Had you told me that Coach Nick Saban and his staff would be out-coached by Les Miles, I would have thought you were delusional. Les Miles. The Mad-Hatter. The Coach who, like his team, has looked absolutely clueless in numerous occasions at the crucial moment at the end of games. The Coach that seems to pull wins out of nowhere did it again against the Alabama Crimson Tide last weekend. And true to form, he used a fake kick in part to accomplish this task. Alabama looked lost on the fake kick...as though they weren't prepared for it. It seemed like Miles was dialing the perfect calls throughout the 4th quarter when the game was on the line and as though he was a step or two ahead of Saban. I think Miles did out-coach Saban. How could they not be ready for a fake punt considering LSU does it every week? Makes no sense. But what do you think? Was Nick Saban Out-Coached by Les Miles?
Posted by Adam Jacobi If one were to, hypothetically speaking, suggest that Les Miles would be in a 2-minute viral shoe commercial for Nike and LSU, the brain would drown in possibilities as to what would happen in it. Grass-eating reference? Of course. Les Miles dressed peculiarly? You bet! Aliens? Maybe*! Preposterous acting? All that and then some, son. By and large, it's Les being Les, and you don't need a big budget or special effects to let that come through (and the video will make that point abundantly clear). We might have to talk about the headband-beard combo though. It makes Les Miles look like Steve Zissou playing pickup at the Y. Were his kids paid for this? And if so, does that ruin his son's NCAA eligibility? You laugh, but come on, the kid threw down a dunk on a hoop that's 10 feet... give or take... a couple feet. And even though the spot is just a clever Nike ad -- unless you think it's all a coincidence that the coach of a Nike school is wearing Nike-owned Converse high tops and busts out a "must have been the shoes" Air Jordan reference -- it's still funny on its own merits, and that's the most important thing. *Sadly there are no aliens.
Posted by Adam Jacobi
If one were to, hypothetically speaking, suggest that Les Miles would be in a 2-minute viral shoe commercial for Nike and LSU, the brain would drown in possibilities as to what would happen in it. Grass-eating reference? Of course. Les Miles dressed peculiarly? You bet! Aliens? Maybe*! Preposterous acting? All that and then some, son.
By and large, it's Les being Les, and you don't need a big budget or special effects to let that come through (and the video will make that point abundantly clear). We might have to talk about the headband-beard combo though. It makes Les Miles look like Steve Zissou playing pickup at the Y.
Were his kids paid for this? And if so, does that ruin his son's NCAA eligibility? You laugh, but come on, the kid threw down a dunk on a hoop that's 10 feet... give or take... a couple feet.
And even though the spot is just a clever Nike ad -- unless you think it's all a coincidence that the coach of a Nike school is wearing Nike-owned Converse high tops and busts out a "must have been the shoes" Air Jordan reference -- it's still funny on its own merits, and that's the most important thing.
*Sadly there are no aliens.
It seems most people give the nod to Alabama's head coach Nick Saban as better than LSU coach Les Miles. What do you think? Is Les Miles a better coach than Nick Saban?
The saying goes, "To be the Man, You have to Beat the Man." In the BCS Era of College Football, the Southeastern Conference has definitely been the Man.The SEC has won the last five BCS Championship Games with four different teams. They have won the last four BCS Championship Games with four different teams. Les Miles claims ''The highest-ranked team to come out of this conference should well have an opportunity to play in the national championship game.'' Is Les Miles Right? Should the Highest Ranked SEC Team Be in the Championship Game?Breakdown of BCS Championships by ConferenceSEC: 7 appearances, 7 wins and no losses; Florida Gators (2-0)LSU Tigers (2-0)Alabama Crimson Tide (1-0)Tennessee Volunteers (1-0)Auburn Tigers (1-0)PAC 10: 2 appearances, 1 loss, 1 vacated winUSC Trojans (0-1)USC Trojans vacated 2004Oregon Ducks (0-1)Big 12: 7 appearances, 2 wins, 5 losses; Oklahoma Sooners (1-3)Texas Longhorns (1-1)Nebraska Cornhuskers (0-1)Big 10: 3 appearances, 1 win, 2 lossesOhio State Buckeyes (1-2)ACC: 3 appearances, 1 win, 2 losses Florida State Seminoles (1-2)Big East: 3 appearances, 1 win, 2 losses Miami Hurricanes (1-1)Virginia Tech Hokies (0-1)
Since 9/11 happened, the US has given Pakistan $18.6 billion. Recently, Osama bin Laden was killed just north of the capital Islamabad. He was living in a villa that was only a couple of miles from a Pakistani Military training base. Many are suggesting the Pakistani's must have known he was there, but did not inform us. We have been giving billions of dollars to Pakistan, should we stop it?
If Buffalo coach Mike Sawyer didn't already hold membership in the AAA auto club, perhaps now would be a good time to join. Because his Bison will be hitting the long and winding road again this season. Because of recent consolidations in Lincoln and Mingo counties, Class A-enrollment Buffalo has lost several of its classmates and past opponents - Gilbert, Matewan, Duval and Guyan Valley. That means having to go farther and farther to find schools of equal size. Last year, it meant trips to Valley in Wetzel County (130 miles) and Gilbert (111). Those have been replaced this year with treks to Richwood (144 miles) and Parkersburg Catholic (69). The shortest trip for the Bison this season is to Wirt County, which is but 65 miles away according to Mapquest.com, but takes an hour and 36 minutes to traverse. The total length of Buffalo's five road games is 532 miles, with more than 10 hours of driving time (see chart, below). "We don't know many short trips,'' said Sawyer, who begins his 10th season as Buffalo's football coach this fall. "They're all long. There are no single-A schools around us, so we have to go far to play. The closest is Wahama, about an hour away, unless we're playing Hannan, which is about 40 minutes.'' Sawyer realizes the road will only continue to grow in the future, especially with Fayette County mulling more consolidations for its Class A schools (Mount Hope will be absorbed into Oak Hill starting this fall). "Then you've got teams that won't play you,'' Sawyer said, "and that makes it tough, especially when you don't have a conference and 10 games each year. Teams drop you and you've got to find somebody else. "As far as the trips go, we're used to that kind of travel and know what to expect. We've been doing it since I've been here. We always leave early and stop for an hour to stretch our legs. It's a routine we've gotten into, and it helps them not cramp up from sitting on a bus for two or three hours. It's great to take a break.'' The team that Buffalo hits the trail with this season could qualify as a road show. Plenty of talent remains from a squad that went 7-4 and lost to eventual semifinalist Matewan in the first round of the playoffs. Leading the returnees is quarterback Levi Jordan (1,685 yards passing, 15 touchdowns, 10 2-point conversions, five TD runs), leading rusher Dustin Reed (593 yards, five TDs), big-play receiver Jarrett Smith (32.1-yard average on 14 receptions, six TDs) and versatile Laythen Good (545 combined yards rushing-receiving, six TDs). Sawyer said the team's workouts and participations in 7-on-7 passing drills during the current three-week approved summer practice period have gone smoothly, owing to the stash of skill players who are back. Go to Source
If Buffalo coach Mike Sawyer didn't already hold membership in the AAA auto club, perhaps now would be a good time to join.
Because his Bison will be hitting the long and winding road again this season.
Because of recent consolidations in Lincoln and Mingo counties, Class A-enrollment Buffalo has lost several of its classmates and past opponents - Gilbert, Matewan, Duval and Guyan Valley.
That means having to go farther and farther to find schools of equal size. Last year, it meant trips to Valley in Wetzel County (130 miles) and Gilbert (111). Those have been replaced this year with treks to Richwood (144 miles) and Parkersburg Catholic (69).
The shortest trip for the Bison this season is to Wirt County, which is but 65 miles away according to Mapquest.com, but takes an hour and 36 minutes to traverse. The total length of Buffalo's five road games is 532 miles, with more than 10 hours of driving time (see chart, below).
"We don't know many short trips,'' said Sawyer, who begins his 10th season as Buffalo's football coach this fall. "They're all long. There are no single-A schools around us, so we have to go far to play. The closest is Wahama, about an hour away, unless we're playing Hannan, which is about 40 minutes.''
Sawyer realizes the road will only continue to grow in the future, especially with Fayette County mulling more consolidations for its Class A schools (Mount Hope will be absorbed into Oak Hill starting this fall).
"Then you've got teams that won't play you,'' Sawyer said, "and that makes it tough, especially when you don't have a conference and 10 games each year. Teams drop you and you've got to find somebody else.
"As far as the trips go, we're used to that kind of travel and know what to expect. We've been doing it since I've been here. We always leave early and stop for an hour to stretch our legs. It's a routine we've gotten into, and it helps them not cramp up from sitting on a bus for two or three hours. It's great to take a break.''
The team that Buffalo hits the trail with this season could qualify as a road show. Plenty of talent remains from a squad that went 7-4 and lost to eventual semifinalist Matewan in the first round of the playoffs.
Leading the returnees is quarterback Levi Jordan (1,685 yards passing, 15 touchdowns, 10 2-point conversions, five TD runs), leading rusher Dustin Reed (593 yards, five TDs), big-play receiver Jarrett Smith (32.1-yard average on 14 receptions, six TDs) and versatile Laythen Good (545 combined yards rushing-receiving, six TDs).
Sawyer said the team's workouts and participations in 7-on-7 passing drills during the current three-week approved summer practice period have gone smoothly, owing to the stash of skill players who are back.
WR Miles Onyegbule from Arlington, Texas, is one of the members of the 2011 freshmen class. June 18, 2011 Why did you choose to attend the University of Texas? After weighing all my options with [the other schools], I just felt like staying in the state and playing for this great school and the tradition it has. There was no doubt about it, [Texas] was going to be the school from day one. Once they offered, I had to jump on it. What are your feelings about head coach Mack Brown? Just every time I come down here it’s a comfort level like no other. Over here, it’s like they’re going to sit you down and tell you what you need to hear and be straight up with you, and I just like being comfortable playing for good people. What do you think about the facilities here at Texas? The first time I saw the stadium it was game time against my brother (former Kansas DE Maxwell Onyegbule) with the burnt orange everywhere, and it was crazy. I loved it. How are you feeling about starting your college career? I just want to put on some gloves and catch some balls for the University of Texas. I’m excited.
WR Miles Onyegbule from Arlington, Texas, is one of the members of the 2011 freshmen class.
June 18, 2011
Why did you choose to attend the University of Texas? After weighing all my options with [the other schools], I just felt like staying in the state and playing for this great school and the tradition it has. There was no doubt about it, [Texas] was going to be the school from day one. Once they offered, I had to jump on it.
What are your feelings about head coach Mack Brown? Just every time I come down here it’s a comfort level like no other. Over here, it’s like they’re going to sit you down and tell you what you need to hear and be straight up with you, and I just like being comfortable playing for good people.
What do you think about the facilities here at Texas? The first time I saw the stadium it was game time against my brother (former Kansas DE Maxwell Onyegbule) with the burnt orange everywhere, and it was crazy. I loved it.
How are you feeling about starting your college career? I just want to put on some gloves and catch some balls for the University of Texas. I’m excited.
Obviously, relationships are easier when you can see each other day to day. Sometimes relationships have to be maintained when a couple is separated by miles. So, I'm wondering, what's the best idea to maintain a successful long distance relationship?
LSU has won all four of its games this year primarily through defense and special teams. Their offense is quite terrible. If you've watched any of their games, then you know what I mean. The scheme is very dry and unimaginative. It just doesn't seem to have too much creativity and grit to it. Maybe it is just me, but I used to really enjoy watching their games. However, watching their offense struggle against cupcakes like Vanderbuilt and a maligned UNC defensive front was awfully boring.I think it is about time, Les Miles made some changes to the scheme and direction of the offense. This has been an issue, albeit not as severe as today, for a few years at LSU...great D and some great players on O but no productivity.Do you agree? Do the LSU Tigers have one of the most boring offenses to watch this year?
LSU has won all four of its games this year primarily through defense and special teams. Their offense is quite terrible. If you've watched any of their games, then you know what I mean. The scheme is very dry and unimaginative. It just doesn't seem to have too much creativity and grit to it. Maybe it is just me, but I used to really enjoy watching their games. However, watching their offense struggle against cupcakes like Vanderbuilt and a maligned UNC defensive front was awfully boring.
I think it is about time, Les Miles made some changes to the scheme and direction of the offense. This has been an issue, albeit not as severe as today, for a few years at LSU...great D and some great players on O but no productivity.
Do you agree? Do the LSU Tigers have one of the most boring offenses to watch this year?
Posted by Bryan FischerQuite the comeback last night for the Dallas Mavs last night. I think this year's recruiting requivalent might be Michigan State coming back to out-recruit Michigan based on how their classes have shaped up so far.-Texas Tech beat out Texas, Texas A&M and Baylor for talented offensive lineman Michael Starts.- Speaking of Texas, the Longhorns are looking to cast a wider recruiting net going forward.- Arkansas is looking to keep the state of Texas as a recruiting priority.- The mess at Ohio State leads to a few questions for Penn State's recruiting. - Michigan State is battling for athlete David Perkins. - Washington picked up a big commitment from quarterback Cyler Miles late last night. More on the blog when Miles has his press conference.
Quite the comeback last night for the Dallas Mavs last night. I think this year's recruiting requivalent might be Michigan State coming back to out-recruit Michigan based on how their classes have shaped up so far.
-Texas Tech beat out Texas, Texas A&M and Baylor for talented offensive lineman Michael Starts.
- Speaking of Texas, the Longhorns are looking to cast a wider recruiting net going forward.
- Arkansas is looking to keep the state of Texas as a recruiting priority.
- The mess at Ohio State leads to a few questions for Penn State's recruiting.
- Michigan State is battling for athlete David Perkins.
- Washington picked up a big commitment from quarterback Cyler Miles late last night. More on the blog when Miles has his press conference.
The 2011 BCS National Championship Game between Alabama Crimson Tide and the LSU Tigers was the most boring title game I have ever watched. It was completely one-sided with Alabama dominating LSU 21-0. Don't get me wrong, I am a huge fan of defensive slugfests and thoroughly enjoyed the first LSU vs Alabama game in Tuscaloosa. This game, however, was not comparable to the first match. The Tide dominated LSU in every aspect of the game...offense, defense, and special teams. They held LSU to only 92 total yards of offense while racking up 384 of their own. It wasn't, however, just a matter of Alabama's defense dominating the game, but also LSU's offense played horrible. Jordan Jefferson fumbled several snaps and missed open wide receivers. The offensive line could not block and create passing lanes for him to find his receivers. Alabama's AJ McCarron played an outstanding game throwing the ball through tight windows to receivers covered by LSU DB's. In particular, he picked on Tyrann Mathieu, "The Honey Badger," and took advantage of his size by throwing the ball out of his reach to taller receivers. Though he did not have any touchdown passes, McCarron did complete 23 or 34 passes (67.6 CMP%) for 234 yards and a long of 26. The only bright spot in LSU's play was that its defense only gave the Tide one touchdown. Bama, once again, was forced to rely on its field goal unit, but this time Jeremy Shelley, the goat from the first game, set a BCS Title game record by making five field goals. In the regular season, if you recall, he missed four field goals allowing LSU to beat Bama in Tuscaloosa. In the game that mattered the most, Shelley was able to redeem himself.Besides blocking one of Shelley's field goals, LSU's special teams were also overwhelmed by Bama. Marquis Maze got the Tide rolling in the first quarter with a 49 yard punt return leading to the first field goal of the game. Though Maze was injured on the play, Bama's punt return and coverage teams were still able to provide them with good field position all game. LSU's punt coverage also assisted the Tide by roughing the punt returner at the ten yard line after he called a fair catch. Instead of giving Alabama the ball at the 10, they gave it to them at the 25. LSU's punter actually kicked pretty well. However, their return game with Mathieu was completely shut down.Coach Nick Saban also out-coached Coach Les Miles. His team was fully prepared for everything LSU's offense and defense tried to do. Miles tried to get the option game going, which was successful the first time around, but Alabama was ready for it and Miles seemed to refuse to go away from it even though it was clearly not working. It didn't seem as though Miles made half time adjustments. They came out and threw the ball down the field twice, which was different than the first half, but then went back to the same basic offense using option, WR screens, and running the HB on dives or off tackle. It was truly a very bland offense and was similar to the one they ran against the Tide in game one. Though Jefferson was clearly struggling, Miles kept him in and chose not to use Jarrett Lee. In my opinion, this was a mistake because Lee has started and played many games this season and may have been able to provide a spark.Saban's offense, on the other hand, came out throwing the football down the field, something they did not do in the first match up. It seemed to catch LSU by surprise. The Tigers were stacking the box and playing man on the Bama's WR's. Saban purposely picked on Mathieu by using tall receivers to go over top of the 5'8" DB. Mathieu may have been a game changer in LSU's games against West Virginia Mountaineers, Arkansas Razorbacks, Oregon Ducks, and Georgia Bulldogs, however, he was not attacked the way Saban targeted him in this game. He usually covers slot receivers that are similar in height. In this game, Saban lined up tall receivers and tight ends in the slot, which Mathieu defend against high, jump balls.Alabama's defense was definitely the highlight of the game, however, LSU's offense assisted them by playing terribly. The Tigers offense committed numerous penalties and missed many opportunities by Jefferson's inability to execute properly. He missed several wide open WR's, throwing the ball in the grass and nowhere near them on multiple occasions. His biggest mistake came when he attempted a shovel pass after his receiver had turned to block for him. The pass was picked off and led to points, and pretty much ended any hopes LSU had of coming back.Had LSU played good and this was a good, defensive game, then I would have loved it. However, LSU played awful, and it wasn't merely due to Bama's dominance. They simply didn't execute, and it was the combo of bad offensive play by LSU and great defensive play by Bama. It was also a combo of poor LSU pass defense and McCarron executing to perfection which allowed Bama to drive down the field on almost every possession.Simply put, I think LSU played awful! This game was disappointing. LSU could have possibly finished the greatest single season in college football with a win, but instead they came out flat, unprepared, and were embarrassed. It is the first time a team was completely shut out in the title game, and there is no excuse for that.What do you think...Was this the worst BCS National Championship Game in History
Osama bin Laden, leader of the Al Qaeda Terrorist Organization, has been killed by US Navy Seals in Abbottabad, Pakistan, approximately 31 miles north of Pakistan's Capital City Islamabad, on May 1, 2011. Bin Laden was found in a large compound surrounded by 10-12 feet walls with barbwire that is reported to have had neither internet nor television. Bin Laden is the symbolic figure of Al Qaeda, and without him the terrorist organization has no clear leader and figurehead. In order to win the "War on Terror" and to defeat Al Qaeda, it is widely accepted, that bin Laden had to be either captured or killed. This has occurred, so is Al Qaeda defeated?
Lather, rinse, repeat?It’s not just a template for shampooing heads. College football recruiters could take a cue from it. It’s the “repeat” part that apparently trips up so many.“After a coaching staff assembles a great recruiting class, there’s a natural complacency, it seems,” CBS Sports Network recruiting analyst Tom Lemming said. “And that’s been a particularly disturbing pattern at Notre Dame.“Notre Dame has not put together great classes, back to back, since 1989 and 1990. Head coach Brian Kelly has a chance to do it this year, but he won’t be able to do it alone. All nine assistants have to do their part. And that hasn’t happened very often at Notre Dame in the past 20 years.”Kelly has amassed a class of 10 players so far, heavy in defensive backs and wide receivers, with national signing day roughly 7½ months away. The following are the five pressing issues that will shape whether the 2012 class is framed as great-to-the-second-power or another disappointing encore.1. The Must-Get GuysLemming doesn’t sense urgency from the Notre Dame staff in landing an elite quarterback recruit in this class, but the recruiting analyst views it as the No. 1 remaining priority.“I think you have to take a top quarterback in every class,” Lemming said. “They (the Irish coaching staff) think they have four impact guys right now, but what if one or two of them decided to transfer? That’s why I’d put Gunner Kiel at the top of the wish list. The problem is I don’t think Notre Dame is going to end up with him.”Who will the Irish end up with? The following is what Lemming believes the wish list should look like:* The Impact Quarterback: Lemming thinks the 6-foot-4, 220-pound Kiel, the nephew of former Notre Dame QB Blair Kiel, will end up at Alabama, Oklahoma or Michigan. Kiel, Lemming’s No. 2 overall prospect, is a senior-to-be at Columbus (Ind.) East High School.Another elite QB whom Lemming said would project well into ND’s offense is Cyler Miles from Mullen High in Denver, but Miles committed to Washington earlier this month.“That may leave Maty Mauk,” Lemming said of the 6-2, 185-pound Kenton, Ohio product, whose only other offers are from Cincinnati, Michigan, Missouri, Illinois and Vanderbilt.* The Game-Changing Running Back: Lemming projected Barry Sanders of Heritage Hall High in Oklahoma City as the best fit.The problem is the 5-11, 190-pounder and son of NFL Hall of Fame running back Barry Sanders just eliminated the Irish from consideration.The nation’s No. 10 prospect on Wednesday whittled his list to four finalists: his dad’s alma mater — Oklahoma State, Florida State, Alabama, and Stanford.The good news is the running back crop this year is as deep as it’s been in a decade.* The Elite Left Offensive Tackle: Andrus Peat, the No. 15 player nationally regardless of position, recently took an unofficial visit to ND, per Lemming.The 6-7, 305-pound Peat plays at Corona Del Sol High in Tempe, Ariz. The Irish do have an impending transfer from Florida State, in freshman Jordan Prestwood, who fits the elite mold as well. He is expected to arrive in August, then sit out the 2011 season to satisfy NCAA transfer requirements.
It’s not just a template for shampooing heads. College football recruiters could take a cue from it.
“After a coaching staff assembles a great recruiting class, there’s a natural complacency, it seems,” CBS Sports Network recruiting analyst Tom Lemming said. “And that’s been a particularly disturbing pattern at Notre Dame.
“Notre Dame has not put together great classes, back to back, since 1989 and 1990. Head coach Brian Kelly has a chance to do it this year, but he won’t be able to do it alone. All nine assistants have to do their part. And that hasn’t happened very often at Notre Dame in the past 20 years.”
Kelly has amassed a class of 10 players so far, heavy in defensive backs and wide receivers, with national signing day roughly 7½ months away. The following are the five pressing issues that will shape whether the 2012 class is framed as great-to-the-second-power or another disappointing encore.
1. The Must-Get Guys
Lemming doesn’t sense urgency from the Notre Dame staff in landing an elite quarterback recruit in this class, but the recruiting analyst views it as the No. 1 remaining priority.
“I think you have to take a top quarterback in every class,” Lemming said. “They (the Irish coaching staff) think they have four impact guys right now, but what if one or two of them decided to transfer? That’s why I’d put Gunner Kiel at the top of the wish list. The problem is I don’t think Notre Dame is going to end up with him.”
Who will the Irish end up with? The following is what Lemming believes the wish list should look like:
* The Impact Quarterback: Lemming thinks the 6-foot-4, 220-pound Kiel, the nephew of former Notre Dame QB Blair Kiel, will end up at Alabama, Oklahoma or Michigan. Kiel, Lemming’s No. 2 overall prospect, is a senior-to-be at Columbus (Ind.) East High School.
Another elite QB whom Lemming said would project well into ND’s offense is Cyler Miles from Mullen High in Denver, but Miles committed to Washington earlier this month.
“That may leave Maty Mauk,” Lemming said of the 6-2, 185-pound Kenton, Ohio product, whose only other offers are from Cincinnati, Michigan, Missouri, Illinois and Vanderbilt.
* The Game-Changing Running Back: Lemming projected Barry Sanders of Heritage Hall High in Oklahoma City as the best fit.
The problem is the 5-11, 190-pounder and son of NFL Hall of Fame running back Barry Sanders just eliminated the Irish from consideration.
The nation’s No. 10 prospect on Wednesday whittled his list to four finalists: his dad’s alma mater — Oklahoma State, Florida State, Alabama, and Stanford.
The good news is the running back crop this year is as deep as it’s been in a decade.
* The Elite Left Offensive Tackle: Andrus Peat, the No. 15 player nationally regardless of position, recently took an unofficial visit to ND, per Lemming.
The 6-7, 305-pound Peat plays at Corona Del Sol High in Tempe, Ariz. The Irish do have an impending transfer from Florida State, in freshman Jordan Prestwood, who fits the elite mold as well. He is expected to arrive in August, then sit out the 2011 season to satisfy NCAA transfer requirements.
Posted by Jerry HinnenWhen it comes to the SEC and coaching turnover, there's reputation, and there's reality.The reputation is that with a heaping help of pressure from the nation's most rabid fanbases, the nation's most cutthroat conference hires and fires head coaches on the slightest of whims, for the most gentle of disappointments. And certainly, there have been some head-scratchers over the years, like David Cutcliffe's sudden dismissal from Ole Miss or Houston Nutt's tumultuous departure from Arkansas despite years of success.But as illustrated by Dennis Dodd's CBS Hot Seat Ratings, since the 2008 season -- and the surprising exits of long-tenured Auburn and Tennessee head coaches Tommy Tuberville and Phillip Fulmer, as well as Mississippi State's Sylvester Croom -- the league that supposedly sees its head coaches change with the wind has in fact become a model of relative stability. Collectively, the SEC has fired just a single coach the past two seasons--Vanderbilt's Robbie Caldwell, himself only hired as a last-minute replacement following Bobby Johnson's retirement. Four other coaches have left the league in that span, but all of them -- Urban Meyer at Florida, Lane Kiffin at Tennessee, Rich Brooks at Kentucky and Johnson -- did so voluntarily, and in Brooks's case the seamless transition to coach-in-waiting Joker Phillips barely even qualifies as a "coaching change."That newfound reticence to put coaches on the firing line is reflected in Dodd's ratings, which show just one current SEC coach rated above the median "on the bubble" 3. You get one guess who:Alabama Nick Saban 0.0 Arkansas Bobby Petrino 1.0 Auburn Gene Chizik 0.0 Florida Will Muschamp 0.5 Georgia Mark Richt 3.5 LSU Les Miles 2.5 Mississippi Houston Nutt 3.0 Mississippi State Dan Mullen 0.0 South Carolina Steve Spurrier 0.0 Kentucky Joker Phillips 1.5 Tennessee Derek Dooley 3.0 Vanderbilt James Franklin 2.0 Assuming we don't have some unforeseen three-win meltdown with Nutt in Oxford, there's a very real possibility the SEC enters 2012 with the same 11 head coaches listed above. Richt is -- without question -- the SEC coach in the most trouble, but he's also a coach with an extremely favorable 2011 schedule, a wealth of talent on hand, and perhaps the most patient administration in the conference.And if Richt's still here, who won't be? The Spurrier retirement rumors have been securely put to bed with the arrival of recruits like Marcus Lattimore and Jadeveon Clowney. A big 2010 has Miles back on (mostly) firm footing; it'll take multiple down years (or a grass overdose) for him to earn a pink slip. Dooley has at least another couple of seasons with the benefit of the doubt (if we may quibble with Dodd's "3"). And while the aforementioned meltdown might do the trick for Nutt with the Rebels, between his track record and the back-to-back Cotton Bowls -- not something that happens on the regular in Oxford -- he almost certainly has another season of rope.The most likely coach to keep the SEC from going 12-for-12 in the retention department isn't likely to be fired at all, in fact; it's Dan Mullen, who could be one more sterling season in Starkville away from getting the kind of megabucks, keystone program offer the Bulldogs just can't quite match. But the guess here is that Dodd, overall, is entirely correct--if Mullen stays put and Richt can salvage eight or nine wins, there's not enough heat under the SEC seats to expect a coaching change anywhere in the league's 12 head coaching positions.
The reputation is that with a heaping help of pressure from the nation's most rabid fanbases, the nation's most cutthroat conference hires and fires head coaches on the slightest of whims, for the most gentle of disappointments. And certainly, there have been some head-scratchers over the years, like David Cutcliffe's sudden dismissal from Ole Miss or Houston Nutt's tumultuous departure from Arkansas despite years of success.
But as illustrated by Dennis Dodd's CBS Hot Seat Ratings, since the 2008 season -- and the surprising exits of long-tenured Auburn and Tennessee head coaches Tommy Tuberville and Phillip Fulmer, as well as Mississippi State's Sylvester Croom -- the league that supposedly sees its head coaches change with the wind has in fact become a model of relative stability. Collectively, the SEC has fired just a single coach the past two seasons--Vanderbilt's Robbie Caldwell, himself only hired as a last-minute replacement following Bobby Johnson's retirement.
Four other coaches have left the league in that span, but all of them -- Urban Meyer at Florida, Lane Kiffin at Tennessee, Rich Brooks at Kentucky and Johnson -- did so voluntarily, and in Brooks's case the seamless transition to coach-in-waiting Joker Phillips barely even qualifies as a "coaching change."
That newfound reticence to put coaches on the firing line is reflected in Dodd's ratings, which show just one current SEC coach rated above the median "on the bubble" 3. You get one guess who:
And if Richt's still here, who won't be? The Spurrier retirement rumors have been securely put to bed with the arrival of recruits like Marcus Lattimore and Jadeveon Clowney. A big 2010 has Miles back on (mostly) firm footing; it'll take multiple down years (or a grass overdose) for him to earn a pink slip. Dooley has at least another couple of seasons with the benefit of the doubt (if we may quibble with Dodd's "3"). And while the aforementioned meltdown might do the trick for Nutt with the Rebels, between his track record and the back-to-back Cotton Bowls -- not something that happens on the regular in Oxford -- he almost certainly has another season of rope.
The most likely coach to keep the SEC from going 12-for-12 in the retention department isn't likely to be fired at all, in fact; it's Dan Mullen, who could be one more sterling season in Starkville away from getting the kind of megabucks, keystone program offer the Bulldogs just can't quite match.
But the guess here is that Dodd, overall, is entirely correct--if Mullen stays put and Richt can salvage eight or nine wins, there's not enough heat under the SEC seats to expect a coaching change anywhere in the league's 12 head coaching positions.
Last December, Urban Meyer resigned from Florida, this time for good, the victim of apparent burnout.On Memorial Day, the Ohio State scandal finally pierced Jim Tressel. He was forced to resign.All national championship coaches. All seemingly made men. Yet uneasy lie the heads who have worn the crown.“I think the business of college sports has been tough for a long time,” said Oklahoma athletic director Joe Castiglione.Joe C. is lucky. No, not lucky. Castiglione made his own luck. He hired Bob Stoops in December 1998. Castiglione still has his football coach. Still has his national-title winning coach.Only six coaches remain at schools where they have won titles: Stoops, Texas' Mack Brown, Penn State's ageless Joe Paterno and three Southeastern Conference coaches who have won in the last four years: Auburn's Gene Chizik, Alabama's Nick Saban and LSU's Les Miles.Only seven current major-college coaches were hired for their post in the 1900s: Stoops, Brown, Iowa's Kirk Ferentz (1999), Fresno State's Pat Hill (1997), Troy's Larry Blakeney (1991), Virginia Tech's Frank Beamer (1987) and Paterno (1966).College football coaching provides power, fame and untold riches. It also will spit you up and chew you out.“I don't know what to say about that,” Stoops said when asked about the demise of some of his championship colleagues. “Other than I think it's fair to say, how difficult it is to manage everything that comes our way.“To manage it the right way, to manage it successfully, to manage it whatever way you want to put it.”Coaches have to win at a high level, or they're out the door, as elite coaches like Phil Fulmer, Larry Coker and Tommy Tuberville learned. Plus, coaches must stay one step ahead of scandal that can descend like locusts. Cast out the plague quickly, or at least don't cover it up. Such failures eventually cost Carroll and Tressel.“It's just become more and more challenging,” Castiglione said. “The idea that this is a tough business is correct. Becoming more difficult all the time. It's a challenge for all involved. It's really tough right now.”More parity among teams. More scrutiny, with the Internet and social networking providing a labyrinth of information that can derail a program. More outside influences as the money associated with college and pro football grows and grows.“It's hard,” Stoops said of running a program. “And there are a lot of obstacles in your way to have success, to manage it appropriately, to keep it going.”Stoops has kept it going. Seven Big 12 championships in 12 years. One NCAA rules skirmish, which was dealt with promptly (Rhett Bomar) and looking back was but a blip on Sooner radar.Stoops stands now with Saban as college football's most successful coaches. Two years ago, they comprised a top five along with Tressel, Meyer and Carroll.Now only Stoops and Saban are left.“Any individual, each may have their own story, their own approach that leads to longevity,” Castiglione said. “I can't think of anybody I know gets caught up in assuming too much. As much as trying to have longevity, doing the right thing, we know we're in a very volatile business.”Nothing is assured this side of Penn State's Happy Valley. Slumps and scandal can come. Coaches grow restless. Fan bases do the same. Breaking up is hard to do but not impossible.No assurances that Stoops will be at the Sooner helm another dozen years. But he's there now, standing atop his profession.Berry Tramel: Berry can be reached at (405) 760-8080 or at btramel@opubco.com. He can be heard Monday through Friday from 4:40-5:20 p.m. on The Sports Animal radio network, including AM-640 and FM-98.1. You can also view his personality page at newsok.com/berrytramel.
Last December, Urban Meyer resigned from Florida, this time for good, the victim of apparent burnout.
On Memorial Day, the Ohio State scandal finally pierced Jim Tressel. He was forced to resign.
All national championship coaches. All seemingly made men. Yet uneasy lie the heads who have worn the crown.
“I think the business of college sports has been tough for a long time,” said Oklahoma athletic director Joe Castiglione.
Joe C. is lucky. No, not lucky. Castiglione made his own luck. He hired Bob Stoops in December 1998. Castiglione still has his football coach. Still has his national-title winning coach.
Only six coaches remain at schools where they have won titles: Stoops, Texas' Mack Brown, Penn State's ageless Joe Paterno and three Southeastern Conference coaches who have won in the last four years: Auburn's Gene Chizik, Alabama's Nick Saban and LSU's Les Miles.
Only seven current major-college coaches were hired for their post in the 1900s: Stoops, Brown, Iowa's Kirk Ferentz (1999), Fresno State's Pat Hill (1997), Troy's Larry Blakeney (1991), Virginia Tech's Frank Beamer (1987) and Paterno (1966).
College football coaching provides power, fame and untold riches. It also will spit you up and chew you out.
“I don't know what to say about that,” Stoops said when asked about the demise of some of his championship colleagues. “Other than I think it's fair to say, how difficult it is to manage everything that comes our way.
“To manage it the right way, to manage it successfully, to manage it whatever way you want to put it.”
Coaches have to win at a high level, or they're out the door, as elite coaches like Phil Fulmer, Larry Coker and Tommy Tuberville learned. Plus, coaches must stay one step ahead of scandal that can descend like locusts. Cast out the plague quickly, or at least don't cover it up. Such failures eventually cost Carroll and Tressel.
“It's just become more and more challenging,” Castiglione said. “The idea that this is a tough business is correct. Becoming more difficult all the time. It's a challenge for all involved. It's really tough right now.”
More parity among teams. More scrutiny, with the Internet and social networking providing a labyrinth of information that can derail a program. More outside influences as the money associated with college and pro football grows and grows.
“It's hard,” Stoops said of running a program. “And there are a lot of obstacles in your way to have success, to manage it appropriately, to keep it going.”
Stoops has kept it going. Seven Big 12 championships in 12 years. One NCAA rules skirmish, which was dealt with promptly (Rhett Bomar) and looking back was but a blip on Sooner radar.
Stoops stands now with Saban as college football's most successful coaches. Two years ago, they comprised a top five along with Tressel, Meyer and Carroll.
Now only Stoops and Saban are left.
“Any individual, each may have their own story, their own approach that leads to longevity,” Castiglione said. “I can't think of anybody I know gets caught up in assuming too much. As much as trying to have longevity, doing the right thing, we know we're in a very volatile business.”
Nothing is assured this side of Penn State's Happy Valley. Slumps and scandal can come. Coaches grow restless. Fan bases do the same. Breaking up is hard to do but not impossible.
No assurances that Stoops will be at the Sooner helm another dozen years. But he's there now, standing atop his profession.
Berry Tramel: Berry can be reached at (405) 760-8080 or at btramel@opubco.com. He can be heard Monday through Friday from 4:40-5:20 p.m. on The Sports Animal radio network, including AM-640 and FM-98.1. You can also view his personality page at newsok.com/berrytramel.
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