Based upon what you know about the process how far down the road is the staff? Where have they exceeded objectives, areas they would be disappointed with progress, and what is your prediction on what the biggest change to occur in 2018?
how far down the road is the staff? Well, the process is never a straight road moving upward. When humans are involved, the hills and valleys show up like you are driving in a dense fog and the road makes a sharp left without notice. It's never easy and a daily battle and will continue to be that way no matter how long CMC is coach. "THE PROCESS" is like a book on how to live your daily life.
My humble opinion on specific areas:
1] QB- I think they love their players at this position, but just too youthful to combine the talent and decision making needed to win big even next year.: Noland[if starter] will have great days next year and be grilled on here for costing the team at least one loss due to his play. Youthful mistakes, but really talented.
2] Oline: Bringing in guys they need to run this offense the way they want. Will see some improvement next year, but Oline is a difficult position to get to dominant level. I'm sure they want to be able to line up with 2 or 3 TE in game and say here we come....stop us. You see it already when Lanning came in. They will want to do it with normal QB and RB in lineup.
3]Culture: Credit these seniors. Only the players can truly make it happen initially.
4] Overall defense. It will be a little better next year if LB's step up.
5]
Biggest change. I don't think I ever have seen a big change [except culture and expectations]in the 8 years following CMC. Consistency playing solid in all three areas. Put players in a position to be successful. Discipline, ball control, toughness. Biggest change I have ever seen is the defense playing 3 down linemen to the extent they did this year.
6] Depending on the human variable [injuries etc] We will be anywhere from 6 to 9 wins next year during the regular season. It will be tougher next year. The opposing coaches already knew we would be a challenge, players just remember the history. Now, the history is changed. We now somewhat have a target on our back. This excites me even more.
7]
areas they would be disappointed with progress. I view CMC and staff as relentless in all areas. I also believe they view this program as a true family so they may be disappointed in a player and or position, but never stop pushing for the best the group can give....coach talk..haha.
NOTE: I'm no expert, have no interaction with the staff since they left, and would never want to be a disservice to this staff. Take what I state with a large grain of salt.
P.S. I did hear recently that CMC really loves it out there in the FarWest....lol.