Drew Terrell, aged 32, is actually younger than certain players in the league he coaches.
Despite not being an offensive coordinator for a team yet, the Cardinals’ passing game coordinator/wide receivers coach, Terrell, is not concerned and sees his career progressing at a slower pace than expected. However, he will have the opportunity to showcase his skills as the offensive coordinator for the East team in the upcoming East-West Shrine Game. This experience could bring advantages to the Cardinals as they enter the end of the season and prepare for the draft.
Israel Woolfork, who currently serves as the quarterback coach for the Arizona Cardinals, had a similar experience last year. He was assigned to coach quarterbacks for the American team when he was still a part of the Cleveland Browns’ staff. During the Senior Bowl, Woolfork noticed Stanford wide receiver Michael Wilson who impressed him. After joining the Cardinals as their coach under Jonathan Gannon, Woolfork shared this information with the team during their draft preparations. As a result, the Cardinals selected Wilson in the third round of the draft.
According to Terrell, the quarterback position has a unique beauty because there is only one player to focus on. It is important to ensure the quarterback remains focused on the team’s strategy and everyone involved in the play is connected to him. This includes the wideout, defensive back, and even the protection and defensive lineman. In terms of evaluating the game, Terrell believes this broad perspective is an advantage for the team.
Woolfork also acknowledged that it is common for assistant coaches to feel like they are lagging behind in their career progression, but it is crucial for them to keep growing. These high-profile college all-star games contribute to that growth. The Cardinals have confirmed that four of their assistant coaches will be involved in the two most significant college all-star games. Additional coaching staff announcements for both games will be made in the coming week. Alongside Terrell and Woolfork, Autry Denson, the running backs coach, will coach the same position for the American team in the Senior Bowl, while Connor Senger, the offensive quality control coach, will coach wide receivers for the American team in the Senior Bowl.
The Senior Bowl, taking place in Mobile, Alabama on Feb. 3, and the Shrine Bowl, happening in Frisco, Texas on Feb. 1, offer limited time for preparation. Despite this, Terrell has the responsibility of creating an offensive strategy, organizing practice schedules, leading the team, and calling plays. The Cardinals’ coaches will also have the opportunity to learn and connect with other coaches from various teams. This opportunity is seen as a positive step forward for Terrell, who has a lot to gain from the experience. The coaching staffs for these all-star games are selected by their respective team’s general managers. In an effort to promote diversity in coaching at the highest levels, all four of the Cardinals’ current picks are minorities.
Terrell believes that this is a positive development in terms of representation and being recognized in these positions. What matters most is that it gives other coaches, general managers, and scouts the opportunity to witness our skills in action and observe how we interact, communicate, teach, and lead. This not only benefits us but also paves the way for future opportunities for others.
By having the games broadcasted nationwide, the impact of this message can extend beyond its current reach and potentially assist aspiring individuals like Drew Terrell or Israel Woolfork in their careers. Woolfork expressed his gratitude, acknowledging that many coaches in the past did not have the same chances. He believes that having a black quarterback coach featured on the NFL Network will inspire other young coaches who may think, “If they can do it, so can I.”
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