College Football: What have you done for me lately?

[Mr. Happy]

Auburn runs Gene Chizik, just two years after winning it all, with a 33-19 overall record. Granted, without the Cam Newton season, Chizik was a .500 coach, which is unacceptable at Auburn, and there are all sorts of allegations swirling about, but I still wonder if this was a bit too hasty. What sayeth you? Would you have fired Chizik?

[Andyzipp]

Chizik would have never been hired away from the Iowa State Twirlybirds.  Still scratching my head over that, but I guess that was a byproduct of trying to fire/extend Tuberville every alternating year.

[BizidyDizidy]

Except for being handed a Heisman winner on a silver platter, he has done diddley squat (and getting worse). Maybe better question is why the hired in the first place after going 5-19 at Iowa State. Career won-loss record excluding 2010 is 24-38.

[Mr. Happy]

Chizik would have never been hired away from the Iowa State Twirlybirds.  Still scratching my head over that, but I guess that was a byproduct of trying to fire/extend Tuberville every alternating year.

AZ and Biz: I agree about the fact that the hire was a stretch to begin with. The program clearly needs some help now, but what does the firing tell those who might be interested in the job, other than get all you can?

[MusicMan]

AZ and Biz: I agree about the fact that the hire was a stretch to begin with. The program clearly needs some help now, but what does the firing tell those who might be interested in the job, other than get all you can?

Auburn has fired the last three coaches that went undefeated for them.

They will get a Todd Graham type.  And they will deserve it.

[Andyzipp]

AZ and Biz: I agree about the fact that the hire was a stretch to begin with. The program clearly needs some help now, but what does the firing tell those who might be interested in the job, other than get all you can?

For me it says that if you go 3-9 and winless in the SEC, you're probably going to be looking for a job.  I think anyone taking that job understands the context of results, especially when measured against Alabama.

I also think that with Chizik being under a supposed NCAA investigation, his baggage, the degradation of the teams performance over the season, and his record outside of the Cam Newton year, Chizik made it very easy to make the decision.

And I don't think it'll be a Todd Graham type.  I think Auburn is desperate enough to go after Petrino.

[Andyzipp]

Speaking of desperate, the interwebs are all abuzz with the idea that Tennessee has approached Jim Tressel to replace Dooley.

[juliogotay]

Speaking of desperate, the interwebs are all abuzz with the idea that Tennessee has approached Jim Tressel to replace Dooley.

I think that would be a great hire for them.

[BizidyDizidy]

For me it says that if you go 3-9 and winless in the SEC, you're probably going to be looking for a job.  I think anyone taking that job understands the context of results, especially when measured against Alabama.

Especially relative to Alabama, who scored TD's on it's first 7 drives before calling off the dogs (didn't attempt a pass in the last 24 minutes). When Alabama takes pity on you in the Iron Bowl in your 4th season, you probably aren't long for the job.

[Andyzipp]

I think that would be a great hire for them.

Except for that pesky 5-year show-cause issue...

[ybbodeus]

Auburn did not fire Tuberville. He exercised an option in his contract that allowed him to resign with full compensation if the university or booster repeated the same or similar process it had done when previously pursuing Petrino without following proper notification guidelines. Sure enough, that same stupid drunk bastard got on the phone, again, this time calling up Houston Nutt.

Nutts, Tubbs and Chizik all had Jimmy Sexton as their agent. Sounds to me like super-agent put Olde Miss and Auburn together with a really boss PowerPoint presentation.

[juliogotay]

Auburn did not fire Tuberville. He exercised an option in his contract that allowed him to resign with full compensation if the university or booster repeated the same or similar process it had done when previously pursuing Petrino without following proper notification guidelines. Sure enough, that same stupid drunk bastard got on the phone, again, this time calling up Houston Nutt.

Nutts, Tubbs and Chizik all had Jimmy Sexton as their agent. Sounds to me like super-agent put Olde Miss and Auburn together with a really boss PowerPoint presentation.

That's not the JImmy Sexton that was a middle-infielder for the Astros in the 70s is it?

[MusicMan]

Except for that pesky 5-year show-cause issue...

NCAA to Tennessee: "You need to show cause to hire Jim Tressel"
Tennessee: "Our last two coaches were Lane Kiffin and Derek Dooley."
NCAA: "Yeah, that'll do it.  Approved."

[MusicMan]

And I don't think it'll be a Todd Graham type.  I think Auburn is desperate enough to go after Petrino.

A guy who bailed on his NFL team mid-season by leaving a note, and got hisself fired just before the season?  Yeah, that's a Todd Graham type.

[Andyzipp]

NCAA to Tennessee: "You need to show cause to hire Jim Tressel"
Tennessee: "Our last two coaches were Lane Kiffin and Derek Dooley."
NCAA: "Yeah, that'll do it.  Approved."

I guess the show-cause penalty expires after the 2016 season.  I just can't imagine Tennessee (or any big program) is going to be willing to put itself thisclose to probation for hiring Tressel.

[Andyzipp]

A guy who bailed on his NFL team mid-season by leaving a note, and got hisself fired just before the season?  Yeah, that's a Todd Graham type.

As long as they lock up their volleyball players, it should work out fine.

[hostros7]

As long as they lock up their volleyball players, it should work out fine.

Joe Caan clearly demonstrated the perils of locking up a man's motorcycle for the season: next thing you know, he's drunk driving Bud Light Kaminsky's two-door ranger and on his way to rehab.

[homer]

I think Auburn is desperate enough to go after Petrino.

This is the plan.

[ybbodeus]

That's not the JImmy Sexton that was a middle-infielder for the Astros in the 70s is it?

Different Jimmy's.

[juliogotay]

Different Jimmy's.

OK, thanks for the confirmation.

[ybbodeus]

NCAA to Tennessee: "You need to show cause to hire Jim Tressel"
Tennessee: "Our last two coaches were Lane Kiffin and Derek Dooley."
NCAA: "Yeah, that'll do it.  Approved."

"That's good shooting, soldier!"

[Duman]

Being an Auburn fan, this is hard for me to say but truth is truth.  Auburn is not a good place to attract a coach right now.  They have a reputation as having a meddling board who is impatient.  They also are share a state with Nick Saban and their recruiting base is in the territory of Bama, UGA & FLA. That said, someone will want that job.  Not a Petrino fan but I am hearing he is the one. 

Chizik's brightest moment was when he hired his assistants. Malzahn, & Roof were very good coordinator hires.  He had trouble sharing the spot light with them and started meddling in 2011 and then in 2012 both were gone and he didn't do a good job of replacing Malzahn. In fact I think it showed that the coordinators were stronger coaches than the head coach. 

Here is a great write up of how Chizik set the table for his own firing.

[BizidyDizidy]

If you hire Bobby Petrino, you are a scumbag.

[juliogotay]

If you hire Bobby Petrino, you are a scumbag.

Or, as they say in Texas, "if you lay with dogs you're gonna pick up a few fleas."

[Duman]

If you they hire Bobby Petrino, you they are a scumbag.

FIFY. Auburn is where my football allegiance lies because it is where I grew up and where I went to undergrad.  I have no say so what so ever in whom they choose to hire as coach.  I have lived with the dissonance of pulling for a team while not liking the character of the coach before (i.e. Pat Dye & Terry Bowden).  

[BizidyDizidy]

FIFY. Auburn is where my football allegiance lies because it is where I grew up and where I went to undergrad.  I have no say so what so ever in whom they choose to hire as coach.  I have lived with the dissonance of pulling for a team while not liking the character of the coach before (i.e. Pat Dye & Terry Bowden).  

Didn't mean you personally Appy.

[juliogotay]

A reminder to anyone interested, the Pac 12 Champeenship game is TONIGHT at 7.

[ybbodeus]

Who's in it?

[BizidyDizidy]

Every things coming up roses

[ybbodeus]

Every things coming up roses

Well earned!

[Mr. Happy]

Well, not that anyone here gives a shit, but I personally am very pissed off that LSU is not playing on a New Year's Day (or later) bowl game. I don't count bowl games that are before New Year's Day anymore. Those are chickenshit filler bowls sponsored by (in this case literally) chickenshit sponsors. If I had been athletics director, I'd have been very tempted to stay home, the fiduciary duty to the conference "partners" be damned. I just can't get excited playing against an ACC team anyway. Second rate competition. I wouldn't be surprised if the Tigers lose just because of a lack of interest in playing the stupid game--anticlimactic.

[BizidyDizidy]

Well, not that anyone here gives a shit, but I personally am very pissed off that LSU is not playing on a New Year's Day (or later) bowl game. I don't count bowl games that are before New Year's Day anymore. Those are chickenshit filler bowls sponsored by (in this case literally) chickenshit sponsors. If I had been athletics director, I'd have been very tempted to stay home, the fiduciary duty to the conference "partners" be damned. I just can't get excited playing against an ACC team anyway. Second rate competition. I wouldn't be surprised if the Tigers lose just because of a lack of interest in playing the stupid game--anticlimactic.

Maybe if they want a better bowl, they shouldn't have finished in a 3-way tie for 4th.

[MusicMan]

Well, not that anyone here gives a shit, but I personally am very pissed off that LSU is not playing on a New Year's Day (or later) bowl game. I don't count bowl games that are before New Year's Day anymore. Those are chickenshit filler bowls sponsored by (in this case literally) chickenshit sponsors. If I had been athletics director, I'd have been very tempted to stay home, the fiduciary duty to the conference "partners" be damned. I just can't get excited playing against an ACC team anyway. Second rate competition. I wouldn't be surprised if the Tigers lose just because of a lack of interest in playing the stupid game--anticlimactic.

Aren't they in the Chick-Fil-A bowl?  It's New Year's Eve and will likely be one of the new top bowls in the "playoff" system.  It's not chump change.

[Andyzipp]

For you, Hap...

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w118/vangyjo/albuma/chik.gif

[NeilT]

Aren't they in the Chick-Fil-A bowl?  It's New Year's Eve and will likely be one of the new top bowls in the "playoff" system.  It's not chump change.

I hope they have cows for the goal posts.

[JimR]

Well, not that anyone here gives a shit, but I personally am very pissed off that LSU is not playing on a New Year's Day (or later) bowl game. I don't count bowl games that are before New Year's Day anymore. Those are chickenshit filler bowls sponsored by (in this case literally) chickenshit sponsors. If I had been athletics director, I'd have been very tempted to stay home, the fiduciary duty to the conference "partners" be damned. I just can't get excited playing against an ACC team anyway. Second rate competition. I wouldn't be surprised if the Tigers lose just because of a lack of interest in playing the stupid game--anticlimactic.

that is the worst excuse for losing i have ever heard.

[HudsonHawk]

Well, not that anyone here gives a shit, but I personally am very pissed off that LSU is not playing on a New Year's Day (or later) bowl game. I don't count bowl games that are before New Year's Day anymore. Those are chickenshit filler bowls sponsored by (in this case literally) chickenshit sponsors. If I had been athletics director, I'd have been very tempted to stay home, the fiduciary duty to the conference "partners" be damned. I just can't get excited playing against an ACC team anyway. Second rate competition. I wouldn't be surprised if the Tigers lose just because of a lack of interest in playing the stupid game--anticlimactic.

Funny...I don't count any bowl games that are played *after* New Year's Day.

And on a side note...seriously?  You finished fourth in your conference. 

[Jacksonian]

And on a side note...seriously?  You finished fourth in your conference. 

Meaningless argument.  The 5th and 6th place teams got New Year's Day bowls.

[Mr. Happy]

Funny...I don't count any bowl games that are played *after* New Year's Day.

And on a side note...seriously?  You finished fourth in your conference. 

I realize that. I also realize that it was a numbers game. Had LSU beaten either Alabama or Florida, or both of them, we wouldn't be havcing this discussion. I'm just pissed off. Ignore me. I'm getting over it anyway.

[BudGirl]

I realize that. I also realize that it was a numbers game. Had LSU beaten either Alabama or Florida, or both of them, we wouldn't be havcing this discussion. I'm just pissed off. Ignore me. I'm getting over it anyway.

glad you are getting over it.  you sound whiny.

[Mr. Happy]

glad you are getting over it.  you sound whiny.

It's only because I am today.

[HudsonHawk]

Meaningless argument.  The 5th and 6th place teams got New Year's Day bowls.

How is "if you want to play in BCS bowls, play better" a meaningless argument?  Or is this really an argument that you'd rather play in the Heart of Dallas Bowl on ESPNU simply because it's the next day?

[hostros7]

I'm all for BCS busters being included in the mix, but the rule that allowed Northern Illinois to sneak into the BCS should be amended.  Non-AQ schools should have to run the table to be included, imo. 

[Ebby Calvin]

How is "if you want to play in BCS bowls, play better" a meaningless argument?  Or is this really an argument that you'd rather play in the Heart of Dallas Bowl on ESPNU simply because it's the next day?

I read it as sarcasm.

[Jacksonian]

How is "if you want to play in BCS bowls, play better" a meaningless argument?  Or is this really an argument that you'd rather play in the Heart of Dallas Bowl on ESPNU simply because it's the next day?

Happy wanted a New Year's Day bowl not a BCS bowl.  That's what it looked like you were referring to.

[Jacksonian]

I read it as sarcasm.

Some sarcasm.  At the same time the Outback Bowl did the Chick-Fil-A bowl a favor by inviting South Carolina.  Otherwise SC would be playing Clemson, again.

[HudsonHawk]

Happy wanted a New Year's Day bowl not a BCS bowl.  That's what it looked like you were referring to.

I meant it as "if you want higher profile bowl games, win more in the regular season".  I didn't think Happy meant he'd take any bowl, no matter how minor, as long as it was on New Year's Day over a better bowl on Dec. 31st.  If that's what he meant, well...that's just dumb.

[Jacksonian]

I meant it as "if you want higher profile bowl games, win more in the regular season".  I'm not sure how you can classify that as a meaningless argument.

The way bowl selections go, winning and losing don't seem to matter.  South Carolina, Texas A&M, and Mississippi State all play on New Year's Day.  LSU beat them all, is ahead of them in the conference, and will play on New Year's Eve.

[drew corleone]

I'm all for BCS busters being included in the mix, but the rule that allowed Northern Illinois to sneak into the BCS should be amended.  Non-AQ schools should have to run the table to be included, imo. 

I don't think anyone ever anticipated a non-AQ school would actually finish in the top 16 ahead of a conference champ from an AQ conference. Doesn't matter... rule becomes moot in two years anyway.

While I would have personally rather Texas played in the Cotton Bowl, I'm not going to get indignant about how it all played out. The Horns had a chance to help keep the little guys out of the top 16 and they blew it... twice. And I also don't think OU should automatically get rewarded for having two "good losses."

[subnuclear]

I don't think anyone ever anticipated a non-AQ school would actually finish in the top 16 ahead of a conference champ from an AQ conference. Doesn't matter... rule becomes moot in two years anyway.

What happens in two years?

[HudsonHawk]

The way bowl selections go, winning and losing don't seem to matter.  South Carolina, Texas A&M, and Mississippi State all play on New Year's Day.  LSU beat them all, is ahead of them in the conference, and will play on New Year's Eve.

So this is a timing complaint rather than a quality of bowl complaint  You'd rather play in the Dallas Bowl on New Year's Day.  That's completely whacked.

[HudsonHawk]

What happens in two years?

Changes coming to BCS.  There will be a playoff, which presumably necessitates other changes to who gets bowl bids.

[jbm]

Doesn't the four-team playoff start next year?

[HudsonHawk]

Doesn't the four-team playoff start next year?

I thought after the 2014 season (January 2015), but it may be after next season.

[Jacksonian]

So this is a timing complaint rather than a quality of bowl complaint  You'd rather play in the Dallas Bowl on New Year's Day.  That's completely whacked.

I don't give a rat's ass when they play.  They got the bowl they deserved.  I just thought the where you finished in your conference notion was meaningless.  Especially as, and you know this as well as I do, it's not where you finish in your conference that matters.  The bowls have a selection pecking order.  The Outback bowl could have picked 6-6 Mississippi if they'd wanted to.  That's old-school bowl selection.

[BizidyDizidy]

I don't give a rat's ass when they play.  They got the bowl they deserved.  I just thought the where you finished in your conference notion was meaningless.  Especially as, and you know this as well as I do, it's not where you finish in your conference that matters.  The bowls have a selection pecking order.  The Outback bowl could have picked 6-6 Mississippi if they'd wanted to.  That's old-school bowl selection.

Is that true? In the Pac12 they don't have to pick directly in standings order, but can't skip more than 1 game out of order.

[BizidyDizidy]

I'm all for BCS busters being included in the mix, but the rule that allowed Northern Illinois to sneak into the BCS should be amended.  Non-AQ schools should have to run the table to be included, imo. 

It's not a rule based on getting the best bowl lineup, it was a negotiated settlement to avoid an antitrust fight.

[Jacksonian]

Is that true? In the Pac12 they don't have to pick directly in standings order, but can't skip more than 1 game out of order.

http://footballbowlassociation.com/sec/12sec_bowls.pdf

[Mr. Happy]

I meant it as "if you want higher profile bowl games, win more in the regular season".  I didn't think Happy meant he'd take any bowl, no matter how minor, as long as it was on New Year's Day over a better bowl on Dec. 31st.  If that's what he meant, well...that's just dumb.

You had it right, HH.

[Mr. Happy]

http://footballbowlassociation.com/sec/12sec_bowls.pdf

That's as convoluted as the Infernal Revenue Code.

[HudsonHawk]

I don't give a rat's ass when they play.  They got the bowl they deserved.  I just thought the where you finished in your conference notion was meaningless.  Especially as, and you know this as well as I do, it's not where you finish in your conference that matters.  The bowls have a selection pecking order.  The Outback bowl could have picked 6-6 Mississippi if they'd wanted to.  That's old-school bowl selection.

"finish in your conference" simply means wins and losses and how yours compare to other teams. 

[Mr. Happy]

Someone else agrees with me.

[Mr. Happy]

And this.

[drew corleone]

LSU played for a national title with two losses, over a Georgia team that many felt was more deserving. They cannot play the "no respect" card now.

[BizidyDizidy]

Happy, should've gotten Mack to campaign for y'all, he has some experience in that.

[ybbodeus]

I wouldn't be surprised if the Tigers lose just because of a lack of interest in playing the stupid game--anticlimactic.

Which Tigers? Yours or theirs?

[Mr. Happy]

Which Tigers? Yours or theirs?

Mine.

[ybbodeus]

Naaaaaah.

[Duman]

Apparently it is being rumored that Auburn has offered Kirby Smart (Alabama Def. Coor) 3.3 mil to be the next head coach at Auburn. 

[Mr. Happy]

Apparently it is being rumored that Auburn has offered Kirby Smart (Alabama Def. Coor) 3.3 mil to be the next head coach at Auburn. 

That would be a very interesting turn of events.

[Duke]

Apparently it is being rumored that Auburn has offered Kirby Smart (Alabama Def. Coor) 3.3 mil to be the next head coach at Auburn. 

The short list was supposed to be Chad Morris, Smart and Charlie Strong.  I'd be happy if they did indeed pick Smart.  Morris was coaching Gilbert at LT just a short few years ago.

[BizidyDizidy]

Gundy to Arkansas supposedly.

ETA: May just be twitter bullshit.

[Duke]

Gundy to Arkansas supposedly.

ETA: May just be twitter bullshit.

"I'm 40!  I'm a man!"  Gundy?

[BizidyDizidy]

"I'm 40!  I'm a man!"  Gundy?

yessir, but again, probably bullshit.

[Duman]

Gundy to Arkansas supposedly.

ETA: May just be twitter bullshit.

This is great. Reporter/columnist from the same paper contradicting each other.

[Andyzipp]

yessir, but again, probably bullshit.

Not sure of the bullshit quotient, but he has interviewed.  He also (through his agent) wanted to interview for the A&M job last winter.  He has a powerful hate for the AD at OSU...who am I surprised to learn is not, in fact, Boone Pickens.

[ybbodeus]

Isn't their AD the current (or previous) golf coach? Baylor extended/raised Briles and his assistants over the weekend.

[Bench]

Now they are saying Arkansas is hiring Bret Bielema.

[bubba]

http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/8709694/bret-bielema-head-coach-wisconsin-badgers-accepts-position-coach-arkansas-razorbacks-source

Wisconsin coach, Bret Bielema to Arkansas.  Could do worse, could be Gundy or Nutt again.

[Duman]

And Auburn is hiring Gus Malzhan

[ybbodeus]

Now they are saying Arkansas is hiring Bret Bielema.

And if he thought Urban Meyer of A Ohio State University was unprincipled in recruiting, wait'll he gets a load of the SEC.

[ybbodeus]

Tubberville to Cincy?

[BizidyDizidy]

Tubberville to Cincy?

HAHAHAHAHA. Wow, is leaving in Lubbock really that bad?

[Bench]

HAHAHAHAHA. Wow, is leaving in Lubbock really that bad?

Leaving is the best part.

[AtascAstro]

That's gonna leave a mark...

He's a Sexton client, so my guess is that they pushed for a contract extension and were turned down (rightfully so based on performance), so off he goes.  Unbelievable.

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

Now I'm just worried that Kliff's going back to Lubbock.

[Duke]

Now I'm just worried that Kliff's going back to Lubbock.

I'm hearing Kliff and Chad Morris are on the short list.

[AtascAstro]

I'm hearing Kliff and Chad Morris are on the short list.

Both have plenty of potential.  Morris is Art Briles, 10 years younger with a math degree.  Would be a really solid hire, especially for a Texas school.  If we have to deal with some transition and on the job learning, Kliff seems to be a really good gamble to take.  Makes sense at Tech more than anywhere else.  I don't think it will be his life long job, I think he has NFL dreams.

Both get us back to what our identity should be, offense.

Morris is the smarter football hire.  Kingsbury rallies the general fanbase.

[Andyzipp]

Petrino is off the board...will be taking his talents to Western Kentucky for the 2013 season.

[geezerdonk]

How about his motorcycle and his paramour? Are they making the trip too?

[Andyzipp]

How about his motorcycle and his paramour? Are they making the trip too?

I'm pretty sure they have volleyball players in Bowling Green.

[MusicMan]

I'm pretty sure they have volleyball players in Bowling Green.

Contract includes him getting his pick of them.

[cougar]

Contract includes him getting his pick of them.

Oh I dunno, looking at the website, I think there's at least a couple of Western Kentucky volleyball players he wouldn't mind getting fired for.

[Duke]

Morris is the smarter football hire.  Kingsbury rallies the general fanbase.

Guess the Raider faithful are happy.

[Andyzipp]

Guess the Raider faithful are happy.

Christmas in Lubbock.  Kingbury did great things for A&M this year.  Disappointed that he's gone, but I wish him success in West Texas.

[DVauthrin]

Christmas in Lubbock.  Kingbury did great things for A&M this year.  Disappointed that he's gone, but I wish him success in West Texas.

I really like the hire for Tech.  Now if only Christmas in Austin would occur and Texas forces Mack out.   Things just keep going from bad to worse for the program right now.

[MusicMan]

I really like the hire for Tech.  Now if only Christmas in Austin would occur and Texas forces Mack out.   Things just keep going from bad to worse for the program right now.

Let's stay tuned.  That buyout drops on 1/1/13.

[juliogotay]

I really like the hire for Tech.  Now if only Christmas in Austin would occur and Texas forces Mack out.   Things just keep going from bad to worse for the program right now.

I'm excited for Major and not all that concerned about Harsin leaving. I'm confident the Major is up to the task. Maybe it will put him in position for the H.C. job when MB leaves. ( I doubt it but maybe).

[Duman]

Let's stay tuned.  That buyout drops on 1/1/13.

Strategic time to have your buy out drop since signing day is in early February.  Most AD's wont change coaches that close to signing day.

[Andyzipp]

Strategic time to have your buy out drop since signing day is in early February.  Most AD's wont change coaches that close to signing day.

Nothing would really stop them from changing coaches after signing day, other than pissing off a bunch of recruits, families and high school coaches.

[jbm]

I understand what you are saying (and I don't expect any change), but those seem like minor concerns compared to continuing down the same path. 

[cougar]

Strategic time to have your buy out drop since signing day is in early February.  Most AD's wont change coaches that close to signing day.

It seems that the Horns are having a problem keeping their class together as it is.  If Robinson bails on Mack, they're going to be very close to pedestrian or worse by Mack standards.  Plus, they can't seem to add anyone new to the class they built during the early part of the year.  Don't know if that's just Mack suddenly not being able to close or what.

[DVauthrin]

It seems that the Horns are having a problem keeping their class together as it is.  If Robinson bails on Mack, they're going to be very close to pedestrian or worse by Mack standards.  Plus, they can't seem to add anyone new to the class they built during the early part of the year.  Don't know if that's just Mack suddenly not being able to close or what.

It has everything to do with kids have figured out the softness and program issues going on at Texas that will continue to produce mediocre results.  Texas just lost a 4 star in state TE they desperately needed who was an honor roll student and teammate of David Ash in HS.  He claimed it was for academics, but come on.  Then Bryan Harsin bolts for Arkansas State, a Sunbelt school.  Offensive coordinators that are productive at Texas don't use that to take a sunbelt job unless he wants out really badly.

[DVauthrin]

I'm excited for Major and not all that concerned about Harsin leaving. I'm confident the Major is up to the task. Maybe it will put him in position for the H.C. job when MB leaves. ( I doubt it but maybe).

It's not that I don't think Major can do the job.  I think he can.  It's there are major issues in the program.  Harsin didn't come here to bail after two seasons for a Sunbelt job.  Durham Smythe, a badly needed 4 star TE from Belton(same school as Ash) decommits.  A'Shawn Robinson, 5 star defensive tackle, may decommit unless mom wins out.  Kyle Hicks, 4 star rb, decommits. All the juco offers.  The program is in disarray, and Mack thinks he is doing the right thing trying to save his legacy.  Before this week's turn of events, I thought Texas could give Mack 2013 and then have him retire, but that's just not a good option anymore.  The program needs new blood at the top and it needs it immediately following the Alamo Bowl.

[MusicMan]

Operation Find Manny a Soft Landing is in full swing:

TomahawkNation.com ‏@TomahawkNation
Heard from 2 diff sources that Texas' Manny Diaz reached out to Jimbo Fisher about DC opening, but can't confirm he has/will interview.

[DVauthrin]

Operation Find Manny a Soft Landing is in full swing:

Fine by me.   I think most Texas fans would have been happy if Diaz was not on staff next year.   Harsin leaving was more of a unexpected gut punch.

[drew corleone]

It's not that I don't think Major can do the job.  I think he can.  It's there are major issues in the program.  Harsin didn't come here to bail after two seasons for a Sunbelt job.  Durham Smythe, a badly needed 4 star TE from Belton(same school as Ash) decommits.  A'Shawn Robinson, 5 star defensive tackle, may decommit unless mom wins out.  Kyle Hicks, 4 star rb, decommits. All the juco offers.  The program is in disarray, and Mack thinks he is doing the right thing trying to save his legacy.  Before this week's turn of events, I thought Texas could give Mack 2013 and then have him retire, but that's just not a good option anymore.  The program needs new blood at the top and it needs it immediately following the Alamo Bowl.

I don't want to wait for the Alamo Bowl (not that it really matters what I want). 2012 has been a debacle.

Mack needs to go. The sooner the better.

[drew corleone]

Fine by me.   I think most Texas fans would have been happy if Diaz was not on staff next year.   Harsin leaving was more of a unexpected gut punch.

From everything I have read the past six months it's not all that unexpected.

[DVauthrin]

I don't want to wait for the Alamo Bowl (not that it really matters what I want). 2012 has been a debacle.

Mack needs to go. The sooner the better.

Well I'd prefer not to wait either, but I don't think I'll get my wish.  Making sure Mack isn't on the sidelines next year is enough for me.

[DVauthrin]

From everything I have read the past six months it's not all that unexpected.

I don't have any inside sources, and I never read rumors about Harsin specifically on shaggybevo, burnt orange nation, or other boards I read.  However, there were references to staff issues throughout the season, and that Mack wouldn't get out of the way of his coordinators.

[MusicMan]

Mack wouldn't get out of the way of his coordinators.

So what else is new?

[juliogotay]

I see absolutely no evidence that anyone but MB will be the HC next year. But, I think it's his swan song whether he wants that or not unless he wins the conference and who thinks that will happen?
I would hope Applewhite will be considered for the job but I don't think there is much chance of that. Texas will go after a winning coach with HC experience. I think Applewhite can be a good offensive coordinator if he is left to his methods and he is a good recruiter respected by Texas HS coaches. He is also one tough little sucker and brings something to the table in that regard.

[drew corleone]

Yeah, I would not want to lose Applewhite's recruiting prowess.

[juliogotay]

Yeah, I would not want to lose Applewhite's recruiting prowess.

Muschamp would put him to work in a hurry if he was interested.

[BUWebguy]

UT folks -- curious your takes on this piece about the atmosphere that may have driven off Harsin:
http://www.barkingcarnival.com/2012/12/12/3759582/bryan-harsin-arkansas-state-rising-through-the-ranks-or-fleeing-a

[MusicMan]

UT folks -- curious your takes on this piece about the atmosphere that may have driven off Harsin:
http://www.barkingcarnival.com/2012/12/12/3759582/bryan-harsin-arkansas-state-rising-through-the-ranks-or-fleeing-a

I have no sources, but it sounds entirely plausible

[DVauthrin]

I have no sources, but it sounds entirely plausible

+1

[juliogotay]

UT folks -- curious your takes on this piece about the atmosphere that may have driven off Harsin:
http://www.barkingcarnival.com/2012/12/12/3759582/bryan-harsin-arkansas-state-rising-through-the-ranks-or-fleeing-a

Thanks for sharing. This, if true, may be in large part created by the "CEO coach". A strong leader makes sure everyone is on the same page and that there is a "Texas way" of doing things. And to have "co-coordinators?". What a clusterfuck that could be. Akina undermining Diaz. I keep coming back to Saban because I think he's the gold standard at the moment and I ask myself in reading this "Would this happen with Saban as the HC?" No, no and no.

[drew corleone]

I don't think Scipio is infallible, but I put as much stock in what he says as I do any traditional media's coverage of the Horns. I do think that Jesus Shuttelsworth is generally full of shit.