December 6, 2007
Hog fans reaping what they sowed in coaching search
Tommy Tuberville.... Yes. Maybe. Maybe not. No.
Tommy Bowden.... Yes. Maybe. Maybe not. No.
Jim Grobe.... Yes. Maybe. Maybe not. No.
By my own count, they have been in the church (if not at the alter) at least three times only to watch their "next coach" walk away.
There is going to be a lot of finger pointing in the days ahead at Arkansas, and maybe some of the criticism is valid.
Is the search too public? At this point, I would say yes. Arkansas thought they scored a coup with Tuberville, but being spurned in public (by three different coaches) has severely hurt the Razorbacks image. It is abundantly clear that whomever is hired is the fourth choice candidate, at best. You would think that the Razorbacks learned their lesson last year when Altman left them at the alter after being introduced to the media....
Are too many people involved in the search process? I'm not familiar with Arkansas's exact arrangement, but somewhere along the line this coaching search is leaking like a sieve.
Should Arkansas have hired a search firm? While a professional search firm could cost eighty to one-hundred thousand dollars, this attempt byt the Razorbacks is proving it would have been money well spent. The university president and athletic director need to get a handle on the process, because there is remarkably little being done to conduct a private search.
At this point, I almost want to feel for the Arkansas fans, but... I think the biggest culprits are the Arkansas football fans.
It bears repeating that the way Nutt was... basically abused... by the Razorbacks fan base poisoned the pool at Arkansas.
If you're going to have fans digging through your personal life, blasting you in the media, booing you at public appearances, and running banners calling for you to be fired during games -- all while your team is winning -- then why would any coach in their right mind willingly step into that environment?
The Arkansas fans are reaping what they sowed and until they own up to that... it may be a long couple of years for the Hogs.
Comments:
posted on December 6, 2007 11:50 AM — 64.12.116.136 — link — abuse?War Eagle Atlanta
said:
This coaching search has already surpassed the ineptitiude exhibited by Alabama one year ago. Is it time for Arkansas to lob up a Hail Mary for a coach, too? If so, let McFadden throw it because I don't think Casey Dick has that kind of arm.
I take no joy in this. Groebe would have been an excellent choice, and the AJC was basically saying it was a done deal this morning, but I guess it isn't. All other things being equal, you take the Arkansas job over Wake Forest.
Man, back in the 1980s, if a team that was bigger historically than the one you were at offered you a job, it was a no-brainer. You loaded up the truck and moved to Beverly--moved on up to the East Side. Now days, it's not quite a sure thing. The only answer I have for it is PARITY. The difference in quality between teams big and small is decreasing, and perhaps coaches today might be more interested in establishing their own legacy at a less prestigious school than going and reclimbing some mountain that giants have climbed.
Excellent point about reaping what they sow. Airplane banners and lawsuits for open records definitely loom large in the underhanded world of Boosters Gone Wild.
Porky said:
posted on December 6, 2007 12:37 PM — 75.89.104.86 — link — abuse?
How about Jeff Bower, no buyouts or extensions for him. The guys on the hill think they are too good for coordinators. Proven head coaches already have jobs. Nutt's problem was his play-calling. He had his man in Malzahn, but proceeded to screw him over and he left for Tulsa. I notice some people are confusing Houston and Jesus.
TE
posted on December 6, 2007 3:05 PM — 204.68.245.11 — link — abuse? said:
Houston will make them pay-dearly-for the errors of their ways...
Mississippi is a ridiculously fertile recruiting ground...second to perhaps only Florida & Louisiana in terms of SEC territory, and they also have a built in advantage of having the biggest and most well-developed Community- and Junior College Athletic Programs in America...
Houston will recruit like crazy, and to see he & Croom go at it will be interesting. Croom finally got over the hump at State, and now he has to deal with Nutt at Ole Miss.
That was without a doubt the best hire of the coaching carousel, so far...
Arkansucks has just lowered themselves down into the spot previously reserved-yearly, almost-for Ole Miss...
dapipcook said:
posted on December 6, 2007 3:38 PM — 70.245.13.138 — link — abuse?
Hey! only about 30-45% of the fans were against Nutt! The rest of us (and the majority) wanted him to stay. Those like myself that wanted him to stay are laughing at the Nutt Haters and Crying over the damage done all at the same time right now.
You can feel for us, it's ok :)
BMC1157 said:
posted on December 6, 2007 5:17 PM — 72.191.14.43 — link — abuse?
I agree with the commentary. As an Arkansas grad AND fan, the tactics used by some of the so-called "fans" is an embarassment to the football program, the University, and the State of Arkansas. No wonder people still think we are unedumacated (lol) hicks. However, all is not lost. Arkansas has two coaches that would do well... Malzahn or Herring... and the way it looks, we might have to beg one of them to take the job.
Jenish said:
posted on December 6, 2007 5:46 PM — 166.102.191.115 — link — abuse?
I am glad that Nutt is gone. I will endure all this hardship if it means getting him off the Hill. I feel sorry for everyone in Mississippi now! He has a long way to go to be a good college football coach. He has wasted and run off too many of our good players to let him sit on our side any longer. His resignation did not come soon enough!
goodolnuma5 said:
posted on December 6, 2007 7:19 PM — 65.60.170.75 — link — abuse?
Jenish,
Interesting,...
Be careful what you wish for, remember the Cornhuskers? Remember how great they were?
Im just sayin',...
A "bad" coach gets fired and winds up on ESPN, not hired in the conference.
Hmmmmmm,...
Team fires "bad" coach, team cant find "average" coach?
Not to question your fanhood dude, but who would WANT this to happen to their team?
gatorstud said:
posted on December 6, 2007 7:56 PM — 72.69.2.100 — link — abuse?
all i know is that i put my resume for the head coaching job in the mail yesterday..so should expect a call any day...wish me luck... i should at least get an interview to be the next AD there, cause obviously you need no brain to do that job......
go gators...
Tomcat said:
posted on December 7, 2007 4:52 AM — 68.93.140.127 — link — abuse?
Ya its kinda hard to beleive that a school that produced so many coaches is now having trouble finding one. Ask some former players if they can help like Barry Switzer, Jimmy Johnson, Ken Hatfeild and of course That Miller Lite, NFL network,Pepsi Cola, Papa Johns Pizza Dude Jerry Jones. Seems to me like the Hogs already have a search team.
Go Ole Miss RebelsJenish said:
posted on December 7, 2007 8:52 AM — 166.102.191.115 — link — abuse?
Thanks for the comment goodolnuma5, but I think Arkansas had to get rid of the pollution (Broyles and Nutt) that was clogging up our football program to ever start rebuilding what has been torn down. Only time will tell, but I will be very surprised if things don't go much, much better for us now. Not to say it won't take some time, rebuilding takes time. Yes, we have had some heck of good coaches, but who do you think run them off?? Broyles. Look at Lou Holtz, who is to me one of the best coaches around and Broyles fired him! Why? Because he would not do things Broyles way. If he is the coach, let him be the coach! Now that we have Broyles and Nutt gone, we can finally do things the Arkansas way, not the Broyles and Nutt way, who I don't believe cared anything about what the fans wanted or what was good for our football program. Nutt is good for PR, but in coaching, he just doesn't have it. We will bounce back and in the process hopefully pull our fans and state back together to cheer on one of the best football teams around! In the mean time, we weather the storm and stand behind our team and school, regardless of who ends up being the new head coach.
HogFanofNWA said:
posted on December 7, 2007 12:48 PM — 70.178.121.137 — link — abuse?
Jenish,
Lets don't forget about John White. One of the things that makes the Arkansas job a tough sale is that there have been too many indians and not enough chiefs running things for quite a while now.
Still, I have hopes that a new era is here with Jeff Long at the helm. But that remains to be seen and a lot will be told in his hire. If he hires Malzahn for the job, then one would wonder whether or not he is thinking for himself.HogFanofNWA
Cowbell05 said:
posted on December 7, 2007 2:28 PM — 74.227.46.95 — link — abuse?
@Jenish #9,
"I feel sorry for everyone in Mississippi now" What exactly is that suppose to mean? When you say Mississippi you mean Ole Miss...right??? Because obviously if something is bad for Ole Miss it is good for State. There are 3 diff. Universitys in Mississippi...come on man get your stuff together
Zac said:
posted on December 7, 2007 3:08 PM — 205.188.116.136 — link — abuse?
Gatorstud (Post 12), I'm with you.
"and running banners calling for you to be fired during games -- all while your team is winning -- then why would any coach in their right mind willingly step into that environment?"
Why wouldn't some darn fool go? Why, for 2 million/yr, for 5 years, they can crowd the skies with planes and banners saying they should can my sorry a$$. It would be the easiest 10 mil I ever made. (Come to think of it, I don't think I've earned a mil yet.)
Tomcat (Post 13), to steel a phase from you, "That's purty funny." (R there 2 "t's" in purty?)
Big Tide said:
posted on December 7, 2007 6:57 PM — 69.34.227.69 — link — abuse?
War Eagle Atlanta - After the Tide search last year you would think these guys would have learned something?
Gator Stud, once you get the AD job how about some good tickets for your Fanblog buddies?
This is not a knock on West Virginia, but with death threats and player beat downs do you think Coach Rod has had second thoughts?
Cowbell05 said:
posted on December 7, 2007 7:31 PM — 76.107.114.7 — link — abuse?
Actually Jenish, no your not being clear, you don't make any sense...you say "what you are getting will affect the whole state"...First of all were not getting anything OLE MISS is getinng Nutt...I'm a MISSISSIPPI STATE fan...you do understand that right??? Second of all other than recruiting how is it going to affect the whole state??? Also, we went from 3-9 to 7-5, yall go from 8-4 to oh no! Who the hell is gonna coach our football team...so no we don't need to get our stuff together, YOU DO.
Hail State
coondawg1 said:
posted on December 7, 2007 10:14 PM — 68.114.136.135 — link — abuse?
and another one, Thank you Mcfadden for beating LSU but it was ignored by our bcs guys. Arkansas was awful this year and LSU got to the title game anyway. At least your better than Kentucky. The Sorriest Ever Conference has garbage teams but people think their good.
1. South Carolina fraud
2. Kentucky Fraud
3. OLe miss and State garbage
4. Vandy When have you won a bowl game
5. Alabama ULM whipped you down at home
6. Auburn Cant believe you clowns are ranked
7. Arkansas NOnconference schedule wow
8. Tennessee sometimes your good but damn u chokeHawaii and Boise State are waiting for you to come in our house and push us around. LSU beat Fresno st. last year at LSU. Come to Cali tigers, USC will be the least of your worries.
Cowbell05 said:
posted on December 8, 2007 2:07 AM — 74.227.5.39 — link — abuse?
Fuck you coondawg, you obviously don't know shit about football, it would probably be highly appreciated if you never posted on this website again...how is Arkansas awful??? yeah the SEC is "sorriest conference ever" hahaha riiight.
Are you tryng to say LSU would lose @ Boise State?
You mean the same Boise State team that lost to Washington? Im trying not to get kicked off this website but you are making it really hard right now...people like you piss me off when yall dont know what the hell yall are talking about.And by the way when Hawaii gets that ass spanked by Georgia, come on back to fanblogs and talk some more shit iight????
hogndc said:
posted on December 8, 2007 9:34 AM — 69.143.54.185 — link — abuse?
Hey Zac...
Hmmm, if my memory serves me correctly, I believe another SEC school flew banners calling for their coach to be fired....and you know what they got in return? One of the best coaches in the country and a national championship. Not saying that can happen at ark, just saying all that shit doesn't keep a school from hiring a good coachhogndc said:
posted on December 8, 2007 9:34 AM — 69.143.54.185 — link — abuse?
Hey Zac...
Hmmm, if my memory serves me correctly, I believe another SEC school flew banners calling for their coach to be fired....and you know what they got in return? One of the best coaches in the country and a national championship. Not saying that can happen at ark, just saying all that shit doesn't keep a school from hiring a good coachhogndc said:
posted on December 8, 2007 9:35 AM — 69.143.54.185 — link — abuse?
Hey Zac...
Hmmm, if my memory serves me correctly, I believe another SEC school flew banners calling for their coach to be fired....and you know what they got in return? One of the best coaches in the country and a national championship. Not saying that can happen at ark, just saying all that shit doesn't keep a school from hiring a good coach
Zac said:
posted on December 8, 2007 11:11 AM — 64.12.116.136 — link — abuse?
Big Tide (Post 24), that's something I don't understand at all. I can remember when 7-5 and 8-4 seasons were as good as it got. Loosing seasons weren't at all uncommon. Now, here it is, 3 years in a row they've won at least 10 games, and yet it's not enough.
Pitt/WVU wasn't a game for ALL the marbles; it was only for a chance to play for all the marbles. That WVU played as poorly as they did should be enough for its fans to understand that WVU wasn't ready. YES! It was disappointing to see them be that close and blow it. But, to actually threaten members of the team, to advocate "punishment" and "retribution" against them...
If I were Rich Rodriguez, I wouldn't know what to think about all of this. Heck, after the week of practice that had been reported, he's got all he can do understand his team's meld-down, let alone what would motivate fans to be so stupid.
If I was going to be a head coach, and if I knew I would be a decent one, at the very least I'd want to coach where I know I would be appreciated and respected, good times & bad. I don't know if there is such a place. It certainly doesn't look like that place is Morgantown, WV.
Zac said:
posted on December 9, 2007 12:04 AM — 205.188.116.136 — link — abuse?
Cowbell05, relax, girl; it's all good. I actually stole that line from John Carpenter's "Vampires". It showed up twice. The 2nd time, it was the last line in the flick; funniest too, in the context it was delivered. Just FYI. Enjoy!!!
Zac said:
posted on December 9, 2007 1:33 PM — 64.12.116.136 — link — abuse?
Cowbell05, it's the "bell" thing. You know; Ma Bell, Bell of the South, Me-shell my "bell", etc., etc., etc. If'n I waz wroang, my mistake. At least no one called you queer, like Papa Smurf did unto Tomcat & Me. I'm jutht tho upthet!!!
Congrats again to Tim Tebow, our latest Heisman winner.
Tomcat said:
posted on December 9, 2007 8:31 PM — 68.93.140.127 — link — abuse?
#39 Its alright at least my mama isnt making a livin at the Texaco men's room. At least I know that Jim Tressel isnt under the desk like Bill Clinton's interen and that The ACC conference is quite a bit more reletive than-----------I took this morning. Gotta admit this bugger was off the charts, looney toones aint got nothin on em.
As the white truck drives off towards the State Hospital you can still hear undefeated lives here and SEC sorriest conference ever, WAC #1 etc etc.
good bye coondog BTW didnt you know not to take the brown acid?Autigerman said:
posted on December 10, 2007 12:59 PM — 129.61.46.60 — link — abuse?
I think coon dawgs post#27 was a hit and run.He certainly wont come back after the bowl games and talk that smack.
I do see a couple of tough ones for the SEC.
Miss State watch out, Auburn, sleeper pick Hawaii, careful Georgia. Maybe a shoot out.
OU Fan said:
posted on December 11, 2007 1:41 AM — 139.139.51.70 — link — abuse?
Autigerman post #41, have you forgotten about Colorado-Bama and Mizzou-Arkansas?? If Bama plays like they have been for the past 3 or 4 games' the Tide will LOSE to the Buffs. Now, the Mizzou-Arkansas game will be interseting. I don't think Arkansas will be able to stop Mizzou's quick, high scoring spread offense but I also think McFadden could easily rack up 200 yards if he plays. What is the status for McFadden? BOOMER SOONER!
Tomcat said:
posted on December 11, 2007 3:01 AM — 69.148.199.64 — link — abuse?
OU Fan I really have to agree with ya, these two matchups look really interesting SEC vs XII
Bama vs Colo Both teams have done well against some tough teams, and then had a few disapointments as well
Mizzu vs Arkansas
They probably wont be able to stop the Hogs ground attack, but will the Hogs D be able to stop Daniel from hitting his receivers, Both teams are going to get their yards.
Both of these games look like tossups
Adios TomcatAutigerman said:
posted on December 11, 2007 9:43 AM — 129.61.46.60 — link — abuse?
OU
Good point i knew i was leaving someone out count that one to old age.
McFadden is healthy as far as i know however,strange things sometimes happen to underclassmen thinking about going in the draft.
I wouldnt blame him if he dosent play much.
Of course same could be said of Mizzo quarterback i suppose.
Could be they both play hard trying to increase draft order stock, although im sure both are secure in a first round high pick.
Zac said:
posted on December 11, 2007 2:33 PM — 209.36.193.14 — link — abuse?
AL/CO, AR/MO, I really like these 2 match-ups.
Bama/CO pits 2 teams seriously trying to find themselves. I’m talking 2 seriously Dr. Jeckle/Mr. Hyde types. Both of these teams will do as well as their respective QB’s & defenses play. If I had to give the edge to either, it would be Bama. For the most part, CO has been strong at home; they have not been road warriors.
AR/MO arguably pits a quick & powerful rush attack (with just the right amount of passing), against one of the most prolific passing attacks in the country. I would have been tempted to give AR the edge, but they’ve had trouble defending against a passing team. As already said, Chase Daniels leads one of the most potent passing attacks in the country. McFadden may have been ranked higher in the Heisman race, but I think Daniels and the rest of the Tigers get it done.
Please note that all comments are subject to the Fanblogs Comment Policy.
Aggie028 said:
posted on December 6, 2007 11:47 AM — 74.192.39.111 — link — abuse?I find it pretty funny. Over the offseason for basketball they were soooo sure they were going to take Billy Gillispie from us because they were so much better than us. I am sure they are saying the same things to Clemson, Auburn and Wake Forest. Maybe this will humble them a little bit....