Osweiler appreciative of Erickson, Mazzone
Dec 19, 2011, 2:56 AM | Updated: 2:58 am
It isn’t the easiest of situations, welcoming in one new coaching staff while continuing to work with a soon-to-be departing coaching staff.
Brock Osweiler though has tried to make the best of it.
“We’ve had a lot of fun,” he said following practice Sunday, a day before the team was to leave for Las Vegas. “We’ve really just been trying to enjoy our lost couple of days together. It’s been fun around here.”
Thursday, ASU plays Boise State in the Las Vegas Bowl, the Sun Devils’ first post season appearance in four years. It will be the final time Osweiler suits up for head coach Dennis Erickson.
“Erickson’s been everything,” Osweiler said. “He’s the man who brought me to Arizona State. Obviously, I want to send him out on a winning note. I think he deserves that. He’s earned that.”
Osweiler described Erickson as more than just his coach.
“He’s been a father figure. I owe it to him to send him out in a positive light.”
The game will also give Osweiler one more opportunity to work with offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone.
“Coach Mazzone is the coach who got me to where I am today,” said Osweiler.
Mazzone has accepted a job at UCLA, putting him on the opposite side — at least for one season.
Osweiler said he and Mazzone will always be a team, adding that he’ll look to Mazzone to help get him “ready for that next level. He’ll always be around. We have a great relationship off the field as well. I have a feeling we’ll be working together for a number of years.”
