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Written by a former Canadian college football player, coach, and physics professor, The author's book is a fictional account of football coach Arne Viimets that examines his personal and professional life that is based at McGill University in Montreal. Fired from his job at a top football university in the U.S. (Clemson) after slapping his quarterback for an interception, he's interviewing for a head coaching position at a medium-sized school while his inner dialogue is arguing about the famous slap.
Arne hasn't coached in ten years. Instead, he has worked in finance. However, things have turned for him, and he needs football. He is a man of many talents, including physics, and a lover of opera, music, books, and spewing information to his team. He has a turtle named Rachmaninov, a dog called Chopin, and a wife, Belinda, who hates football.
Kirchner's book thoroughly discusses the ins and outs of the game, with a significant focus on specific plays. It expertly explores the relationships between coaches as well as coaches and players, while also including chapters by a non-starting linebacker, Kevin Willister. Willister's point of view gives the book some added interest by providing a player's inside look at his coaches' and teammates' idiosyncrasies. The information given about dealing with player injuries, as well as the football supporters and the school administration, offers a realistic look into coaching issues. While entertaining and humorous, the novel has the benefit of believability due to the author's work in the football world. Fans of college football may find this book an enjoyable read.