‘Game On’ – Coogan Transitions from Irish to Hoosier
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - Pat Coogan figures to loom large in Indiana’s offensive plans, and not just because he’s 6-foot-5 and 310 pounds.
As the leading candidate to replace Mike Katic at center, which is what you’d expect from a veteran Notre Dame transfer who played in last season’s national title game against Ohio State, Coogan is well versed in the position’s challenges and opportunities.
“It’s being the center of the offense,” he says, “and the command you have for your guys and the trust that you build between your guys -- the guys to the right of you and the guys to the left of you. You're right there in the middle. I have always thought of myself as a good communicator and that leaks onto the football field.”
Head coach Curt Cignetti makes it clear no one is guaranteed a position. Everything is earned, and for Coogan that includes mastering a new offensive system that rated among the nation’s best last year.
“You are always learning,” Coogan says. “No one is perfect. I have really taken strides to become the best version of myself: that's helping the guys next to me. That's the job at center.
“I have a big responsibility to be the leader of that offense and that offensive line. It is a great challenge and it will be a great challenge all the way to Week 1. I’m looking forward to keep building with these guys.”
IU’s success last season with an 11-2 record and first-ever playoff berth made a big impression on Coogan when he entered the transfer portal.
“It was an unbelievable opportunity to come here,” Coogan says. “Obviously, I saw the year that those guys had last year. The momentum in this program right now is remarkable. I couldn't wait to be a part of it. I knew this center spot was opening. I knew Katic was leaving, and when I got to talking with the coaches, I loved everyone.”
Coogan’s rapport with IU players clinched it.
“What really did it for me was the guys in the locker room. I can't say enough high things about them. It's just a great, great group of guys in there. It's a great bond we are building for sure.”
Building comes from characteristics common in great teams and programs, Coogan adds.
“No matter where you are or what program you’re from, if you’re playing high-level football, you’re all cut from the same cloth. I saw that in my transition. At both schools, it’s all the same great dudes -- extremely hard workers; positive energy; guys who love to come to work every day; great teammates.
“You get outside the facility and they’re awesome dudes to hang around with. It’s a natural process that will keep building until the season starts.”
Coogan sees similar potential with these Hoosiers and last year’s Irish.
“It’s the guys in the locker room,” he says. “From my experience, the greatest teams are always led by the players. You have good coaches, but the best teams are led by the players and their leadership in the locker room. I see that here.”
He talks about the veteran experience from Hoosiers such as linebacker Aiden Fisher, defensive lineman Mikail Kamara, offensive linemen Carter Smith and Bray Lynch, along with himself and transfer quarterback Fernando Mendoza, plus a “plethora of others.”
“It’s a compilation of dudes who want to make each other better. They are in it for one goal -- to be the best version of themselves. That will lead to being the best team.”
Coogan’s significant experience (30 career games with 26 starts) helps his transition into the system and philosophy of offensive line coach Bob Bostad, whose NFL and major college background has helped make him one of the nation’s top offensive line coaches. Coogan played center his first two years at Notre Dame, shifted to guard as a junior, then returned to center last season.
“We’ve built a great relationship,” Coogan says, “and we’re still building it. It’s been a positive experience.
“(Bostad) expects a lot from his centers. It’s great to learn new things. He has an amazing resume. He’s taken what he’s learned in the NFL and brought it here.”
Under Bostad, centers are responsible for recognizing safety rotations, and what the linebackers are doing and how they’re shifting with free snap motions.
“That’s all of that part of the center’s job,” Coogan says, “and then you have to block the D-linemen. There’s a lot on your plate, but (Bostad) does a remarkable job of zeroing in on the specifics and helping us out. He knows I’m a veteran guy and know my stuff, but learning from him has been a positive experience.”
Another challenge comes from Coogan’s newness to the program and his teammates.
“It’s a new locker room for me and I’ve accepted that challenge,” he says. “It’s meeting new people, making new friends, learning names. I came in during Week Four of their offseason because they were already rolling. I had to jump in. Overall, it’s been really positive.”
Coogan was a big key during Notre Dame’s playoff win over IU. Much of the time, he faced off against defensive lineman CJ West, who has completed his eligibility and is targeting this month’s NFL Draft.
Coogan said the Hoosiers often joke with him about the game.
“It’s been cool and great.”
As far as facing defensive coordinator Bryant Haines’s aggressive unit, Coogan says, “They were really good. Coach Haines runs a remarkable defense. Game planning for them was a huge challenge. They were the No. 1 rush defense in the country when we played them. It was unique because now I know a little bit about them.”
As spring practice winds down and preparations for next season intensify, Coogan plans to use his Notre Dame experience to benefit the Hoosiers.
“The greatest thing I learned is the virtue of gratitude and being in the moment,” he says. “It’s taking everything you have in stride. Never look too far forward or in the past. That will lead to success.
“The locker room is the most important piece. When you get a group of individuals all focused on one goal and who are grateful for the opportunity to play on Saturdays and for each other, grateful to strap it up, it makes an impact. That’s the biggest thing I learned.”
Because of the playoffs, Coogan played a 16-game schedule, three more games than any other Hoosier. His season didn’t end until Jan. 20. How is he able to stay ready during spring practice, and what will that mean for summer workouts and next season?
“It’s a challenge to stay fresh and it’s a unique challenge with the new landscape of college football,” Coogan says. “It’s a challenge I’m happy to accept. I get to play football. I don’t have to play football. I get to do these things. I get to wake up and go to practice with my friends. That’s the virtue of gratitude I talked about and learned to appreciate.
“There are some tangible things. I have to take care of my body. I have to eat great. Getting older and with all the reps I have, it’s a challenge, but it’s game on, man.”