Dan Enos to face Central Michigan program he ‘put (his) heart and soul into’

Coral Gables, Fla. —  As the Miami Hurricanes get set to play Central Michigan on Saturday at Hard Rock Stadium, the game will have sentimental value for Miami (Fla.) offensive coordinator Dan Enos.

Enos was head coach of the Chippewas from 2010-2014 before leaving to be offensive coordinator at Arkansas for three seasons. After a brief stint as offensive assistant at Michigan during the 2018 offseason, he joined Nick Saban at Alabama as the team’s quarterbacks coach last season before arriving in Coral Gables.

“I was putting my heart and soul into the program, and (the president and administration) were not putting their heart and soul into Dan Enos,” said the former Michigan State quarterback, who was 26-36 at Central Michigan. “When you put your heart and soul in something, you want people giving you that same type of backup in return, and I just felt like, after five years, we just weren’t getting that.

“Our best move for my family at that time in my career was to take the opportunity that (Arkansas coach Bret) Bielema gave me.”

Despite his unceremonious departure from Central Michigan, Enos spoke positively about his stint in Mount Pleasant.

“My time there, with the people that I was able to work with, from a day-to-day standpoint – the staff, the operations, the trainers, the strength staff, everything – was A-plus,” Enos said. “Loved the players and everything, but at that time, it was just time to move on.”

Enos said eventually he would like to be a head coach again.

“Absolutely, if the opportunity presents itself,” Enos said. “I’m a different person than I was in 2009 when I got that job. I’m in a different place. I think sometimes when you’re young in your career, you’re consumed with being a head coach. That’s just the ultimate goal, but then as you move through life, you realize that sometimes better opportunities – ‘I don’t have to be a head coach,’ is what I’m trying to say.

“I love being a coordinator. I love coaching offense, calling plays, coaching quarterbacks, and when you’re head coach, some of that stuff, you can’t do.”

But before anyone comes calling for Enos to lead their program, Enos’ immediate concern is on preparing his offense for the Chippewas, who are 2-1 with wins over Albany and Akron. They also suffered a 61-0 loss at Wisconsin.

Miami coach Manny Diaz noted Monday that Central Michigan will bring a well-designed offense under coach Jim McElwain, who previously coached the Florida Gators.

Enos said Monday he was pleased with the play of quarterback Jarren Williams, who was named ACC Rookie of the Week for his three-touchdown performance in Saturday’s 63-0 win over Bethune-Cookman.

“I thought he did a real good job responding to a little adversity,” Enos said. “Every game is not just ‘Oh, here we go – completion, completion, completion.’ There’s adversity, there’s ups and downs. It’s handling success and handling adversity at that position.”

Williams appeared to build chemistry on deep throws to sophomore receiver Mark Pope, who had career highs with three receptions and 92 yards.

“For the first time in a game except a couple of flashes in practice, he looked like the explosive, fast receiver that I heard a lot about when I first got here,” Enos said. “He is starting to feel more comfortable. We’re seeing an example of Mark understanding what he’s supposed to do and then we’re seeing his athleticism take over.”