Rice football fans have reason to be hopeful. With his proven track record of building competitive programs, Abell’s tenure promises to bring renewed energy and ambition to the Owls
While challenges remain, his strategic vision and commitment to excellence could pave the way for a brighter future.
Scott Abell’s hiring signals a new chapter for Rice football, one filled with potential and promise. While challenges remain, the combination of Abell’s expertise and the university’s commitment to excellence provides a strong foundation for success.
As the Owls prepare to close out their 2023 season, anticipation is building for what lies ahead. The journey will not be easy, but with Abell at the helm, the future of Rice football looks brighter than ever.
Throughout his coaching career, Scott Abell has exemplified resilience, innovation, and leadership. From his early days as a dual-sport athlete to his current role as Rice’s head coach, he has consistently demonstrated an ability to inspire and achieve.
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Scott Abell Named Rice Owls’ New Head Football Coach
Rice University has announced a significant move to bolster its football program by appointing Scott Abell as the new head coach.1
Director of Athletics Tommy McClelland introduced Abell as the next leader of the Rice Owls, a program looking to reset after a challenging season.
Abell, formerly the head coach of the Davidson Wildcats, will hold a press conference on November 27 to outline his vision for the team’s future.
Abell’s Journey from Davidson to Rice
Scott Abell brings a history of success to Rice, having revitalized the Davidson Wildcats during his tenure from 2018 to 2023.
When Abell took over Davidson’s football program, the Wildcats had experienced a dismal two-win season in 2017. In his first year, he led the team to six wins—their highest total since 2007.
This rapid transformation not only showcased Abell’s coaching prowess but also his ability to instill confidence and structure in struggling programs.
Over his five years with the Wildcats, Abell consistently improved the team’s performance, earning a reputation for his innovative offensive schemes and player development.
Director of Athletics Tommy McClelland’s Vision
Tommy McClelland, Rice’s Director of Athletics, emphasized the rigorous selection process that led to Abell’s hiring. In the official press release, McClelland expressed his confidence in Abell’s ability to guide the program into a new era.
“After spending time with Scott throughout the process, it was clear that we had found the right leader for our program,” McClelland said. ”
He has had an immediate impact on every program he has coached and is passionate about developing winners on and off the field. He is the right person to lead Rice football into a new era of success.”
McClelland also highlighted the importance of Abell’s experience in turning struggling programs into competitive teams, a challenge that lies ahead for the Rice Owls.
Current State of the Rice Owls Program
The 2023 season has been a difficult one for the Owls. With a record of 3-8 overall and 2-5 in the American Athletic Conference (AAC), Rice has struggled to find consistency.
Their season has been marred by a two-game losing streak, including a 40-14 defeat against the UAB Blazers on November 23.
As the Owls prepare for their final game against the South Florida Bulls on November 30, the focus has already shifted toward building for the future under Abell’s leadership. The challenges ahead are numerous, but the program sees Abell as the catalyst for a turnaround.
Scott Abell: Coaching Philosophy
Abell is widely regarded for his offensive creativity, particularly his implementation of the triple-option offense at Davidson.2
This strategy helped the Wildcats dominate time of possession and wear down opponents. His ability to adapt schemes to fit his players’ strengths will be a key factor as he takes over at Rice.
Equally important is Abell’s emphasis on developing student-athletes both on and off the field. Known for fostering a strong team culture, he prioritizes discipline, academic success, and leadership development.
At Rice, where academics are paramount, this approach aligns seamlessly with the university’s values.
Thank you to Amherst County and @amherstcountyfb . What an honor to have be inducted into Amherst Sports Hall of Fame. To go in the same year as our 2006 and 2007 teams is so special. What a great night and event. @alzom35 #LancerPride pic.twitter.com/fnzGvJCLsv
— Scott Abell (@Scott_AbellFB) November 21, 2024
What Abell Brings to Rice
- Proven Track Record of Turnarounds: Abell’s ability to transform Davidson from a struggling program into a competitive force demonstrates his effectiveness as a leader. His experience will be invaluable as he takes on a similar task at Rice.
- Offensive Innovation: Abell’s strategic mindset, particularly his expertise with the triple-option offense, can provide Rice with a competitive edge in the AAC.
- Focus on Player Development: Abell’s holistic approach to coaching ensures that players grow both athletically and academically, which resonates with Rice’s mission as a top-tier academic institution.
- Recruiting Expertise: To succeed at Rice, recruiting talent that can excel both on the field and in the classroom is critical. Abell’s network and eye for potential will play a pivotal role in building a competitive roster.
Immediate Challenges for Abell
While Abell’s hiring brings excitement, the road ahead is steep. The Owls face multiple hurdles, including:
- Rebuilding a Winning Culture: After a disappointing season, rebuilding morale and setting a new standard will be crucial.
- Recruitment and Retention: The Owls will need to attract and retain high-caliber talent to compete in the AAC.
- Improving Consistency: Rice’s struggles this season have often been due to lapses in execution. Abell will need to instill discipline and consistency in all phases of the game.
- Developing Depth: Injuries and roster depth have been persistent issues for Rice, highlighting the need for a stronger pipeline of talent.
Scott Abell: Fan and Community Reactions
The announcement of Abell’s hiring has sparked optimism among the Rice community.3
Fans and alumni see this move as a commitment to elevating the football program’s stature. Social media buzz and early responses from stakeholders indicate a cautious but hopeful outlook.
“Scott Abell is exactly the type of leader Rice needs,” one fan tweeted. “We’re ready for the Owls to soar again!”
Press Conference Expectations
Abell’s upcoming press conference on November 27 will provide insights into his plans for the program. Key topics likely to be addressed include:
- Short-Term Goals: Abell’s immediate priorities for the team as they conclude the season and enter the offseason.
- Recruiting Strategy: His approach to securing talent that aligns with Rice’s academic and athletic standards.
- Coaching Staff Changes: Potential adjustments to the current coaching staff or key hires he plans to make.
- Vision for the Future: His long-term strategy to establish Rice as a competitive force in the AAC.
The Road Ahead for Rice Football
Under Abell’s leadership, the Owls are aiming for a fresh start. The focus will be on building a foundation that prioritizes both success on the field and the personal development of student-athletes.
With his track record of turning programs around, Abell offers a promising solution to Rice’s recent struggles.
The upcoming offseason will be a critical period for laying the groundwork for the future. From recruiting to implementing new systems, Abell’s influence will be felt immediately. Fans, players, and stakeholders alike are eager to see how the team evolves under his guidance.
Scott Abell: Who Is He?
A Multifaceted Athletic Background
Scott Abell’s athletic journey is rooted in a unique dual-sport background. A standout at Longwood University, he excelled as both a football and baseball player, graduating in 1992.
His prowess on the diamond caught the attention of the Kansas City Royals, who selected him in the MLB draft that same year.
Abell spent a year in their minor league system before deciding to pivot his focus to a career in coaching—a decision that would shape his professional legacy.
Transitioning from Player to Coach
Abell’s shift from playing to coaching allowed him to harness his deep understanding of sports strategy and leadership.
Initially, he began his coaching career at the high school level, where he built a reputation for fostering talent and instilling a winning mentality in young athletes. This foundational experience proved invaluable as he climbed the coaching ranks.
In 2008, Abell joined Washington and Lee University as the offensive coordinator for the Generals football team.
His impact was immediate and transformative. By 2009, the team’s offensive production surged, averaging 23.8 points per game.
In 2010, the offense took another significant leap under his guidance, averaging 35.3 points per game. This offensive renaissance played a crucial role in the Generals’ 8-2 season, marking their best performance since 1981.
Scott Abell: Elevated to Head Coach
Abell’s success as offensive coordinator earned him a promotion to head coach in 2011. Over the next seven years, he established Washington and Lee as a force to be reckoned with in Division III football.
His leadership brought consistency and competitiveness, with the team achieving eight or more wins in four seasons during his tenure.
Three-Time ODAC Champion
One of Abell’s defining accomplishments at Washington and Lee was guiding the Generals to three Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) Championships.
These victories underscored his ability to maximize talent and develop winning strategies, solidifying his reputation as one of the top coaches in Division III football.
A New Chapter at Davidson
In 2018, Abell accepted the head coaching position at Davidson College, a move that presented fresh challenges.
The Wildcats, a member of the Pioneer Football League (PFL), had struggled in previous seasons. Abell brought the same winning philosophy he cultivated at Washington and Lee, transforming the program.
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Back-to-Back PFL Championships
Under Abell’s leadership, Davidson experienced a dramatic turnaround. The Wildcats won two consecutive PFL Championships, a feat that had previously seemed out of reach.
His ability to implement a high-powered offense and inspire his players proved instrumental in these victories.
In addition to PFL Championships, Abell led Davidson to three appearances in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) Playoffs. These achievements further cemented his status as a coach capable of competing at the highest levels of collegiate football.
A Strategic Vision for Rice Football
- Now at the helm of Rice University’s football program, Abell faces a new challenge: rebuilding and revitalizing a team hungry for success.
- With his proven track record of turning struggling programs into contenders, Abell’s appointment has sparked optimism among players, fans, and alumni alike.
- One of Abell’s hallmarks as a coach is his ability to develop dynamic offenses. At both Washington and Lee and Davidson, he demonstrated a knack for tailoring strategies to his players’ strengths.
- This focus on adaptability and player development will be key as he seeks to elevate Rice’s performance in the coming seasons.
- Beyond tactics and statistics, Abell’s success lies in his ability to cultivate a culture of accountability and excellence.
- His teams have consistently embraced a mindset that prioritizes hard work, discipline, and unity—traits that have translated into sustained success on the field.
- Rice presents unique challenges, including competing in a highly competitive conference and navigating the complexities of recruiting in a talent-rich yet crowded landscape.
- However, Abell’s history of overcoming obstacles and achieving results suggests he is well-equipped to meet these demands.
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