'here's how I view Steele in terms of coaching. When he's got players who can take what they see on film, and what they are taught in the film room, and translate it to the field he's a good DC. When he's not dealing with players who have that football acumen and he's forced to teach them on the field, then there's an issue.' I dont think ive ever read a double negative paragraph before. thats a long ways to go to say ill be damned if i say anything good about him while sounding cordial.
It is what it is, tirk. I believe it was in this thread where @LSUDad had a quote from a site crediting Steele for the development of Reggie Ragland this season. From an athletic standpoint, or from a technique view, there were not a lot of changes with RR this season. He was around the ball consistently. As one example, Reggie was just as good last year at shedding blocks. Where he improved this season was understanding the mental aspect; the X's and O's of how plays develop. You would hear Steele saying "eyes" more than any other instructional point. Enter a guy like Reuben Foster. Hell of an athlete, but he's been slow on picking what's seen in the film room and translating that to the field. There was a disconnect there. Some guys are good at teaching football's technique. Some have great football IQ's. Occasionally, you'll find a coach with both and more than likely those are the same guys you'll see have success as a head coach. Steele has a good football IQ. But, when you have players tell you he's a "clumsy football teacher" on the field? They were talking about teaching technique. The majority of the time I've looked at Saban's hires as an equal replacement; sometimes an upgrade. With Steele my thought was "we could have done worse." I realize this is my opinion. Having seen him on the staff, twice, gives what I consider to be ample evidence to make a judgment.
Well, none of us know really what we are getting, but may as well be positive until we know better. With Terry's comments, KSs hiring has become to feel a bit like Crowton's did (multiple Oregonians posting negative insight about GC) , but I have a bit more optimism with KS, personally. What I am optimistic about is that his first 2 years as Clemson's DC, their defense was in the top 20 both years. Really, they were doing well until late 3rd season, when the wheels of the whole team seem to come off. Really seems like a Dabo issue overall, but the defense definitely got their arses handed to them at that point. Secondly, Saban re-hired him. If he were not a good coach, CNS wouldn't have done that. I really wonder if KSs post-HC, and post-DC stints burned him out a bit emotionally, and CNS brought him back in an administrative role initially for that reason, and later got him back out on the field as position coach. Coach O seems to be the galvanizing force here. Personally, I wonder, if KSs success starts to dwindle over time, like at Clemson, if O will not slide into the DC role at that point? From all reports, KS knows what he is doing. Brick, and others who have worked with him personally, say that he is exactly what LSUs Def. needs at this juncture. Time will tell if that is correct, or if he is the defensive version of GC. I truly hope he succeeds and is our DC for years to come reaching the potential that is there for him with the talent that LSU commands. Geaux!
I can't read all that. My attention span is good if it's going somewhere but alas twas not to be. Your first post was good enough.
DP on the radio this morning said that Saban asked Steele to not get on the plane, let's talk about things... Bama boards say everyone processed... I remember back in the Saban/LSU days the same things were said about assistants on LSU boards because most didn't stay too long.
