What attracted OC Josh Henson to Purdue football? A 1997 loss to the Boilermakers

WEST LAFAYETTE − Josh Henson was in a pretty good situation.

As offensive coordinator at USC, he coached a Heisman Trophy winner in Caleb Williams, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft.

Two things helped persuade Henson to leave sunny southern California for West Lafayette, where he’s entering his first season as Purdue football’s offensive coordinator.

One was the opportunity to reunite with new Boilermaker head coach Barry Odom, who Henson previously worked with at Missouri.

The other dates back to Dec. 30, 1997.

More: Embracing Drew Brees’ example, Cradle of Quarterbacks legacy sets standard for new Purdue QB coach

Henson was an offensive lineman at Oklahoma State playing in his final game.

On the opposing sideline was Joe Tiller, in his first season coaching Purdue. The Boilermakers, led by senior quarterback Billy Dicken, beat Oklahoma State 33-20 in the Alamo Bowl.

“They were really good. They were strong,” Henson recalls of the 1997 Boilermakers. “They were physical. They were tough. They played a very technique sound brand of football.

“When I think about Purdue football, that’s what I’ve always thought about in my mind. So the goal is to bring that back to West Lafayette and win games. That’s why I was attracted to (joining Purdue’s coaching staff).”

Offensive Coordinator Josh Henson of the USC Trojans calls out drills prior to the game against the San Jose State Spartans at United Airlines Field at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on August 26, 2023 in Los Angeles, California.

Sam King covers sports for the Journal & Courier. Email him at sking@jconline.com and follow him on X and Instagram @samueltking.

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Purdue football coordinator Josh Henson recalls final game vs. Purdue


Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/attracted-oc-josh-henson-purdue-230206981.html

Author : Journal & Courier

Publish date : 2025-02-13 23:02:00

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