So since everyone has ideas about who will be or who should or should not be the next head coach at Virginia Tech. I'm taking an idea someone had earlier and running with it. I thought people could research and write up their candidate(s) for the head coaches position and provide all of the rest of the TKP community with information about them. Use their coaching history, record, what is their style, strengths/weaknesses, what can they bring to Blacksburg to make Tech better. Don't just make the case for them but introduce TKP to these guys one of whom may be the future head coach of the Hokies. Bring forth your candidate and let them be judged by the TKP community.
Forums:
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Comments
Awesome idea man!
Let's start off easy: BUD
Pros: Loyal Hokie (knows the culture, part of the family, has plenty of fan support, has solid assistants already in place, provides continuity), great drive to succeed here, outstanding motivator, brilliant defensive mind, wants an offense just as aggressive as his defense.
Cons: Many want an outsider to take over, prone to media gaffes, seems disinterested with recruiting, no experience as a head coach, not sure we could land the offensive coach needed to really change that side of the ball if we hire ANY defensive guy as HC.
Only qualm I have with Bud is recruiting. Which is a product of his gimmick defense, him just not being that great of a recruiter, or a combination of the two.
Unfortunately, recruiting acumen is pretty much the #1 thing I'm looking for in a new coach.
I don't know if its fair to say recruiting is his weakness (yet). He'll have an opportunity to pitch to Whit his recruiting philosophies (which may be different under his regime). Seeing Shane not thrive under CFB while doing so well under Spurrier makes me think MAYBE the head coach had more to do with it. I don't know, but I don't think we should write off Bud as a recruiter so quickly.
If he had recruiting ideas and bit his tongue the last few years while we let guys slip away, that's almost worse than him being a poor recruiter
Recruiting IS ABSOLUTELY BUD'S WEAKNESS. And therefore, should not be the next HC. End of story.
Yea I really never liked that Recruiting guy anyway.
(Sorry I couldn't help myself)
Fine if recruiting is his weakness, he just needs to surround himself with other coaches who can recruit, and other staff members who can plan/advise recruiting for him.
Or, just leave him where he is, and get a recruiter/strategist/public media person as head coach?
Nope. We cannot eliminate 14% of our recruiting firepower right off the top -- no matter how good a DC he's been.
A always
B be
C 'cruiting
Gimmick defense? stop.
Just because it's a gimmick doesn't mean that it doesn't work
I just feel he has issues and past discretion I'd rather not be associated with VT. I may be completely wrong but...
Another minor tadbit. Who would be DC? Wiles? Gray? Would they be Co-DCs and if so would one get priority in terms of scheme and authority or would be equal? And if so, which one?
I know there are several head coaches out there that call plays on one side of the ball or the other. He could theoretically still be both HC and DC, and we could just bring in an extra position coach. This may actually work best.
I recommend French
Strengths- Not Rich Rodriguez or Lane Kiffin. Firm believer that the straight T formation can still work in Power 5 college football.
Weaknesses- Will run the straight T just to spite everyone.
Whelp, Strengths definitely out weigh the weaknesses.
I love you French, and I owe you many beers, but you just set yourself up as the Straight T CPJ.
Saw the comment, prepared to post a Paul Johnson reference, saw that you beat me to it. Leg.
"WHEN RUN PROPERLY THE POWER I CAN BE UNSTOPPABLE"
JOHN CENA
STRENGTHS: HE'S JOHN CENA. YOU CAN'T SEE HIM. HE'S THE PEOPLE'S CHAMP. YOU KNOW HE WILL ALWAYS WIN EVEN BEFORE THE GAME STARTS.
WEAKNESSES: STYLE OF PLAY MIGHT BE A LITTLE BLAND. NO HEAD COACHING EXPERIENCE
THURSDAY NIGHT RAW
LIVE FROM LANE STADIUM
Champ? Who is Champ?
THAT QUESTION WILL BE ANSWERED THIS SUNDAY NIGHT
reference for those out of the loop: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRRsXxE1KVY
I'm watching you.
Because he knows what every recruit wants
I'll start off on the astronomically long shot side of things:
Mike Tomlin:
I literally think Nick Saban, Urban Meyer, Jimbo Fisher, etc would have nightmares. A Super Bowl winning coach, outstanding leader and excellent character. Very intense. He and Bud would make an incredibly intense coaching duo. STRONG ties in the 757. Have no doubt he would do damage recruiting, build a great staff, and sell the idea to recruits to come be groomed into NFL caliber players and outstanding young men. Fits the strong family atmosphere as well. Would be an unbelievable home run.
Cons: Would be very, very expensive. Steelers just gave him a contract extension. Already coaching arguably the most storied NFL franchise ever. Fans and Rooneys love him. Would he even be interested in college? Probably nothing more than a pipedream, but wishful thinking is fun.
Sorry, but I can't get on board with this. Tomlin hasn't recruited a high schooler in at least fifteen years. No way he can just jump back in it.
I urge you to watch some of these YouTube videos of him speaking to the Hampton Roads Youth Foundation the past few years. You don't think this guy could relate to high school athletes?
I'm sure he's a great speaker and I'm sure he can relate but it's not that simple. Recruiting isn't a let me go talk to kids kind of thing. There's just a huge difference in his coaching and college coaching.
Forgive me if I'm wrong, but you must not have watched any of that video. Your opinion is your opinion, and I respect that. But the guy is talking to teenage student-athletes in the 757 area about the importance of going to class, getting an education, and staying focused on being the best they can possibly be athletically and academically. If that doesn't sound at all like the makings of a great recruiting pitch, then I don't know what does.
What does a good recruiter need to do? Be able to talk to and relate to the kids, have them listen, have them respect you, and have them believe in your message.
Going to class, getting an education and being a good athlete is only a small part of the equation. A former judge of the county my school was based in came and talked to my school. He related to us, made us listen, and we respected him but does that make him a good recruiter? No. You're only looking at a small part of the equation. I'd love to have him coach Tampa Bay since I'm a huge Bucs fan, but he's not a college coach and hasn't been for so long. He may be a good coach but we can do better. If we're shooting for an NFL coach we'd do better to look east to Philly.
What is the other huge part of the recruiting equation actually?
The other huge part of recruiting? Salesmanship. Yes, he can give one hell of a motivational speech and inspire a kid to do great things, but that doesn't necessarily mean he can convince a kid to do those great things in Blacksburg. I'm not saying he can't, but we don't really know if he can, either.
I think his pedigree speaks for itself. Can you think of a bigger, better name in all of football who is more respected? I'm talking at any level. Super Bowl champ, knows what it takes to get kids to the next level, knows how to coach a winning team, knows how to transform boys into young men, knows how to win championships. I'm sure he could convince guys to come to Blacksburg.
Take Buzz Williams, for instance. Comes to VT, which had been in the cellar of the ACC in basketball for a few years and doesn't really have a ton of basketball history. Starts pulling in top 20 recruiting classes instantly because of the fact that he is Buzz Williams. Kids know he's a top coach, can get the very best out of them, and gives you a chance to play in the ACC.
Thanks to Beamer, VT has excellent football facilities, a winning tradition, family-like environment, and sits in very good recruiting territory in a conference that can get you to the playoff. Bring in a guy with Tomlin's credentials and message, and I think he would absolutely kill it on the recruiting trail. Would definitely continue the family atmosphere and clean program Beamer has built as well. I can't think of a bigger home run hire than that.
I'm not saying he can't do that, I'm saying we can find other people that we KNOW can convey all of that to a recruit. It's not even so much about doing it, it's about managing it. Logistically speaking its not easy.
I don't think any head coach in the country directly and solely "manages" recruiting. Stinespring has been our recruiting coordinator, assistant coaches are heavily involved, and we have a large support staff for recruiting headed up by Guerry. You're saying he can't do something that he wouldn't even be asked to do and would be provided plenty of staff and resources in order to accomplish that.
The head coach needs to be the closer. He meets with the recruits in their living rooms and convinces them and their families, gives them a great speech on their OV's, and talks with them in his office. If you think the head coach is responsible for every single detail of recruiting, scouting, and logistics, that is simply not how it works.
Even the guy you mentioned, Kelly, was issued a show cause for having staff improperly utilize a recruiting service. I like Chip a lot as well and would consider him another long shot/dream candidate, but I don't think he would have as much of a bombshell effect in recruiting as Tomlin could. Chip strikes me as much more of an Xs and Os guy with a system and a process, not as much as a salesman or motivator. Could rub some people the wrong way, and I don't know if his system would embrace Frank's family atmosphere and culture that has been developed at VT quite as much.
I wasn't trying to dismiss the notion that Tomlin could be good here, merely answering the question that was posed. I do think your response may be overselling him a bit, though, particularly these two items:
He has just a few years of college coaching experience, and none of it was at a school with a lot of NFL talent (VMI, Memphis, Arky State, and Cincy), so we don't really know how good he is at preparing kids for the next level. As for transforming boys into men, he never stayed in a college job long enough to have a track record for this. Most of his career has been spent in the NFL, where the players he's coaching area already grown men.
Again, I'm not disagreeing with the contention that he would be a tremendous hire. Honestly, I don't even think that he'd have to be that good a salesman to attract great recruits to VT. What stud recruit with dreams of playing on Sundays wouldn't want to come play for a guy with his NFL resume? But really, why are we even debating this? The odds of him leaving the Steelers are slim to none, and Slim's on a slow horse riding out of town.
I disagree. It's not hard to be a Salesman if your product is better than everyone else's. I'm neither for nor against Tomlinson, but he is about as good of a coach as you could ask for. That's pretty damn easy to sell to an 18 year old. I find it hard to believe that a successful NFL coach would have trouble recruiting to our current level. If Tomlinson was a mediocre recruiter, it would be better than a lesser named coach who is a good recruiter in my opinion.
I actually think Tomlin would be a good recruiter. He seems well connected and revered in the 757 and Pennsylvania, two major recruiting areas for VT. With his pedigree, he would have a near instant connection and easily cast a nation-wide net. However, he would need to hire a well-experienced recruiting coordinator to run the logistics. The recruiting (non-coaching) staff, like Guerry, would also assist him.
Exactly. I'm not saying he needs to or would have to run the entire recruiting show. He would have a great recruiting staff, like Guerry as you mentioned, to deal with that. What the head coach needs to be is the face and voice of the program. The closer that seals the deal. If I'm a highly-regarded high school recruit coming down to decision time, and Mike Tomlin walks in my living room with that pedigree and message, sign me up today.
So you would pass on Mike Tomlin, if you were VT's AD?
Yes. If I'm VT's AD and I can get Mike Tomlin, I can get someone just as good that's been in the college game longer than he has. Like Kevin Sumlin, James Franklin, and Art Briles. All these coaches make less than Tomlin. Hell, if you can get Tomlin, you can get Urban Meyer money-wise since they both are about the same right now.
My point is, he's a bit of gamble for that much money.
Like Kevin Sumlin, James Franklin, and Art Briles
I'm sorry but James Franklin is a horrible coach. He is an above average recruiter but the man cannot coach a game of foosball for his life. I would equate him to a cop that works in CVille
Ok fine take him out and replace with someone like Gus Malzahn, Hugh Freeze, Les Miles.
Gamble? Seriously? Pipe dream, just like Urban. Ain't a-gonna happen.
You're missing the point but okay.
Sorry for delay, I was on the road and missed your reply. No, I didn't miss the point, I know all of this was a pipe dream episode, but I just didn't feel like Mike Tomlin was a "gamble", given the scenario. Just my opinion, though, and more than a week late. Sorry.
Probably the longest shot out of any of the candidates that have been seriously mentioned on here.
But boy would I shit brix.
I don't follow the Steelers that closely, but aren't they known for a more family type atmosphere? Tomlin has embraced that cultural and kept it going. To me, it shows he could very easily fit right in at Virginia Tech. The Wiki entry for Mike Tomlin stated that his hire continues the trend of the Steelers hiring head coaches in their 30s. Since Tomlin getting the job is more of a pipe dream, I'm all for getting a younger head coach that is getting ready to head into the prime time of his career.
I can't sign off on this...
The 'Dirtiest Player in the Game' would have us on probation in no time!
Plus the only continuity on his coaching staff would be Arn Anderson.
Mark Wahlberg
Pro's: Relatable. Played for the Philadelphia Eagles. Creates a family-like atmosphere among his entourage. Accomplished musician. Has magical teddy bear
Con's: None, he's Marky Mark
Also should add to the pros that he's fought Decepticons, apes, mobsters, and the Taliban. That's an impressive resume.
Pro: Our team's nickname would be the Funky Bunch
Con: Enter Sandman would be replaced by Good Vibrations
How about...
Come On Come on!
Feel It Feel It!
Feel the Vibration!!!
SOLD
Pro: We'd have a thunder buddy for life.
plus he cares about the family atmosphere and would bring that with him......
Pros: Almost beat USC once....
Cons: Too many to mention
Pros: would be cheap as he is still being paid by at least ND and KU (possibly Florida as well?). Agree with the cons.
I figured my Pro was a s good one as he has gotten paid many times over based off that loss.
Aragorn
Strengths:
Great recruiter.
United the kingdoms of Gondor and Arnor, so bringing unity between offense, defense, and special teams would come easily.
Played a significant role in the defeat of Sauron. Would show equal fervor in the defeat of UVA.
Due to his excellence in encouraging speeches and motivational prowess, he would give great interviews.
Weaknesses:
Momentary self-doubt, unsure if he should take on the job at times.
this deserves many legs.
Hurricane Ditka.
I see this thread has not gone the way Hokie Fireman invisioned it would. Oh well.
It might have helped if he started with his own example....
Bud Foster
Strengths:
Bleeds Orange and Chicago Maroon
Lunch Pail Mentality Incarnate
Has actual Hokie DNA
Excellence Reaches for him
Every night before he goes to bed, the sandman checks his closet and under his bed for Bud Foster
Weakness:
None
I really believe that the only coach that is going to be kept on staff will be Shane. He will be moved to Special Teams coach because he as done it successfully before. This will provide a Beamer presence on the staff that can be sold has continuing CFB family values.
If whomever is HC does not try his best to retain Bud Foster he isn't that smart. He may have some suggestions as to some tweaks but Bud is one of the best, I don't know where you would go for an "upgrade" in that department. Plus losing Torrian would be huge as well. Those two at a minimum must be kept imo.
At first I wanted Beamer's replacement to be an offensive-minded coach that could convince Foster to stay; a fantastic combination.
Then I realized Foster as head coach would just scare the crap out of the offense until they became just as good as the defense. So why would we take the chance with anyone else?
If this logic seems flawed, I have had my share of Bourbon this week.
Logic=flawless
-For actual stats (using wiki, but still looks legit and their numbers are cited), since 1999 he's really been consistently great. Total defense ranked top 10 in the country ten times; scoring defense has ranked top 10 in the country nine times.
Bud's Wikipedia Page
-2000 defensive coordinator of the year per American Football Coaches Association
-1999, 2001, 2005, and 2006 Broyles Award Finalist (won in 2006)
-He's evolved with technology - social media
-Coaches that are truly successful are a bit older/experienced than these 40 year old hot names. Urban, Saban, Fisher, Chip Kelly, Stoops, Mack Brown, Malzahn, Briles - all older than Hermans/Fuente
Cons:
Recruiting. Despite all his success, does not often land elite talent, especially in state. French has noted his scheme is different and that may be a cause - that probably won't change if he is HC. I believe he's also been kind of screwed by staff's overall recruiting failures which lead to a guy like Marshall playing DT, Nijman having to move to OL, Teller to OL.
If not Bud, then I hope it's Hermans (genius), then Fuente. After that, it doesn't really matter. Last choice is RichRod because he's got plenty of HC experience and never really been elite.
I am with BUD all day long!!!
Pros:
amazing football mind.
Tons of energy
good motivator
mentored by the best
keeps Hokie Nation together
not afraid to retool the Offense
Cons: not polished, says outlandish things to media...this isn't really that bad all the time as it can help with exposure.
Never HC before
Recruiting is a con for him as well.
Am I the only one who wouldn't hate having a coach who might actually have a bit of personality when addressing the media? I look forward to hearing people like Les Miles speak post game. I've never really come across anything Bud has said that I consider inappropriate or in poor taste, and I think it could be fun too see him fired up after a win. Can someone shed some light on this for me?
We could always give Mike Gundy a call...
PROS: our whole team goes to the NFL after they win a championship every other year!
CONS: cant actually coach, maybe under NCAA investigations the whole time hes here, we have to reload every year.
I know it's a joke, but coach can coach the hell out of a basketball team.
The new coach probably won't be Bud, based on what I'm reading, but it most definitely should be.
What Beamer built was more than just wins and losses. It was that blue collar mentality, the family atmosphere, caring about the Blacksburg community, recruiting under-the-radar guys and turning 3-star talent into much more than that, etc. I get that some of that has faded in the past few years, but it's part of the culture that Beamer built and its part of what we as fans love so much about our program and makes our program unique.
Maybe another coach wins a lot of games - which is obviously important - but Bud grew up under Beamer, and he'd be the guy to continue the culture and the intangibles of this program. Not to mention, Bud is a hell of a DC and would probably win plenty of games in his own right. Maybe he doesn't make the huge recruiting splash we all want, but maybe he does. If it doesn't work out, we hire a new HC. But it seems silly to me to go outside the program without first giving our elite, loyal, long-time DC a shot.
Beamer will be missed. Bud for HC.
Unfortunately, the hard working, blue collar, family oriented atmosphere is not playing with the younger fans that make up the student population and recent grads. And they are the ones screaming the loudest about cleaning house. Wins are all that matter. I have never known a VT team without CFB and Bud. I started school in 93 and have been on a magic carpet ride ever since. And I am grateful for all that they have done and all of the good times and memories that they have given me.
As a current student, I would disagree. Personally, I'm torn. It's Bud Foster, the only DC (and best) I've ever known.
On the other hand, change is always intriguing. As long, as the same values are instilled (which are very important to VT and I believe Babcock) I would be okay with a change in football philosophy.
This is why I threw out the name Philip Montgomery in another thread. He is basically Art Briles' Bud Foster, by starting at the high school ranks with him and working all the way to Baylor. He is now in his first year as the HC at Tulsa. I'm not sure that he would like to move east, far from the Texas-Oklahoma area. I could instead see him taking over a major program in that area, but he seems like an up and comer for sure.
Here's an article discussing just how important those hard working, blue collar, family oriented values are to him: Philip Montgomery
Here are also some stats referencing the turnaround at Tulsa in just his first year from my other post:
Plus, you can get him at a good cost leaving room for assistant salaries, because his salary is currently $800k.
I'm not saying he's the guy, because I also am very high on Justin Fuente, but I would say this is the type of guy I would like if we are hiring from out-of-house.
All good points. However I would still go with Bud because he is wiser.
My main reason to go for Bud is because I would be terrified of having to play against him if he goes elsewhere.
I see what you did there.
via GIPHY
I just don't get what keeping the current coaching staff at VT would do. I would get Bud and maybe Lefty as a QB coach, but even then I don't see that happening, if anything a lower tier coach like Zohn seems to have a higher chance to stay. Just my Opinion.
We have not done well closing on top recruits and winning the bigger games, now that is down to multiple reasons. What would keeping the current staff do to change that, would a new HC get more out of the same staff that beamer had? Would the staff want to do things differently than the way beamer did it?
I think VT and Whit could easily be able to find that family oriented, blue collar guy while also getting a fresh outlook on recruiting. Lets be real VT's Offense and Defense are not bare, a good HC could come in next year install a system and probably win 6-7 games.. The microscope will be focused on how well he does with his 1st recruiting class, that's the area that could see a little uptick with a new "offensive minded HC" in charge.
Bud has said he would not do things the same way as Beamer. It would be a link of continuity, but in no way would it be a vote for the same-old-same-old. French recently highlighted this in the Bud Foster feature from a year or so ago.
so if Bud does end up getting the HC job what does he do with the other coaches that have been at VT for years and years.. Have to imagine he would want to get rid of some people and not others, this would be messier than just hiring a whole new staff IMO. Just sounds like a very sticky situation but I'm sure Whit will do whats best.
He'll probably do what any coach would do when given the chance to assert his direction of the program: get the people he thinks gives him the best chance to win. The idea that fricken Bud Foster is going to let sentimentality overrule what he thinks is best for the team is ridiculous. I don't think he'll have any problem getting rid of people who aren't getting it done.
And I think this is what Whit is going to do. He is going to put his stamp on VT by cleaning house and making it his program.
soo that would probably mean the whole coaching staff except Zohn and Gray??
Possibly. I think you're being overly pessimistic about our current performance, but cuts that deep even with Foster in charge wouldn't shock me at all (other than Wiles being cut, I guess).
pessimistic-- maybe but at the end of the day the record speaks for itself.
I do think we have a pretty solid offensive side coming back next year so that's promising. defensively is where the issues are. Still questions at LB, a young db group and we lose 3 of 4 starting d linemen.
I think we can all bring out + and - for each coach being linked with the team. We just have to hope Whit thinks long term and not the band aid cover up.
The D dropped from elite to average after losing one of the best players in the country, having their stud defensive end ineffective due to injury, a star defensive tackle barely playing, and losing a starter for the year at one of the most important positions on your team. You can talk all you want about having to recruit better and build depth, but bottom line is that when you lose 4/5 of the most important players on your side and still put a respectable unit on the field, it's not exactly a dumpster fire. Especially when you look at the body of work that's been put up over 20 years.
Purely results oriented thinking is a fast way to making a bad decision. There's issues in the program that need to be addressed, and I'm not saying we don't need to make some big changes, but assessing everything as a dumpster fire because of some close losses is being a bit hasty.
where did i say dumpster fire, i'm confused I must not be reading correctly?
We were talking current performance which is why I brought up our record because currently its not pretty but we could still get to a bowl. That would be a good way to finish the year off but its an uphill battle.
Agree.. so we look at the recruiting rankings from the last 3 years and notice that they have dropped every year along with the on field performance. Put those two together and you get multiple years of sneaking into a bowl game.
I think we're getting pushed away from the argument. You implied that because the defense hasn't been as good as usual this year, Bud is a bad choice for head coach or that all the coaches have to go. I countered that the defense has had some extraordinarily bad luck but is still grading as competent but not great. If you really think that one season where the results haven't been up to expectation means we need to wipe the slate clean, then I strongly disagree. It's the kind of results-based thinking I mentioned. The defense is fine, just struggling with injuries and youth.
If you want to argue a complete overhaul on offense then you'll have no arguments from me, but you're arguing for cutting ties with the entire defensive staff for no reason other then slipping from elite in a tough year. That's a weak argument.
The defense is having a rough year but overall it hasn't been just 1 year for the whole team. its been at least 3 years where all we hear about is wait till next year. I'ts not just offense or defense its the whole team and staff included. Our record, recruiting ranking dropping and becoming a mediocre team in the ACC is the issue we could clean slate. Will it happen, don't know but there's a good chance it could.
I am all for bringing in an offensive minded HC and leaving Bud and his guys at the defensive side of the ball. I'd keep Zohn as WR coach and recruiting coordinator as he knows the area and looks to have done a great job getting needed players.
I don't think we need a clean slate but I think we need a new attitude. A new attitude with the HC & OC that matches the attitude of Bud Foster.
Agreed with all of that.
I wouldn't consider myself a recent grad but Ill be honest. Im all about getting a coach who WINS.
At ANY cost? No.
But as far as family atmosphere, nice guy, is good with the people and kissing babies stuff? Well I say leave it to us fans to create the warm, family, nice guy, baby kissing atmosphere while we watch a coach that takes us to championships.
I like to ask myself this question when it comes to Bud Foster:
If he wasn't our historic DC and a constant through the successes of VT football.... if he was just consistently the best DC in the country coaching at some other program of similar repute, say, a South Carolina or someone like that... would I want him as our head guy?
My answer is yes. Now I'm not going to be overly upset if Whit thinks we need to go a different direction, but I see Bud as being a guy just as likely to take us where we want as some up and comer like Fuente (who I like, by the way). But Foster has proven himself as one of the best coaches in the country and will get a head coaching shot somewhere if he wants it. I personally hope it's here.
This is probably the best way to look at Bud's candidacy. If he wasn't a VT man, I would want him. At the same time though, we have to be aware of offensive minded coaches as well. It all depends on what direction Whit is trying to move the program.
I think that's where it gets interesting though. Because Bud has said he wants an offense that can put up a lot of points. So who is to say he isn't capable of getting the right guys in to do just that? So I think it's more than just hiring a defense guy if they were to go Bud as HC.
Are there any other coaches around the country that were a DC or OC for 20 years before getting a HC job? Even if not in the same place? I just can't bring myself to think that staying in one job like that is good for a HC resume.
There aren't many coaches who stay in one spot for 29 years either, which I think makes Bud's situation unique and uncharted.
Coach Nards is doing pretty well at Pitt after being a defensive guru. On the flip side you have Bo Pelini
But he was only a DC for 14 of the 17 years prior to getting the Pitt job.
Not to mention he was moving upwards with jobs from Rhode island to Miami (OH) to Cincy to MSU. The longest he stayed in one place was 7 years
Which is longer than 72% of all head coaches.....
How does it make sense to compare a DC tenure to a HC?
I'm saying staying anywhere for 7 years is more of the exception to the rule.
I can't find any. At one place, Jim Lambright was the DC at Washington for 15 years under Don James and his head coaching tenure was pretty average.
Norm Chow was an OC for 15 years before getting the Hawaii job but for all different teams (BYU, NC State, USC, Tennessee Titans, etc.)
Jerry Sandusky was the DC at Penn State for 22 years and he nearly got the UVA job in 2000 but UVA ended up going in another direction so he never got a HC job.
Mickey Andrews was DC at FSU under Bowden for 25+ years but he never got a crack at a head coaching job....It's rare.
wow...for once I actually applaud UVA for something...they really dodged a bullet there
https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=bURTAAAAIBAJ&sjid=YoUDAAAAIBAJ&pg=...
yeah at least Groh wasn't a complete scumbag child rapist like sandusky. I'd much rather have a mediocre coach who actually has a conscience than a complete monster....wouldn't you?
100%. They did dodge a bullet, I was just linking the source. I wasn't trying to imply they shoulda picked Sandusky over Groh.
Also, I wonder how life would have been different if they had gotten Mark Richt like they wanted.
I'm sure if UVA had landed Richt we wouldn't have won 15 of the last 16 and the rivalry would be much closer and much more heated. But alas, UVA doesn't really football very good
John Chavis
Yes,
Reasons why. Top D. Great history of players he's coached. National Championship
But the top reason Multiple schools and coaches to mentor under
Major rumors out of UGA this morning. Richt fired the DC who then punched Richt.
so Richt flew to BBurg to hire Bud Foster, who agreed to join UGA's staff at conclusion of this season. That means Bud won't be here next year. That's settled, then.
Yeah, not really sure we should go after Richt based on how his tenure in Athens seems to be ending.
Rumors are just that. Kinda like Lane screwing Saban's daughter, right?
Well we haven't confirmed that Pruitt DIDN'T screw Saban's daughter so yeah this isn't over yet.
That's some dedication there, continuing to work even after getting fired. /s
The current head coach at Murray State
Pros: worked well the last time
Cons: the first seven years will suck and the final 4 will be mediocre.
Justin Fuente played QB for Murray State. Just sayin'...
#pipeline