive line.
A tight end for the Cardinals from 2000-03, Owens is making his second trip as an assistant coach, this time mentoring the offensive line.
In his second stint, Owens takes over a new challenge on an offensive line that mist replace three starters.
The line, which returns Bryan Hudson, Renato Brown and Michael Gonzalez , the guys up front will have to get used to a completely different style of offense under head coach Jeff Brohm, which is a transition from Scott Satterfield's run-heavy approach to offense.
"From a schematic standpoint, it's a little different than what they've done before," Owens said. "We got a little bit everything you know, so it's there's a learning curve from techniques and just understanding defensive structures. It's a little bit of a curveball. We got to continue to develop, and learn, and increase our football intelligence, and keep moving forward."
"He's been an amazing mentor," Brown said. "He's a good father figure to come in. He's been helping me get in my playbook. Just being hard on me, and getting me ready for the next level. It's everything I can ask for."
There are a number of opportunities for competition after the graduation of Caleb Chandler, Adonis Boone and Trevor Reid, and are currently working towards a career in the NFL. Luke Kandra, was projected to replace Chandler at left guard before transferring to Cincinnati.
Gonzalez was a key performer on the offensive line last season and is in his third season with the Cards, splitting time last season at a number of positions.
"It's just a lot of learning, and you got to teach them," Owens said. "They're gonna make mistakes, and that's how it goes. You just got to help them learn."
The Cardinals return to the practice field on Saturday at 9:45 a.m.
