Jerritt Elliott often treats his Texas volleyball program like a corporation of sorts, and that's a compliment.
During matches, the head coach often sits back on the bench and chats with assistants David Hunt, Ben Josephson and Reily Canter while keeping a close but quiet eye on the match. He'll provide brief pointers to his players and occasionally wave an arm toward the crowd during big moments on the Longhorns' home court at Gregory Gymnasium.
It's a style that's worked well since Elliott took over the program 26 years ago. In a results-oriented profession, he's led Texas to three national titles, 11 Final Fours and 15 conference championships.
But last weekend, things look different on the Texas bench. In a win over Auburn and a five-set loss to No. 7 Florida, the 58-year-old Elliott stood almost the entire time and exhorted his players with each pass and every swing. The Longhorns seemed to respond while playing some of their most competitive volleyball of the season.
"Oh, he was really into it," said middle blocker Nya Bunton after the 3-0 win over Auburn. "He was yelling out advice and clapping. It was fun to see."
Expect more fire from Elliott the rest of the season, which continues for No. 14 Texas (9-7, 5-3 SEC) Sunday with a visit to South Carolina.
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"The kids like it when I'm out there," he said, referring to his stance on the sideline. "Usually, I am at the end of the bench, but with these kids I've got to be a bit younger with a little bit more energy for them to feel it."
Elliott has said this year's squad tends to play with a more even keel. Sure, players such as Torrey Stafford and Cari Spears celebrate kills with screams and hand slaps, and Bunton and Taylor Harvey will share a big hug after an even bigger block. But the team doesn't wear its emotions on its burnt-orange sleeves, like some of Elliott's past squads. That means the coach wants to inject just a little bit more juice onto the court from the sidelines.
"We're working a lot on this kind of next-wave mentality and staying focused for one point at a time," Elliott said. "So, I feel like it helps out when I'm standing up right now."
But don't expect many rah-rah rants or viral venting before a match. Elliott remains more Nick Saban than Knute Rockne in his pregame messaging. Excitement helps, but it's still about efficiency on both sides of the net when it comes to contending for championships.
"I mean, he's not giving us a big pep talk or anything before a match," Bunton said. "But he's giving us what we need with his advice and just letting us know what he sees. We like it."
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This article originally published at Jerritt Elliott showing more fire as Texas volleyball tries to make SEC push. Here's why.