In football, as in life, certain opportunities can't be bypassed. Credit David Bailiff for realizing that when David Beaty became available following the Mark Mangino fiasco at Kansas.

On Wednesday Bailiff and Beaty consummated a deal that, in all likelihood, had been in the works from the moment Mangino cleaned out his office in Lawrence. Beaty, who spent two seasons at Rice as an assistant for two diametrically opposite coaches, rejoins the staff as offensive coordinator. He succeeds veteran coordinator/quarterbacks coach Ed Zaunbrecher, who while widely respected, was almost immediately revealed as a poor philosophical fit offensively. Beaty served as receivers coach for two seasons with the Jayhawks following his two-year stint in the same capacity on South Main. He will be a first-time offensive coordinator.

"Rice has a wonderful place in my heart," Beaty said. "It was a very difficult decision for me to leave here the first time that we did. My wife (Raynee) and I both knew as a family that if we had the opportunity to come back here in any kind of role, particularly as an offensive coordinator here at Rice, that it was going to be something we were ready to do in a heartbeat, particularly under David Bailiff. He's a one-of-a-kind guy in this profession."

Beaty being back in the fold works on several levels. He maintains a sterling reputation as a recruiter, especially in the Metroplex, and he had a hand in recruiting several of the Owls who redshirted in 2007. Beaty is familiar with the Rice culture, is beloved by Owls past (James Casey voiced his approval via twitter) and present (a current offensive player enthusiastically supported the hiring), and was credited by Bailiff as the mastermind of the Owls' up-tempo offense. His vigor is desperately needed on the offensive side of the football, where the Owls responded well to the tutelage of Major Applewhite and Tom Herman prior to Zaunbrecher.

Of greater significance is the fact that Beaty is an ascending coach in the ranks. Kansas coach Turner Gill strongly considered retaining Beaty when he replaced Mangino, information that validates the laundry list of attributes Bailiff noted that Beaty brings to the table. Familiarity is fantastic, but following their 2-10 season of 2009, the Owls are in dire need of a rebound. Beaty should help revitalize the offense, especially with the myriad weapons at his disposal.

"Knowing the culture at Rice is a big advantage for me coming in, just understanding the ins and outs of the daily life here at Rice," Beaty said. "As far as being the offensive coordinator, I was very blessed to be under Tom Herman here and Major Applewhite and under David Bailiff, and obviously I learned a great deal from those guys. Just going up to Kansas I continued to broaden my scope of information and knowledge on the game.

"We will try to come in here and continue building on that momentum we had going back in 2007 and 2006 when I was here before. It's going to be a very fun offense to watch (and) it's going to be a very up-tempo style of football. I'm excited about the players that we have here and I know that the cupboard is definitely full."

While Beaty credited Herman for being "one of the smartest guys" 'he's ever been around in his life and for aiding his development as a coach, Bailiff made it clear that Beaty played a key role in the installation of the no-huddle offense that enabled Chase Clement and Jarett Dillard to set multiple school, conference and national records in the season after Beaty departed.

"He's actually the one that taught us the up-tempo offense," Bailiff said. "That was all David that had a background in that. He brought that to the table, and that's something we started implementing because of him.

"He's got a brilliant mind, and he's got a great way with the players. He brings energy, enthusiasm and knowledge, and I'm excited to get it going."

Beaty will meet with the team on Thursday, but for some it will be a reunion. He expressed excitement over the Owls' collection of budding though unproven talent, specifically noting So. RB Sam McGuffie and the experienced line. What role Beaty fills beyond coordinator depends on the second hire Bailiff hopes to announce in the coming days, for the three previous coordinators also coached the quarterbacks. It appears that Bailiff is leaning toward hiring another offensive assistant, so Beaty could coach the running backs (should Darrell Patterson, a former linebackers coach, shift to defense to replace Darin Eliot) in addition to his OC duties.

Whatever shakes down, Beaty will hit the recruiting trail on Monday to personally greet the Owls' current commitments and perhaps to lure a couple of candidates for grayshirting. He is genuinely thrilled over the work that lies ahead, no matter how stiff the upcoming challenge.

"Man I tell you, I'm on cloud nine. For me it's a dream job," Beaty said. "It's something that I've always wanted to do, to be back here at Rice. Obviously as an offensive coordinator, for me that's something I've always wanted to do. But to be back here with David Bailiff, with that guy, I believe in his direction, I believe in his style. I know that we're going to be able to get it done."

Bailiff would prefer for his second offseason staff addition to hit the recruiting trail on Monday, too, so if everything goes according to plan, expect that announcement no later than Friday.