I'd almost forgotten about this: Butch denies, again and again, interest in the Browns. Even rejects a job offer, only to take a revised offer...in late January!! No wonder Miami promoted Larry Coker! Recruiting for that year would have been a disaster! http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/news/2001/01/30/davis_browns_ap/ Also notice how both college and NFL coaching salaries have exploded in recent years. Davis made less than a mil a year at Miami, which is now what good mid-major schools pay (Utah was going to pay Urban about a mil a year had he stayed). Wow!
SI's Peter King: "The Browns have some talent but will still need to stock up heavily at the draft to become a winner. Butch Davis' experience in getting the scoop on prospective draftees from his days with the Cowboys can only help him build a winner in Cleveland. " Someone should forward these "Words of wisdom" to King. I don't know what scoop on prospective draftees Davis had, but it definitely didn't build a winner.
sounds familiar - butch leaves on bad terms? maybe butch davis just isn't the right guy for LSU. he sure has quite a following around here for reasons unbenownst to me. although I think recruiting at LSU under davis would continue strong mainly due to lsu's national allure and davis' pro connections. I'm very concerned about butch davis' character, something that was never at question over the last 4 years. he has really burned bridges with many and, frankly, I'm not convinced he's that good of a coach. the roster of players that's been posted says it all. mike tice could have coached that team. I think LSU can do much better than butch.
I totally disagree with you... I think Butch Davis would be the best option available for LSU if Saban leaves. You said it yourself that "I think recruiting at LSU under davis would continue strong mainly due to lsu's national allure and davis' pro connections." Most football folks we'll tell you that for any program to be successful they've got to have athletes, that it's 90% of the battle. You've got to have the horses to run the race. There are a lot of great coaches, especially recently, who've fallen by the wayside because they simply couldn't get good enough athletes to compete. A study came out not to long ago showing the direct correlation betwen having top recruiting classes and winning championships. I don't know why Butch Davis' character would be called into question? That one kind of baffles me. He was very close to being the head coach at LSU before Saban got hired. He cleaned up all of Erickson's Thug U at Miami and kept the Canes' program in the upper echelon despite battling NCAA sanctions. I hope Saban stays, but if he does leave my vote is for Butch Davis. Besides, right now there isn't anyone available out there who has better credentials.
