You can learn a lot through repeated viewings of “The Godfather.” And if what you’re looking for is not in those 178 minutes of pure cinematic gold, it likely is in “The Godfather Part II.” (Forget about Part III; it’s just weird.)
One of the themes of the greatest movie ever is that in any kind of competition — whatever it is, control of a semi-fictional organized crime world or success as a Division I college football coach — you have to know that your back is covered.
Look at Michael Corleone, the young don. When he takes over the family business at age 34, what’s his first move?
Well, he basically fires his hanai brother, Tom, from the job of consigliere — the most trusted advisor. Michael replaces him with the former, semi-retired don, who so happens to be his father, Vito.
This working arrangement did not last very long, but while it did it was great. Michael knew he could trust Vito more than anyone on the planet, and Vito could share all kinds of knowledge with Michael about how to do this new job of his. Why? Because he’d done it himself, successfully, for many years.
Of course, with changing times come changes in strategy and tactics, and the young leader must keep that in mind and make his own decisions. But in the film, it is a tip from Vito, the wise elder, that saves Michael from death and the Corleone family from sure ruin.
As Nick Rolovich takes over as University of Hawaii football head coach, he is just a couple of years older than Michael Corleone was when he ascended to boss of the family business.
College football today is somewhat less violent than organized crime in the early 1950s. But, as he builds his staff, Rolovich would do well to get himself the best “wartime consigliere” possible.
And keep it within the family … or in this case, the Warrior ‘ohana.
June Jones or Rich Ellerson would be ideal as an associate head coach for Rolovich — especially Jones, since 16 years ago he was in the same spot Rolovich is now: tasked with resurrecting a down-and-out UH football program.
Rolovich was a big part of that rebuilding, as Jones taught him the four-wide passing offense and the quarterback executed it with aplomb in 2001 — as Mouse Davis taught it to Jones when they were a coach-QB tandem at Portland State. And, decades later, at Jones’ request, Davis came to UH and filled the consigliere role for him.
Like Jones, Ellerson is 62. Unlike Jones, his specialty is defense. And Rolovich is going to need a defensive coordinator. Jones and Ellerson have both been head coaches, are both also former UH players, and would be invaluable on staff. Either, or — or since this is dreaming, be greedy and say both.
With reality, though, comes obstacles. Jones and Ellerson both applied for the job Rolovich got. Even though it would be for old alma mater and a wonderful protege, are such accomplished, veteran coaches — used to running their own programs — willing to grind as assistants, and for what compensation?
It would be very cool. But it’s probably not in the script, and Rolovich likely will have to settle for having them on speed dial. UH doesn’t have the resources to make either an offer he can’t refuse.
