Fran Brown’s first OC and running backs coach at Syracuse is Jeff Nixon, who last worked with the New York Giants in 2023 as the RB coach. The Pennsylvania native was part of Matt Rhule’s staff at Baylor as the co-offensive coordinator and RB coach from 2017-19. Fran Brown was the assistant head coach and defensive backs coach during Nixon’s first two seasons with the Bears. Nixon has also held roles with the Carolina Panthers, Philadelphia Eagles, Miami Dolphins, and more in a coaching career lasting over two decades.
Syracuse is coming off a disappointing offensive season. Jason Beck’s unit put up 23.5 points per game, 90th in the FBS and bottom-five in the ACC. A key factor in Nixon’s quest to improve upon those marks is his rapport with his quarterback, Kyle McCord. The OC has been quite complimentary of the Ohio State transfer.
“I think Kyle is very, very intelligent,” declared Nixon after a Spring practice. “The kid works his butt off, he’s a pro. He approaches every day as if he is a position coach, like he’s a coach on the field.”
Nixon is happy with his QB, but running backs are still his bread and butter. LeQuint Allen rushed for over 1,000 yards for the ‘Cuse in 2023. Even after a career year, the junior has seen notable improvements in his game since working with Nixon.
“Being around Coach Nixon helps me elevate (myself) as a person and as a player,” claimed Allen in March, after only two months with his new coach. “He’s (always) on me, it keeps (me) sharp. It’s definitely a blessing to have him around.”
Allen and Nixon clearly have a strong connection, but the OC is a bit more familiar with another member of the running back room. Will Nixon, the coach’s oldest son, just transferred into the program from Washington this Spring. The running back/wide receiver accumulated nearly 300 total yards in 2023 for the CFP runners-up.
BREAKING: Washington transfer RB Will Nixon has committed to Syracuse. He is the son of Orange OC Jeff Nixon. The news was first reported by ESPN. https://t.co/oMVUw4oG9h pic.twitter.com/zgfquDtfpM
— Mike McAllister (@McAllisterMike1) May 24, 2024
Nixon has emphasized a happy marriage between the rushing and passing game in his offensive framework. The OC explained his approach in an interview with Syracuse.com.
“It’s gonna be an offensive system (where) we’re gonna be able to attack our opponents on a weekly basis whether it’s throwing the ball 50 times one particular week or running the ball 50 times (in) a particular week.”
The first chance to hear Nixon’s offense in action is game one against Ohio on August 31st. Tune into 88.3 FM or waer.org for a 3:30 p.m. kickoff.