Bowden's first staff has a very hometown feel. He's brought in four previous North Alabama coaches (and one former player), he also hired his brother, Jeff, and brought on three Florida State grads.

My biggest concern looking over this staff... who on this list has any recruiting connections in the Midwest? It's almost an entirely Southeastern group and UA is desperate to get some new talent on board.

http://themacdaily.com/?p=205

Pont is from Miami, Boykin YSU, and Amato is from Pennsylvania.

I'm legitimately surprised that Jay Paterno's name isn't on this list.

Someone in the MAC should go for him.

(01-11-2012 09:06 PM)DrTorch Wrote:  I'm legitimately surprised that Jay Paterno's name isn't on this list.

Someone in the MAC should go for him.

I believe BG has an assistant coach opening.......or will soon.

(01-11-2012 09:06 PM)DrTorch Wrote:  I'm legitimately surprised that Jay Paterno's name isn't on this list.

Someone in the MAC should go for him.

Why? He was horrible and had no business being a coach other than his daddy. And he knows it too, saying he'll probably be going into another line of work.

(01-12-2012 07:26 AM)Polish Hammer Wrote:  

(01-11-2012 09:06 PM)DrTorch Wrote:  I'm legitimately surprised that Jay Paterno's name isn't on this list.

Someone in the MAC should go for him.

Why?

Recruiting contacts.

Recruiting for Penn State or Ohio State is FAR different than a MAC program. Getting feelers out there for 4 & 5 * kids when you're representing those schools is not that difficult. Being in the MAC and finding a diamond in the rough after those big boys claimed theirs is another story. Any help he provided State Penn over the years recruiting wise had very little to do with any recruiting connections or prowess and everything to do with the logo on the letterhead/polo shirt and name he inherited. Without daddy he'd have been selling insurance many years ago.

(01-12-2012 10:43 AM)Polish Hammer Wrote:  Recruiting for Penn State or Ohio State is FAR different than a MAC program. Getting feelers out there for 4 & 5 * kids when you're representing those schools is not that difficult. Being in the MAC and finding a diamond in the rough after those big boys claimed theirs is another story. Any help he provided State Penn over the years recruiting wise had very little to do with any recruiting connections or prowess and everything to do with the logo on the letterhead/polo shirt and name he inherited. Without daddy he'd have been selling insurance many years ago.

Of course MAC teams aren't recruiting like B1G teams. But having reliable connections means a HS coach will call you and say, "I have an overlooked gem here. Kid's gonna be good, but he's not being looked at. Come talk to him, otherwise he'll grayshirt at Big State U, or go JUCO."

And having the name 'Paterno' means the kid will listen.

It also means that some 3-stars choose the MAC instead of Delaware or Villanova.

If Jay Paterno doesn't have those connections, then ignore him. I'm no expert on his career. But, MAC teams absolutely NEED to have a network beyond MI and OH. They NEED to get deeper into PA, WI and TN, what are they doing to get there?!

Quote: And having the name 'Paterno' means the kid willlisten.

Two months ago maybe, but today it works against him. Many State Penn fanatics couldn't stand having him on staff and couldn't wait for him to leave and find a profession he is more suited. They despised the notion pops was hanging on to possibly ensure he was handed a bigger piece of the coaching pie as he was already in over his head.

And I totally agree about extending the recruiting footprint, especially into PA. I just don't think JayPa is the guy you want out there doing it.