Good post, and I sort of agree. I just got back from Christmas vaction, and haven't had time to comment on Saban leaving or the "new" HC . . . so this may cover a few topics. As a fan I'm not hard to please. I don't expect a NC every year, I just want LSU to be competitive (winning seasons, top 25 rankings, and bowl games). That said, I do want a HC this time around that wants to be here long term . . . no more yearly NFL rumors. I don't want LSU to be just a stepping stone to the NFL for players or coaches. Why? Because I don't care for the NFL at all, I'm a college football fan. I'd like to think that the next Tiger HC will be a man that wants a long term college tenure and everything that goes along with that. All that said, I wish Saban the best in the NFL. I liked his coaching style, his commitment to the school, and his drive to see LSU tradiation respected (both locally and nationally). Saban is a good man and good coach, he deserves the chance to pursue his own personal goals. He owes me nothing. Saban put us back in the national spotlight and made LSU a real choice again for the highly talented in-state HS players. Of course I wish Saban would have turned Miami down, but this might open the door for a great coach whose personal goals are limited to only college football success. We may never be in such a position to sell the university to a high profile coach that wants to ONLY coach on the college level. Maybe it is time for our own Fulmer, Stoops, PC, etc (coaches who don't seem interested in the NFL, yet have run very successful programs). Saban got us back to the elite level, now we need a man that can keep us there.
don't forget he's a rat, tattle tail also :dis: Thanks, but no thanks, I would hire TT before I'd hire him.
Maybe the NFL knows something about SABAN some of "us" don't know or don't see. He is a better coach than those you just listed. If Fulmer were as good as you THINK he is they'd be hounding him. Who has fulmer turned down in the NFL??? Oh he isn't interested. How convienant, because they aren't interested in him either. The NFL is more than just X's and O's and a "good coach". WH, recognized the "drive" and ambition Coach Saban has. let's face some of these guys just don't have that level of ambition. I think given the same talent level and experience at positions ( no offense Sooner fans ) Saban would beat any Stoops team 9 out of 10 times. Remember defense wins championships. Stoops is a great coach and a great recruiter. Saban is a great coach, great recruiter, defensive guru and he eats lives and sleeps football. That's what they want. There are other coaches in college like this but none stood out as much as Saban to the NFL. Now dont misread this, I think we'd be hella lucky to get a coach as good as Stoops. I really can't stand Georgia but Mark Richt is a very capable coach. Another seemingly "dedicated" to college level coach. supposedly. I personally don't think those coaches you mentioned could tote Saban's jock strap in coaching. That doesn't mean I worship the guy, I probably won't watch him much because I just don't care for NFL ball. I like college, LSU in particular. BUT the admins do need to find someone that is GOOD if not GREAT. Keep in mind that whoever they get will "appear" to do well the first year due to Saban's recruiting efforts. The "scare" here is that someone will seem to do a great job, which is a good thing don't get me wrong.... but then as the real "test" of a coaches mettle wears on..... things settle out..... I sincerely hope they hire some one that is a close match to Saban's ENERGY for the game. ATTITUDE is the biggest thing. Also ( just my opinion ) I hope it is a defensive minded coach. whether he was an a$$ or whatever, he definately left some VERY tall boots to fill. First couple of years any good coach can cruise by.... 8 wins at least....4 years into it... well that will tell the tale now won't it? :yelwink2:
Keep in mind that not all successful college coaches have the NFL as their goal. Some are in love with what the college game is all about.....many of the same things that we all, as fans, also share. Paterno, for example, has been approached many times in his distinguished career. Others, like Saban, have a burning desire to compete on the highest level. It's what makes them special as coaches. Remember one of the things that that is unique about Saban - hw was there before.
Very true, but not many of them are any good. A few are the exception. Paterno would be hard pressed to find any college job at this point. maybe in the past, but you know his type is dying off. No more bowden's and bear bryant's lurking in the shadows.
I don't disagree with you, and I have just as much respect for Saban and his ability as you do. I was just saying that I would like for our next coach to possibly be a longer term kind of guy. I realize that it may be impossible, and that we could be better off with another coach as talented as Saban with the same NFL type goals. It's just my personal preference . . . I'll be a tiger fan win or lose, it was just my opinion. I certainly won't argue that the coaches I listed are better than Saban, because they are not . . . they just don't seem to have NFL coaching goals. I don't know if that means they are horrible coaches or just plain worthless . . . I was commenting on their dedication to the college game. I'm sure the only coach on my list that could get an NFL gig would be Stoops, yet he has never seemed interested in that level. The guys I listed are good recruiters, something that may be easier for them because the kids they recruit know that particular coach will be there for their full 4 years. To be more clear, I wouldn't trade Saban for any of those coaches I listed. Considering our current situation I would just like a longer tenure out of our next coach. If that coach happens to be as successful as Stoops, Fulmer, or PC . . . then I wouldn't complain. Personally I rather have Saban, but that is over now. Finally, you are also correct about the "test" for the new coach. We are basically stacked for at least the next 2 years . . . the real test will be in year 3, 4, and 5. I didn't think my post came off as anti-Saban or anything. I have nothing but respect for the man, and stood up for him all season (during the QB thing, etc). I wish he would have never taken the Miami job because of how much I respect the man as a coach. I would never trade Saban for any coach out there (college or pro), we just don't have a choice . . . we have to hire someone.
