A fellow named Bryant did. Head coach and AD. I suspect the money reveals that folks at Bama are ready for a change in the way things are done. If so, Nick is their guy. If not, . . . it's going to be interesting. Nick is a hell of a coach, but he ain't warm and fuzzy and he pisses a lot of people off. It works when you're winning.
Control- It's one of the points listed in his contract giving him total control over the football operations. It was a concern of his, he spoke with Stallings about how to handle it, and thus... If you noticed, I didn't say powerhouse...but, it would take some time for the adjustments. LSU powerhouse- I don't deny you have as much talent in your program right now as Florida. Talent wise, the two programs top the SEC. I've pointed to the '08 season for several years now because of the maturity level of the players in the program. If you look at the roster, you'll see how young this team is... With that maturity, and two spring practices, two S&C off seasons, and a year of play under their belts...there is no reason not to expect an extremely competitive team in '08. His second season at LSU wasn't too shabby, was it? Especially considering the dismal years you were experiencing before he got there. Fact is, if he were at the helm last year, a 9-3 type record is a very distinct possiblity. Say he were here in '05... The problems we've had over the last decade are two fold. One, the effects of sanctions. Secondly, the some of the guys as HC didn't have what it took to run a football program. Are you saying Saban doesn't?
No, $aban is a good coach. I am well aware of his record while here at :lsup: , and it is GOOD. He even had one GREAT year. Now, if $aban were there in, say, '05, do you guys win it all? You had a great year that year. What was the record? I know ya'll won 10 games for sure. For the record, his first year at LSU wasn't too shabby, either. Dinardo had a few "not too shabby" years thrown in during his tenure, but yes, $aban was an improvement, as he will most likely be at Bama. But he is not a god. The expectations are SOOOOO high right now, that you cannot deny. And Terry, you cannot deny what happens when expectations are not met with regards to Bama coaches. I'm not implying you have anything to do with it, as I don't feel you would have anything to do with it, but I know you've seen the polls on Tidefans, "how long before we win a MNC?". It's downright funny. Bottom line, we don't like him right now as a fan base, and nothing you say can change that. It'll go away. Don't try to justify his actions here, and it will go away sooner.:thumb:
Nick can damn well run a football program, but he can not walk on water. Here is what you are going to like about Nick. 1. Football is a business to him and he works hard at it 2. He demands the same from assistant coaches and staff. He will replace 2 to 3 position coaches every year. About half for not doing their jobs, the other half flee from Nick's tyranny. 3. He demands the same from the players. Everybody is told what his job is and he better damn well do it and in a professional, businesslike manner. 4. He knows defense like few other in the business do. 5. Nick recruits well by emphasizing his buisinesslike attitude towards school and football. Some parents are sick of coaches trying to play on being "fatherly" to their kids or promising them the world. There are some things you won't like about him, too. 1. Nick is imperious and cold. He'll do the alumni and political gladhanding, but he despises it and it shows. He makes few close friends. 2. Nick will piss off the media very quickly. He keeps info close to the vest. Nobody can speak to the media except him. Practices will be closed. Interviews will be clipped. Certain reporters will get in his doghouse and never get out. He will be critical of the press. 3. Nick can be devious and dishonest and gets caught at it from time to time. 4. Nick will piss off the other sports coaches, high school coaches, professors, and administrators regularly. One Louisiana High school coach was quoted as saying that Nick was good at contacting high school coaches in Louisiana but "they'd have a hard time finding pallbearers for him" among them.
You should've put this one in the things that you WILL like about him. I liked that he kept a lid on things and pissed off the media.
1- doesn't bother me...and, if he's winning it won't bother a lot of Bama fans. 2- REALLY doesn't bother me...it's no different than what we dealt with (closed practices) for the last 4 years. Considering some of the hacks that write for the media, I expect this to happen and happen soon. Heck, started when he got off the plane with one of the B-ham TV guys asking "have you seen the facilities yet?" His response, "I just got off the plane." 3- That's is of some concern. 4- The only thing I have to say about this is the contact is going to be made by some of the best recruiters out there. Several of our new coaches have served as recruiting coordinators at other schools, others have been consider the TOP recruiter at their schools. IF there is anything I can say about the staff he's assembled, they are young, intense, hard workers, and great on the recruiting trail.
It's all about knowing what to say to the media, and what to keep under wraps. Shula, lacked that quality completely. I think for at least the first of his tenure, the media will think he's a refreshing change compared to hearing the same ole', same ole' out of xCMS the last four years.
Nick is indeed a refreshing change. But most fans find out about their team through the media and Nick's sparring with the media deprived the fans out of a lot of info that they deserved. Like I said once before, when he's winning many sins are forgiven . . .
