Sometimes change can be a good thing. That's the attitude taken by offensive lineman Aaron Evans when faced with playing the last four games of the season with an interim coach. And in all likelihood, a new coaching staff next season.
Evans did say it was a bit different to no longer see George O'Leary running a practice.
"He had such a prominent role here," Evans said. "It's just a big change for everyone. Just bizarre, honestly. At practice, him not being there. He's such a dominant presence. With him not there, it's strange. It's going to be an adjustment period, but it's good."
This isn't the first rodeo for Danny Barrett, who spent seven years as the head coach of the Canadian Football League's Saskatchewan Roughriders. How is he different than O'Leary?
"Energy, I guess," Evans said. "Coach Barrett is disciplined and has the same principles as Coach O'Leary, but his way of presenting them are different. I think that's the biggest difference right now. Instead of screaming and stuff, he's talking to us. 'Let's go. Let's go.' He's not a pushover at all, neither was Coach O'Leary. I think that's the difference."
The common word being shared by players is "pride." That's what Barrett has been stressing.
"Take pride in ourselves and take pride in the program," Evans said. "We are UCF. I think that in and of itself is motivation. He's trying to make sure we take ownership of the situation we're in and take pride in it. He's cracking down on neatness in the locker room and other things. Keeps driving home the point of pride. Right now that's what's going on."
Who knows, maybe UCF could get on a roll. Though not quite the same situation comparing NFL to college, something sparked the Miami Dolphins to win two games in a row after making a change at the top.
"I think change is a good thing," Evans said. "Sometimes you get stuck in a rut. The best thing you can do is completely remove yourself from the situation and start something new. I think that's what's happening right now. I think it's a breath of fresh air for these guys. This is my third year here. I feel it's going to be completely different, especially after the season. I'm excited for it. I like change. It allows you to adapt and grow. Sometimes you get stuck in a certain point and you plateau. It's good for these guys and myself to experience something new."
