Towson Head Coach Bans Cursing, Plans For No-Huddle, Spread Attack In 2023: Report

TOWSON - Towson's new head football coach Pete Shinnick has brought some new ideas to the program, and one, in particular, may seem unorthodox.

WBAL reports that Shinnick has banned cursing at practice. The new coach said he wants to create a family atmosphere and encourage players to practice discipline in all aspects of their lives.

"Number one, I want a family atmosphere. And we want to have kids out here, different age groups come out and just be able to enjoy the process and make it work. Number two, I think if you can discipline your tongue, you can discipline any aspect of your body," Shinnick told WBAL.

Football is a passionate game; tempers can run hot when players battle it on the gridiron. Senior running back D'Ago Hunter told WBAL that the change has been difficult, but he sees the value in Shinnick's approach.

"It's definitely been difficult, but one thing he just said to us is it's all about discipline. And I think that's what it's all about. It's not just really trying not to curse but having the discipline not to curse. And that will lead to being disciplined on and off the field as well," Hunter said.

Shinnick is not alone in his disdain for cursing. Former Nebraska head coach Scott Frost explained his philosophy in a 2018 interview with Stack.

"We're not going to cuss at kids. I don't think that's the right thing to do. And I also don't want to make kids afraid to make a great play. If someone misses a tackle or drops a ball, they don't need to be yelled at. They need to be taught the right way to do it so it doesn't happen again," Frost said. "Once you take away that fear of what might happen if you make a bad play, it really frees you up to go make great plays. I want our team to always play with a desire to excel and no fear of failure."

Other famous coaches who dislike vulgar language include Ohio State's LB coach, Larry Johnson, and Clemson's Head Coach, Dabo Swinney.

Regardless of his methods, Shinnick has a proven track record as a winner. He guided the University of West Florida (UWF) to a Division II national championship in 2019 and playoff appearances in four of their last five seasons.

Towson football has been starved for success over the last decade, and many hope that Shinnick can provide the spark the team needs. Towson's last great football season came in 2013 when the Tigers went 13-3 and lost in the national title game. Since 2013, the program has been mired in mediocrity, posting around .500 records every season.

Shinnick told WYPR that the 2023 Tigers will employ "a fast-paced, no-huddle, spread attack." D'Ago Hunter said that this new style has felt great for the team.

"I'm loving it. I'm loving the pace we're going right now. Still a lot of work to do, but I like the way we're going right now," Hunter said.

The Tigers will open the 2023 season against the University of Maryland in College Park on Sept. 2.