Guys, I am not
completely opposed to Keeler. The thought did go through my mind. But transfers are absolutely the way he runs his program. Its not a one time thing at SHSU this past year.
Delaware under Keeler lived and died, literally, by transfers. Typically at QB. Andy Hall worked out great. Joe Flacco worked out well. Sonny Riccio did not. There was another one or two others thrown in there that were awful.
Look at the volatility of Delaware's performance during Keeler's tenure. In 11 years at UD, Delaware made the national championship game 3 times and won once. They only made the playoffs ONE other time. 4 trips in 11 years. In the early 2000s, Delaware was who we have become - the school with resources and a rabid fan base. By the time Keeler left UD, he had taken much of the sting OUT of Delaware football.
It wasnt just at Delaware. Prior to coming to UD, Keeler had a string of extremely successful (national runner up) finishes at Rowan. He made a habit of bringing in D-I castoffs, many of which had not chosen to leave their D-I schools of their own volition (they were kicked out of school).
As a risk-manager first, Jon Alger would not seem to be a fan of Keeler, but then again, it seems as though Withers' past is checkered too. In a November article in the USAToday/thebiglead.com, JMU alum Jason McIntyre mentioned Withers name for the UVA job, but alluded to behind the scenes baggage for Withers. I suppose that could have been his JMU relations with admin, but I cant imagine Withers didnt behave this way elsewhere.
http://thebiglead.com/2015/11/05/virgini...jim-grobe/
I'm still a fan of Mike London for this hire, but if a number of folks here think he is awful, then he's probably not the right choice. I really dont understand the negativity towards him - especially since, in very different ways, JMU's last two coaches turned off many people with their personalities. London is a class act.