December 17, 2007
Lock down the couches.... here comes... Nick Saban??
West By God Virginia has the scoop saying that Nick Saban's agent has contacted West Virginia about the head coaching job.
Of course, that's a pretty funny internet joke and a darn salty rumor, but now the WVU Rivals site is confirming that Saban's agent has indeed contacted West Virginia.
First and foremost, I'm calling BS on Saban's interest in West Virginia.
Nope. Don't believe it. Not one bit.
I don't doubt that Saban's agent has made some contacts, but that doesn't mean that Saban himself is just sitting by the phone hoping the Mountaineers will call.
As best I am aware, Saban is still represented by one Mr. Jimmy Sexton. In the ranks of big-time college coaching, Sexton is (more or less) the man, the big kahuna, el Jeffe. Sexton represents at least three dozen college head coaches (and at least 12 guys earning north of $1 million), so -- if he is doing his job -- he should be calling WVU.
But as far as Nick Saban.... No, Nick Saban is not calling WVU (and will not be calling WVU).
In the words of Dana Carvey... nah ganna du it.
But... stranger things have happened.
HT: Jeff at Inside Charm City
Comments:
gatorhippy
posted on December 17, 2007 3:56 PM — 209.16.115.5 — link — abuse?
said:
Agreed, Kev...
I'm thinking Jimbo is at FSU at least until Bowden retires...
Then both he and FSU will assess the relationship and his performance and determine whether he will be crowned Bowden's successor or be bought out...
In reality, this Sexton check is undoubtedly a contact for another client...
Big Tide said:
posted on December 17, 2007 6:02 PM — 69.34.227.69 — link — abuse?
That Nick Saban sure gets around....
I just heard that Mike Dubose boarded a plane in Montgomery that took off in the direction of West Virginia. Updates as they become available...
Why not Bobby Bowden? In a state that has a drooling Senator that is so old he fought in the Civil War they should welcome Bobby back with open arms. Hell, he could coach another 20 years...
Diggs the Mountie said:
posted on December 17, 2007 6:13 PM — 76.114.231.180 — link — abuse?
Big Tide,
That would be a long-shot(NS)but it has been said that last year during the "Dick Fraudriguez/Alabama dating game".......That we had a "Big-Name" Coach as our #1 HC option.
A-lot of people close to WVU hinted towards Nick Saban.I'll believe it when I see it.
Diggs the Mountie said:
posted on December 17, 2007 6:31 PM — 76.114.231.180 — link — abuse?
OU-Ron,
Thanks man.......I'm not going to let it get me down for the Fiesta....no way no how! That P.O.S. isn't going to piss on my parade....uh..uh.
Anyway, good luck and I hope it's a good game.
Big Tide,
One thing to add.....I've heard that Saban may be willing to take a paycut......fwiw.Tomcat said:
posted on December 17, 2007 7:08 PM — 68.93.140.127 — link — abuse?
#117 Diggs Yall will get somebody.
Yall can beat the Sooners-Good luck
FYI Saban is #116 on rankthatcoach
Graham is #57
Gundy # 65
Meyer #67
Patterson #68
Spurrier #81
Leach #82
Just thought that was kinda odd, given the salary etc. etc., at least its not Miles & Tubberville in the rumor mill.
" Big Name Coach"
Has Greg Schiano been up to visit?
Kinda hard to beleive R.R. bailed on yall
What was up after the loss to Pitt? Threats etc.etc. Think that influenced his decision to haul -ss. Michigan's got him now
posted on December 17, 2007 7:30 PM — link — abuse?Kevin Donahue
said:
I don't understand all yalls fascination with the coach ranking site in question. As several of you have pointed out - the rankings are very, very questionable. I'm personally not fond of the site because of some spam on past threads, so I don't find it remotely credible in any way.
Big Tide said:
posted on December 17, 2007 7:53 PM — 12.208.88.211 — link — abuse?
Diggs, I hope you find a good coach and immediately schedule a home and home with Big Blue. Everyone needs to remember that Belichick was 36-44 with the Cleveland Browns in his first head coaching gig. The Pats were 5-11 in his first season. Past success or failure doesn't always accurately represent a coaches ability. Look at Pete Carol, who, if memory serves, Belichick replaced in Cleveland. If that's wrong I apologize ahead of time.....
1st_and_NOLE
posted on December 17, 2007 8:17 PM — 71.14.108.232 — link — abuse? said:
In regards to Jimbo Fisher...
His new contract with FSU was signed today and it has some very interesting things in it.
He received a $200,000 annual raise, bringing him up to $675,000 / year. Also, there's an interesting clause that reads Fisher "may not solicit, invite, discuss, entertain, interview or accept any offers or opportunities" - regarding other coaching positions. There is a $2.5 million "reciprocal retention option" - meaning if Fisher DOES leave for another then HE must pay $2.5 million out of his own pocket and vise versa for FSU if they don't hire him as HC.
So, his contract runs through 1/10/2011 and it's pretty obvious Fisher isn't going anywhere.
For FSU recruiting wise, that's EXCELLENT.
Diggs the Mountie said:
posted on December 17, 2007 8:34 PM — 76.114.231.180 — link — abuse?
WEA,
John "Doc" Holliday is the DB Coach and I hear a great recruiter with the Gators.
How you'd hire a DB Coach as a HC is beyond me? I'd rather not see this.
Update:
It seems Saban was in contact with the ADMIN but it was mostly for his support of another HC candidate. I honestly don't feel he's leaving Bama. (However, anything's possible)
Bud Foster was throwing his name out there early yesterday but today he has SERIOUSLY been making a hard push for this HC job. As is Duke Henshaw.I think Jimbo is "highly" doubtful.
As of now it seems that Terry Bowden is in the lead but today has been quiet regarding him.
Zac said:
posted on December 17, 2007 8:37 PM — 205.188.116.136 — link — abuse?
Islander, I graduated WVU class of 80'. I'm as bitter and disappointed as the next guy over this. But, for whatever reason, ultimately, it was Rich Rodriguez's decision to make. He, his family, WVU, and his team; they are the ones who have to live with it. Oh, most of us fans will feel sorry for ourselves for a little while, but in the long run, it won't matter to us who's coach, only that the team does well.
We can talk honor, integrity, loyalty, and a plethora of virtues until our fingers bleed from the typing. It won't change what's happened. Done is done. In as much as I don't like it, and in spite of my disappointment, I can't bring myself to do any more than wish him and his the best.
Tom Blogical, you asked about my thoughts for a new coach. I like Boise St's, Chris Peterson. I know that would break Coondawg's heart, but If Peterson came in and left the existing staff as it is, I think he could have an immediate impact; i.e. start things up where Rodriguez left off. Ron Zook might be my next choice.
I do like Terry Bowden. Give his differing coaching style, he would be starting from scratch. He would need a few years for his program to build in. But, he's a proven coach; he just needs to work off the "ring rust".
I think T-Mac has something there with Mike Schulla. Indeed, that could be a good fit. AND, I don't think the fans will run him off after an 8-4 or even a 6-6 season. Like Bowden, Schulla's program will take a little time to build in. I understand he's one heck of a recruiter.
On a couple of other sites, Lloyd Carr's name was thrown around. I think he's tired of College Football, and is grateful for the opportunity to retire. Even Urban Meyer's name surfaced. Sure, that would be a good choice. I don't think WVU could afford him, even if he might be willing to leave. (Relax, Gator Mates, I don't think he's interested.)
Among others mentioned were, Steve Dunlap, Jimbo Fisher, Doc Holiday, Nick Saban, and Steve Spurier. I can only hope WVU AD, Ed Pastilong gets as lucky hiring an head football coach, as he got hiring Bobby Huggins as WVU's head BB coach.
eperhoum
posted on December 17, 2007 11:55 PM — 75.109.87.100 — link — abuse? said:
The bottom line is....you gotta want to be here.(WV)
Just like Beilein left..he didn''t want to be here, so leave but show some class. I don't know if his brand of ball will fly at Michigan. But hey, look who we got in return in Huggins.I think we came out way ahead in that deal. The thing about Coach Rod....he's not to have a home to come home to.....I mean is it worth it to throwaway your friends and family for some extra bucks? When does he have time to spend it now anyway? I think he will regret this move in the long run. Maybe not admit it but he will miss home. No longer a Mountaineer. As for Terry Bowden....good candidate..lets see who else comes knocking and hope it will work as well as the basketball coaching change has. Go Mountaineers!!!!wvu_lifer
posted on December 18, 2007 4:56 AM — 75.109.107.108 — link — abuse? said:
Has anyone thought of trying to snag the coach from App. St.? He's won 3 straight bowl sub divsion titles (not even Tessel did that!) He could be the Jim Tressel of WVU! He also runs the same style spread that "the guy who went up north" did. He'd be a great fit, what do you think?
wvu_lifer
posted on December 18, 2007 5:16 AM — 75.109.107.108 — link — abuse? said:
I have to say a few more things. Nick Saban is NOT coming here! WVU for Alabama, i'm a die hard wvu fan, and i wouldn't leave 'Bama for Mo-Town!! Also, let us not forget, when Nehlen retired, Bowden was at the top of our list and he snubbed us like a homeless guy in the street!! Now that there is plenty of talent and recruiting is going well, he wants to come home to coach. The Jimbo thing also will not happen, he's pretty much locked in tight with FSU with his "Can't talk, invite or accept invitations" to prevent him from leaving clause in his contract. Whoever we get, it will be a while, DickRods' attorneys are playing games about the money issue. So, after the Fiest Bowl, i assume. OH, Did the coach from App St.?lol. HIS MOUNTAINEERS went to the "big house" this year, and WON!! Anyways, whoever we get, i hope it's an upgrade, like in Basketball. Let's see who makes the Final Four 1st, Belien, or Huggins!!
posted on December 18, 2007 8:03 AM — link — abuse? said:
Regarding Fisher, it was asked and answered yesterday - he is not interested.
Regarding an ACC coach being interested, I have heard that as well (referenced above). Tommy Bowden may be on the short list and would listen - despite his recent extension. That said, Tommy would not "compete" for the job against his brother Terry Bowden. From what I have heard, Terry must be "eliminated" from the search before Tommy would comment publicly.
Eye of the Tiger said:
posted on December 18, 2007 12:11 PM — 138.163.0.44 — link — abuse?
I just got a great idea! ESPN should make a reality show on where coaches are going in the off-season. It's about as unpredictable as the season, and it makes for great drama. I know I'd have my popcorn ready for every episode.
schmed said:
posted on December 18, 2007 2:40 PM — 63.241.223.4 — link — abuse?
As low-class as Saban and Petrino acted in bailing on their employers to the greener pastures, at least they ripped the sheets cleanly and moved on.
Rodriggezz is churning up the stink back home over his buyout. Link
If UM and WVU were ever to play each other, i'd make the 2007 LSU/Bama game look like a Fellowship Picnic; the Hatfields and McCoys like the Partridges and Osmonds.
wvu_lifer
posted on December 18, 2007 3:12 PM — 75.109.107.108 — link — abuse? said:
More wvu diatribe. I can't hate Rod for taking the Michigan job. I can however, be mad as hell at the timing and the manner in which he chose to go! This could have waited until after the bowl game and been a nice and easy goodbye. No, he left his men, ALMA MATER and State down and just bolted. Hey, i'd take the job at the winningest program in college football history with a house that sits over a 100K. I would not leave my team until at least the end of the season, and ours is not over. Hell, Mr. Carr is going out like a man, annouced his retirement before the bowl qame(not school jumping) and vowed to see his men through thier bowl game. You're a good man Coach Carr! Oh, so no we have two Bowdens biding for the opening left by Rod. Now that is odd!! They say Tommy won't take it until Terry is ruled out, oh god, how long can this go on? One more thing about Rod. He is from West Virginia, which makes him a Mountaineer by birth. Our state motto is " Mountaineers are always free". We pretty much do and say as we please. So, you can't blame him for being a mountaineer, just doin' what he wants!! Leeeeeeeeeeetts gooooooooooooo Mountaineers!! Leeeeeeeeeeetts goooooooooo drink some beers!!
wvu_lifer
posted on December 18, 2007 3:13 PM — 75.109.107.108 — link — abuse? said:
More wvu diatribe. I can't hate Rod for taking the Michigan job. I can however, be mad as hell at the timing and the manner in which he chose to go! This could have waited until after the bowl game and been a nice and easy goodbye. No, he left his men, ALMA MATER and State down and just bolted. Hey, i'd take the job at the winningest program in college football history with a house that sits over a 100K. I would not leave my team until at least the end of the season, and ours is not over. Hell, Mr. Carr is going out like a man, announced his retirement before the bowl qame(not school jumping) and vowed to see his men through thier bowl game. You're a good man Coach Carr! Oh, so no we have two Bowdens biding for the opening left by Rod. Now that is odd!! They say Tommy won't take it until Terry is ruled out, oh god, how long can this go on? One more thing about Rod. He is from West Virginia, which makes him a Mountaineer by birth. Our state motto is " Mountaineers are always free". We pretty much do and say as we please. So, you can't blame him for being a mountaineer, just doin' what he wants!! Leeeeeeeeeeetts gooooooooooooo Mountaineers!! Leeeeeeeeeeetts goooooooooo drink some beers!!
Bleed Crimson
posted on December 19, 2007 12:56 PM — 68.159.138.8 — link — abuse? said:
woah now schmed:
"As low-class as Saban and Petrino acted in bailing on their employers to the greener pastures, at least they ripped the sheets cleanly and moved on."
What Saban did was slip up in a media conference and say that he was not leaving. many coaches have done this before in different ways. he also had the blessing of the dolphins owner to "follow his heart." After he made up his mind, he told the players himself that he had decided to take the job at alabama.
What Petrino did on the other hand, was simply inexcusable. he walked out on his players mid-season, in the middle of the night. he left a note on the bulletin board in the locker room that said he had left. he acted like a coward, he bailed on his team, and his employer. now THAT is dishonorable.
and guess who took more heat for it?? Nick Saban.
posted on December 20, 2007 2:57 PM — 64.12.116.136 — link — abuse? said:
For the love of all things Holy, will you guys please stop with the "Nick lied" arguments? I'm an Auburn fan, and it's my job to poke fun of the Tide, but this whole Saban Story just keeps going on ad nauseum.
Can't we all agree to move along and start making fun of Bobby Petrino now?
Tomcat said:
posted on December 20, 2007 6:25 PM — 68.93.140.127 — link — abuse?
#48 WarEagATl its your job to poke fun at the Tide---Lennies job to run down the Horns
Dont really need any help poking fun at winning programs who fire their coaches Ark & A&M.
Cowdawgs job to run down everybody except the WAC
predictions
Utah over Navy
Oklahoma over West Virginia
Missouri over Arkansas
Penn St over Texas A&M
I chose teams with the same coaches on my predictions, could be wrong, teams with interm coaches or new coaches are probably disatvantaged and its not the kids fault
posted on December 20, 2007 6:42 PM — 64.12.116.136 — link — abuse? said:
No, Tomcat, I'm just kidding. I don't constantly poke fun at any team. I think I'm pretty fair--not a total homer.
But even for an Auburn fan, the whole Nick Saban story should be put to bed. Contrast his situation with Petrino's. There's really no comparison in the detestable department.
Tomcat said:
posted on December 20, 2007 7:09 PM — 68.93.140.127 — link — abuse?
I agree man,I knew your just kidding, heck I joke around about the Aggies and I totally detest the Sooners but I respect their programs, its all good. I have to agree with you and OU Ron that its kind of a shame that nobody is really focused on the bowls as much as the coaching changes etc etc.
BTW I dont think coondawg really likes the WAC, he is a closet big ten and Jim Tressel fan.Zac said:
posted on December 20, 2007 10:21 PM — 64.12.116.136 — link — abuse?
Yo, guys!!! R U ready for this? I think Coondawg is trolling on another blog site. Some guy with his M.O. posted smack against the Big East, WVU, Rutgers, etc., and mentioned the superiority of Boise St in the same sentance. It's got to be him.
Zac said:
posted on December 22, 2007 8:37 PM — 205.188.116.136 — link — abuse?
Papa Smurf started out great guns, but I called him on it, and now he sounds more like you guys. Either that, or his medication kicked in. Anyway, even though Saban's agent contacted WVU, I don't see Saban leaving Bama.
TC (Post 51), interesting picks. OU-Ron would be proud. Here's mine.
Though I would have picked Utah over Navy, Memphis over FAU, Cinci over S MS, and NM over NV, as they've been played or in progress, I can't take credit for any of it. I certainly hadn't expected NM to be dominating as they have.
As for the rest, here goes...
TX/AS St: As McCoy goes, so does TX, but I like ASU in a come-back. (Sorry, TC)
TN/WI: This one could show just how good the Big-Ten(11) is as compared to the SEC; TN CLOSE!!!
MO/AR: MO should be in the Rose. Instead, they've drawn AR. If AR plays like they did against Bama, they loose; if they play like they did against Auburn, thaaaaaay still loose. If they play the way they did against LSU, not only do they win, it never goes to OT; MO.
MI/FL: Thanks to Tebow, and company, Rodriguez looses his 1st bowl game as HC for MI.
USC/IL: I like Ron Zook; I'm glad he and the Illini are doing well; they don't belong in the Rose Bowl. Boise, BYU, or Cinci would have been a better paring; USC.
GA/HI: The Bulldogs are going to show Colt Brenan and the Warriors where their hearts are; GA.
VA Tech/KS: KS has a powerful offense. VA Tech has a powerful defense. VA Tech found their offense. Guess VA Tech wins.
OK/WVU: This comes down to physical conditioning and mental preparation, but special teams will prove the difference; WVU.
OSU/LSU: OSU was successful against one of the weakest schedules in its history. A hobbled LSU stumbled in OT, TWICE. LSU will make history at OSU's expense, yet again.
In other action, What's with the rematch; i.e. BYU/UCLA? Bowl committees have no imagination; BYU.
ECU/Boise St, another miss-match; Boise St.
Purdue/C MI: Former WVU Asst Coach, Butch Jones, will have is Chippewas ready, but Purdue packs quite a punch, offensively. This could be one of the more entertaining games; C MI.
TCU/Houstion, TCU; BC/MI St, BC; MD/OR St, MD; Wake/UConn, UConn; C FL/MS St, MS St; PA St/TX A&M, PA St; CO/AL, AL; Air Force/Cal, Cal; S FL/OR, S FL; GA Tech/Fresno, GA Tech; FSU/KY, FSU; Clemson/Auburn, Tigers!!!(OK...Auburn); VA/TX Tech, Tech; Rutgers/Ball St, Rutgers; Tulsa/Bowling Green, Tulsa.
woodwardbernstein said:
posted on December 22, 2007 9:28 PM — 71.75.250.202 — link — abuse?
He expressed interest but is not finalist. Terry Bowden and Doc Holiday are current front runners. Terry would bring Tom Pender, OC for Bama and long OC history; Doc might bring Trickett from FSU as Assoc. HC and overall offense guy (not calling plays though). WVU may make a run at Jim Grobe. Saban did contact WVU but is not a finalist.
posted on December 23, 2007 7:38 AM — link — abuse? said:
@wvu_lifer - Please don't believe everything you read on the message boards. Talks with any current coach will "heat up" when the coaches don't have practice. Most teams will not practice for bowls again until after Christmas, for what it's worth, so I suspect it will "heat up" with several current coaches.
That said, key people in the FSU boosters have spoke with Jimbo yesterday (Sat) and he is not interested in interviewing at WVU. There was some debate as to whether his interviewing for another position would violate his new contract (since "interviewing" is mentioned in his $2.5 million buyout), but I doubt someone would have to write a check just to speak with the man.
Another key consideration, given the relationship with Bowden, WVU would undoubtedly request permission from FSU to interview Fisher. It wouldn't be required, but -- given the relationship between the two parties -- it would likely happen. It's unclear as to how FSU would answer that request. Coach Bowden would not personally support it, as he has already "done his duty" as a former WVU guy to support Terry Bowden.
IMHO, you are going to get Terry Bowden as new HC immediately (1-2 days, tops) after the bowl game.
Tomcat said:
posted on December 23, 2007 12:19 PM — 68.93.140.127 — link — abuse?
Zac #56 purty funny stuff about the medicine kickin in-whatever. Could it be a mistake?
Kev says Terry Bowden at WV
Our moderator probably has the inside track on any of the Bowden stories, hey at least he will be in a different league than Daddy & Brother.
My picks in post #51 are totally based on the fact that these teams that have coaching changes prior to their bowl are at a disatvantage.
Pure speculation on my part
Navy +
S Miss +
UCLA +
Michigan
Houston
Arkansas
Texas A&M
West Virginia
Georgia Tech
I really favor G Tech over Fresno and UH over TCU
We will see how that idea pans out
I'd really like to see WV beat OU and I'd like to see Texas A&M beat Penn ST and I'll be pulling for the Mountaineers and the Aggies you never know. I really kinda favored FSU over KY until the recent problems now I'm going with KY
Adios Tomcat
Zac said:
posted on December 24, 2007 11:25 AM — 205.188.116.136 — link — abuse?
TC, actually I stole the medicine idea from you.
Quite a game between Boise & ECU last night. ECU was in control. Then, Skip Holtz got a case of his father's pep-talk and changed QB's in the 2nd half. What the F...ck FOR!?! Boise climbs back in it. Just when a 4th Boise T.O. may have handed ECU the game, ECU commits a T.O. and Boise runs it back for a TD. They're TIED!!! But wait! With 80+ ticks left, ECU drives into Boise territory and pulls out a 34 yard FG as time expires. That's a finish!!!
To all: When this message finds you, may it find you and yours well, throughout this holiday season, and throughout the many New Years to come.
Bevo Boy said:
posted on December 24, 2007 11:44 AM — 64.12.116.136 — link — abuse?
Isn't Lennie supposed to be back now to give his opinion on OUvs.WVU? It can get kinda boring without him making fun of teams (particularly Texas, but I don't take offense to it, anymore at least). I would've liked to have heard him argue with coondawg.
OU-Ron
posted on December 24, 2007 11:55 AM — 216.201.209.146 — link — abuse? said:
Bevo, the truth is out, you actually miss Lennie, well I do too, the guy make me laugh. And you can bet he would have worn coondawg down to a frazzle...Good luck in Ya'lls bowl game and here's wishing everyone a Merry Christmas
posted on December 24, 2007 12:11 PM — 64.12.116.136 — link — abuse? said:
Gee, Ron. I'm kinda missing Lennie now. Can't really blame him for not being here. Not much going on in college football until the end of the month.
We need a good uniform thread to keep us going until then!
Lennie Collins
posted on December 24, 2007 2:40 PM — 69.150.58.112 — link — abuse? said:
Hello Fellow Bloggers! I am back and War Eagle Atlanta said it best in Comment #65. I have been actually paying more attention to the NFL lately than college. I am a Dallas Cowboys fan but I am praying the Boston Patriots will go 19-0 so the remaining 1972 Dolphins team and Don Shula will go away! I am tired of hearing about their champagne bottles and cheering. Hopefully the Patriots will do this and that '72 Dolphins team will start drinking prune juice or something else! Just go away, please! I will be cheering for Arizona State to beat Texas in the Holiday Bowl. I was reading the Austin American Statesman on Saturday and it is blaming the former players that have left early for the NFL over the last 3 years for the Longhorns declince the last 2 seasons...excuses, excuses, excuses. Of course I will be watching Oklahoma beat West Virginia in the Fiesta Bowl. Losing to Pittsburgh and the head coach is too much for West Virginia to overcome! Besides Oklahoma is really good! Illinois please beat Southern California! I hope the Native Americans beat the Effeminate Warriors so I don't have to hear how good Southern California could have been. Don't worry Trojans fans your team will be ranked preseason #1, AGAIN!I hope Ohio State beats Louisiana State as well as ALL the SEC teams lose their bowl games! I am TIRED, I will say it again, I AM TIRED of all this propaganda of the SEC is the toughest conference talk! Maybe if the teams all lose their bowl games the SEC faithful will be quiet for at least the rest of winter, spring, and summer! You all have a God influenced Merry Christmas and remember I don't dislike Texas Longhorns fans just the sports programs, Southern California fans, or SEC fans...it's only football! Take Care!
gatorhippy
said:
posted on December 17, 2007 2:04 PM — 209.16.115.5 — link — abuse?LMAO...
I just threw a link up to WBGV over at the coaches' opening thread...
I agree that with Sexton representing so many coaches it's more than likely in regards to another of his clients...
However, doesn't he represent Jimbo?