David Beaty was an effective assistant and a beloved figure under Todd Graham and David Bailiff, so his return to Rice following a two-year stint at Kansas was rightfully heralded. But taking the resumé of John Reagan, officially introduced as the run game coordinator/tight ends and offensive tackles coach on Wednesday, into account means drawing a conclusion that his presence could have a seismic impact on the program and an offense thirsting for direction.

Reagan spent five seasons thriving at State U, assisting Mark Mangino with his revitalization at Kansas. He spent two of those seasons working alongside Beaty, so a chemistry exists between those two that should aid the transition of staff responsibilities. And Reagan has also worked at Penn, Air Force and Army, so he is familiar with the challenges of recruiting to and coaching at Ivy League institutions and service academies. If Bailiff embraces the spirit of intercollegiate athletics at Rice, Reagan understands the commitment needed to thrive here.

Q: How much did your prior working relationship with David Beaty, who you spent two seasons with coaching at Kansas, play a role in your decision to join the Rice staff?

A: In this business nothing changes ... it's all about the people that you work with. It's a people business and so the opportunity to work first and foremost for David (Bailiff) - a guy that I've known for five or six years that I've really enjoyed to get to know, an unbelievable person of integrity and runs a program the right way - that was a huge part. Certainly the familiarity with Coach Beaty, who we talked to before he came up to work with us and I've talked to for two years and spent a lot of time with, that's a huge part of it. There's a comfort level, there's a trust level, and he's an extension of the kind of program Coach Bailiff has, and I'm proud to be a part of it with the integrity and the things that go on here.

Q: Rice is an institution wholly different from a state school like Kansas. What about the challenge of coaching on South Main did you find particular intriguing and difficult to resist?

A: I've been very familiar with Rice. When I was at Air Force they were a very similar offense and would come and visit and do some things with them. I'm familiar with the program and certainly familiar with the school from my time coaching at two different military academies and an Ivy League school. I'm very aware of some of the challenges that are a little bit different. Certainly the balance that Coach Bailiff has been able to bring here is probably better than any I've seen at any institution with this fine of an academic reputation.

Q: There is a ton of offensive talent on this roster in need of direction and effective coaching. How anxious are you to get your hands on those players and help steer them to success?

A: The first thing we're doing is trying to figure out each other as coaches so we can get that whole put together. I am excited. There is a lot of young talent, and you add this recruiting class - shoot, there were guys there when we were still at Kansas that we couldn't steal away that were committed early. There is a lot of excitement about it. I'm fired up and anxious to get going at it.

Q: Outwardly your official title is a mouthful. Do your myriad responsibilities represent a huge undertaking?

A: It doesn't matter what position in football you coach; it's a huge workload. Obviously I'm excited to run the run game, tackles and tight ends. The tackles are working with assistant coach (Ronnie) Vinklarek - you don't split the O-line up. You've got an O-line coach and I help out where I can help out and give another set of eyes. The workload is what it is, and it's exciting to have the talent where we can be successful.

One could argue that the Owls' greatest depth on offense is at tailback (Sam McGuffie, Charles Ross, Tyler Smith, Shane Turner) and tight end (Vance McDonald, Luke Willson), so the fact Bailiff entrusted Reagan with the chore of coordinating the run game and coaching the tight ends speaks volumes on how Bailiff feels about the ability of Reagan to handle the job.