(02-16-2021 12:41 PM)usffan Wrote:  

(02-16-2021 11:16 AM)The Knight Time Wrote:  UCF's hire is ranked as an "A+" and the best hire of the offseason:

https://www.cbssports.com/college-footba...gets-an-a/

I have no idea whether Malzahn will prove to be a great hire. But I always chuckle at these coaching grades, especially when viewed in the rear view mirror. For laughs, here's a look at the 2016 coaching hire grades from the Orlando Sentinel:

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/c...story.html

His A grades were to Jeff Brohm at Purdue, PJ Fleck at Minnesota and Charlie Strong at USF. At best he went 1/3 on those grades.

His B grades included Major Applewhite at Houston, Luke Fickell at Cincinnati, Tom Herman at Texas, Ed Orgeron at LSU and Lane Kiffin at FAU. In hindsight, Fickell's clearly an A, Orgeron won a natty and both Applewhite and Herman were fired.

He gave Baylor a B- for Matt Ruhle. Dude turned their program around from the trainwreck he adopted from Briles. He gave Indiana a C for Tom Allen and San Jose State a C for Brent Brennan. Both have been absolute home run hires.

And, perhaps my absolute favorite, was everybody lining up to give FSU A grades for hiring Willie Taggart: https://chopchat.com/2017/12/17/fsu-foot...t-website/

Winning the early coaching hire grades or even the initial press conference is not an indication of how things will work out.

USFFan

I actually just re-read that chopchat article in full:

https://chopchat.com/2017/12/17/fsu-foot...t-website/

It's even better on a full read!

Quote:The FSU football hire came in ranked fifth out of the 18 that have been made so far, finishing just behind Nebraska’s Scott Frost, UCLA’s Chip Kelly, Oregon State’s Jonathan Smith and South Alabama’s Steve Campbell.

I guess it's true that, in hindsight, Taggart's hire at FSU has turned out worse than Frost's hire at Nebraska and Chip Kelly's hire at UCLA. Steve Campbell at South Alabama also outlasted him, surviving 3 years at South Alabama before they fired him. Does that make Jonathan Smith's 9-21 record at Oregon State over the last 3 years the top of these hires?

Quote:As for other hires made that are of interest to Seminole fans, the rival Florida Gators hiring Dan Mullen was ranked ninth (saying he will have trouble with a better SEC East), UCF’s hire of Josh Heupel coming in at 14th (giving him credit for hiring Randy Shannon as defensive coordinator so quickly) and Oregon promoting Mario Cristobal at 16th (some thinking he would follow Taggart.)

As for the former FSU football coach, SI ranked Fisher’s hire by Texas A&M next to last among the ones made so far – saying it’s hard to see them making a big move in the standings and recruiting right away. But, remember – they have a football only facility, so it’s all good for Fisher…right?

Their 9th ranked hire was Dan Mullen, who just took Florida to the SEC Championship game and their 14th was Heupel, who won a conference title, took UCF to a NY6 game and failed upward by landing the Tennessee job. They rated Cristobal 16th, who's only managed to win 2 Pac-12 titles, a Rose Bowl and turned Oregon into a recruiting machine. And Jimbo next to last. The same Jimbo who just had Texas A&M in the argument for the CFP and won an Orange Bowl.

Go ahead and miss me with these coaching grades...



USFFan

Live look at Randy Shannon



USFFan

I’ve heard this is a great hire, read somewhere that he was considered the #13 recruiter in the country

(02-16-2021 01:45 PM)Jugnaut Wrote:  

(02-16-2021 01:27 PM)DownOnRohs Wrote:  

(02-16-2021 12:25 PM)RobUCF Wrote:  

(02-16-2021 12:13 PM)DownOnRohs Wrote:  

(02-16-2021 11:05 AM)CitrusUCF Wrote:  Like what is that supposed to even mean? You think hiring a coach who Texas Tech was about to fire was some sort of coup?

Where was I comparing UCF to UC?

What is your point - that an AAC team under the current system can't afford to hire away a current coach of an SEC team? Umm, I think that's pretty obvious to everyone here.

My point was it's sobering that a guy who just got fired is considered an "A+" hire for one of the league's two flagship programs.

I think it speaks more to the fit/advantages of each university. Auburn has a rough row to hoe. It's hard to win there for anyone. UCF is in a good position to win games. Add a talented coach and it'll likely be successful. Not all job opportunities put you in a position to win. UCF has a lot of advantages that other schools don't. I'd rather coach at UCF than Tennessee or Auburn (other than $$). It's super tough to get more than 8 wins at a middle of the pack SEC school.

Hard to win anywhere that you have to play Georgia bama lsu and tamu every year with the occasional Florida and Tennessee thrown in.

Auburn has done pretty well. In most states they would be the #1 football school. Few have to orbit the bama deathstar.

Only time will tell, I like hire, much better than hype. Can we get back to being top dog in AAC, I don't know it's a dog eat dog conference. Alot of teams are investing in coaches/facilites, that's why it's the best non-power conference. We definitely are headed in the correct direction. THANKS TENN !!

(02-16-2021 02:44 PM)BraveKnight Wrote:  

I’ve heard this is a great hire, read somewhere that he was considered the #13 recruiter in the country

Is he a better fit than Shannon??

(02-16-2021 04:49 PM)GoOwls111 Wrote:  

(02-16-2021 02:44 PM)BraveKnight Wrote:  

I’ve heard this is a great hire, read somewhere that he was considered the #13 recruiter in the country

Is he a better fit than Shannon??

Time will tell, he was Co-DC for Auburn for 2 years and did a good job.

(02-16-2021 01:27 PM)DownOnRohs Wrote:  

(02-16-2021 12:25 PM)RobUCF Wrote:  

(02-16-2021 12:13 PM)DownOnRohs Wrote:  

(02-16-2021 11:05 AM)CitrusUCF Wrote:  

(02-16-2021 10:29 AM)DownOnRohs Wrote:  It could end up being a great hire and I hope it is.

But let's not lose sight of the fact that UCF was only able to get Gus Bus because he was just fired from an SEC school.

Like what is that supposed to even mean? You think hiring a coach who Texas Tech was about to fire was some sort of coup?

Where was I comparing UCF to UC?

What is your point - that an AAC team under the current system can't afford to hire away a current coach of an SEC team? Umm, I think that's pretty obvious to everyone here.

My point was it's sobering that a guy who just got fired is considered an "A+" hire for one of the league's two flagship programs.

I don't know if he will work out, but to state that it is "sobering" is a little over the top. He's not one of those many coaches that teams in this conference have a had a short go at a major conference team (3 year average) - that has happened a number of times in the league so if it surprises you then you are not paying attention. He was there for almost a decade and after that many years sometimes just change is good (see FSU firing of Jimbo Fisher).

(02-16-2021 04:49 PM)GoOwls111 Wrote:  

(02-16-2021 02:44 PM)BraveKnight Wrote:  

I’ve heard this is a great hire, read somewhere that he was considered the #13 recruiter in the country

Is he a better fit than Shannon??

He's the recruiter Shannon was in his prime. Shannon is not a strong recruiter anymore.

I appreciate the job Randy did (2018 + 2019 defenses were solid and this year had so many opt-outs, it probably wasn't really his fault) and the leadership he provided to the team...sounds like was the glue that kept things together as the kids did not like Heupel, but it's time for a change there to get the sort of defensive recruits we need to compete at the top.

(02-16-2021 04:54 PM)BraveKnight Wrote:  

(02-16-2021 04:49 PM)GoOwls111 Wrote:  

(02-16-2021 02:44 PM)BraveKnight Wrote:  

I’ve heard this is a great hire, read somewhere that he was considered the #13 recruiter in the country

Is he a better fit than Shannon??

Time will tell, he was Co-DC for Auburn for 2 years and did a good job.

T-Will is an awesome person with a huge personality. He can definitely recruit. The players love him. A lot of us wanted Harsin to keep him on the staff. Check out his twitter. Even more of a reason for a lot of us Auburn fans to pull for UCF now. I don't know how he will do overall as the DC, but I personally hope he kills it. You couldn't ask for a better coach to lead young men.

Congrats!

(02-16-2021 05:02 PM)CitrusUCF Wrote:  

(02-16-2021 04:49 PM)GoOwls111 Wrote:  [quote='BraveKnight' pid='17276741' dateline='1613504655']

I’ve heard this is a great hire, read somewhere that he was considered the #13 recruiter in the country

Is he a better fit than Shannon??

(02-16-2021 02:44 PM)BraveKnight Wrote:  Time will tell, he was Co-DC for Auburn for 2 years and did a good job.

(02-16-2021 05:02 PM)CitrusUCF Wrote:  He's the recruiter Shannon was in his prime. Shannon is not a strong recruiter anymore.

I appreciate the job Randy did (2018 + 2019 defenses were solid and this year had so many opt-outs, it probably wasn't really his fault) and the leadership he provided to the team...sounds like was the glue that kept things together as the kids did not like Heupel, but it's time for a change there to get the sort of defensive recruits we need to compete at the top.

That's what I meant, taking nothing away from Travis Williams, but Shanon seemed to be loved and respected by the whole team... However, I do see your point.

(02-16-2021 05:19 PM)GoOwls111 Wrote:  

(02-16-2021 05:02 PM)CitrusUCF Wrote:  

(02-16-2021 04:49 PM)GoOwls111 Wrote:  [quote='BraveKnight' pid='17276741' dateline='1613504655']

I’ve heard this is a great hire, read somewhere that he was considered the #13 recruiter in the country

Is he a better fit than Shannon??

(02-16-2021 02:44 PM)BraveKnight Wrote:  Time will tell, he was Co-DC for Auburn for 2 years and did a good job.

(02-16-2021 05:02 PM)CitrusUCF Wrote:  He's the recruiter Shannon was in his prime. Shannon is not a strong recruiter anymore.

I appreciate the job Randy did (2018 + 2019 defenses were solid and this year had so many opt-outs, it probably wasn't really his fault) and the leadership he provided to the team...sounds like was the glue that kept things together as the kids did not like Heupel, but it's time for a change there to get the sort of defensive recruits we need to compete at the top.

That's what I meant, taking nothing away from Travis Williams, but Shanon seemed to be loved and respected by the whole team... However, I do see your point.

These guys that are great recruiters will also successfully recruit internally to get the kids on board with the new program. Sounds like Gus has really already done that just in his first two days. Lots of tweets from players who are fired up and ready to go knock Cincy off their perch.

(02-15-2021 10:16 PM)AubTiger16 Wrote:  It was just time for us to go our separate ways. We have had plenty of ups and downs in our history but not beating Saban wasn't the reason he was fired for those who have stated that Gus beat him 4 times (1 as the OC, and 3 as the HC). That is 100% the furthest from the truth. Also, in regards to the comment about our expectations being unrealistic. If we claimed every title like Notre Dame, Ohio State, Michigan, Alabama, etc.. We would have nine. The University finally claimed six last season and we may eventually claim them all. Our expectations of wanting to beat our rivals and compete for titles is not unrealistic.

Here are some of the reasons.

1. His recruiting was slipping. He never addressed the issues at O-line. You can't compete in the SEC week in and week out with the line he put on the field.

2. His offense had become stagnant and predictable. Teams and opposing coaches had it figured out and he refused to adapt.

3. He got in his own way. One example of many, is a few years ago against Clemson he switched between three QBs for the entire game. White would lead us down the field, then he'd bring in JF III for a play, then he brought in Johnson for 2 plays and the result was a FG or a punt. He went with it the entire game. We lost 19-13 and the only thing that really stopped us offensively was him.

4. He consistently lost to our biggest rivals. (For example, again one of many, when he took over we had a winning record against Georgia. Now we're 56-61-8 with them having won 8 of the last 10).

5. QB's never developed or improved under him. As a matter of fact, every QB we have had has regressed. Especially Nix and Stidham.

6. He couldn't win big bowl games.

I could go on and on but there is no need too. This isn't meant to be a trash Gus post. I was just responding to some of the posts I'd read. It was just time for us to go a different direction and it was time for him to move on. I personally hope he does amazing things at UCF. I think he is great as a person and if he gets his edge back he will become a great head coach again. We love him and his family and honestly wish them nothing but the best. I am extremely happy that he landed on his feet at such a great football program and I hope he leads you all to new heights. Maybe the change of scenery will bring Gus back, and he will have the hunger he used to have. Honestly I expect it. I will certainly be pulling for UCF now and would love to see you all win some AAC titles and win some big bowl games.

Good post. His bowl record is wanting. I agree about the QB development. I love his play calling and recruiting. He runs a clean program as well which I like as well.

Randy Shannon is a class act. My wife met him briefly and he made a good impression on her. I have mixed emotions about this. However our defense last year was god awful. Something had to be done.

(02-16-2021 01:02 PM)CitrusUCF Wrote:  Krag was at Tulsa before Louisville, not after.

Holgorsen is the one that makes you wonder whether he was just lucky at WVU or is just mailing it in now.

Dude... You obviously never listened to any of the WVU fans or anyone who watched what Holgs did...or failed to do...at WVU.

He's doing EXACTLY what anyone who knew anything knew he would do. This IS who Dana Holgerson is. Only Houston fans thought otherwise.

I'll say this in regards to both Holgerson AND Tuberville as it pertains to Malzahn: PAY ATTENTION to what fans at the previous schools are saying about your new coach...it's not all "sour grapes." Cincinnati fans didn't take the Texas Tech fans seriously when they tried to tell us that "Poaching" their coach was the best thing we could have done for TT. Houston fans refused to listen to the WVU fans who thanked them for taking Holgs off their hands.

A coach like this is a little like buying a used car: when the previous owners tell you that the car is a lemon...well, it's your lemon now. So, when the Aubie fans tell you that Malzahn is not a good Offensive coach...well...make him get a good OC right off the bat.

Or you can ignore them and hope for the best... That ALWAYS works out well.

(02-16-2021 05:06 PM)AubTiger16 Wrote:  

(02-16-2021 04:54 PM)BraveKnight Wrote:  

(02-16-2021 04:49 PM)GoOwls111 Wrote:  

(02-16-2021 02:44 PM)BraveKnight Wrote:  

I’ve heard this is a great hire, read somewhere that he was considered the #13 recruiter in the country

Is he a better fit than Shannon??

Time will tell, he was Co-DC for Auburn for 2 years and did a good job.

T-Will is an awesome person with a huge personality. He can definitely recruit. The players love him. A lot of us wanted Harsin to keep him on the staff. Check out his twitter. Even more of a reason for a lot of us Auburn fans to pull for UCF now. I don't know how he will do overall as the DC, but I personally hope he kills it. You couldn't ask for a better coach to lead young men.

Congrats!

Thanks for the insight!

(02-15-2021 11:15 AM)SMUleopold Wrote:  Interesting hire.

I thought CJH was overrated but I admit I thought the same of CGM. We'll see.

FTR, I think Gus is better than Josh, but time will tell.

I agree.

(02-15-2021 12:01 PM)Attackcoog Wrote:  

(02-15-2021 11:42 AM)Shox Wrote:  Gus is different then the other has beens that have been hired by this conference. He got fired because he can't beat Saban, the best college football coach ever. Gus has won regularly at Auburn and has had a few top 10 teams. This will turn out to be more Sampson the Holgerson IMO. Good hire UCF!

Thats what Im thinking. Malzhan has 9 seasons as head coach. He is 77-38 and has never had a losing season. In 9 seasons as head coach, he has won 8 games or more all but one of those seasons. Sure, Dana Holgerson has been somewhat disappointing, but much of Dana's issue was being handed a program that Applewhite had allowed to decline to the point that it got whipped 70-14 in Applewhite's last bowl game....so the final conclusion on Dana's time in Houston will depend on how his rebuild turns out. Dana is winning some key recruiting battles and is taking a transfer portal heavy approach to his rebuild. So, Im not sure Dana is Tuberville just yet. Point is, I think Malzhan is not Tuberville and Im not even sure Dana is Tuberville just yet.

Holgerson will do well. He has recruited well in both Texas and Florida.

I have not been impressed with either the AD's or Malzahn's interviews, but am looking forward to see how well he recruits Florida. He does seem to be a motivator like Frost, and with the athletes that Frost had, it is a positive. Heupal was neither.

(02-15-2021 02:30 PM)Atlanta Wrote:  Definitely an upgrade from Heupel. UCF should be thrilled that UTK took Heupel off their hands & essentially paid them to do it.

Dam straight. +2