November 27, 2006
Shula fired at Alabama
Alabama Head Coach Mike Shula notified his assistant coaches last night to inform them that he had been fired by AD Mal Moore.
According to the source, Shula began calling staff members around 11 p.m. CT.The Tide capped a 6-6 (2-6 in SEC) regular season with a 22-15 loss to rival Auburn on Nov. 18. It was Alabama's fifth straight loss to the Tigers, and Shula's fourth in as many attempts against AU.
It remains to be seen if UA will implement an interim head coach and accept a bowl bid, should one become available. In addition to coordinating the defense and coaching linebackers, Joe Kines serves as the Tide's assistant head coach, making him a likely candidate to assume Shula's duties in the event UA does indeed go bowling.
Shula was signed to a contract extension in May 2006, with a buyout clause that was made public this week. With the firing, Alabama is set to enter next year with its sixth coach since 1996.
UPDATE: Statement from Mike Shula
"I am deeply disappointed to be fired as the Head Football Coach at the University of Alabama. From my very first day on this job, I had a single mission: To return the Crimson Tide to its place among the elite programs in college football. Although I maintain that we were moving steadily in that direction, I regret sincerely that I will not be given the opportunity to finish the job I was hired to do."I am forever grateful to my loyal coaching staff, who worked so tirelessly to help us overcome the difficulties we faced during these past four years. Despite inherited restrictions, including probation and scholarship limits, our teams played with integrity and commanded respect. Our 10-2 record in 2005 was no fluke; it was evidence of a program on the rise. Although the past season was not fulfilling, it was nevertheless a season that witnessed the emergence of several young players who will help the Crimson Tide win big in the years to come.
"I want to thank our players and their families for committing to our mission. I am sorry that our record this past year did not reflect your passion and commitment to winning. When we met Sunday night, I fully believed that I was going to remain the head coach at the University. I apologize that you did not learn of the firing from me. Do not let the circumstances of my firing allow you to lose your focus. Do not let this transition rob you of your potential for greatness. Together with the talented recruits who have committed to join the Tide next year, I am fully confident that the pieces are in place for you to accomplish great things.
"Finally, I want to acknowledge and thank those of you who made our four-year stay at Alabama a rewarding experience. Your kindness toward me, Shari and our family will be remembered fondly.
"In closing, I leave Alabama proud that the football program is a better place than the one I inherited four years ago. Although time will ultimately gauge the depth of our progress, I am confident that the return on our effort will be realized by the University and its football community.
"As a former player and a graduate of this great University, I wish the program great success in the years ahead. Roll Tide."
Comments:
Tommie Trojan said:
posted on November 27, 2006 10:15 AM — 64.32.153.19 — link — abuse?
My sources close to the situation inform me that Charlie Weis is definately looking for another job. After he loses 18 senior starters to USC's four after this year - sources claim that he just can't take another beatdown like the one he was just handed. It would not surprise me to see him bolt the Irish for the Tide. At least that way - he won't have to get pasted again until he makes it to the Championship game.
Tommie T
Chris said:
posted on November 27, 2006 10:24 AM — 24.24.114.56 — link — abuse?
Great coach Mr. Weis. Think the SEC and Bama will make him ditch his hoodie sweats and go for a more "traditional" southern coach look?
I fully believe that we have the talent in place right now to go after every team in the SEC. Look at this year. Bad coaching lost the Arkansas game, Low morale lost the LSU game, Poor execution and bad decisions lost the Florida game. I give MSU a "WTF" clause because I was at the game and everything was wrong! Auburn is Auburn we've beaten them when they were a better team and they've creamed us when we were a better team. We should have won that game. Period.
I'm not happy to see Shula go, but it's hard to watch someone with the potential to be great fail so badly. I just wish they had run a headset up to Daddy Don in the VIP suites once in a while.
ROLL TIDE! (And as always National Champions Next Year!)
Donovan said:
posted on November 27, 2006 10:45 AM — 216.93.128.210 — link — abuse?
First, I am not a Die Hard Alabama Fan, or a Mike Shila fan for that matter. however, Shula had just finished his fourth season. But firing Shula may not fix the problem. The real problem lies in the decision making in the Athletic Department. If Mal Moore is in charge of hiring these coaches, why souldn't he go. He has hired all of these coaches who have later been fired. If you are an Alabama fan I want you to ask yourself a few questions:
1) If the program is going in the wrong direction, isn't the AD responsible?
2) Who would want to be coach at Alabama under AD Mal Moore who appears to be bullet proof?
3) Would you want to be coach at Alabama if Mal Moore is running your program? No great coach in his right mind would take a job like this, not even the "Bear".
4) What player would want to be recruited by Alabama after havin 8 coaches since the Bear retired. The reason Alabama is unstable is due to the mindset in the Athletic department.
If you think firing Shula will stabilize your program, you are insane.
Tommie Trojan said:
posted on November 27, 2006 10:59 AM — 64.32.153.19 — link — abuse?
I really don't know what to make of this one. The guy is 16-8 in the last two seasons, in the tough SEC, with what I understand to be his best recruiting class lined up this year. That is tough. Alabama played some pretty tough games this year, and were pretty good on defense, while I don't think they were really blown out by anyone. They had two good wins over Hawaii and Tennessee and barely lost to Arkansas. A decent team really.
Two things have probably cost him. 1.) four straight losses to Auburn. 2.) Slipping to 6-6 after finishing 10-2 last year.
Dennis Franchione left after 2002 with a 10-3 record. In 2003 Shula was 4-9. That was the 1st time that the record dipped noticably under Shula. This is the 2nd occurance within four years. Looks like it was a real tough call. He only had two real recruiting years to work with though (I'm sure that 2003 could not have been that good) and these guys would only be sophs and freshmen. So, overall, I think the move was highly premature and I would not have dismissed this guy for at least another year. I don't think that he was even allowed to get his own recruits on the field for the most part - and he plays in a really tough conference. He got a raw deal. This does not bode that well for Alabama finding a replacment either, BTW!
Tommie T
Randy said:
posted on November 27, 2006 11:27 AM — 66.82.9.81 — link — abuse?
I was never a Shula fan but he was a great recruiter. Now even a high school coach could step in and win now after Shula's excellent recruiting.
Alabama will never have stability until they get a new athletic director. Afterall, HE is the one who keeps hiring these coaches. Should he be allowed to continue to get a free pass at the expense of head coaches?
I have heard so many "fear the thumb" comments that it makes me wonder how Auburn fans could have such a short memory. Beginning in 1959, Alabama won 9 of 10. Beginning in 1973, Alabam won 9 in a row.
What goes around always comes around. Next year Bama is at Auburn. What a great place to end the streak and wipe the smurk off the face of "Ears" Tuberville.
geauxtigers0107 said:
posted on November 27, 2006 11:28 AM — 68.222.8.139 — link — abuse?
If I'm not mistaken, aren't they getting back the scholarships they lost a few years back? Shula is not a bad coach by any means. He gave us (LSU) one helluva game. But the deciding factor is without a doubt the 4 straight losses in the Iron Bowl (v. Auburn). Alumni pressure probably made this happen but I have to agree with post 5. Donovan hit it on the head. The AD just gave him a contract extension 6 months ago! What does it say to you when Mal Moore has been through God Knows how many coaches during his tenure. Somebody needs to take a look at this performance, or should I say, the lack there of, and jam a rocket up his butt and launch him outta there. Good luck Bama fans.....I'm afraid you're gonna need it.
Geaux TigersChris said:
posted on November 27, 2006 11:38 AM — 70.184.1.202 — link — abuse?
Everyone who is a true fan for this team knows, the blaim lies at the top. But s*** always trickles down. Alabama will most likely always be good but never return to the status so many of us long for. We all want to win its natural, but to base 18 year old kids sucess in life around it is insane. I have a customer who is a die hard Middle TN State fan, think about that now. There are many examples of this, what is it really all about?
UA Insider said:
posted on November 27, 2006 12:16 PM — 69.73.31.232 — link — abuse?
Bama Fans get ready to welcome Steve Spurrier as your new head coach. Tradition and money can sometimes speak volumes. Spurrier wants to be at a school that CAN win a championship and has the money for the athletic department. With Alabama's tradition and the "Ole Ball Coach" leading the way, what young kid would not want to sign on the dotted line? Tommy T. in Auburn has every finger (and thumb) crossed hoping that this does not happen because it would spell disaster for their future. Just watch the news and remember I told you so!
Gatorpilot said:
posted on November 27, 2006 12:18 PM — 71.42.27.135 — link — abuse?
The Auburn game was make or break for him. I wanted to support him then but he looked terrified in that game and coached like he was terrified. As awful as Bama fans tend to be, this self-mutilation of their program was probably justified. However, they'll need to accept that they'll have to wait a minimum of another two years to see any results.
Tommie Trojan said:
posted on November 27, 2006 12:48 PM — 64.32.153.19 — link — abuse?
Clemson Tiger:
My bad! Alabama did in fact lose to Tennessee 13-16 and also did play Auburn pretty tough. That loss to Sylvester Croom certainly did not help either - as he was next in line after Shula back in 2003. If this Spurrier thing did happen - then I guess this Mal Moore becomes a genius, right? Either way, I would assume that many programs in the SEC will have their hands full shortly.
Tommie T
Ricky said:
posted on November 27, 2006 12:56 PM — 209.30.105.66 — link — abuse?
I am a die hard Bama fan, but with the actions taken by Bama to fire Shula is a crock. The only way the wheels at Bama will be happy is to find a look a like to Bear Bryant and hope he can win. Big mistake letting Shula go, no telling what we will get now. I'm with all who would like to see Moore's head on a plater.
posted on November 27, 2006 1:07 PM — 64.12.116.199 — link — abuse?War Eagle Atlanta said:
Any existing head coach with winning experience would have to think twice before coming to Bama and tackling this mess. So many of the posts here are correct with Mal(icious) Moore having no accountability in all this. Sure, you may have some success with the talent that naturally flows through Tuscaloosa, but you gotta know that eventually it's going to end badly. As far as Spurrier coming, it'll never happen. As a Tide fan pointed out to me, Spurrier would always be second fiddle to the Bear, and his ego couldn't handle it. Besides, Miami has better weather and golf!
CFB_CRZY said:
posted on November 27, 2006 1:10 PM — 72.165.136.4 — link — abuse?
Wow - The Alabama Angst is high on this blog. Good Luck Alabama! My question to the Alabama faithful is who wants to coach at Alabama when you don't even get 5 years guarantee to stay and see your program building efforts come to fruition.
Shula out in 4, previous coach out in > less than 1, Previous coach out after 1. Hmmmm? And once again, Alabama "The Bear" comparison kills yet another coach. Just like "The Elway" comparison is killing the broncos QB Plummer.
As to going to the NFL and pulling one of the coaches. I do believe the Offensive corridnators have already been promoted to coaches from last years turnover in the NFL. Good Luck on that! And remember that if you don't win the Iron Bowl your season is a LOSS! Many an Iron Bowl has seen the favorite hang their heads after a shocking defeat!
FanoftheGame said:
posted on November 27, 2006 1:10 PM — 12.43.234.14 — link — abuse?
College football is a funny animal. There are some schools who give their head coaches all the power in the world, there are programs that are micro-managed by over-thinking Athletic Directors, and there are programs that are controlled by Boosters with deep pockets that use the AD as a puppet to get things their way. I am not familiar enough with Alabama's program to know who calls the shots, but I know it wasn't Shula. The SEC is tough conference to play in and an even tougher one to coach and recruit in. There are alot of big name schools in the SEC that are as evenly matched as any other conference in the country and there isn't a whole lot that separates a 10-2 and a 6-6 SEC team. Coaching definately makes a difference in the SEC, because the teams are so evenly matched and recruit the same caliber of players. In the PAC-10, USC dominates the recruiting, has better players, and a great coach- It only makes sense that they dominate year in and year out. In the BIG-12, Texas dominates in recruiting by far, even though I think Mac Brown gets outcoached by the opposition on a weekly basis, his teams are talented enough to ovecome his coaching mistakes and they always seem to be near the top. I think Alabama is going to be hard-pressed to find another coach that is going to be able to deal with an SEC schedule and recruiting war as well as Shula has. As far as Charlie Weiss being the savior of Alabama football, well thats almost laughable. Weiss took over a program at Notre Dame that is able to recruit off of name alone. Add the hype and media attention that come with Weiss and you get a few more committments. ND doesn't have to play in a conference where the schedule starts to wear on a team like it does in the SEC. In his 2 years at Notre Dame, weiss has lost more significant games than he's won. Personally, I think he'd be way out of his league if he jumped to the SEC. And I think he knows it too. He's got the perfect situation in South Bend for a good coach. He doesn't have to be great and may never prove to be, but his situation at ND is much less taxing from a recruiting and conference schedule standpoint. He's not going to find an SEC team that guarantees him a schedule with 6 to 8 powder-puff games like he's got at ND. Admittedly, he does have to play Michigan (Blow-out loss) and USC (Another Blow-out loss), but its all pretty much way downhill other than that. He'll continue to win most of the games he's supposed to win and that'll continue to get him at least 8 to 10 wins a year. I don't think any half-witted coach would walk away from that deal and want to face the heat week in and week out in the SEC.
Randy said:
posted on November 27, 2006 1:58 PM — 66.82.9.81 — link — abuse?
Auburn fans need to remember that every dog has his day. To think that Auburn will never lose to Bama again (as they are now acting like), is ludicrous.
Payback is a bitch. It’s going to be very hard to eat humble pie on your home field.
Auburn was ranked number 2 in the AP poll for weeks 4, 5, and 6 and now they no longer grace the top 10. That should be of more concern to the Auburn faithful than what happened against Alabama. Just goes to show that they have tunnel vision down on the “loveliest village of the plains”.
Randy said:
posted on November 27, 2006 2:10 PM — 66.82.9.81 — link — abuse?
In response to Rickey: I would have given Shula 1 more year. Next year will be a fully recruited Shula team. Now we will never know if he was going to sink or swim.
I say remove Moore. He is the clown who keeps dropping the ball.
I live in the state of Alabama and around here Alabama-Auburn is the only thing. However I think that we should focus on the big picture.
In the years that Alabama looked at the big picture and concentrated on winning SEC and National titles, every thing else took care of it's self. Looking at the big picture is something that Auburn has never been able to do. That is why they will never have respect around the nation.
Does anyone remember that during weeks 4,5 and 6 Auburn was ranked number 2 in the nation? Now they aren't even in the top 10. THAT should be of more concern to the Auburn faithful than the Iron Bowl.
Last year Auburn fans were more concerned with the fact that they beat Alabama than the fact that they started the season with a loss and ended the season with a loss.
Auburn University and its fans just don't get the big picture.
Andrew R said:
posted on November 27, 2006 2:25 PM — 24.73.180.194 — link — abuse?
Randy, when was Alabama ranked in the top 10 this year? Bama's one moment of glory this year (Hawai'i) didn't make the polls until week 12. What Bama fans need to remember is that, "every dog has his day" means that Auburn is haveing their day(s) against Bama. 1826 days and counting. Getting rid of Shula won't help Bama any, unless they somehow hire Spurier.
PS, how was that pie this year?
Ricky said:
posted on November 27, 2006 2:26 PM — 209.30.105.66 — link — abuse?
I have to agree with you Randy; Shula should have been given at least 1 more year, if not more. Next season when Bama beats Auburn and wins the SEC, I hope who ever is the head coach will have the intergrity to thank Mike Shula for his recruiting skills and handing the new coach a top notch team.
posted on November 27, 2006 2:32 PM — link — abuse?
From Mal Moore's statement:
“We will immediately begin a national search for a new head football coach. I am seeking a proven head coach with a proven record of achievement who can reach the level of excellence that all of us desire.”Randy said:
posted on November 27, 2006 2:54 PM — 66.82.9.81 — link — abuse?
Andrew R: When Auburn has beaten Bama 9 times in a row, get back with me.
Never said that Alabama was a good team this year. Are you at all concerned about Auburn's slide in the polls? Are you a typical Auburn fan who plays a one game schedule?
Andrew R said:
posted on November 27, 2006 3:31 PM — 24.73.180.194 — link — abuse?
Randy, you made the typical Bama fan remark...bringing up the 9 times in a row. (Kinda surprised you didn't mention the 12 National Championships.) Which proves my point that Auburn is haveing it's day against Bama.
In my life time, Alabama has never beat Auburn 9 times in a row. I will "get back to you when it happens" though.
posted on November 27, 2006 3:39 PM — 64.12.116.199 — link — abuse?
"Does anyone remember that during weeks 4,5 and 6 Auburn was ranked number 2 in the nation? Now they aren't even in the top 10. THAT should be of more concern to the Auburn faithful than the Iron Bowl."
Randy likes the passage above so much that he pastes it in every post he makes here. In tribute, I'd like to post it myself.
Although some Auburn fans suffer from schadenfreude when it comes to Alabama (and vice-versa) most don't. A good portion of them are even Bama rooters most of the time. The only thing that should concern Auburn fans are winning games. Turns out that this year we're just not national championship material. We'll roll with it. However 10-2 before a bowl game IS a successful year and beating your arch-rival is just icing.
harry said:
posted on November 27, 2006 3:49 PM — 72.12.2.214 — link — abuse?
You Alabama fans are amazing, I have been listing to you guy's complain about your couch every since Gene Stallings had the wisdom to retire. Now that Shula is gone you need to support whoever Mal comes up with for at least five years. It takes at least that long to build a program and probly longer in the SCC. I will agree with some that Mal. Moore needs to be fired, he reminds me of one of Auburns boosters. Keep shaking it up.
Elton B said:
posted on November 27, 2006 4:03 PM — 69.19.14.27 — link — abuse?
mal moore is the one who need firing!!!!
heres his email,,,tell hi hwat you think!!!!
Name: Mal M. Moore
Position: Athletic Director
Department: Intercollegiate Athletics
Room/Building: Football Office Complex
Telephone: 348-3600
Fax: 348-2196
E-mail: mmoore@ia.ua.edu
Box Number: Box 870323
wareagle524 said:
posted on November 27, 2006 4:14 PM — 63.162.186.165 — link — abuse?
Shula is like his brother....not like his father.
We here in Cincinnati remember the "doogie" I mean Shula days of 3-13 seasons and going to games with paper bags over our faces. $hit, we couldn't even beat Cleveland.
The shula sons' should stick to assisting, not leading.
As for Bammer and the Ole' ball coach...I dont see that happening. He is rather egotistical, he gave himself a nickname, that screams "LOOK AT ME!". He could never live in the shadow of the drunken bear. Maybe Rush Prost from Hoover could take over...he knows how to win.Good luck in the job search Shula,it's been fun beating you every year!
geauxtigers0107 said:
posted on November 27, 2006 4:33 PM — 68.222.8.139 — link — abuse?
I have some Bama fans and Auburn fans that live around here (South Louisiana) and both sides will openly and aggressively admit that to lose every game on the schedule and win the Iron Bowl is a great season! lol The guy shoulda been given another year to get his class in and then evaluate it from there. But as long as Mally is in office, the carousel will roll....not the Tide.
Geaux Tigersgeauxtigers0107 said:
posted on November 27, 2006 4:39 PM — 68.222.8.139 — link — abuse?
On a side note:
Wanna give a shout out to my "best friend" HogFan1.........hhhhhaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhaaaaaaaaaa. Sorry Kev. Didn't mean to stray from the thread. Had to get that in.
Geaux TigersChris said:
posted on November 27, 2006 5:18 PM — 24.24.114.56 — link — abuse?
Here's one thing to consider with Alabama football. It's about money. The booster clubs and athletic supporters dump TONS of money into the program and they do not want to see a losing season and they SURE AS HELL don't want to lose to Auburn. This is how Mal Moore keeps his job. No more fear the thumb jive. You need to fear the finger!! This idiot has dodged more attacks than Bin Laden! he is good at pointing to others for his miserable leadership skills. He is good at talking to the money behind the scenes and letting them know it's not him. He is good at throwing the ax on Shula when the boosters looked at a 6-6 record and then looked at the stadium expansion he finally got.
Shula is a good coach. He will find another job. What we need is a vocal coach who can stand up to MAl in his office and in THE PRESS and let him know that he can be the AD, but let the coach be the coach.
My pick would not be SS. I don't want a visor in my stadium. I wouldn't mind a Bob Stoops, but I think it would be hard to get him to agree to what we want. He already tried a "Win or Walk" program. Schiano is a great choice, but he will bolt for Penn State as soon as Parterno leaves. I'm still a little upset about Fran leaving for A&M so no. I think Johnson and Chow are the best bet, but you have to get by the "No connection to Bama and the Bear" elders.
Whatever happens, when all is said and done....I order season tickets in a month and will be screaming Roll Tide Roll in August 2007
Chris said:
posted on November 27, 2006 5:31 PM — 24.24.114.56 — link — abuse?
....And for all the Auburn boys and Alabama boys out there who keep this 9 in a row argument going...STOP
Racking up 9 in a season is hard enough in the SEC. It's not a 3 or 4 school conference anymore. Ask us about MSU. Ask Auburn about Arkansas. Ask Arkansas about LSU. Ask Florida about Auburn. HELL ask Georgia about Vandy and Kentucky.
Recruitment is getting tight. Rivalries are getting better. Bama beat Auburn 9 in a row because nobody wanted to go to Auburn. You wanted a shot at the NFL, you came to Bama. That's not the case anymore. I grew up a little jaded with Bear at the helm and a swagger about the game, but it's changed. I still have the swagger, but all FANS do. 13-0 and shooting for the BCS or 1-11 with an Iron Bowl championship. I cheer. (Had to throw in the last one 0-12 may be too much.)
Randy said:
posted on November 27, 2006 5:54 PM — 66.82.9.81 — link — abuse?
Andrew R you've made the typical Auburn remarks. You want to talk about 5 in a row but not 9 in a row. If you are going to talk records, talk about all of them.
Alabama finished 10-2 last year and higher than Auburn in the final poll.
I have Auburn fans in my own family and every one of them pulls for Alabama to lose every week.
Don't twist my words. When Auburn beats Alabama 9 times in a row, let me know.
Just because it didn't happen in your lifetime, guess we're not supposed to count it.
I have been an Alabama fan since 1961. I have seen it all. Even though you can't remember Alabama winning 9 in a row, bet you're one of those Auburn fans who loves to gloat about the 1972 game as if you were there. I think we call what you have selective memory.
When Tuberville's job was in doubt I went on the Auburn forum. MANY of the fans wanted to get rid of him.
Before you say too much, just remember, what goes around comes around.
CFB_CRZY said:
posted on November 27, 2006 6:49 PM — 72.165.136.4 — link — abuse?
Randy:
Since you apparently are hooked on the 9 in row, you probably realize that Alabama is trying to get back to that elite status. That measure alone could be contributed to Shula's firing. Imagine A day when Alabama has a chance to go 2 in row. Alabama loses the back and forth Iron Bowl and guess what the measuring stick comes out and Alabama fires yet another coach!
So we know 2 things [the present only] (1) Alabama lost 5 in row to Auburn and will try to win 1 in Auburn next year. (2) A win against Auburn is the only measure by which the Alabama AD will accept or your out [there is no big picture when you coming off a 6-6 season]! That thinking process has and will make it a very expensive proposition for the next coach. So I read that Alabama will pay Shula 4 million to leave, and the next coach could be the highest paid coach in the NCAA. Well money gives way to responsability and you either win or your out mentality, sounds like we could be having this discussion next year at this same time.
Alabama will eventually win [it was very close this year]but I think Auburn has 1 and maybe 2 more wins before the shift of power happens. In the mean time both Alabama and Auburn better do something about the recruiting efforts in their own state because both programs are going to lose players to Florida, LSU, Georgia, and South Carolina if they're not careful! In fact its already happening.
posted on November 27, 2006 7:07 PM — 64.12.116.199 — link — abuse?
Chris: you make an excellent point about players wanting to play in the NFL choosing Bama over Auburn during the 60s and 70s. Bama was dominant during the 23 years from 1959-1981, going 20-3 against Auburn. Things have changed a bit since the Bear retired, Auburn's up 14-10 since, a winning percentage about equal with what we had versus you before Bear's tenure. My goal as an Auburn fan is for us to go ahead in the all-time series someday soon--before I die would be nice.
I don't cherish the self-destruction of the Alabama program, unlike some of my campadres posting here. I hate to see what looks like internal meddling and micro-managing--no matter what school it is. The Petrino affair was the most embarrassing thing Auburn has ever done in my time, and I'm glad that certain people paid the price for it, (Walker, Housel) although Bobby Lowder bought his way back in.
We Auburn and Alabama folks seem to define ourselves in part by the intensity of our rivalry together. I'm hoping that it's from what happens on the field and bring a rest to these shanigans in the front office, etc.
JBG said:
posted on November 27, 2006 7:18 PM — 24.92.148.99 — link — abuse?
As a Georgia alumnus and diehard Bulldog supporter, I am dissapointed in Mal Moore. He is the one that needs to pack his bags. Mike Shula has been nothing short of a class act and a great ambassador for the Tide (and also the SEC). The guy comes to save his alma mater which was run out on by some guy who everyone knew had loyalty to his home state of Texas and then run into the ground by a digenerate who put strip club "expenses" on the company tab. Mike Shula deserves better than this and so do the Bama alumni and fans. You cannot have a good SEC without a good Bama team. The pollsters and powers that be see Bama as the face of the conference. The tide's record speaks for itself. However, I think Mal Moore is in denial by believing that the head coaching job at Alabama is the most prestigious job in college football. How can he attract any respectable coach when he fires a coach who won a new years day bowl last year? Mike Shula made a commitment to Alabama and then Mal Morre turns around and screws him. I sympathize for Mike Shula, his family, the Alabama alumni and fans.
Great job, Mal. You just set back one of the conferences most prestigious programs 5 years.
Tommie Trojan said:
posted on November 27, 2006 7:34 PM — 64.32.153.19 — link — abuse?
Let's have a real look at these Alabama and Miami positions. The real question is: Who is willing to try and bite this one off. There are not many. Who is qualified? Probably many. So, what are we lookin' for? A guy who is good and wants to do better? No, too many of those. How bout somebody who is halfway insane? Maybe. That might be what it takes at these two schools. Lots of pressure here. Who can handle this sorta thing? Not Steve Spurrier. He really is better at what he is doing now.
Here is one name: Mike Stoops at Arizona. Brother Bob may end up with "COY" this year. Petigree: DC at Oklahoma, HC at Arizona for only two years. Do you think this guy might want a bigger bite? I don't think he wants to coach against his brother. Does he have a chance against Pete Carroll at Arizona? None. What has he done? Out-recruited Pete Carroll on a few guys, including DT Louis Holmes, that USC wanted badly. Has consistantly stepped up and won several games, by impressive scores I might add, against teams that Arizona should never have beaten. Last year Arizona smashed UCLA and he's pulled about three other major upsets in the Pac-10 this year with minimal talent. Has developed Arizona into a pretty stout defensive football team in only two years. Has developed an unlikely QB into a real threat in the Pac-10. This is a guy who might end up being recruited for one of these two jobs and I think that he is one of the very few who might be willing to step up to the table and absolutely do the job. I'm not that bright either. Let's see if someone else out there might be looking at this guy.Tommie Trojan
T-Mac said:
posted on November 27, 2006 8:22 PM — 66.78.139.117 — link — abuse?
There is talk of Schiano from Rutgers heading south to T-Town, but right now it is trying to be kept very quiet for obvious reasons.Rutgers will probably wait til after their bowl game to announce it. Shula should have been given 1 more year for sure. The Tide has a ton of talent returning next season. Whoever steps in is going to be successful with Shula's recruits. I understand that at Alabama the fans expect an undefeated season each year, but correct me if I'm wrong. 6-6 is not a losing season. That is not a disaster. I know it's just business, but what a shame. Those boosters with the big money need to keep their fat A$$es on the golf course and out of Mal Moore's office. This is T-Mac puttin it down.
T-Mac said:
posted on November 27, 2006 8:34 PM — 66.78.139.117 — link — abuse?
gatorhippy, I'm aware that 6-6 isn't a winning season either bro. I said it's not a disaster. Shula had just been allotted his full number of scholarships this year man. I could understand this if Shula had stepped into a great situation bro, but he didn't. He stepped into a big pile of sh*t. He got paid very well for it, but it was a complete mess. Hell, I guess the Tide could alway's bring in Randy Sanders. The old Off Coor from Tennessee. He'll take the Tide straight to a National Championship.(Insert Laugh Here).
DVD said:
posted on November 27, 2006 11:57 PM — 24.98.116.84 — link — abuse?
Alabama fans better wake up and face reality. Why would Charlie Weis, Nick Saban, Steve Spurrier, Paul Johnson, or Mark Richt (as was the talk a few years ago) take the Alabama job? The college football landscape is different now. The field is much more crowded and much more competitive. Alabama is simply not that attractive for coaches or players now, let alone Alabama administration keeps making bad decisions. If Tennessee, South Carolina, or Georgia operate like Alabama did, Phillip Fulmer would be fired last year and Mark Richt and Steve Spurrier are probably fired this year.
tidentrue said:
posted on November 28, 2006 12:07 AM — 68.62.157.168 — link — abuse?
Here's a few thoughts....
Mal moore shuold be replaced...but he wont be. why? Because he and Bryant Jr. are tighter than those two dudes in Brokeback mountain. Bryant Jr. is the cash flow that backs what the 'old school' alumni and boosters want. Shula wasn't fired just for the poor season...it was for his poor coaching. Watch a replay of any game that was important to Bama this year ( or the past 3) and you will see such a lack of emotion it makes you sick. Shula coached to keep a slight lead, not to win. I know some of you will attribute that to "class"...but class has nothing to do with it. Show Tennesse some class in the 4th quarter by kneeling on the ball when you're up by 21 and sending Phil a jenny craig brochure...show auburn some class by respecting their defensive line and tossing some greased lightening to that silly bird... anyway....
Shula had some chip in his head that said ' run with darby, up the middle, everytime we get inside the 10 yard line'. poor coaching, considering darby had, what, less than 3 TD's on the ground all YEAR?!?!?
so firing him was just. not in the manner in was done, but just all the same. kick moore to the curb and go ask an auburn fan if they were alive the last time the tigers won a national championship.....Chris said:
posted on November 28, 2006 12:37 AM — 24.24.114.56 — link — abuse?
Ok. Because I can't get enough of this:
War Eagle Atlanta:
You are one of the few Auburn people on this that I can see "eye to eye" with. (Yes Alabama fans and Auburn fans can get along 364 days of the year)Your right Auburn loved not seeing that houndstooth across the field. In my opinion they began a great PR run in the late 70's. It was easy to see the old man was going away soon. It was then that your recruiting began to get better, and our coaching options began to get worse. (FYI Bear himself wanted an interview for his two prods....Gene Stallings and Sylvester Croom)W.E.A. Good points!!Tommie Trojan: Please never lump us in the same boat with the University of Crimology err...Miami. There is a difference between a program that prides itself on a founded tradition and one that found relativly recent success and has turned into a bunch of thugs. I will take a loss to MSU, a home defeat at the hands of Auburn and even a 45-0 trouncing by the school of the leagally blind and deaf little people of Tucoma before I would take the brawls they have been in in the last some odd years. In my opinion they are the worst college football has to offer.
T-Mac:
We don't expect a perfect season, we just want one. Us rednecks are picky that way.
Schiano scares me, because he will bolt as soon as an opening at Penn State come available. We already rode that horse. (See Fran at A&M) And you are DEAD ON RIGH about Moore and the rich boosters at Alabama. It's hard to look at a 6-6 season and a renovated stadium at the same time.Joseph Rowan said:
posted on November 28, 2006 2:02 AM — 216.78.117.35 — link — abuse?
Steve Spuurier and Nick Saban have already announced that they don't want the Alabama job. I respect Spurrier's decision and as for Saban, he'll never win on the NFL level at the Miami Dolphins. I would consider Jeff Tedford, Rich Rodriguez, Bobby Petrino, Paul Johnson, and Greg Schiano. Alabama fans aren't looking for another Bear Bryant, Alabama fans want a winning coach that has proven himself on the college level today. Alabama fans want to see a coach that can make a name for himself at Alabama. All I want to see is Alabama winning again.
Andrew R said:
posted on November 28, 2006 10:43 AM — 24.73.180.194 — link — abuse?
Randy, I wasn't talking about records, I was talking about the present. Which is where we are living now. If you re-read #22 and #27 I never said anything about records. The 5 in a row is what is happening now, about Auburn in your words, "every dog has it's day". You brought up the 9 in a row.
Just because it didn't happen in my life time doesn't mean it doesn't matter to me. It is just not really that important, I have the "what have you done for me lately" attitude. I could even care less about about the 1957 season, so what makes you think I could care about 72?
I was born in 77 so I caught the tail end of the 9 in a row, the last 5. But come on, who really cares about college football when you are 0-5 years? I mean you wear the shirts and shake the shakers, but do you really have a clue?
Pulling for Alabama to loose every week is an out dated tactic. With strenge of schedule, what good does it do for Auburn if Alabama struggles all year.
No twist in your words, when Auburn beats Alabama 9 times in a row, you won't need me to tell you about it. I'm sure the Auburn fans in your family will let you have it. But until then you will always have that 25 year old stat to win your arguements. I don't think it will happen nor do I think Bama will ever stack up 9 against Auburn again either.
Once again you have proven my point, just with different words this time, "what goes around comes around". Right now, in the present it is coming around back to Bama and their fans.
You know, it's funny, Auburn fans probably told you those same words in the 70's. You were there you should remember.
PS: You never did answer, how was that humble pie? I need to know because I may be eating it soon.
BILL said:
posted on November 28, 2006 4:05 PM — 74.226.20.77 — link — abuse?
I AM LUCKEY ENOUGH TO HAVE ATTENDED THE U OF A WHEN BEAR WAS COACH.I WATCHED AS HE STOOD ON THE TOWER AND COACH OTHERS WHO WORKED WITH THE PLAYERS.I REMEMBER A TIME WHEN SO CALLED FANS ASK FOR HIM TO BE REPLACED BEFORE HE WENT TO THE WISHBONE.BEAR WOULD TURN OVER IN HIS GRAVE IF HE NEW WHAT THE SO CALLED FANS AND A.D. HAVE DONE WITH THE FOOTBALL PROGRAM.COACH STALLINGS SAID IT TAKES LUCK AND HARD WORK TO WIN.THE SAME 11 PLAYER STARTED THE FIRST GAME OF HIS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP YEAR THAT STARTED THE LAST GAME.THE SECRET TO WIN IN THE SEC IS HAVING A STABLE PROGRAM.ONE WHERE KIDS WANT TO PLAY FOR THEIR COACH AND SCHOOL.ONE WHERE TEAMS IN THE AREA LEARN TO RUN THE SAME OFFENSE AND DEFENSE.WE WILL NEVER HAVE THAT SYSTEM WITH MOORE AND HIS GROUP IN CHARGE. BRING SHULA BACK , REMOVE MOORE AND HIRE A GOOD OFFENSIVE COACH TO WORK WITH THE LINE AND CALL PLAYS.I KNOW IT IS A DREAM BUT IT WOULD BE THE RIGHT THING.
Dr. J. said:
posted on November 28, 2006 6:07 PM — 74.230.208.234 — link — abuse?
I've been reading with amusement some Alabama websites. Many are down on athletic director Mal Moore, calling him stupid. I seem to recall that back in the 1970's, when he was Alabama's offensive coordinator, Alabama had success doing something no other teams were doing--passing from the wishbone. Doesn't sound so stupid to me.
Henry said:
posted on November 28, 2006 6:44 PM — 68.142.29.80 — link — abuse?
Sorry, guys. Even me, a die-hard Gamecock, has sympathy for the Tide today. Alabama was a program on the way up. Now, they're just a horse in midstream with no rider. Every day that passes means another recruit sucked up by the programs who are still on the way up, always-powerful LSU, Georgia, and yes, the old ball coach at Carolina... The worst thing Mal could have done for the program is fire the coach before the bowl season. I have no doubt that Alabama would have crushed a higher ranked ACC team in a bowl somewhere; now I have to wonder if the player's hearts will be really in it. Maybe next year will be better; I really don't think so... I imagine Tuberville is just clicking his heels together over the recruiting ammo he just got dumped in his lap!!!
goodolnuma5 said:
posted on November 28, 2006 7:41 PM — 24.208.149.244 — link — abuse?
Kev,I am not interested in the Bama job either.
I feel for you Tide fans. Todays college football is big business, timing and a little luck. Its also an AD who can take your program out of 60s and 70s and run it like Microsoft (B4 the monopoly stuff). This Moore guy is the buggy whip amongst Elanor Mustangs.
roll tide TA said:
posted on November 29, 2006 12:58 AM — 216.186.207.25 — link — abuse?
I think firing Shula may turn out to be a very bad idea for Alabama. I, like most Bama fans (me too), think some changes had to be made in the coaching staff (OL and Off. Coordinator), but this could turn out bad. The rumors about Kines heading to Texas may not be true, but he just may be what is holding our beloved program together right now. Spurrier may still come to Tuscaloosa, and ego or not Bama will return to prominence with Spurrier steering the ship, but if we cannot land him and Kines leaves things may get ugly. I am also as big a Bear fan as there is, but he is gone and is not coming back. It is time we let him RIP. The way the Bear coached will not be allowed in today's game.
I also want to say that Shula is not entirely to blame for Bama's awful year. A weak offensive line, a terrible year from Darby, a terrible kicking day that could have changed the season, and a defense that last 7 starters are also to blame. Bama will be loaded with offensive weapons next year, and if Prothro is close to as good as he was before his tragic injury, a RB group that will hopefully be healthy, and a more seasoned QB in place. Let me just say that I believe that if all unfolded as I thought it would with Shula coaching next year another 10 win season would have been in sight, but if I am wrong and Spurrier comes and Kines stays then that may still happen. Maybe the glass is half full. God bless!!!Razorback Ray said:
posted on November 29, 2006 1:31 AM — 66.82.9.65 — link — abuse?
Andrew, just as Auburn fans like to say that they now own Alabama, we owned you this year AND on your home field. At least we're not in the position that Alabama fans are. WE DON'T HAVE TO LISTEN TO YOUR CRAP.
It was Alabama that gave us all we could handle this year NOT Auburn.
I've been reading the posts from you and Randy. What I don't understand is how 9 in a row is not relevant but 5 in a row is. You want to brag about Auburn's record but you only want to go back 5 years.
Maybe it didn't occur to you but anything that happened last year is already history just like Alabama's 12 National Championships.
Why is it that you only want to talk about the past 5 years? If you are going to talk about anything past this year then let's talk about ALL past years.
Auburn fans have always had a problem remembering anything past the beginning of their current win streak.
Say anything that you want but every game that those two teams have ever played is now in the record books and Alabama wins hands down.
As far as the future, they start with a loaded team next year. A high school coach could win with that team.
Before you strut the walk too much you need to face reality. Auburn cannot and will not win every year. Next year could well be the year that Auburn takes it on the chin.
One thing that will never change is that Auburn will NEVER be considered one of the elite college football programs in America. They are and will always be a regional power with little or no respect in the BCS polls. Evidence - Their last undefeated season.
Auburn will always be the Rodney Dangerfield of college football. (“I don’t get no respect”). Not a criticism, just a fact.
Watch out for the Hogs in 2007!
Randy said:
posted on November 29, 2006 1:58 AM — 66.82.9.65 — link — abuse?
6 & 6 may not be a winning season at Alabama but that's .500 and bowl eligible. Shula did have a winning record, 26 & 23. He did that with the worst possible conditions that any coach could inherit and with both hands tied behind his back.
Tom said:
posted on November 29, 2006 4:44 AM — 71.28.84.247 — link — abuse?
Ok Bama - time to quit living in the past. Bear Bryant is dead - I know it's a shock for some of you, but Bama football can't be what it was when he was there. Only money would make anyone with class and style move to Alabama after this.
Tommie Trojan said:
posted on November 29, 2006 9:29 AM — 64.32.153.19 — link — abuse?
Tom:
Couldn't agree more. It's been a long time since Bryant. Replacing every coaching legend is really difficult. It is tough enough goin' in behind that. Here's some examples:
Frank Solich replaced Tom Osbourne at Nebraska and was run out of town after a few 10 win seasons. Problem was: He didn't go 13-0. Gene Stallings won a NC at Alabama and was still run out of Tuscaloosa after a two game losing streak. UCLA's basketball coaches struggled for years after John Wooden retired. Jim Harrick even won a NC and was run out of town. Steve Lavin had them in the Final Four several times - didn't matter, he was run out of town after one bad recruiting year. The list goes on and on. Indiana basketball may never recover now that Bobby Knight is at Texas Tech.
People need to get over it and move on. The administration has got to find a young guy, with tons of charisma, who can create his own legacy. He needs to be given an eight year deal with a "no discharge" clause in it. They need to get the right guy now and stick with him. Nobody wants this job. Firing Shula was a mistake.
I, even I, am gonna give some kudo's to Karl Dorrell at UCLA. Last years 10-2 record there was purely luck. UCLA came back and won five games that they maybe should not have gotten. So, maybe they should have been more like 6-6. They finished up last year ranked #12 in the country instead. This year, after losing some real good players, they stand at 6-5 having to face USC this week. They'll probably finish off at 6-6 and meet Florida State in their Bowl game. Currently, even with the injury to QB Ben Olson, UCLA is ranked around #23 in the country in alot of ratings. That's a pretty good job that this guy is doing. They better not fire him just because they slipped from 10-2 to 6-6. The 10-2 mark was an mirage or just plain ol' great coaching.
Could this have been the case under Shula? Was the 10-2 mark last year just plain ol' great coaching in spite of the loss of Prothro? Probably was. Slippin' to 6-6 was probably more about losing Croyle than anything else. You can't expect to have a better season after losing your best QB in several year. This is probably why nobody wants this job. Shula never had a chance and some schools are just way too spoiled. I'm sure we'll end up that way after Pete Carroll moves on. It's a tough deal and another reason that Florida State does not want to move past Bobby Bowden.Tommie T
posted on November 29, 2006 10:01 AM — link — abuse?
Houston Texas Asst & Former Green Bay HC Mike Sherman is interested in the Alabama gig.
Andrew R said:
posted on November 29, 2006 10:25 AM — 24.73.180.194 — link — abuse?
Ok, Razor(Bama) Ray and Randy, you win. Historically, Alabama is one of if not the best team in College football. That fact didn't do much for them this year though. Hasn't done much for them in recent history either.
Ray, if you are going to claim that you have been reading my posts with Randy at least try make some sort of intelligent comment about it. If you will re-read my posts, I am not just talking about the last 5 years, I am talking about the last 29, almost 30 years. I never said that 9 wins in a row was irrelevant. I said that it has never happened in my life time. If you look back at post #20 you will see Randy state, "Auburn fans need to remember that every dog has his day" and in #41, "what goes around comes around". In post #59 I said, "You know, it's funny, Auburn fans probably told you those same words in the 70's."
Not only did I go back 29 years, but I also stated that Alabama was in the middle of the 9 year streak, including the 5 year streak that I was alive for.
You say, "Auburn fans have always had a problem remembering anything past the beginning of their current win streak." I say replace Auburn with College football, and you will have a true statement and not an opinion.
I could say this too, Say anything that you want about Auburn vs Arkansas but every game that those two teams have ever played is now in the record books and Auburn wins hands down.
When did I say Auburn owns Alabama? I just can't find it. I also can't find where I said Auburn will never loose another game, ever.
If you are going to say Alabama gave you all you could handle, but not include USC or LSU I cannot take you seriously anymore.
PS Ray, you may be eating your words, next year they might just have a high school coach.
posted on November 29, 2006 12:50 PM — 64.12.116.199 — link — abuse?
Razorback Ray: Feeling a little superior this year, are we? I think it's a good thing for the Hawgs to be back in the thick of it. We always wanted more than a two-horse race in the west.
Auburn's got 667 victories all time. That's good enough for 13th place nationally. When you said 'elite' did you mean for them to be ranked in the top ten? I'll let you research Arkansas' numbers. No one is saying that we're number one, but we are on the rise. We're a respectable program that plays in the toughest conference in the land. Had we not started at #17 in 2004 we would've gotten the love from the polls. It'll come again...
You run in the big leagues now. Any slight from the polls that is shown to a team like Auburn in 2004 is a slight shown to the SEC and consequently, to Arkansas, too! Think you would've seen it this year had you not lost to LSU? Yea, that's what I thought.
gatorhippy said:
posted on November 29, 2006 3:39 PM — 209.16.115.5 — link — abuse?
Randy (#69):
I too was at that game...
I can assure you that I nor anyone I travel or associate with was or would ever engage in such behavior...
I will whole heartedly apologize for any jerks mascarading as Gator fans that would do so in the face of such a heartbreaking injury to such an outstanding athlete...
However, we both know that these types of fans exist at every program in CFB...
Case in point...
At this very game, upon returning to our parking we found our car vandalized;broken windows, slashed tires, etc.; and adorned with various types of alcohol containers, toilet paper and other types of rubbish...
Luckily it was a rental and my buddy had purchased the full insurance with it...
So I would guess if anything screams "lack of class" it would be purposely defacing what is perceived to be another person's property over a football game...
As for the "snide" remark comment; T-Mac and I were just discussing; with humor in mind; the uphill struggle ANY coach who takes the Bama job faces....
Nothing was meant to be "snide" about it...
Sorry if it offended you...
Randy said:
posted on November 29, 2006 8:42 PM — 69.19.14.17 — link — abuse?
Apparently if you are an Auburn fan you can go back as many years as you want to count records. Say 5 years. If a Bama fan brings up anything about their past, they're accused of trying to raise Bryant from the dead. 1992's national championship had nothing to do with the Bear.
I know, I know. We're living in the past just as an Auburn fan would have to do to remember their one national championship.
The only year in recent history that you had a perfect season you whined about being left out of the BCS game. Believe me, you would NOT have wanted to face USC that year.
Like I said before, get the big picture. Go out and do something great. Win at least one national championship for God’s sake.
I have yet to hear anyone comment about how a 6 & 5 unranked team faced an 8 & 2 top 15 team and the outcome still was in doubt until the last 1:17.
Laugh while you can. He who laughs last laughs best.
Randy said:
posted on November 29, 2006 8:53 PM — 69.19.14.17 — link — abuse?
Andrew R why are you so unhappy? You should be on top of the world right now.
Since you are so good at going back and reading posts again, include the one where I stated that YOU said that Alabama owned Auburn. I can't find it for the life of me.
"Auburn's got 667 victories all time." Sounds to me like you want to talk records. Check Alabama's all time victories or just check Alabama's victories over Auburn. Afterall, you brought up the "all time" part.
Do as I say but not as I do? Let's be fair Andrew.
Randall said:
posted on November 29, 2006 11:14 PM — 69.73.31.232 — link — abuse?
"Spurrier to Bama Rumor Grows Legs"
Nov 29th 2006 7:52PM by Pete Holiday
Two radio outlets are reporting tonight that Alabama has, in fact, made Steve Spurrier an offer and the ball is in his court. The details are similar to the ones I mentioned earlier.The offer is allegedly worth $3.3 million a year for seven years, plus a $5 million signing bonus. He'll have free reign (and a blank check) to pick his assistants and will answer directly to President Witt. Some reports say that he'll have a chance to take the Athletic Director spot when he retires from coaching.
WFSA out of Montgomery reported that the South Carolina Athletic Director had "no comment" about whether or not Alabama AD Mal Moore had asked permission to speak with Spurrier. Some say that an announcement could be made within 24 hours.
AUBURN FANS, CROSS YOUR FINGERS AND HOPE THIS IS NOT COMING TRUE!
Andrew R said:
posted on November 30, 2006 2:44 AM — 151.213.238.133 — link — abuse?
Randy, you got your Posters mixed up. Also, if you took the time to read my posts instead of scanning them you would see that that last post was directed mainly at Razorback Ray, and the 667 all time or the series victories were not even brought up by me. If you are going to re-read a post, re-read the right ones.
By the way, yes, I am on top of the world right now, Auburn beat Bama 5 times in a row and every day I am treated to the circus act that is performing down the road in T-town. Life is great.
Why would Auburn not want to face USC in 2004? I mean this is the same USC team the came from behind to wallop the mighty Stanford by 3 points. Who knows what would of happened, but I bet they would of played a better game than Stanford.
In post #78 you said, "I know, I know. We're living in the past just as an Auburn fan would have to do to remember their one national championship." and then later in the same post you said, "Go out and do something great. Win at least one national championship for God's sake." I don't understand. First you bring up the one championship and then you say go out and win at least one championship. You contradict yourself in the same post. You amaze me with your intellectual skills.
Let's be fair Randy, Do as I say but not as I do? Whatever. I don't read other people's posts and confuse them as yours, now do I?
Randy said:
posted on November 30, 2006 5:21 AM — 66.82.9.55 — link — abuse?
Andrew you started this banter in post 22.
When I said that Auburn should win a national championship, I was referring to the fact that it hasn't happened in your lifetime. That seems to be the only thing important to you since according to post 59, I was talking about a 25 year old stat. I concede this season to you. Aside from that you are talking about 2, 3, 4 and 5 year old stats.
The fact that you are spending so much time on this thread about a former Alabama coach shows that you only want to rub salt in the wound. Kick Bama fans when their down if it makes you feel good. Hope that you're spending this much time on the Tiger website casting lots of votes for Tub to be coach of the year.
Guess that coach of the year thing is based on his oustanding job in the Auburn-Georgia game this year.
Win the big trophy a couple more times and then we can sit down and compare notes about which school has done what. Right now your fixation seems to be on the Iron Bowl.
Andrew R said:
posted on November 30, 2006 9:56 AM — 24.73.180.194 — link — abuse?
Randy, You make me laugh. No Randy, this is the only Blog for me.
Bama did this to themselves. Seems like the only person rubbing salt in the wound and kicking you when you are down is Mal Moore. I liked Shula and I think he was treated wrong. Yeah, yeah you are going to say that I liked Shula because he couldn't beat Auburn, which honestly does have something to do with it. (honestly tell me if Tubberville was 0-4 against Alabama that you wouldn't think he was the best coach for Auburn). But, Shula was a good match for Bama, he was loyal to Bama, something Bama is having trouble with in their coaches lately. I doubt he would of left for another school or the NFL after a winning season leaving Bama high and dry with out a coach. He had the name combo (Shula and Alabama) needed for recruiting 5 star players. Once again, a struggling Bama doesn't do anything to help Auburn.
No I don't think Tubbs is Coach of the year caliber this year, (never said he was) and if you are going to say that about the Georgia game knowing that you are leaving yourself open for the Miss State counter punch, you have reached a new low. And I'm not going to stoop to your level.
You know what is making me feel good right now? Listening to WJOX 690 and to Finebaum and hearing all the Bama fans call in and voice their opinions about their beloved program. If you get a chance and you are around Central Alabama I recommend those stations to you. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
Randy said:
posted on November 30, 2006 11:07 AM — 66.82.9.55 — link — abuse?
Andrew R you brought up Mississipi State. Again did Alabama have the caliber of team that Auburn did this year when they faced Georgia? Seems like you want to compare apples to oranges. I readily admitted that Alabama did not have a good team this year, and you seemed to think that Auburn does. Alabama/MississippiState is a much different game than Auburn/Georgia.
Try to show the class of a 9 & 2 team and take the high road.
Unable to hear the station that you mentioned. Bringing up Paul Finnebaum is the joke name at U of A. Finnebaum has never been an Alabama fan. He will say and do anything to get ratings for his show. If it means making Bama fans angry, then he loves it because it helps to build his audience. Talk radio is all about the ratings game. No ratings, no job. Even when he was a writer for the Birmingham newspaper I didn't put any stock in what he said about Alabama, good or bad.
By the way, I didn’t say that this was your only blog. I made a remark about you camping out on this thread.. (Threads make up a blog). You are also on the thread Spurrier: No interest in Alabama job (post # 84). I’m sure if I looked around I would find you on any other threads where you might have a chance to belittle the Bama nation.
The only reason that I mentioned Tubbs as coach of the year is because auburntigers.com is asking people to please vote for him as Liberty Mutual coach of the year.
Enjoy yourself as I know that you are.
Andrew R said:
posted on November 30, 2006 11:39 AM — 24.73.180.194 — link — abuse?
Randy, you busted me. Didn't realize you were knit picking....I meant Fanblogs is the only blog I participate in (no auburntigers.com). Good eye, I commend you on that. Keep looking, I am on several other "threads" as well.
If you count the same Bama team that played Arkansas this year, then yes, I think Alabama had the same caliber team that Auburn did. Especially since like you said the Iron Bowl wasn't a sure thing until 1:17 left in the 4th quarter.
Don't care much for Finebaum myself. He is a Tenn grad and picks on Auburn just as much as he does Bama, although Bama is on the burner now. What entertains me, is all the Bama fans calling his show. What they have to say, not Finebaum.
posted on November 30, 2006 12:09 PM — 64.12.116.199 — link — abuse?
Randy: I'm the one who said that Auburn has 667 victories. It was directed to Razorback Ray and his comments and meant to serve as a comparision between those two programs. Alabama has 780 all time victories through this season. That's about one more per season over the years. Your manhood can stay intact since that's more than us.
All time series record is 38-32-1 Alabama. I say within 15 years we tie it up. You might have to re-check the manhood thing then.
In all seriousness: does Alabama really not like Finebaum? I can't figure him out. I thought he was a Tide supporter. He sure was hard on Shula. Does he still have any loyalty for the Vols?
Randall said:
posted on November 30, 2006 12:51 PM — 69.73.31.232 — link — abuse?
www.flightaware.com
UA Plane: N10MD
SC Plane: N703JTBoth have arrived in St. Augustine this morning. Looks like something is going down in Florida.
I think SS will take the job, there is no other reason to fuel the fires of these rumors and disrupt your team by meeting with another school. If a decision is reached today (yes or no) look for a leak soon after.Andrew R said:
posted on November 30, 2006 1:33 PM — 24.73.180.194 — link — abuse?
Thanks War Eagle Atlanta. You made some good points, I just hope that one day Auburn can be as good as Alabama and Arkansas. Maybe someday we will break out of the top 15 and into the top 10 in wins and finally be considered as an elite program, and start to get the respect that we poor Auburn fans have been craving.
posted on November 30, 2006 4:14 PM — 152.163.100.196 — link — abuse?
Andrew: It'll take a few decades for us to break into the top 10 in victories all time. The two in front of us, #12 LSU has 680 to date, #11 Georgia 701 to date, are possible within a few years. #10 USC with 742 to date will take a while. To me, being in the top 20 is being elite. BTW, we are better than Arkansas is almost every category. I just told Ray to look it up himself so he could read 'em and weap. Didn't want to throw it in his face and then have him get mad and then fail to grasp the point I was trying to make. Do you really think that guy is real, or was he a Bama fan trying to throw that game in our face?
The website I use is: www.cfbdatawarehouse.com It has everything you need to know and then some.
War Eagle!
posted on November 30, 2006 6:55 PM — link — abuse?
Spurrier told his team on Thursday (Nov 30) that they are "stuck with him".
Spurrier met with the team Thursday in a previously scheduled closed-door meeting. A source close to the team told News19's Matt Barrie that Spurrier told the players that he came to Columbia, "to do things that had never been done before, including winning an SEC title," and that he's "not leaving until that's done."
He reportedly jokingly told them, "some of you might not like me, but you're stuck with me."
Randy said:
posted on November 30, 2006 7:34 PM — 66.82.9.55 — link — abuse?
Maybe some don't remember how Spurrier ran the score up on us in 1991 in Gainesville, 35-0. He clearly had Bama beaten but continued to pass and score. Florida was ranked # 6 and we were never in the game from the start. Another thing is his age. We need a young coach and Spurrier is already 61. He is not that loved by other SEC schools for some of his smart ass comments, among those are: Questioned the abilities of Head Coach Phillip Fulmer of Tennessee ("You can't spell Citrus without UT") and former Tennessee quarterback Peyton Manning ("I know why Peyton came back for his senior year: he wanted to be a three-time Citrus Bowl MVP"), in reference to the Citrus Bowl being the designated bowl for the second-choice team from the SEC. He also made the statement that "Orlando is Tennessee's winter home"; this was a reference to the fact that Tennessee appeared in several Florida Citrus Bowls in the 1990s. Poked fun at a fire that burned 20 books at an Auburn University football dorm, saying "But the real tragedy was that fifteen hadn't been colored yet!" Often referred to Georgia Head Coach Ray Goff as "Ray Goof". Not to mention that he went into the NFL with a 25 million dollar contract and made a total mess at Washington. Besides, any man who stands on the sidelines with a visor on looks a little gay to me.
All the naysayer and gloom and doom people are having a field day posting about how NO ONE would want to coach at Alabama Believe me, someone will take the job and will step in to a good program loaded with talent next year. With the contracts of today, all a coach stands to lose if fired is his pride. I hated to see Shula treated like he was but financially he is okay. Really if he wanted to get back at Alabama, all that he would have to do is sign a contact somewhere for $1 a year and Bama would be forced to make up the difference.
Now if we could just get rid of the AD and the rest of the current coaching staff, we would have a fresh start.
Moore is a man whose day is over just as Houser was at Auburn.
Kines I would get rid of because his coaching style is becoming a little old and outdated. A defensive coach should have his team to the point where they are consistent not hot and cold like we were all season.
posted on December 1, 2006 2:49 PM — 152.163.100.196 — link — abuse?
Randy, it was the university library that had the fire, there were more than 20 books involved, and yes, some of them had NOT been colored in yet. Some Bama fan working there had stolen our orange and blue crayons.
Gay visor aside, you know you got your fingers crossed that Coach Superior will give you the time of day.
Randy said:
posted on December 2, 2006 5:15 PM — 69.19.14.15 — link — abuse?
Now you’re deciding for me what I think. God, you must have a giant ego! Not a chance that I would want Spurrier. And the remarks about the fire were made by Spurrier, not Alabama. I know that you like to blame us for everything but in this case it was a Florida coach making the comments.
I suppose it was a little lonesome in Atlanta this year when Georgia embarrassed Auburn.
bama98grrl said:
posted on December 4, 2006 8:54 PM — 72.148.233.53 — link — abuse?
Just a couple of comments:
1. Shula had a lot of guts and integrity to come to Bama after during the probation period. He had faith in the Program. Mal Moore showed a lack of class not giving him at least one more year. But that's nothing new...
2. Remember Gene Stallings? Great Bama coach: fired by Moore.
3. Spurrier at Bama? I'll have to completely shift my paradigm. Yikes.MalKilledBama said:
posted on December 7, 2006 1:00 PM — 207.117.33.132 — link — abuse?
Correct me if I'm wrong but I thought Gene quit to spend time with his boy, Mal didn't fire him.
I'm no fan of Mal Moore either, he's a micromanager as stated before. Don't be fooled into thinking Shula was calling the shots and showing a lack of emotion. think about it, after 4 seasons of being micromanaged wouldn't you be a little long in the tooth and lack motivation? I know I would. Shula should have been given another year, at least. This makes me almost not want to watch bama football anymore, I'm disgusted at the lack of class shown in the firing. Everyone in my family graduated from Bama and the blood runs deep but this just has my a55 hairs up!
posted on December 7, 2006 10:58 PM — link — abuse?
Sources say that Rodriguez has been hired as the next Alabama head coach
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Chris said:
posted on November 27, 2006 10:06 AM — 24.24.114.56 — link — abuse?This is a bad idea. You can't keep throwing coaches out the window with these kids. I had issues with the way they played and the motivation all year, but to fire him after he gets a young team together is stupid.