The state of UT men's athletics

[bbdude]

We had a great discussion last night on the streaming radio program (available via Podcast now) about the Texas football, basketball and baseball programs. It seems all three programs are in a phase of regression of sorts and it begs the question of "do our coaches have something to do with this? Is it time for a change in one, two or perhaps all programs?"

Mack brown joined Texas in 1998, as did Rick Barnes. Augie Garrido became head coach of the baseball team in 1997. These are long tenures folks..... real long. We are fortunate to have performed at a tremendous level for an extended period of time. Justin says that programs are cyclical in nature (particularly football) and thinks UT might be in for a significant period of mediocrity.

Thoughts?

 

[Lord Vader]

Hmmm..... Garrido gets a pass, want to see how it goes with the new assistant.

Barnes, his shlt attitude, and his never quite good enough arse need to be on the next Budget Rent A Plane out of here

Mack.....oh boy ...

 

[beevomav]

Good news is the women's programs are doing fine but the mens big three are in the pits. Especially in football and basketball.

 

[uttailgaters]

Last night the 2009 Big XII Championship game was on LHN. You start thinking about the recruiting disasters we've had at skill positions over the past 5 years and the decline makes sense. Some of the names from that game.

Dan Buckner = left early/transfer

Malcolm Williams = left early

Tre Newton = retired (not his fault obviously, but still qualifies as a recruiting miss even if its bad luck)

Brandon Collins = felony robbery charges, left team

And then there's of course the guys we lost to SM freaking U

Garrett Gilbert = left early/transfer

Traylon Shead = never panned out at all/transfer

DMN reported in October that Texas lost 19 of 45 recruits from the 2009/2010 class to attrition. 42% of the classes. That's a disaster.

 

[bbdude]

Last night the 2009 Big XII Championship game was on LHN. You start thinking about the recruiting disasters we've had at skill positions over the past 5 years and the decline makes sense. Some of the names from that game.
Dan Buckner = left early/transfer

Malcolm Williams = left early

Tre Newton = retired (not his fault obviously, but still qualifies as a recruiting miss even if its bad luck)

Brandon Collins = felony robbery charges, left team

And then there's of course the guys we lost to SM freaking U

Garrett Gilbert = left early/transfer

Traylon Shead = never panned out at all/transfer

DMN reported in October that Texas lost 19 of 45 recruits from the 2009/2010 class to attrition. 42% of the classes. That's a disaster.

It is horrific for a team to experience that. JW had a good read as you know on the '08 recruiting class - A Look Back At The Class of 2008

That stuff happens at all programs but 42% is crazy.... Recruiting is not an exact science by any means but when you recruit the last two Heisman winners as D-Backs, you gotta be thinking you are losing a little something in the cabeza. One guy, just one guy can take the pain out of all the loss a team experiences. One guy CAN make a difference. We haven't a guy like that since VY left. WIll we have another guy like that? Who the hell knows.

 

[Wes]

The coaches definitely have a part in how a team/program performs. It's an NFL comparison, but look at the Niners a season before Harbough came, and then look at his first season. And look at what Mack was able to do when he got here. Both completely turned around their teams and elevated the level of play. I think Mack and Auggie were great coaches, some of the best during their time. But like players, coaches can fall out of their prime as the sports evolve and I think that's happening with Mack and Auggie. They did great things for the University and players they coached. And they both won national championships and elevated the level of expectation for the athletic success at the school. But I really think it's time to move into new directions with both of the coaches.

As far as Barnes, he's always left me thinking there's more juice he could have squeezed out of the orange of his basketball teams. I think he coaches some things very well (he's put great players into the NBA). But at the same time I never get the feeling his teams hit their potential.

 

[Lord Vader]

I haven't done the 2009 class yet but its a friggin disaster. The "dead" scholarships alone are horrid.