Iowa football pipeline: How MTSU's new QB plan traces back to Kirk Ferentz
When Middle Tennessee State head coach Derek Mason looked for a way to protect his rising star quarterback Roman Gagliano, he turned to a familiar name in Iowa football circles. The Blue Raiders' plan for Gagliano, who shined in limited action last season, relies heavily on a revamped offensive line and coaching staff that includes a direct link to Hawkeye legend Kirk Ferentz.
Mason, entering his third season at MTSU, made his intentions clear at Conference USA football media day on July 21 in Arlington, Texas. The focus is simple: protect the quarterback and score points.
“Most of our resources were put on the offensive line,” Mason said. “I don't mind saying it, because if you can run and protect your quarterback, it gives you the chance to put points on the board.”
Why Iowa fans should care about MTSU's quarterback plan
Mason hired Christopher Browne as his new offensive line coach. Browne served as an assistant offensive line coach at Iowa in 2023 under Ferentz, one of the most respected offensive line developers in college football. Browne also worked under former Arkansas coach Sam Pittman, another renowned line coach.
“In Chris Browne we got somebody who has had his own room, but has also been around two of the greatest offensive line coaches in the country in Kirk Ferentz and Sam Pittman,” Mason said.
For Iowa fans, this connection highlights the ongoing influence of the Hawkeye program on college football nationwide. Ferentz's coaching tree and philosophy continue to shape programs far beyond Iowa City.
Gagliano's breakout performance earned him the starting job
Gagliano became the starter for MTSU's final three games last season after senior Nick Vattiato was injured. The redshirt freshman made the most of his opportunity. He completed 78 of 135 passes for 1,005 yards with seven touchdowns and zero interceptions. He led the Blue Raiders to wins in two of their last three games.
That performance convinced Mason that Gagliano was the future. But Mason also realized the quarterback needed better protection. MTSU went 3-9 overall and 2-6 in conference play last season, finishing eighth in Conference USA in total offense with 371.6 yards per game.
“I looked at where we were, and there were some changes that needed to be made,” Mason said. “It had to do with philosophy and really just development.”
New offensive coordinator brings proven results
Mason also hired Anthony Scelfo as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. Scelfo previously served in the same role at Southeastern Louisiana, where his offense ranked 22nd nationally in red zone efficiency in 2025 and 32nd in scoring.
“When you look at what Scelfo did at Southeast the last couple of years, it's crazy,” Mason said. “What they were able to do from personnel to physicality and put up pass numbers, it fits my personality.”
Offensive line overhaul aims to protect the quarterback
To give Gagliano a fighting chance, Mason brought in six offensive line transfers: Reese Tripp (Minnesota), Brennan Smith (Mississippi State), Trevaris Edwards (West Florida), Adrian Crespin (Virginia Union), Chris Moreno (Monmouth) and Tim Jacobs (Ohio Dominican).
“I thought our team, as well as our staff, ran into some times last year because we had some things happen to us,” Mason said. “That's just part of it. I think this group is different. We're older in some ways. We've put some experience around Roman. It's a group now with more depth, a little more hardened with the idea of what this conference is.”
Mason emphasized that scoring 30-plus points per game is necessary to compete in Conference USA. The offensive line overhaul and coaching changes are designed to make that possible.
“If you can run and protect your quarterback, it gives you the chance to put points on the board,” Mason said. “We're going to give Roman Gagliano the chance to get started.”
What this means for Iowa football fans
For Iowans who follow college football, Browne's hiring at MTSU is another reminder of the Ferentz coaching pipeline. Browne's experience at Iowa under Ferentz gave him a foundation in offensive line development that Mason believes will translate to Conference USA success.
The Blue Raiders open the 2026 season with renewed optimism, thanks in large part to a quarterback who doesn't turn the ball over and a coaching staff built around Iowa-tested principles.