One of the more pleasant surprises of the 2018 season, especially among assistant coaches, was Derek Dooley’s first season running the Missouri offense.

After all, Missouri was third in the SEC in scoring offense at 36.6 points per game. The Tigers also had a top five rushing attack in the conference, and the third-best passing game. Coach Barry Odom on Monday at SEC Media Days referred Dooley’s impact on the program, and how he tailored the offensive strategy to fit the personnel in 2018. Dooley’s experience as a former Tennessee head coach and Dallas Cowboys assistant was valuable and useful for Odom.

“He was a great fit for us,” Odom said. “He was able to put together … a scheme that allowed our kids to use their skills and also play with confidence. … He sees the big picture because he was a previous head coach. That’s been good for me because I’ve been able to bounce ideas off him. He’s been very open and honest about his answers.”

Dooley’s most prominent new weapon this year is Clemson transfer QB Kelly Bryant, who offers a different skillset than former QB Drew Lock. Bryant had a 16-to-10, touchdown to interception ratio at Clemson, and has a mobile 6-foot-3, 225-pound frame that will be difficult to bring down.