Scott Shafer’s narrowed down his list of candidates to take over as Syracuse’s offensive coordinator, but said Friday he’s not in a hurry to make a hire.

The Orange ranked No. 17 in the nation in total offense this past season with an average of 476 yards per game, good for first in the Big East. Shafer said whoever his offensive coordinator is must continue that type of production, but he’ll take the time to make sure he hires the best coach who can fit the program and its philosophy.

“What we’re looking for is the right fit. It’s one thing to be a talented coach, it’s one thing to have a pedigree. It’s one thing to be a guy that’s up and coming,” Shafer said. “What we need to do is find the best fit for Syracuse. I’m not in a hurry to do that.”

Shafer said he wasn’t ready to discuss the names of his candidates, but said there are a lot of coaches interested in the job.

The Orange revamped its system this season to become an explosive, up-tempo offense. Quarterback Ryan Nassib threw for an average of 288.4 yards per game, running back Jerome Smith ran for a total of 1,171 yards this season and wide receiver Alec Lemon tallied 1,070 receiving yards.

It was a prolific offensive attack that helped Syracuse finish the season 8-5 and with a Pinstripe Bowl victory. But coaches who helped build that system, former head coach Doug Marrone and former offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, are now in Buffalo.

So Shafer’s task is to find an offensive coordinator who can continue that “exciting” style and help keep the team moving forward.

“The personality of the offensive coordinator that we will end up hiring is yet to be determined. That personality has to be such that he is inventive and exciting to watch,” Shafer said. “I want a team that’s going to have an offensive unit that when you come and watch them play you better not take a bathroom break.”

Published on January 11, 2013 at 6:21 pm

Contact Chris: cjiseman@syr.edu | @chris_iseman