A Different Take

[coolhorn]

The end of Mack Brown's coaching career at UT is taking on all the characteristics of a popular daytime soap opera. Everybody is trying to read the tea leaves as to whether or not Mack will voluntarily step down, or get a pink slip. Will Bill Powers stop the dismissal of Brown, if it comes to that, and at the risk of Powers' remaining time at UT? If/when Brown vacates the big office, who moves in? It seems like everybody out here on the interwebs has a different batch of tea leaves too.

One thing that bothers me a little bit for a couple of reasons is the "Saban factor". A lot of people seem to think Saban to UT is a done deal, and there seems to be this general attitude that it's Saban or bust for the BMD's. NOTHING is a done deal until the ink dries on the contract, and Saban, dressed in a new burnt orange golf shirt, holds his first press conference as the new UT head football coach. Until then, as a couple of other posters have pointed out, everything you hear is just "smoke"...opinions, and you know what part of the anatomy opinions have been compared to. The other thing that bothers me some is this idea that Nick Saban is the only head coach that can take over the UT job and turn things around. Look, I'm a big, and longtime Longhorn fan, and like a lot of others, I would love to see the Horns land Saban. He would be worth the money if all he did was change the culture of entitlement of the team, get rid of the "soft" label, reinvigorate recruiting, and get UT back in the championship conversation. However, I can think of easily a dozen head coaches who could win, and win big at UT, and some that could turn things around just as quickly as Saban could. Nick Saban is a great head football coach, whatever else he might be personality-wise. However, he's not the only great coach out there that would be a good fit at UT.

I would like to think that UT's BMD's that are driving this transition are smart enough NOT to put all of their eggs in the Saban basket. I have no problem with them pursuing Nick Saban as publicly as they have, but I SERIOUSLY hope they're smart enough to have a viable Plan B if Saban decides to stay in Sweet Home Alabama. I would hope that while talks are going on with Sexton concerning Saban, other talks are going on with other potential head coaches as well. I would NOT be disappointed, when Mack eventually gets the message and steps down, if someone like James Franklin, Charley Strong, Gary Andersen, Gus Malzahn, or several others I could name take over. They may not have the initial glamour that the name Saban does, but I'm much more concerned about a coach who can bring the changes I mentioned above, than I am about hiring someone JUST BECAUSE of his name. This is a huge hire for UT, one that can set the direction of the football team for a decade or more, and I want substance over style, no matter what the last name of the new head coach is.

One last thing...I am NOT opposed to UT hiring Nick Saban. I'm just saying my world is NOT gonna end if he doesn't move to Austin, as long as the BMD's do due diligence and bring in a new head coach that can turn things around.

 

[jvb3190]

The end of Mack Brown's coaching career at UT is taking on all the characteristics of a popular daytime soap opera. Everybody is trying to read the tea leaves as to whether or not Mack will voluntarily step down, or get a pink slip. Will Bill Powers stop the dismissal of Brown, if it comes to that, and at the risk of Powers' remaining time at UT? If/when Brown vacates the big office, who moves in? It seems like everybody out here on the interwebs has a different batch of tea leaves too.
One thing that bothers me a little bit for a couple of reasons is the "Saban factor". A lot of people seem to think Saban to UT is a done deal, and there seems to be this general attitude that it's Saban or bust for the BMD's. NOTHING is a done deal until the ink dries on the contract, and Saban, dressed in a new burnt orange golf shirt, holds his first press conference as the new UT head football coach. Until then, as a couple of other posters have pointed out, everything you hear is just "smoke"...opinions, and you know what part of the anatomy opinions have been compared to. The other thing that bothers me some is this idea that Nick Saban is the only head coach that can take over the UT job and turn things around. Look, I'm a big, and longtime Longhorn fan, and like a lot of others, I would love to see the Horns land Saban. He would be worth the money if all he did was change the culture of entitlement of the team, get rid of the "soft" label, reinvigorate recruiting, and get UT back in the championship conversation. However, I can think of easily a dozen head coaches who could win, and win big at UT, and some that could turn things around just as quickly as Saban could. Nick Saban is a great head football coach, whatever else he might be personality-wise. However, he's not the only great coach out there that would be a good fit at UT.

I would like to think that UT's BMD's that are driving this transition are smart enough NOT to put all of their eggs in the Saban basket. I have no problem with them pursuing Nick Saban as publicly as they have, but I SERIOUSLY hope they're smart enough to have a viable Plan B if Saban decides to stay in Sweet Home Alabama. I would hope that while talks are going on with Sexton concerning Saban, other talks are going on with other potential head coaches as well. I would NOT be disappointed, when Mack eventually gets the message and steps down, if someone like James Franklin, Charley Strong, Gary Andersen, Gus Malzahn, or several others I could name take over. They may not have the initial glamour that the name Saban does, but I'm much more concerned about a coach who can bring the changes I mentioned above, than I am about hiring someone JUST BECAUSE of his name. This is a huge hire for UT, one that can set the direction of the football team for a decade or more, and I want substance over style, no matter what the last name of the new head coach is.

One last thing...I am NOT opposed to UT hiring Nick Saban. I'm just saying my world is NOT gonna end if he doesn't move to Austin, as long as the BMD's do due diligence and bring in a new head coach that can turn things around.

100% agree with this

 

[jvb3190]

I have asked a question on other boards that has never been aswered, so maybe someone here can. Why would Texas only look at someone who has been a head coach? Why would they just dismiss anyone who was a coordinator if that person is a tremendous coach with a lot of fire? Why was Coach Boom considered to take over the house, but they would not want to look at other up and coming assistant coaches. We dont know how any coach will fare here. It could be, although doubtful, that Saban would do no better here (if he does in fact come). Find a candidate, regardless of HC or coordintator position, determine if they are a fit for the program and give them a try. If it doesnt work out you move on tp the next guy until one hits. This could happen with any of the "big name" head coaches people wish for.

 

[CardSID]

The end of Mack Brown's coaching career at UT is taking on all the characteristics of a popular daytime soap opera. Everybody is trying to read the tea leaves as to whether or not Mack will voluntarily step down, or get a pink slip. Will Bill Powers stop the dismissal of Brown, if it comes to that, and at the risk of Powers' remaining time at UT? If/when Brown vacates the big office, who moves in? It seems like everybody out here on the interwebs has a different batch of tea leaves too.
One thing that bothers me a little bit for a couple of reasons is the "Saban factor". A lot of people seem to think Saban to UT is a done deal, and there seems to be this general attitude that it's Saban or bust for the BMD's. NOTHING is a done deal until the ink dries on the contract, and Saban, dressed in a new burnt orange golf shirt, holds his first press conference as the new UT head football coach. Until then, as a couple of other posters have pointed out, everything you hear is just "smoke"...opinions, and you know what part of the anatomy opinions have been compared to. The other thing that bothers me some is this idea that Nick Saban is the only head coach that can take over the UT job and turn things around. Look, I'm a big, and longtime Longhorn fan, and like a lot of others, I would love to see the Horns land Saban. He would be worth the money if all he did was change the culture of entitlement of the team, get rid of the "soft" label, reinvigorate recruiting, and get UT back in the championship conversation. However, I can think of easily a dozen head coaches who could win, and win big at UT, and some that could turn things around just as quickly as Saban could. Nick Saban is a great head football coach, whatever else he might be personality-wise. However, he's not the only great coach out there that would be a good fit at UT.

I would like to think that UT's BMD's that are driving this transition are smart enough NOT to put all of their eggs in the Saban basket. I have no problem with them pursuing Nick Saban as publicly as they have, but I SERIOUSLY hope they're smart enough to have a viable Plan B if Saban decides to stay in Sweet Home Alabama. I would hope that while talks are going on with Sexton concerning Saban, other talks are going on with other potential head coaches as well. I would NOT be disappointed, when Mack eventually gets the message and steps down, if someone like James Franklin, Charley Strong, Gary Andersen, Gus Malzahn, or several others I could name take over. They may not have the initial glamour that the name Saban does, but I'm much more concerned about a coach who can bring the changes I mentioned above, than I am about hiring someone JUST BECAUSE of his name. This is a huge hire for UT, one that can set the direction of the football team for a decade or more, and I want substance over style, no matter what the last name of the new head coach is.

One last thing...I am NOT opposed to UT hiring Nick Saban. I'm just saying my world is NOT gonna end if he doesn't move to Austin, as long as the BMD's do due diligence and bring in a new head coach that can turn things around.

Thank you for the post and the lack of venom.

 

[Topstarr]

The end of Mack Brown's coaching career at UT is taking on all the characteristics of a popular daytime soap opera. Everybody is trying to read the tea leaves as to whether or not Mack will voluntarily step down, or get a pink slip. Will Bill Powers stop the dismissal of Brown, if it comes to that, and at the risk of Powers' remaining time at UT? If/when Brown vacates the big office, who moves in? It seems like everybody out here on the interwebs has a different batch of tea leaves too.
One thing that bothers me a little bit for a couple of reasons is the "Saban factor". A lot of people seem to think Saban to UT is a done deal, and there seems to be this general attitude that it's Saban or bust for the BMD's. NOTHING is a done deal until the ink dries on the contract, and Saban, dressed in a new burnt orange golf shirt, holds his first press conference as the new UT head football coach. Until then, as a couple of other posters have pointed out, everything you hear is just "smoke"...opinions, and you know what part of the anatomy opinions have been compared to. The other thing that bothers me some is this idea that Nick Saban is the only head coach that can take over the UT job and turn things around. Look, I'm a big, and longtime Longhorn fan, and like a lot of others, I would love to see the Horns land Saban. He would be worth the money if all he did was change the culture of entitlement of the team, get rid of the "soft" label, reinvigorate recruiting, and get UT back in the championship conversation. However, I can think of easily a dozen head coaches who could win, and win big at UT, and some that could turn things around just as quickly as Saban could. Nick Saban is a great head football coach, whatever else he might be personality-wise. However, he's not the only great coach out there that would be a good fit at UT.

I would like to think that UT's BMD's that are driving this transition are smart enough NOT to put all of their eggs in the Saban basket. I have no problem with them pursuing Nick Saban as publicly as they have, but I SERIOUSLY hope they're smart enough to have a viable Plan B if Saban decides to stay in Sweet Home Alabama. I would hope that while talks are going on with Sexton concerning Saban, other talks are going on with other potential head coaches as well. I would NOT be disappointed, when Mack eventually gets the message and steps down, if someone like James Franklin, Charley Strong, Gary Andersen, Gus Malzahn, or several others I could name take over. They may not have the initial glamour that the name Saban does, but I'm much more concerned about a coach who can bring the changes I mentioned above, than I am about hiring someone JUST BECAUSE of his name. This is a huge hire for UT, one that can set the direction of the football team for a decade or more, and I want substance over style, no matter what the last name of the new head coach is.

One last thing...I am NOT opposed to UT hiring Nick Saban. I'm just saying my world is NOT gonna end if he doesn't move to Austin, as long as the BMD's do due diligence and bring in a new head coach that can turn things around.

Very good Coolhorn....Your writing is a statement that you need to post more.

 

[coolhorn]

Very good Coolhorn....Your writing is a statement that you need to post more.

LOL...Thanks Topstarr...I pick and choose my spots, and think before I write. I haven't been on this site long, but I've been posting on other UT blogsites for a long time. I'll show up with my thoughts here from time-to-time as well.

 

[whatthewhat]

One last thing...I am NOT opposed to UT hiring Nick Saban. I'm just saying my world is NOT gonna end if he doesn't move to Austin, as long as the BMD's do due diligence and bring in a new head coach that can turn things around.

I agree with every word, but I'm going back to my frenzy of excitement and impatience because it's more fun than staying calm and level-headed.

 

[Jettexas]

I think everyone not named Saban brings increased risk to achieving the lofty goals/expectations we have at Texas. Winning 3 out of the last 4 national championships sets the tone in a big way and I think we need to let that sink in. Why is everyone on the edge of their seat? Because it's Nick Freakin Saban. As much as we hope our 2nd option is as good as our first, it's not. Only coach I would even put as a close 2nd is Jim Harbaugh and he is on the table. Meyers is a close 2nd, but we dont want him. The further you go down the exploratory path of #2, it becomes more apparent that we may not have a slam dunk option and if it's not a slam dunk then why are we doing it? Not saying a agree completely with that logic, but I can see how the administration and some BMDs would lean to sticking with Mack than to take a leap of faith with a #2 candidate that are not 100% sold on. I hope this is dragging out only because it benefits Saban exit strategy and not allowing Mack to dictate the situation. I believe that if Powers has already spoken to Saban he has probably laid out the next steps with Mack and put to rest any of Sabans concerns. Recruiting dead period is one mile stone, football banquet is another. All of this sets up a Mack announcement on Sunday and Saban introduction on Monday. They could both go down the same day, but I doubt it.

 

[John Lennon]

As much as I would like to have Saban, I still think Mike Tomlin or either of the Harbaughs would be a grand slam hire

 

[CCausey11]

The end of Mack Brown's coaching career at UT is taking on all the characteristics of a popular daytime soap opera. Everybody is trying to read the tea leaves as to whether or not Mack will voluntarily step down, or get a pink slip. Will Bill Powers stop the dismissal of Brown, if it comes to that, and at the risk of Powers' remaining time at UT? If/when Brown vacates the big office, who moves in? It seems like everybody out here on the interwebs has a different batch of tea leaves too.
One thing that bothers me a little bit for a couple of reasons is the "Saban factor". A lot of people seem to think Saban to UT is a done deal, and there seems to be this general attitude that it's Saban or bust for the BMD's. NOTHING is a done deal until the ink dries on the contract, and Saban, dressed in a new burnt orange golf shirt, holds his first press conference as the new UT head football coach. Until then, as a couple of other posters have pointed out, everything you hear is just "smoke"...opinions, and you know what part of the anatomy opinions have been compared to. The other thing that bothers me some is this idea that Nick Saban is the only head coach that can take over the UT job and turn things around. Look, I'm a big, and longtime Longhorn fan, and like a lot of others, I would love to see the Horns land Saban. He would be worth the money if all he did was change the culture of entitlement of the team, get rid of the "soft" label, reinvigorate recruiting, and get UT back in the championship conversation. However, I can think of easily a dozen head coaches who could win, and win big at UT, and some that could turn things around just as quickly as Saban could. Nick Saban is a great head football coach, whatever else he might be personality-wise. However, he's not the only great coach out there that would be a good fit at UT.

I would like to think that UT's BMD's that are driving this transition are smart enough NOT to put all of their eggs in the Saban basket. I have no problem with them pursuing Nick Saban as publicly as they have, but I SERIOUSLY hope they're smart enough to have a viable Plan B if Saban decides to stay in Sweet Home Alabama. I would hope that while talks are going on with Sexton concerning Saban, other talks are going on with other potential head coaches as well. I would NOT be disappointed, when Mack eventually gets the message and steps down, if someone like James Franklin, Charley Strong, Gary Andersen, Gus Malzahn, or several others I could name take over. They may not have the initial glamour that the name Saban does, but I'm much more concerned about a coach who can bring the changes I mentioned above, than I am about hiring someone JUST BECAUSE of his name. This is a huge hire for UT, one that can set the direction of the football team for a decade or more, and I want substance over style, no matter what the last name of the new head coach is.

One last thing...I am NOT opposed to UT hiring Nick Saban. I'm just saying my world is NOT gonna end if he doesn't move to Austin, as long as the BMD's do due diligence and bring in a new head coach that can turn things around.

Wonderful post, you have written what i am incapable of but would have loved to. We must remember that is Saban doesn't come it will still be great as we have a wonderful opportunity to create a new identity and maximize the advantage of being The University Of Texas

 

[utparothed]

Great sig line coolhorn!!

 

[coolhorn]

I think everyone not named Saban brings increased risk to achieving the lofty goals/expectations we have at Texas. Winning 3 out of the last 4 national championships sets the tone in a big way and I think we need to let that sink in. Why is everyone on the edge of their seat? Because it's Nick Freakin Saban. As much as we hope our 2nd option is as good as our first, it's not. Only coach I would even put as a close 2nd is Jim Harbaugh and he is on the table. Meyers is a close 2nd, but we dont want him. The further you go down the exploratory path of #2, it becomes more apparent that we may not have a slam dunk option and if it's not a slam dunk then why are we doing it? Not saying a agree completely with that logic, but I can see how the administration and some BMDs would lean to sticking with Mack than to take a leap of faith with a #2 candidate that are not 100% sold on. I hope this is dragging out only because it benefits Saban exit strategy and not allowing Mack to dictate the situation. I believe that if Powers has already spoken to Saban he has probably laid out the next steps with Mack and put to rest any of Sabans concerns. Recruiting dead period is one mile stone, football banquet is another. All of this sets up a Mack announcement on Sunday and Saban introduction on Monday. They could both go down the same day, but I doubt it.

Hiring Saban brings some risk with it. There is no guarantee that he can do the same things with UT that he's done at 'Bama. He does NOT come with three national championships guaranteed. Yes, history indicates he would make UT a much better football team, but even some of the best coaches have failed after making a move to another team. There is nothing guaranteed in hiring any coach. It's like the old carnival barker's game..."You lays your money down and you takes your chances..." That being said, I can think of over a dozen head coaches out there that could bring more excitement and promise to the UT program than Mack has brought in half a decade. You don't make a change for change's sake...and THIS coaching change, however it works out, is being made because it has become painfully obvious Mack is no long able to restore UT to the heights he took the team a decade ago. The opposite of good isn't always bad...sometimes, it's boring. That's what the Longhorns have become under Mack the last several years...boring. That's why UT is bleeding recruits, and that HAS to change under somebody else!

 

[coolhorn]

Great sig line coolhorn!!

Jimmy Buffett's one of the smartest guys in the room.

 

[Randolph Duke]

I have asked a question on other boards that has never been aswered, so maybe someone here can. Why would Texas only look at someone who has been a head coach? Why would they just dismiss anyone who was a coordinator if that person is a tremendous coach with a lot of fire? Why was Coach Boom considered to take over the house, but they would not want to look at other up and coming assistant coaches. We dont know how any coach will fare here. It could be, although doubtful, that Saban would do no better here (if he does in fact come). Find a candidate, regardless of HC or coordintator position, determine if they are a fit for the program and give them a try. If it doesnt work out you move on tp the next guy until one hits. This could happen with any of the "big name" head coaches people wish for.

The program at Texas is larger in scope than any other program in the nation. We generate around $120mil in revenue and around $95 mil in profit from our football program. Having the program in total disarray costs more at Texas than at other schools. If our program continues to slide and costs us a 15% drop in revenue that takes 5 years to recover from, its a $100 million mistake. Mack makes around $5.5mil/yr. Paying someone like Saban $10 mil is an increase of expenses of $4.5 million ($23 mil over 5 years).

By getting it right, we eliminate a potential $100 mil mistake by paying $25 mil that may well pay for itself with improved performance.

Run the numbers.

 

[jvb3190]

Thanks Randolph this was the type of explanation I was looking for. Im not really good with numbers, just a dumb cop and former jarine.