George McDonald said he was "blindsided" on Saturday when Scott Shafer told him that he'd been demoted from offensive coordinator to wide receivers coach.
"If I would’ve known I would only get 18 games to be offensive coordinator, I would have stayed at the University of Arkansas," McDonald said. "I would have never came here."
McDonald was sitting in his office on Saturday night, trying to fix an offense that's scored one touchdown in the last two games. Around 8 p.m., he received a phone call from Shafer. They had a brief conversation and Shafer told McDonald about the demotion and that it was his decision alone. Before then, Shafer hadn't talked about a possible change, McDonald said.
"In life, nothing is ever guaranteed," McDonald said. "But like I said, I thought I was going to get an opportunity to develop an offense.
Tim Lester has taken over McDonald's playcalling duties, after serving as quarterbacks coach since the start of last season. During Shafer's weekly teleconference on Tuesday, he said the decision was in the "best interest" of the team. Although he said the move wasn't preconceived a long time ago, he refuted the notion that it was a knee-jerk response to Syracuse's 28-6 loss to Louisville.
McDonald said he cried when he learned of the decision and cried again yesterday. He didn't sleep much. He read the Bible and talked to his mother for support.
Many other coaches even reached out to McDonald, including Maryland OC Mike Locksley.
"It kind of gives you a little pep in your step or a little, okay, I’m not as bad as Syracuse thinks I am," he said.
But McDonald expressed disappointment in his own head coach. He explained that his past relationship with Shafer was the reason he bolted from the SEC to Syracuse. Now that he's lost his title and his playcalling responsibilities, McDonald says the dynamic of their relationship has changed a lot.
"Fair’s judgment," he said. "I don’t think anyone gets a fair shake when they get fired after five games."
The 38-year-old coach was not only disappointed, but defiant. Even though he acknowledged Syracuse's struggles in the red zone and on third down, he cited statistics showing successes. He pointed out that the Orange is 39th in rushing and 86th in passing, both improvements from last season.
McDonald also said the last few days have been a whirlwind of emotions for him.
First, devastated.
Then, hurt.
Angered.
And frustrated.
But now, he said he's trying to focus on supporting Lester, a "great offensive coach". McDonald added that his immediate future is at Syracuse, as it would take "something crazy" for him to leave in the middle of the season. Doing so would go against what he's taught his players.
"I can’t leave because I’ve asked them to invest so much in what we are doing and to give me so much," McDonald said.
And added, "I can’t just because I’m not happy, turn my back on these kids because none of them have ever turned their back on me even when I yelled at them, cussed at them or went over-demanding to try to get perfection."