I'm more excited than ever about coach mode this year. Now that EA has programmed the user QB to move on his own, we finally have a way to play coach mode without having to jump through hoops! So with that being said, I've been working hard on testing out some different things and have come up with a solid base coach mode set.
AUGUST 12 UPDATE
MAIN MENU SETTINGS
Difficulty: All-American
Quarter Length: 15 Minutes
Acceleratd Clock: 18 Seconds (Use House Rule #3 at bottom of post)
These Wear & Tear settings will allow better W&T throughout the season. If you get a guy with a severe W&T injury, be prepared to remove him from your depth chart for multiple games. It will take him some time to recover from a severe W&T injury. Some of the minor injuries may require you to sit a guy for the remainder of a game, but he should be fine to return for the next game. Over the course of the season, you should have some guys miss a few games though.
You will also see your guys have comparable W&T to the non-user teams' players. So for example, your RB with 150 carries should have a similar level of W&T as another team's RB with 150 carries.
Normal Tackle Impact 10
Catch Tackle Impact 10
Hit Stick Impact 20
Cut Stick Impact 20
Defender Tackle Advantage 20
Sack Impact 10
Block Impact 10
Impact Block Impact 10
Per-Play Recovery 5
Per-Timeout Recovery 10
Between-Quarter Recovery 10
Halftime Recovery 15
Week to Week Recovery 20
In-Game Healing Reserve Pool 25
Passing Type: Revamped Passing
Passing Slowdown: Off
Pass Lead Increase: Small
Reticle Speed: 7
Reticle Visibility: Hidden
Meter Visibility: Hidden
AI WR Use for Teams: On
Auto Flip Defensive Playcall: On
Defensive Ball Hawk: On
Defensive Heat Seeker Assist: On
Defensive Heat Seeker Window Size: 100%
Switch Stick Delay: Slight
Defensive Switch Assist: Off
Controlled Player Art: Off
Coach Mode: On
Injuries 35
Fatigue 65 (I'm still monitoring fatigue. I'm considering dropping this to 60. I've noticed players disappearing if you raise this too high. I have noticed my RB has disappeared on 1 or 2 occasions, but I haven't determined if it's the fatigue being too high or the auto subs causing it)
Player Speed Parity Scale: 95
Precipitation Sliders: All Default until further testing has been done
Penalties
Offside 35
False Start 95
Offensive Holding 35
Facemask 35
Illegal Block in the Back 65
Roughing the Passer 50
Defensive Pass Interference 65
Ineligible Receiver Downfield On
Offensive Pass Interference On
Kick Catch Interference On
Intentional Grounding On
Roughing the Kicker On
Running into the Kicker On
Illegal Contact Off
Player Skill and CPU Skill
QB Accuracy 5
In a perfect world, this would be much higher. But Robo QB is a thing in this game. This doesn't eliminate it, but it helps. Good QBs are still good QBs with it set this low, and bad QBs can have good games, but are generally bad to mediocre.
Pass Blocking 55
You MUST set up pass block assignments. Can't set this much higher or it introduces Robo QB almost every game. Set up your blocking. Audible backs and Tight Ends to stay in and block. Figure out creative ways to limit sacks and give your QB more time. I am routinely able to limit sacks to only a couple per game. Elite defensive lines can and will give you trouble still.
WR Catching 65
I'm still monitoring this slider and may adjust it some more. For now it's fine. Generally see around 4 drops total, combined for both user and cpu.
Run Blocking 65
Ball Security 65
The running game is good. Good running teams will generally run the ball well. Against elite defenses, you will still struggle to run the ball. You also need to set up outside runs. Put guys in motion. Don't run against stacked boxes. You will need to get creative to sustain an effective running game, especially late in games when trying to run the clock out.
Reaction Time 35
This does more than just pass reaction. This also affects the defense reaction to running plays. The lower setting really helped to open up the running game a bit. It feels like it's a good balance now.
Interceptions 35
I haven't seen an abundance of interceptions. A lot of them come on plays where the QB will miss the receiver. Seems like a good balance here.
Pass Coverage 65
Pass deflections and coverage feels fine. I don't see defensive players racking up deflections or anything like that. This setting combined with the reaction and interceptions feels like a good balance.
Tackling 38
This number is what I've settled on for two reasons. 1) Defenders aren't just automatically stuffing every running play and 2) Broken tackles are similar to numbers you get from simmed games
FG Power 38
FG Accuracy 38
Kicking field goals is difficult. 50+ yard field goals are FAR from automatic now. If you don't want to kick, slow sim the field goals. Just be aware your team may try to go for it instead of kicking the field goal.
Punt Power 65
Punt Accuracy 63
This allows some booming punts and sets up for better punt returns. It also makes it harder to do coffin corner punts, even with the higher than normal punt accuracy. Again, slow sim the kicks if you wish.
Kickoff Power 65
This allows you to implement some level of strategy into your kickoffs. Can easily kick it out of the back of the endzone if you want to ensure they don't return it. Or maybe you do want them to return it, in which case you only need to kick it at a little more than half power. Can also slow sim the kickoffs.
DYNASTY SETTINGS
Coach XP Speed Setting: Normal
Manual Progression XP Penalty % 0 (Leave at default if using auto progression)
Play call Cooldown: None
Play call Limit: 12
If you struggle to be creative with your play calling, setting a cooldown limit helps to force you be creative. I prefer none because it's not realistic to limit yourself on defense like that. I do like using a play call limit though. I like 12, because that in theory gives you 3 times per quarter to call any particular play.
Quarter Length: 15 Minutes
Accelerated Clock: On
Minimum Play Clock Time: 18
Normal Tackle Impact 10
Catch Tackle Impact 10
Hit Stick Impact 20
Cut Stick Impact 20
Defender Tackle Advantage 20
Sack Impact 10
Block Impact 10
Impact Block Impact 10
Per-Play Recovery 5
Per-Timeout Recovery 10
Between-Quarter Recovery 10
Halftime Recovery 15
Week to Week Recovery 20
In-Game Healing Reserve Pool 25
Transfer Portal:
Max Transfer Per Team 20
User Player Transfer Chance 30
CPU Player Transfer Chance 30
Trying to limit the chance of players like Arch Manning, Dylan Stewart, Colin Simmons, etc all hitting the portal and getting stockpiled on teams. Still testing at 30, but this is where I'm currently at. Last year, in real life FBS, roughly 30% of all FBS players hit the portal. So I'm using 30% as my starting point.
Auto Recruiting: Off
Auto Progress Players: Off
User Coach Auto-Progression: Off
Ball Hawk: Turn On
Heat Seeker: Turn On
Switch Assist: Turn Off
XP Sliders: Credit to @Wrongful-Lump on Reddit
QB 80
RB 88
FB 100
TE 100
WR 5
T 100
G 100
C 130
Edge 83
DT 130
MLB 102
OLB 101
CB 80
FS 195
SS 300
K 100
P 100
Gameplay Sliders: Import Custom Sliders
Auto Subs
I set the following overrides for my positions.
Quarterback: Grind it Out
Halfback: Keep Fresh
Wide Receiver: Normal
Tight End: Normal
Offensive Line: Grind it Out
Defensive End: Keep Fresh
Defensive Tackle: Keep Fresh (Must set this position in game to 85/92 at the start of every game, as it's missing from the dynasty menu)
Linebacker: Normal (Could also use Keep Fresh)
Cornerback: Grind it Out
Safety: Grind it Out
HOUSE RULES
1. Being that this is coach mode, this one is obvious. No controlling the players allowed. Except for special teams and for HB Screen calls. Most HB Screens result in an automatic sack, so manually throwing those is allowed. My reasoning here is because you have to be strategic with your HB Screen calls. These are not automatic first downs any longer. The CPU will blow them up. With this being the case, the coach mode element of the game is still there, you just have to throw it at the appropriate time. It's a small sacrifice I'm willing to make.
2. Simulation style football at all times. No cheese plays allowed. Punt on 4th down, unless it's reasonable to go for it. Just follow the typical sim football style.
3. Snap the ball when the play clock turns red (7 seconds remaining or lower). This helps keep the total number of plays from getting too high. I usually find that by the time I make my pass block adjustments, the play clock is close to expiring anyway. So it's not too much of a stretch to do this house rule.
This is all I can think of at the moment. I'll keep this post updated throughout the year. Hope you enjoy the set. Please post your feedback. I'm always open to constructive feedback. Hi
AUGUST 12 UPDATE
MAIN MENU SETTINGS
Difficulty: All-American
Quarter Length: 15 Minutes
Acceleratd Clock: 18 Seconds (Use House Rule #3 at bottom of post)
These Wear & Tear settings will allow better W&T throughout the season. If you get a guy with a severe W&T injury, be prepared to remove him from your depth chart for multiple games. It will take him some time to recover from a severe W&T injury. Some of the minor injuries may require you to sit a guy for the remainder of a game, but he should be fine to return for the next game. Over the course of the season, you should have some guys miss a few games though.
You will also see your guys have comparable W&T to the non-user teams' players. So for example, your RB with 150 carries should have a similar level of W&T as another team's RB with 150 carries.
Normal Tackle Impact 10
Catch Tackle Impact 10
Hit Stick Impact 20
Cut Stick Impact 20
Defender Tackle Advantage 20
Sack Impact 10
Block Impact 10
Impact Block Impact 10
Per-Play Recovery 5
Per-Timeout Recovery 10
Between-Quarter Recovery 10
Halftime Recovery 15
Week to Week Recovery 20
In-Game Healing Reserve Pool 25
Passing Type: Revamped Passing
Passing Slowdown: Off
Pass Lead Increase: Small
Reticle Speed: 7
Reticle Visibility: Hidden
Meter Visibility: Hidden
AI WR Use for Teams: On
Auto Flip Defensive Playcall: On
Defensive Ball Hawk: On
Defensive Heat Seeker Assist: On
Defensive Heat Seeker Window Size: 100%
Switch Stick Delay: Slight
Defensive Switch Assist: Off
Controlled Player Art: Off
Coach Mode: On
Injuries 35
Fatigue 65 (I'm still monitoring fatigue. I'm considering dropping this to 60. I've noticed players disappearing if you raise this too high. I have noticed my RB has disappeared on 1 or 2 occasions, but I haven't determined if it's the fatigue being too high or the auto subs causing it)
Player Speed Parity Scale: 95
Precipitation Sliders: All Default until further testing has been done
Penalties
Offside 35
False Start 95
Offensive Holding 35
Facemask 35
Illegal Block in the Back 65
Roughing the Passer 50
Defensive Pass Interference 65
Ineligible Receiver Downfield On
Offensive Pass Interference On
Kick Catch Interference On
Intentional Grounding On
Roughing the Kicker On
Running into the Kicker On
Illegal Contact Off
Player Skill and CPU Skill
QB Accuracy 5
In a perfect world, this would be much higher. But Robo QB is a thing in this game. This doesn't eliminate it, but it helps. Good QBs are still good QBs with it set this low, and bad QBs can have good games, but are generally bad to mediocre.
Pass Blocking 55
You MUST set up pass block assignments. Can't set this much higher or it introduces Robo QB almost every game. Set up your blocking. Audible backs and Tight Ends to stay in and block. Figure out creative ways to limit sacks and give your QB more time. I am routinely able to limit sacks to only a couple per game. Elite defensive lines can and will give you trouble still.
WR Catching 65
I'm still monitoring this slider and may adjust it some more. For now it's fine. Generally see around 4 drops total, combined for both user and cpu.
Run Blocking 65
Ball Security 65
The running game is good. Good running teams will generally run the ball well. Against elite defenses, you will still struggle to run the ball. You also need to set up outside runs. Put guys in motion. Don't run against stacked boxes. You will need to get creative to sustain an effective running game, especially late in games when trying to run the clock out.
Reaction Time 35
This does more than just pass reaction. This also affects the defense reaction to running plays. The lower setting really helped to open up the running game a bit. It feels like it's a good balance now.
Interceptions 35
I haven't seen an abundance of interceptions. A lot of them come on plays where the QB will miss the receiver. Seems like a good balance here.
Pass Coverage 65
Pass deflections and coverage feels fine. I don't see defensive players racking up deflections or anything like that. This setting combined with the reaction and interceptions feels like a good balance.
Tackling 38
This number is what I've settled on for two reasons. 1) Defenders aren't just automatically stuffing every running play and 2) Broken tackles are similar to numbers you get from simmed games
FG Power 38
FG Accuracy 38
Kicking field goals is difficult. 50+ yard field goals are FAR from automatic now. If you don't want to kick, slow sim the field goals. Just be aware your team may try to go for it instead of kicking the field goal.
Punt Power 65
Punt Accuracy 63
This allows some booming punts and sets up for better punt returns. It also makes it harder to do coffin corner punts, even with the higher than normal punt accuracy. Again, slow sim the kicks if you wish.
Kickoff Power 65
This allows you to implement some level of strategy into your kickoffs. Can easily kick it out of the back of the endzone if you want to ensure they don't return it. Or maybe you do want them to return it, in which case you only need to kick it at a little more than half power. Can also slow sim the kickoffs.
DYNASTY SETTINGS
Coach XP Speed Setting: Normal
Manual Progression XP Penalty % 0 (Leave at default if using auto progression)
Play call Cooldown: None
Play call Limit: 12
If you struggle to be creative with your play calling, setting a cooldown limit helps to force you be creative. I prefer none because it's not realistic to limit yourself on defense like that. I do like using a play call limit though. I like 12, because that in theory gives you 3 times per quarter to call any particular play.
Quarter Length: 15 Minutes
Accelerated Clock: On
Minimum Play Clock Time: 18
Normal Tackle Impact 10
Catch Tackle Impact 10
Hit Stick Impact 20
Cut Stick Impact 20
Defender Tackle Advantage 20
Sack Impact 10
Block Impact 10
Impact Block Impact 10
Per-Play Recovery 5
Per-Timeout Recovery 10
Between-Quarter Recovery 10
Halftime Recovery 15
Week to Week Recovery 20
In-Game Healing Reserve Pool 25
Transfer Portal:
Max Transfer Per Team 20
User Player Transfer Chance 30
CPU Player Transfer Chance 30
Trying to limit the chance of players like Arch Manning, Dylan Stewart, Colin Simmons, etc all hitting the portal and getting stockpiled on teams. Still testing at 30, but this is where I'm currently at. Last year, in real life FBS, roughly 30% of all FBS players hit the portal. So I'm using 30% as my starting point.
Auto Recruiting: Off
Auto Progress Players: Off
User Coach Auto-Progression: Off
Ball Hawk: Turn On
Heat Seeker: Turn On
Switch Assist: Turn Off
XP Sliders: Credit to @Wrongful-Lump on Reddit
QB 80
RB 88
FB 100
TE 100
WR 5
T 100
G 100
C 130
Edge 83
DT 130
MLB 102
OLB 101
CB 80
FS 195
SS 300
K 100
P 100
Gameplay Sliders: Import Custom Sliders
Auto Subs
I set the following overrides for my positions.
Quarterback: Grind it Out
Halfback: Keep Fresh
Wide Receiver: Normal
Tight End: Normal
Offensive Line: Grind it Out
Defensive End: Keep Fresh
Defensive Tackle: Keep Fresh (Must set this position in game to 85/92 at the start of every game, as it's missing from the dynasty menu)
Linebacker: Normal (Could also use Keep Fresh)
Cornerback: Grind it Out
Safety: Grind it Out
HOUSE RULES
1. Being that this is coach mode, this one is obvious. No controlling the players allowed. Except for special teams and for HB Screen calls. Most HB Screens result in an automatic sack, so manually throwing those is allowed. My reasoning here is because you have to be strategic with your HB Screen calls. These are not automatic first downs any longer. The CPU will blow them up. With this being the case, the coach mode element of the game is still there, you just have to throw it at the appropriate time. It's a small sacrifice I'm willing to make.
2. Simulation style football at all times. No cheese plays allowed. Punt on 4th down, unless it's reasonable to go for it. Just follow the typical sim football style.
3. Snap the ball when the play clock turns red (7 seconds remaining or lower). This helps keep the total number of plays from getting too high. I usually find that by the time I make my pass block adjustments, the play clock is close to expiring anyway. So it's not too much of a stretch to do this house rule.
This is all I can think of at the moment. I'll keep this post updated throughout the year. Hope you enjoy the set. Please post your feedback. I'm always open to constructive feedback. Hi
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