October 27, 2009 - Southeastern Louisiana University’s Tommy Condell, is use to “Chaos”. Since coming to SLU in 2007, Condell has not only been offensive coordinator, but also served as acting head coach for half of the 2008 season. He also has a busy home life with three young children.

“Chaotic as we can,” said Condell, referring to his offensive system. “It’s something I picked up.” Condell’s no-huddle attack tries to make things as difficult as possible for opposing defenses. ”We’re not a spread,” he added. It is a mixture of several different styles he learned in previous stops in the college and professional coaching ranks. “I put it all in one.”

And this year it has all come together. The Lions lead the Southland Conference in scoring and are 2nd in total offense.
 

             Coach Tommy Condell (front)

                     #88 - Simmie Yarbourough

The Lions offense is ranked 14th in total offense in nation and has produced some of the Southland Conference’s top performances. For the second straight week a Lions player has been named the conference’s Offensive Player of the Week. Wide receiver Simmie Yarborough claimed the honors this week with a career high 10 catches for 155 yards and three touchdowns.

“We try to get speed into the game,” said Condell. The Lions seek to blend the run and pass to make things “difficult” for opposing defenses.

Senior quarterback Brian Babin is 10th in the nation in yards passing. Sophomore receiver Simmie Yarborough leads the conference in yards receiving and touchdown receptions. Yarborough is 7th in the nation in receiving yards and has 10 touchdown catches.

Condell was the Offensive Coordinator for the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the Canadian Football League in 2006. “That experience helped a lot,” he added. “It made me a better coach.”

“You really learn the passing game inside and out up there,” said Condell.

                               #10 - Brian Babin

                  #87 - Merrick Lanaux

Still the Lions are not all passing. Senior running back Jasper Ducksworth was a previous winner of the conference’s Offensive Player of the Week award. Going into this weekend’s game, the Lions are averaging nearly 200 yards a game run rushing. Condell noted that he tries to take advantage of “personnel matchups” in his play calling.

His home life is just as exciting. “No time off,” said Condell about wife Mandy and sons Caleb, Luke and James Thomas. “My sons are three years old, two years old, and three months.” When asked if he somehow manages to get any sleep he replied, “No not really.”