Eric Mateos had his first media availability as the new offensive line coach for Wisconsin football. The Badgers also posted a video of him sitting down and talking with offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes. Mateos said a lot of things that will make you happy. He understands the assignment, and he knows where the Badgers need to go and how to get them there.
He talked about building on who's already in the offensive line room and recruiting transfers to make the unit even better. All of that was great and what you would expect any coach to say in his shoes. You have to love that he seems to humbly understand the assignment, but even more importantly, he understands his task is even greater and bigger because he's doing it at Wisconsin.
He knows he's at O-Line U and that he is standing on the shoulders of giants, traditions, and expectations for Wisconsin's offensive line. That part, he delivered an amazing quote:
"This is the most talent-rich tradition of offensive line play in the country. If you get an opportunity to coach OL here, you aren't the boss; you're the temporary steward of something that's way bigger than you."Eric Mateos
Eric Mateos recognizes his assignment and his place in history as the offensive line coach at Wisconsin
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The language of steward vs. boss is essential and something that many have been hoping for more of at Wisconsin since Luke Fickell came. This is the idea that Wisconsin is only as good as its history and tradition. That the bar needs to be raised, not reinvented or reconfigured. Fickell and his staff need to embrace the tradition while continuing it.
This doesn't mean it always has to look exactly like it always has. But it is important to embrace and further, rather than cast aside. Eric Mateos understands his role is to bring Wisconsin back to the rich tradition of Badger offensive lines. To get the ball moving because the big boys up front are moving bodies. He understands that the offensive line may be the most scrutinized position group at Wisconsin, and he's ready for the assignment.