When you have the asst. coaches/position coaches assign what needs to be done in the S&C program, then their respective players don't fulfill what's been asked of them, and the HC doesn't say or do a thing about it?! How do you describe that? In all seriousness, I easily could say who, what was happening, how often it happened or didn't happen, etc. BUT, some of these kids are still in school and I've made it a practice not to talk about kids when they are still in school. You'll just have to take my word. Just as example. How do you justify one offensive line player that has lost 25+ pounds in about a month vs his *playing weight* last season? Damn, he gained weight in the off-season, came on campus and continued to gain through the season. Can you see that player dealing with basic conditioning excercises? FWIW, I watched it first hand under DuBose with a guy who handled nutrition for a lot of the SEC schools. I heard about it first hand under Shula...and when I say first hand, that was coming from kids on the team, in the locker room. While I never said "head and shoulders above the SEC staffs," I do feel they are in the top of the league when it comes to recruiting. Based on skill's alone, success alone, etc., that would make a great thread for this off-season. We always talk about the HC, but never break it down to position coaches and comparisons.
While they haven't shown much at Bama yet, at this point I'd agree that Bama's staff is pretty good at recruiting - probably tied for 3rd or 4th in the league. But as for actual coaching ability, I'd say they aren't quite as good.
We did not drop off in S&C much. The players ran a whole lot more in the off season. He just didnt preach it as much because they knew they had to do it...which was good, I guess. As for favorites, i would honestly believe no one has ever had a bigger problem with playing and treating groups of players differently based on favorites than Mike Shula. Every coach has favorites, its human nature...but the Brodie love was ridiculous. Bamas assistants right now are unproven coaches for the most part. However, they are all top recruiters. I'd say they are at or near the top of recruiting ability, but can they coach them up?
Like I said, it was never a problem under Saban, BUT his effectiveness as a motivator (as far as S&C) did seem to slide after players had heard it for a couple years.
OK, let's go here. I'll give you Applewhite isn't proven as of yet. He did a great job last year and he was a serious candidate for your job. So, are you saying LSU was talking about hiring a OC that "wasn't quite as good?" Burton Burns-RB's? Been in the college ranks for 12-13 years. He's been a part of 6 of the top 10 offenses Clemson has ever fielded. FSU fans were very disappointed to see Steele leave. Is it safe to say FSU has put out some good LB's? Michael Boulware and Ernie Sims are the first two names that come to mind. 4 years coaching LB's at FSU. Steele has been in coaching since 1983. Pendry-OL? has a very proven career in the NFL, 19 years. Out of those 19 years, 11 of the teams he's been with have made the playoffs. Point to recruiting there if you like, but he isn't one visiting schools. Who? Curt Cignetti-R.Coord.-Rcvr's? He's entering his 25th year in the coaching circles. Bo Davis-DL? Ok, there's another question since he's only served as an asst. DL coach for one year. Was on your S&C program for awhile. Lance Thompson-OLB's? Coached at Bama before, I know him. Hell, he was on your in your NC run...been coaching since '88. Ron Middleton-TE's? 5 seasons in the SEC, 3 in the NFL with Gruden. Kirby Smart-DB's? 1 yr with the Dolphins, 6 with Georgia, LSU, FSU...OK, only 6 years here. Please, tell me who you are talking about?
I'm sure this has been pointed out to you, but to clarify, Applewhite was considered only strongly considered as a QB coach. He's a very good coach, and this is one hire I really like. Can't remember for sure, think it was Lance that was not very highly regarded here as a coach.
Someone once said coaching in the NFL is not the same as coaching college ball? I think they were defending Saban. Who could that have been?
Aaahhh, someone thinking... :thumb: I stand by saying that, but, to clarify what I said, being a HC in the NFL and being an HC in college: two completely different situations. Now, position coach? This would take some research, but maybe someone here could mention an example of someone that could be a great position coach in the NFL, but not so in college ball. My thinking falls along the lines of it would be more difficult for a coach to move from the college ranks to the NFL ranks. I assume you are talking about Pendry? If not, who did you have in mind? You are right, I forgot about that. Now, just this past Monday night there was a meeting for a group in Mobile...this group is a non-profit/tutoring group whose focus are kids growing up without fathers. Our whole staff was down for the meeting. When Applewhite was asked about his responsibility in regards to the RB's, OL, WR's, etc. he was very, very quick to point out he coaches QB's at Bama. Do you remember the thread here a month or so ago about all the titles coaches had been given? What's deceiving here is the title of Applewhite: Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks. When it comes to Coordinating the offense, that means he'll be calling plays. When it comes to the actual "coordination" of the offense it'll be shared by 2 people mainly (Applewhite and Pendry) with Saban and Cignetti coming in also. Me too. He's one of the guys that came with Saban immediately. I'd like to hear about that. In the two years he spent at LSU he was in charge of recruiting. Seems you guys have a little talent there, don't ya? :thumb: He did a great job with our DL during the '99 year at Bama. The job he did at Central Florida was really impressive in '05. I know Lance served as recruiting coordinator at Ga. Tech when he was there, he did at LSU. I'll admit, I've have a bit of a bias with CLT because of his former stint in T-town, knowing him personally, etc.
Geez Terry, you're right, all of us tiger fans better just bend over for the shank up the behind, BAMA IS BACK AND TAKING OVER!!!!!!! GREATEST HEAD COACH, GREATEST STAFF EVER ASSEMBLED IN THE GREATEST STATE IN THE NATION!!! :wink:
I was mainly referring to Steele and Applewhite. I realize Steele will not be the real DC. Experience is great, but doesnt make a great coach. Ive been going to school for twenty years, I sure as hell dont make all A's... or B's. :yelwink2:
