No Surprise- Hutzler staying

[Todd4State]

**** you Jeff Lebby and welcome to the hot seat dumbass.

It's stupid decisions like this that make us 2-10. **** Selmon for not forcing a change too.

[Todd4State]

And let me guess- we had to keep Hutzler to keep our JUCO class together to keep them from flipping to Troy. **** you Hutzler.

[EdwardDrayton]

Source?

[Todd4State]

Source?

Rosebowl

[msstate7]

Not sure how I feel about this. Maybe we feel like we have a talent upgrade in line

[BeardoMSU]

Not sure how I feel about this. Maybe we feel like we have a talent upgrade in line

I'd feel optimistic if not for the play calls/match-up choices throughout the season that were damning regardless of talent.

[BigDawg81]

So, what is the plan other than recruit a lot JUCOs?

[Really Clark?]

So, what is the plan other than recruit a lot JUCOs?

Heavy in the portal

[STATEBALLIN]

**** you Jeff Lebby and welcome to the hot seat dumbass.

It's stupid decisions like this that make us 2-10. **** Selmon for not forcing a change too.

Ladies and gentlemen, this roster just plain ol sucks. No DC worth a steaming pile is going to take our job for any amount of money. My opinion.

[Extendedcab]

Wow, I’m not sure I have seen Todd so upset before. If this is true, I hate the decision too.

[bulldawg28]

The defense play calling improved. The talent remained the same.

[Cowbell]

I'm telling you guys, this is a win/win. Lebby just drew a line in the sand and if he's wrong, it makes firing him an easy choice. If he's right, we got ourselves a ball coach.

[KOdawg1]

Lebby ain't cut out for this. We've got a year to find his replacement

[Todd4State]

I'm telling you guys, this is a win/win. Lenny just drew a line in the sand and if he's wrong, it makes firing him an easy choice. If he's right, we got ourselves a ball coach.

So when he is wrong again I don't want to sit through it again for the third year in a row.

[Ranchdawg]

So when he is wrong again I don't want to sit through it again for the third year in a row.

^^^^^^^^^^^^THIS^^^^^^^^^^^^^

[gtowndawg]

I said a couple of weeks ago if we don't make any coaching changes (DC being the obvious one) I think they know Lebby can't get it done and there's no point firing the DC when the whole staff will be let go a year from now.

[BeardoMSU]

So when he is wrong again I don't want to sit through it again for the third year in a row.

I think he gets 3 years minimum, just bc we're so behind...who could we hire that would improve us?

I still think it was a combination of bad luck, HC death, knee-jerk hire, a shit president, lack of AD leadership re NIL (i.e., Cohen), shit prez again!, and more bad luck which led us to where we are. I honestly don't think we're in a hole we can't dig out of.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Guys Lebby is getting MINIMUM 3 years barring a scandal. Our D will be better next year. We have close to 18 million dollars for NIL. Everyone needs to remain calm, wait 60-90 days, and see what we get out of the portal. I think you will like what we come up with. And yes, Hutzler is a big part of a few of those guys.

[Ranchdawg]

So when he is wrong again I don't want to sit through it again for the third year in a row.

And I’m not going to! This really makes me angry. This is a statement that says this administration, coaches and university is really not going to compete in the SEC in football. Completely kills any enthusiasm for the fan base or typical MSU most will just shrug their shoulders and say it might work. And settle for mediocrity.

[civildawg]

Yeah I'm done with Lebby, no sense in even caring about football at MSU anymore when you won't fire the worst DC in the NCAA.

[SPMT]

**** you Jeff Lebby and welcome to the hot seat dumbass.

It's stupid decisions like this that make us 2-10. **** Selmon for not forcing a change too.

For those thinking it was ever an option for him leaving, from what I was told it was never on the table. I?m sure an atrocious egg bowl may have done it but that didn?t happen, so he?s here.

[BeardoMSU]

Guys Lebby is getting MINIMUM 3 years barring a scandal. Our D will be better next year. We have close to 18 million dollars for NIL. Everyone needs to remain calm, wait 60-90 days, and see what we get out of the portal. I think you will like what we come up with. And yes, Hutzler is a big part of a few of those guys.

Like^^

[cheewgumm]

If he keeps Hutler, then if we go 2-10 again, it's on Lebby. Or even 3-9.

If we do, I'd try to get Mullen back.

We don't "owe" 3 years or whatever. If we go 2 or 3 wins next year, get Mullen.

[Ranchdawg]

So this retaining of Hutzler we are supposed to forget/forgive that a mighty powerhouse of a football team called Toledo came in our house and hung 41 points on his defense. Really? Unbelievable

[PGHBulldogBG]

I am afraid this is becoming a Chad Morris situation each day. For as much flack as the defense gets, we need to get rid of Kennedy. The fact our OLine is this bad is inexcusable. That is just as big of an issue as defense and Hutz because the defensive talent is so bad

[BigDawg81]

Guys Lebby is getting MINIMUM 3 years barring a scandal. Our D will be better next year. We have close to 18 million dollars for NIL. Everyone needs to remain calm, wait 60-90 days, and see what we get out of the portal. I think you will like what we come up with. And yes, Hutzler is a big part of a few of those guys. Give us some names or something so most of us can get off the ledge. We are ready to jump!

[Coursesuper]

I am afraid this is becoming a Chad Morris situation each day. For as much flack as the defense gets, we need to get rid of Kennedy. The fact our OLine is this bad is inexcusable. That is just as big of an issue as defense and Hutz because the defensive talent is so bad

This isn?t even close to the same situation, I know a parent of a kid that was in that locker room. It was totally toxic and both of his teams quit before the season ended. This team didn?t win but they never quit and played hard even when they were worn out.

[Dawgology]

Give us some names or something so most of us can get off the ledge. We are ready to jump!

It’s nothing amazing. The mouthpieces are just pushing this narrative right now to get over the hump of upset fans over retaining Hutzler.

[NCDawg]

I am afraid this is becoming a Chad Morris situation each day. For as much flack as the defense gets, we need to get rid of Kennedy. The fact our OLine is this bad is inexcusable. That is just as big of an issue as defense and Hutz because the defensive talent is so bad.

Agree. Our OL needs vast improvement,

[StarkVegasSteve]

Give us some names or something so most of us can get off the ledge. We are ready to jump!

Go to the portal thread and you can start piecing it together. Not hard to follow on some. We will start to have some traffic this week on the portal front.

[EdwardDrayton]

It seemed Hutzler was training on the job. We went from awful to just bad at the end. He figured out a little but ........ Now we're stuck in not being able to attract a DC of note at this juncture. But it sure seems like we could upgrade right now; doesn't seem like it would take much.

Big bet by Lebby, he's pushing a big pile of chips to the center.

[Bothrops]

The defense will be better next year. Just don't know how much. The offense could be worse.

[civildawg]

Well shit, it literally couldn't be worse

[basedog]

I expect our HC and DC to be better prepared mostly by having a year together. I’m betting we will have a few assitants gone.

[DawgFromOxford]

And yes, Hutzler is a big part of a few of those guys.

Keeping a coach for recruits is extremely short sighted

[Brobi-wan]

Keeping a coach for recruits is extremely short sighted

That’s what we did with Arnett.

Lebby has bet his house on black. Now we just gotta see if he wins.

[Cooterpoot]

Yall realize no decision has been announced right? I know it's cool to try to break a story but hell, at least wait until someone credible actually tells us about it. You ladies love to bitch

[Cowbell]

Yall realize no decision has been announced right? I know it's cool to try to break a story but hell, at least wait until someone credible actually tells us about it. You ladies love to bitch

Your first two sentences are dead on. But that third...I mean, pot meet kettle...

[BuckyIsAB****]

I told y?all

[EdwardDrayton]

Your first two sentences are dead on. But that third...I mean, pot meet kettle...

I mean, his name is, cooter. LOL!

[BuckyIsAB****]

Lebby ain't cut out for this. We've got a year to find his replacement

Known this since Toledo. Keenum snd Selmon should both go with him. It is embarrassing how bad they have continually found ways to be the worst leaders possible

[ZedFedder]

We won't announce a decision until after signing day I would imagine. We may keep him anyway, but Rosie has been wrong before.

[BigDawg81]

Yall realize no decision has been announced right? I know it's cool to try to break a story but hell, at least wait until someone credible actually tells us about it. You ladies love to bitch We are aware and that means Hutzler is staying. They generally do not announce if a coach stays on staff. However, it will be announced if Hutzler gets fired.

[Todd4State]

If he keeps Hutler, then if we go 2-10 again, it's on Lebby. Or even 3-9.

If we do, I'd try to get Mullen back.

We don't "owe" 3 years or whatever. If we go 2 or 3 wins next year, get Mullen.

Dan Mullen would be awful. He can't recruit. And Lebby isn't going to leave him what Croom did. I can't imagine him being good at the portal either. Plus when he left MSU and Florida culture issues happened almost immediately.

[Todd4State]

MSU needs to stop gambling. Just hire someone that is a G5 coach that has taken a team to the top 25. That is likely the most proven formula for success IMO. Unless we can get a retread that is a legend. And I'm not talking about Dan ****ing Mullen. That would be like Polk 2.0 in football. Although I could totally see Dan coming back in the line of stupid moves by MSU football.

List of gambles:

1. Hiring Arnett and Barbay
2. Hiring Lebby and Hultzler.
3. Going all in on JUCO and bringing Hultzler back

1 and 2 have failed miserably. Why the hell should we expect 3 to work out? There is nothing even outside the box about it. All MSU does is recruit JUCO's and let's be honest that is because no one else is recruiting JUCO's so they're basically low hanging fruit. And don't give me the depth bullshit excuse. We're recruiting players that can't help us- what's the difference between these JUCO's that can't help us and the guys that currently can't help us? The coaches helped their buddy out at Hinds? Woopty ****ing doo.

And maybe if we get lucky next year our Hutzler can get our guys to line up correctly although the corners seem to have their 15 yard cushion down pat.

I know this is apparently a really big ask for MSU but we can we please use some common sense in football for once and do what has the best chance of succeeding rather than take another unnecessary risk before we lose to USM next year? At this point they might as well paint a big middle finger on the 50 yard line. I mean, Selmon came up in a football family and played in college and Keenum played JUCO football I'm sure- how can they look at this shit and think it's possibly going to work?

[cheewgumm]

Mullen is a superioir talent evaluator. Superior.

To me, that is the most valuable asset in NIL era. Identify who is good in transfer portal.

Mullen takes too much grief from our fans, very underappreciated.

[Tater]

Might as well just go buy Ryan Silverfield away from Memphis State. Y4 and Y5 were 10 win seasons. So it's not him riding Norvell anymore. Y2 and Y3 were 6/7 win season.

The key is to bring a bunch of their players too. And just accept you're buying another team.

Other list with biggest pro/con:

Rich Rod - solid at Jax State and runs the style of football that always has worked well with State's talent. But has failed at Michigan and was meh at Arizona. Probably too old to trust with a rebuild and Jax State is bottom tier talent. Personally I'd pass.

Barry Odom - phenomenal at UNLV. If you can keep Brennan Marrion for a high buyout - it works wonderfully. But he did struggle at Mizzou. Not the first one and totally contingent on his OC who is the real deal imo.

Tim Albin - steady at Ohio. Biggest con is not knowing the south. I think he holds out for a midwest B1G job. If Ryan Day is gone I could see him being a hot name. I'd kick the tires on interest here.

Michael Desormeaux - if he has another 10 win season next season at ULaLa then he's the hot name. It's his alma mater so it would take some pulling, but he's a guy I could see us making a push. More info needed for me.

Charles Huff - the other name to zero in on. Knows State. Decent job at Marshall. Has won a big game. Multiple 9 win seasons. Young. If we go 3-9 next year or worse, he's who I think we hire. Him or Silverfield for me.

[Tater]

Mullen is a superioir talent evaluator. Superior.

To me, that is the most valuable asset in NIL era. Identify who is good in transfer portal.

Mullen takes too much grief from our fans, very underappreciated.

I think Dan realizes how good he had it, but ultimately he does hate recruiting and would rather be in the NFL. OU really wants him as their OC for next year. I think he wants NFL OC or nothing personally. Maybe in 2 more years of TV desk reporting and watching Jeff Lebby crater State then he'll come earn himself a statue.

[cheewgumm]

Also, not sure wehre "Mullen cant recruit" came from. Many of our fans say it, but it's wrong.

The best players State has ever had, are from Mullen. It's not close.

[Tater]

Also, not sure wehre "Mullen cant recruit" came from. Many of our fans say it, but it's wrong.

The best players State has ever had, are from Mullen. It's not close.

People who say Mullen can't recruit are wrong.

People who say Mullen doesn't want to recruit are right. Otherwise he'd still be at Florida and have won the SEC this year with his style. And I think it's more nuanced that Mullen doesn't want to kiss-ass recruit 5* types. He got burned too many times on that diva mentality and while it didn't always work, mentally it worked for him and State accepted it. Florida did not.

[Wink&aPrayer]

IT'll make it that much easier Dec of 2025 to fire the whole bunch. Salmon included

[bulldawg28]

Mullen is a superioir talent evaluator. Superior.

To me, that is the most valuable asset in NIL era. Identify who is good in transfer portal.

Mullen takes too much grief from our fans, very underappreciated.

Mullen was our best coach EVER!!!!

[Matt3467]

That?s what we did with Arnett.

Lebby has bet his house on black. Now we just gotta see if he wins.

Arnett could've stayed DC instead of getting the HC job and we could've gone out and actually had a real coaching search. Oh well no use beating a dead horse.

[TrapGame]

Huff is the lead candidate for the USM job. And we play USM in H'burg next season.

We should be on the phone to Geoff Collins offering him a fat check to come back here as DC.

We keep Hutzler and I'd bet $100 to NIL that we fire Lebby after next season. We can't go 0-8 in the SEC two years in a row.

[Offshore Dawg]

Mullen is a superioir talent evaluator. Superior.

To me, that is the most valuable asset in NIL era. Identify who is good in transfer portal.

Mullen takes too much grief from our fans, very underappreciated.

Because State seems to have an excess of bipolar fans that have trouble dealing with reality.

[Really Clark?]

Huff is the lead candidate for the USM job. And we play USM in H'burg next season.

We should be on the phone to Geoff Collins offering him a fat check to come back here as DC.

We keep Hutzler and I'd bet $100 to NIL that we fire Lebby after next season. We can't go 0-8 in the SEC two years in a row.

Why should Geoff Collins get a fat check? If we are going throw a fat check around it better be to someone who had a significantly better defense than we did, not a 91st in the nation type of defense.

[Cooterpoot]

We are aware and that means Hutzler is staying. They generally do not announce if a coach stays on staff. However, it will be announced if Hutzler gets fired.

I don't believe he's our DC next season

[Cooterpoot]

I had a conversation two weeks ago with a former Mullen player. He said Mullen told him "never say never, but I love what I'm doing". So I don't see Mullen ever coming back here and only certain jobs would appeal to him.

[TrapGame]

Why should Geoff Collins get a fat check? If we are going throw a fat check around it better be to someone who had a significantly better defense than we did, not a 91st in the nation type of defense.

Oh good Lord. Collins is a MASSIVE upgrade from what we currently have.

[Coach34]

Mullen banked millions and now gets paid to talk about college football. I dont see him wanting the headache of recruiting and NIL ever again

[gtowndawg]

I'll say it again, either we are finally playing the game and keeping our cards close to the vest for portal reasons before we unload Hutzler - OR - they know Lebby is getting fired this time next year so what's the point in firing staff when they are all getting canned in 12 months anyway.

We are M State though, so who knows if Keenum and Salmon have even put that much thought into it...

[gtowndawg]

Also, I've seen references to firing Lebby and Salmon at the same time next year. If we fire Selmon at the same time, we are back to not having an AD to make a coaching hire which is how we ended up with Arnett. Selmon isn't getting fired before next football season so he would be hiring the next guy too. It's like we're on a hampster wheel and can't get of.

[TrapGame]

Also, I've seen references to firing Lebby and Salmon at the same time next year. If we fire Selmon at the same time, we are back to not having an AD to make a coaching hire which is how we ended up with Arnett. Selmon isn't getting fired before next football season so he would be hiring the next guy too. It's like we're on a hampster wheel and can't get of.

Selmon will still be here if he has to fire Lebby. If we continue on with what we have currently on staff then I'd bet Barry Odom is our new HC this time next year. What he's doing at UNLV is nothing short of phenomenal.

[NWADAWG]

IT'll make it that much easier Dec of 2025 to fire the whole bunch. Salmon included

If we do this, we need to hire a competent AD before we start a coaching search. We need someone that has a clue.

[Cooterpoot]

Selmon will still be here if he has to fire Lebby. If we continue on with what we have currently on staff then I'd bet Barry Odom is our new HC this time next year. What he's doing at UNLV is nothing short of phenomenal.

Selmon is pissing off some big time boosters. They've got more power than him. In fact, they pull their support there won't be a program.

[gtowndawg]

If we do this, we need to hire a competent AD before we start a coaching search. We need someone that has a clue.

That's what I was saying above. Unless we just randomly fire Salmon this summer (we won't) he will be hiring the next coach too. That doesn't give me the warm and fuzzies right now.

[gtowndawg]

Selmon is pissing off some big time boosters. They've got more power than him. In fact, they pull their support there won't be a program.

https://media1.giphy.com/media/fuKqOcQ9QstdqALWKn/200w.gif?cid=6c09b952i65mv3oxrt37v4531qy0g2qetzhlh tlnlw8krce1&ep=v1_gifs_search&rid=200w.gif&ct=g

[TrapGame]

Selmon is pissing off some big time boosters. They've got more power than him. In fact, they pull their support there won't be a program.

Well, damn.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Selmon is pissing off some big time boosters. They've got more power than him. In fact, they pull their support there won't be a program.

Then let them do it. Those same boosters are the reason we are in this mess. Because those boosters got shit for brains promoted to AD. Those boosters got Arnett hired. Those boosters just HAD TO HAVE Will Friend on staff. They're mad because Selmon and Lebby have told them to shut the hell up and cut the check. Just like every other program in the country does with boosters that size. None of these guys are Jimmy Rane type donors. They don't give that much.

[TrapGame]

Then let them do it. Those same boosters are the reason we are in this mess. Because those boosters got shit for brains promoted to AD. Those boosters got Arnett hired. Those boosters just HAD TO HAVE Will Friend on staff. They're mad because Selmon and Lebby have told them to shut the hell up and cut the check. Just like every other program in the country does with boosters that size. None of these guys are Jimmy Rane type donors. They don't give that much.

Oh, if it's that bunch they can STFU. They're part of the damn problem.

[Cooterpoot]

Then let them do it. Those same boosters are the reason we are in this mess. Because those boosters got shit for brains promoted to AD. Those boosters got Arnett hired. Those boosters just HAD TO HAVE Will Friend on staff. They're mad because Selmon and Lebby have told them to shut the hell up and cut the check. Just like every other program in the country does with boosters that size. None of these guys are Jimmy Rane type donors. They don't give that much.

No they aren't. You can continue with your dumbassery of recruiting etc but you don't know what you're talking about, You just love attention. The people who work for this university are a far greater issue than the boosters. The boosters just threw in $11M the last couple months.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Oh, if it's that bunch they can STFU. They're part of the damn problem.

I don't really care if it's not to be honest. Boosters at good programs STFU and give money. And when it's obvious that a change needs to be made, one will be made. Instead, ours get pissy when their info gets cut off and starts wanting to threaten to pull money, stop supporting the program, etc. Like honestly, call their bluff. Because that's what Mullen and Byrne did. And you know what, they STFU and cut the checks. If they want to pull their money, then do it. Because I know they won't. We have boosters who do that shit every day. You would be astonished and how many of our boosters call the athletic dept threatening to pull their money over just stupid shit. I mean reasons I've heard in the past 10 years: didn't get chosen to help with construction on the lofts, daughter didn't get on the cheer team, they didn't serve the right kind of chicken tenders, the box next to theirs was cussing and drinking. I mean these were legit reasons. I wish I was making that up. And these aren't 5K boosters. These were 150K-500K boosters complaining over just plain stupidity. Ole Miss, Bama, Auburn, UGA have 1 million-5 million dollar boosters who complain less than our 150K-500K boosters.

[Coursesuper]

Selmon is pissing off some big time boosters. They've got more power than him. In fact, they pull their support there won't be a program.

We are Dollar General Auburn.

[StarkVegasSteve]

No they aren't. You can continue with your dumbassery of recruiting etc but you don't know what you're talking about, You just love attention. The people who work for this university are a far greater issue than the boosters. The boosters just threw in $11M the last couple months.

You are right about one thing. The people who work for the university are a far greater issue. And it's people that have been up there for 15-20 years that HAVE NO CLUE how to do their job. Like I said, Selmon damn near quit within the first week because we had people in 6 figure jobs that didn't know how to do their job. Also, the ACTUAL boosters threw in way more than 11 mil. It's between 18-19 with more coming in every day. Boosters aren't the problem. But "boosters" are.

[Op4isabitch]

No they aren't. You can continue with your dumbassery of recruiting etc but you don't know what you're talking about, You just love attention. The people who work for this university are a far greater issue than the boosters. The boosters just threw in $11M the last couple months.

A lot more than $11mil, that’s just 2 families. There’s been many more smaller donations.

[TrapGame]

We are Dollar General Auburn.

Dollar General is a billion dollar corporation.

We are the family running the Sav-A-Lot down the street trying to compete.

[Goldendawg]

Huff is the lead candidate for the USM job. And we play USM in H'burg next season.

We should be on the phone to Geoff Collins offering him a fat check to come back here as DC.

We keep Hutzler and I'd bet $100 to NIL that we fire Lebby after next season. We can't go 0-8 in the SEC two years in a row.

Lebby/Hutzler = Croom/Woody, another bad choice of a hill to die on. Also most of our dozen or so JC commits have terrible offer sheets with us the only SEC offer for some. Sure hope Jackie doesn't give Lebby the phone number for Western Arizona JC for DL prospects.*****

[StarkVegasSteve]

Lebby/Hutzler = Croom/Woody, another bad choice of a hill to die on. Also most of our dozen or so JC commits have terrible offer sheets with us the only SEC offer for some. Sure hope Jackie doesn't give Lebby the phone number for Western Arizona JC for DL prospects.*****

We're bringing in those guys for depth. We need all the depth we can get. I mean we need guys who can contribute next year and we need about 35-40 of them. We're realistically probably going to get 25-30 new guys through the portal so JUCO will need to fill out the rest of that. Now if we strike out on portal guys then you have every right to be worried. But with our war chest it will be really hard to strike out on guys.

[StateDawg44]

I understand if the reason to keep was for consistency but there really can't be any other excuse I can think of.

That said... we are so screwed. And we thought we hit bottom this year.

[Jarius]

Retaining Hutzler would be the most Mississippi State sh*t ever. Completely unacceptable.

[Dawg-gone-dawgs]

Prime 2026

[StarkVegasSteve]

I understand if the reason to keep was for consistency but there really can't be any other excuse I can think of.

That said... we are so screwed. And we thought we hit bottom this year.

I mean I think the simplest thing is that we had no talent. I mean we had 3 guys on D that could start at another P4 program and multiple guys that couldn't crack a G5 or FCS 2 deep. I thought Coleman figured some stuff out later on in the season. We just had no big guys up front to plug the run. I thought we stopped the pass really well in our last 4 games. Allowed an avg of 190. After UGA we actually defended the pass really well outside of that flukey Arkansas game. If we can get some impact guys up front and hold on to our secondary stalwarts of Pollock, Jones, and Smith I think we will improve next year. I mean you saw it in the last game, we left Pollock and Jones on islands a lot and they held up really well.

[StateDawg44]

I mean I think the simplest thing is that we had no talent. I mean we had 3 guys on D that could start at another P4 program and multiple guys that couldn't crack a G5 or FCS 2 deep. I thought Coleman figured some stuff out later on in the season. We just had no big guys up front to plug the run. I thought we stopped the pass really well in our last 4 games. Allowed an avg of 190. After UGA we actually defended the pass really well outside of that flukey Arkansas game. If we can get some impact guys up front and hold on to our secondary stalwarts of Pollock, Jones, and Smith I think we will improve next year. I mean you saw it in the last game, we left Pollock and Jones on islands a lot and they held up really well.

Yes it's possible.

I just don't see what he has to sell for next year to make us attractive to several impact defensive players. We need like Simmons and Sweat combo impact players.

IF Hutzler improves the defense then he might have something to pitch for 2026. But that's assuming we hold on to any of our impact guys as well.

This entire staff has a huge hole to dig out of and will require some major moves in the portal. Not impossible and this will be their first full year of recruiting and not just scrambling to keep the class together. It's possible they can turn this thing around but man it's hard to see at the moment.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Yes it's possible.

I just don't see what he has to sell for next year to make us attractive to several impact defensive players. We need like Simmons and Sweat combo impact players.

IF Hutzler improves the defense then he might have something to pitch for 2026. But that's assuming we hold on to any of our impact guys as well.

This entire staff has a huge hole to dig out of and will require some major moves in the portal. Not impossible and this will be their first full year of recruiting and not just scrambling to keep the class together. It's possible they can turn this thing around but man it's hard to see at the moment.

Well we have damn near 20 mil(between 18-19) to move with. That will get it done from a talent perspective. I mean look, we're going to have to overpay this cycle. It sucks but that's what it may take this year to improve and we HAVE to improve. Like others have said, you can't have another 2-10 season next year. But with what we're going to be bringing in, I'm hopeful and a bit bullish we can get to 6-7 wins next year and continue the climb. Hell, Clark Lea won 6 at Vandy after going 2-10,5-7,2-10. It can be done.

[Goldendawg]

I mean I think the simplest thing is that we had no talent. I mean we had 3 guys on D that could start at another P4 program and multiple guys that couldn't crack a G5 or FCS 2 deep. I thought Coleman figured some stuff out later on in the season. We just had no big guys up front to plug the run. I thought we stopped the pass really well in our last 4 games. Allowed an avg of 190. After UGA we actually defended the pass really well outside of that flukey Arkansas game. If we can get some impact guys up front and hold on to our secondary stalwarts of Pollock, Jones, and Smith I think we will improve next year. I mean you saw it in the last game, we left Pollock and Jones on islands a lot and they held up really well.

We lost every SEC game by double digits. This was a combination of little talent and "On the Job Training" at DC in my opinion. This "But didn't we look better" attitude, after 10 losses (including slaughtered by Toledo, who JoMo beat) is one of the problems with our fan base and a very low bar.

[StateDawg44]

It can be done.

I'm not arguing it can't be done.

I'm arguing that I don't have faith in this current staff to do it. I would love to be wrong.

I actually like Lebby and am happy to give him 3. Some of his hires are the problem. We need a new OL coach just as bad as a legit DC.

[Goldendawg]

Yes it's possible.

I just don't see what he has to sell for next year to make us attractive to several impact defensive players. We need like Simmons and Sweat combo impact players.

IF Hutzler improves the defense then he might have something to pitch for 2026. But that's assuming we hold on to any of our impact guys as well.

This entire staff has a huge hole to dig out of and will require some major moves in the portal. Not impossible and this will be their first full year of recruiting and not just scrambling to keep the class together. It's possible they can turn this thing around but man it's hard to see at the moment.

Who are these "impact guys" you speak of that we need to hold on to on "D" outside of Smith, Blanton and then who?

[Really Clark?]

Oh good Lord. Collins is a MASSIVE upgrade from what we currently have.

I'm not paying Collins a fat check for what turned in this year. A min salary I'm fine with if he is our best option but not a fat check.

[TrapGame]

Retaining Hutzler would be the most Mississippi State sh*t ever. Completely unacceptable.

I don't think Hutz is kept as DC. I think he does stay, like Rosie insinuated, but it's not on the defensive side of the ball.

[TrapGame]

I'm not paying Collins a fat check for what turned in this year. A min salary I'm fine with if he is our best option but not a fat check.

You pay him what he's worth. My idea of a fat check must not be your idea of a fat check.

[StarkVegasSteve]

I'm not arguing it can't be done.

I'm arguing that I don't have faith in this current staff to do it. I would love to be wrong.

I actually like Lebby and am happy to give him 3. Some of his hires are the problem. We need a new OL coach just as bad as a legit DC.

Well then let's see what happens. I feel confident we will be getting a new DL coach and possibly a new OL coach. No clue with Coleman. You'd have to pay north of probably 1.5 million to pull a sitting P4 DC and that's the only type of hire you need to make. A G5 DC is no different than Hutzler. A new scheme is not going to help us, it's got to be an influx of talent.

[Jarius]

Well we have damn near 20 mil(between 18-19) to move with. That will get it done from a talent perspective. I mean look, we're going to have to overpay this cycle. It sucks but that's what it may take this year to improve and we HAVE to improve. Like others have said, you can't have another 2-10 season next year. But with what we're going to be bringing in, I'm hopeful and a bit bullish we can get to 6-7 wins next year and continue the climb. Hell, Clark Lea won 6 at Vandy after going 2-10,5-7,2-10. It can be done.



We have a middle of the pack in the SEC NIL budget with a coach who just fielded the worst defense in school history. No one that can make an impact is going to come here when they can get the same money down the street and not ruin their career. Changing defensive coordinators was a must for Lebby to have any chance of succeeding. Even if Hutzler isn’t terrible (he is) no one is coming to play for him when they have similar options. Maybe not no one, but definitely not enough to make up our current talent deficit. You bring up Clark Lea, and the reason he won was because he changed something.

[Really Clark?]

You pay him what he's worth. My idea of a fat check must not be your idea of a fat check.

He made $1.1 Mil last year at UNC, I'm not paying him more than that with what he turned in. I'm not sure he has his defensive coordinator chops anymore. I'd rather pay more for Woods than Collins right now.

[TrapGame]

He made $1.1 Mil last year at UNC, I'm not paying him more than that with what he turned in. I'm not sure he has his defensive coordinator chops anymore. I'd rather pay more for Woods than Collins right now.

He's still better than what we have by a mile.

[R2Dawg]

The defense play calling improved. The talent remained the same.

The talent changed some this year too as we had a lot of injuries. I'm not sure I'm happy about same DC but we did improve on D at end of season. We didn't lose to OM due to the D. 3TO and poor O execution cost us the game.

Interesting that ASU loss looks better now that it did at the time.

[StarkVegasSteve]

The talent changed some this year too as we had a lot of injuries. I'm not sure I'm happy about same DC but we did improve on D at end of season. We didn't lose to OM due to the D. 3TO and poor O execution cost us the game.

Interesting that ASU loss looks better now that it did at the time.

And don't get me wrong. I'm not exactly thrilled about running it back with Hutzler. But I also can say well he had no talent and we showed signs of improvement. Like I have kept saying, if we want to go pluck a sitting P4 DC then by all means go do it. But to make a change just to say you did and end up with a G5 DC who has no recruiting ties to this area and brings no one that can play with him is stupid. If you want to go do what LSU did when they brought in Blake Baker then bring it on. Like if you want to go get Shiel Wood, then by all means do it. The guy has a history of fielding top 25 defenses. But just know, you're going to have to pay 1.3-1.4 to get him. He makes 750K base and with bonuses probably gets up around 850-900K. Add in to that you'll have to buy him out of his contract at Houston and buy out Hutzler if you don't keep him. That's a 3-4 million dollar decision so you better be damn sure that Wood will be the answer. Because if you hire him and strike out with your portal targets that Coleman is already on then you're in the same situation.

[StateDawg44]

Who are these "impact guys" you speak of that we need to hold on to on "D" outside of Smith, Blanton and then who?

We don't have any bonafide impact players on the roster currently. I said that generously giving SVS the benefit of the doubt that we actually get some impact players this coming '25 cycle and Hutzler has something to pitch based off what he brought in this cycle. At this point that's just as possible us getting a couple of studs to transfer here for next season only to see them transfer somewhere else the 2026 season.

Offensively, I'd say Craver would be worth holding on to and Coleman if that's an option. MVB too but he's not really on the radar to leave I wouldn't think.

[TopDawg]

If Lebby is going to hire the new DC, we may as well keep Hutzler.

[Matt3467]

If we needed to lose Croom style to OM for people to pull the trigger on Hutzler then maybe that's what should've happened. How can we justify a guy who has fielded not the worst defense in the SEC but arguably in all of D1?

In the SEC we gave up 10 more ppg than the next up which was Ark and we're last in yards allowed.

121st in 3rd down conversion defense
129th in 4th down conversion defense
130th in opponent 1st downs per game
134th (dead last) in opponent completion % at 72%
128th in yards given up per attempt
109th in opponent passing 1st downs
110th in opponent rush yards per attempt
127th in total yards allowed
122nd in opponent yards per play
132nd in sack % & sacks per game
128th in tackles for loss
108th in takeaways per game
105th in interceptions
130th in opponents average time of possession
130th in opponents time of possession %
131st in opponents punts per offensive score
130th in points given up in the 1st qtr
130th in points given up in the 2nd qtr

This isn't just one of the worst State defenses. This IS the worst defense we have ever fielded and talent deficiency or not there's simply no excuse for keeping this man as DC. As others have pointed out we gave up 41 points to Toledo at home who just lost to Akron. Time to send this guy packing and bring in literally anyone else.

[Johnson85]

Guys Lebby is getting MINIMUM 3 years barring a scandal. Our D will be better next year. We have close to 18 million dollars for NIL. Everyone needs to remain calm, wait 60-90 days, and see what we get out of the portal. I think you will like what we come up with. And yes, Hutzler is a big part of a few of those guys.

Man, I'm a little nervous about what we do with our NIL money. We obviously need to spend a good bit to get out the hole we're in, but nothing I saw this year makes me think we have the staff to justify a big commitment. If we hadn't looked so damn lost on defense, I would say we need to go big just to get back to respectability and generate some momentum.

I guess the team played hard, but with every year being a contract year now and not having the type of players that are going to get somebody to spend on them just based on their measurables, I'm not sure how hard it is to get players to continue playing hard anymore.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Man, I'm a little nervous about what we do with our NIL money. We obviously need to spend a good bit to get out the hole we're in, but nothing I saw this year makes me think we have the staff to justify a big commitment. If we hadn't looked so damn lost on defense, I would say we need to go big just to get back to respectability and generate some momentum.

I guess the team played hard, but with every year being a contract year now and not having the type of players that are going to get somebody to spend on them just based on their measurables, I'm not sure how hard it is to get players to continue playing hard anymore.

You have to be comfortable in the uncomfortable in this day and age. And look, if they don't get it done then you move on. I do believe we are going to be better next year. I like the early returns on who I'm hearing we're on out of the portal. IT'S A BUNCH OF GUYS. I believe the uncertainty lies in the fact that we've never built a team this way so fans don't know how to react to 65% of your team coming from the portal. In a perfect world, and moving forward, Lebby will recruit HS ranks harder. But we have to get A LOT BETTER NEXT YEAR. You have to use the portal for that.

I mean look at Kenny Dillingham. They were 3-9 last year. Gave up 33/game and only scored 18/game. He brings in, I believe, 40 transfers and they are now 10-2 and a win away from the CFP. This year they are allowing 22/game and scoring 32/game. They changed OC's but kept the same DC. Dillingham knew he had to use the portal and he went and did it.

[Dawgology]

You have to be comfortable in the uncomfortable in this day and age. And look, if they don't get it done then you move on. I do believe we are going to be better next year. I like the early returns on who I'm hearing we're on out of the portal. IT'S A BUNCH OF GUYS. I believe the uncertainty lies in the fact that we've never built a team this way so fans don't know how to react to 65% of your team coming from the portal. In a perfect world, and moving forward, Lebby will recruit HS ranks harder. But we have to get A LOT BETTER NEXT YEAR. You have to use the portal for that.

I mean look at Kenny Dillingham. They were 3-9 last year. Gave up 33/game and only scored 18/game. He brings in, I believe, 40 transfers and they are now 10-2 and a win away from the CFP. This year they are allowing 22/game and scoring 32/game. They changed OC's but kept the same DC. Dillingham knew he had to use the portal and he went and did it.

This is the new paradigm in college sports and everyone needs to accept it. Highschool recruits are good and all that but it’s incredibly tough to hang onto them now. You will have to do an almost complete rebuild every year and you have to have a coach that can navigate that and create a functional team.

[StarkVegasSteve]

This is the new paradigm in college sports and everyone needs to accept it. Highschool recruits are good and all that but it’s incredibly tough to hang onto them now. You will have to do an almost complete rebuild every year and you have to have a coach that can navigate that and create a functional team.

At this point, if you are not taking guys from the HS/JUCO ranks that cannot contribute within the first two years outside of probably 1 position(QB), then you do not need to take them. First off, they're taking up a spot of someone in the portal who can contribute and second off, they're probably going to transfer if they don't get onto the field in that amount of time anyways.

[bulldawg28]

At this point, if you are not taking guys from the HS/JUCO ranks that cannot contribute within the first two years outside of probably 1 position(QB), then you do not need to take them. First off, they're taking up a spot of someone in the portal who can contribute and second off, they're probably going to transfer if they don't get onto the field in that amount of time anyways.

Correct

[maroonmania]

Guys Lebby is getting MINIMUM 3 years barring a scandal. Our D will be better next year. We have close to 18 million dollars for NIL. Everyone needs to remain calm, wait 60-90 days, and see what we get out of the portal. I think you will like what we come up with. And yes, Hutzler is a big part of a few of those guys.

That's the point. No mattter the money its difficult to get defensive guys to come play for a guy with no track record and the worst defense in the country for the one year he does have. Now if you had a DC that players had confidence in AND 18 million dollars, well then you have something. No matter the money, players still want to be developed and they want to win.

[Brobi-wan]

That's the point. No mattter the money its difficult to get defensive guys to come play for a guy with no track record and the worst defense in the country for the one year he does have. Now if you had a DC that players had confidence in AND 18 million dollars, well then you have something. No matter the money, players still want to be developed and they want to win.

They do, but we’re also talking about kids here. Getting 18-21 yos to buy in is a lot easier than getting a venture capitalist on your startup.

[StarkVegasSteve]

They do, but we’re also talking about kids here. Getting 18-21 yos to buy in is a lot easier than getting a venture capitalist on your startup.

Correct. You're convincing impressionable 18-21 year olds with a wad of money. Sell a vision and you can get them to come play for you. Not hard to convince a kid who's been told since he was 6 that he was destined for the NFL that he is the missing piece. We didn't have a vision or a foundation last year. Lebby had been here a week and his staff wasn't fully filled out when the portal opened. We're ready to go this year.

[Jarius]

Correct. You're convincing impressionable 18-21 year olds with a wad of money. Sell a vision and you can get them to come play for you. Not hard to convince a kid who's been told since he was 6 that he was destined for the NFL that he is the missing piece. We didn't have a vision or a foundation last year. Lebby had been here a week and his staff wasn't fully filled out when the portal opened. We're ready to go this year.

Our competition has as much money as we do and they all actually have competent defensive coordinators to sell. This is not going to go the way you think it is. I would love nothing more than to be wrong, but keeping Hutzler should be a fireable offense. He just fielded the worst defense in school history.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Our competition has as much money as we do and they all actually have competent defensive coordinators to sell. This is not going to go the way you think it is. I would love nothing more than to be wrong, but keeping Hutzler should be a fireable offense. He just fielded the worst defense in school history.

You're acting like we had all this talent and it was completely on Hutzler...it wasn't. We had FCS talent STARTING. I have said all along that if you can pull a sitting P4 coordinator, then do it. But don't make a change just to say you made one. Make it because you think it will make you better. Also, Coleman has us on a lot of portal guys so make sure the new DC has those same connections because a DC will not be bringing players with him. He's not the HC.

[SPMT]

You have to be comfortable in the uncomfortable in this day and age. And look, if they don't get it done then you move on. I do believe we are going to be better next year. I like the early returns on who I'm hearing we're on out of the portal. IT'S A BUNCH OF GUYS. I believe the uncertainty lies in the fact that we've never built a team this way so fans don't know how to react to 65% of your team coming from the portal. In a perfect world, and moving forward, Lebby will recruit HS ranks harder. But we have to get A LOT BETTER NEXT YEAR. You have to use the portal for that.

I mean look at Kenny Dillingham. They were 3-9 last year. Gave up 33/game and only scored 18/game. He brings in, I believe, 40 transfers and they are now 10-2 and a win away from the CFP. This year they are allowing 22/game and scoring 32/game. They changed OC's but kept the same DC. Dillingham knew he had to use the portal and he went and did it.

You know, if there?s a complaint I have of MSU it is the ?slow to adapt? aspect. We were most likely slow in emphasizing football back in the old days and we were most definitely slow on NIL.

So, we end up ?not comfortable? with the idea of a bunch of new players. I don?t think many, if any schools fans really are comfortable or happy with the rampant free agency. The allure to CFB was often the fact that you could follow players through the program and watch them progress. Now this is largely, completely gone.

I look at it and wonder how the state of Alabama is so much better in that sport than MS and it?s not close over decades.

[StateDawg44]

I do believe we are going to be better next year.

It would be hard for us to be any worse.



I do believe we are going to be better next year. I like the early returns on who I'm hearing we're on out of the portal. IT'S A BUNCH OF GUYS. I believe the uncertainty lies in the fact that we've never built a team this way so fans don't know how to react to 65% of your team coming from the portal. In a perfect world, and moving forward, Lebby will recruit HS ranks harder. But we have to get A LOT BETTER NEXT YEAR. You have to use the portal for that.

I mean look at Kenny Dillingham. They were 3-9 last year. Gave up 33/game and only scored 18/game. He brings in, I believe, 40 transfers and they are now 10-2 and a win away from the CFP. This year they are allowing 22/game and scoring 32/game. They changed OC's but kept the same DC. Dillingham knew he had to use the portal and he went and did it.

I'll give Lebby and staff some what of a pass last year because they came in mid cycle and had to get what they could. This year will be major for his future. If he can evaluate and get the pieces he needs and see it come together on the field next fall most of this uncertainty will disappear. It could just as easily go south with an injury or busted evaluation though.

[Jarius]

You're acting like we had all this talent and it was completely on Hutzler...it wasn't. We had FCS talent STARTING. I have said all along that if you can pull a sitting P4 coordinator, then do it. But don't make a change just to say you made one. Make it because you think it will make you better. Also, Coleman has us on a lot of portal guys so make sure the new DC has those same connections because a DC will not be bringing players with him. He's not the HC.

We had a lack of talent. We didn’t have getting blown out by Toledo talent. We gave up nearly 40 ppg against SEC competition. Thats way more than a talent issue. Bo Bounds is pretty adamant that we are going to change defensive coordinators, so hopefully all of this conversation is for naught because Hutzler 100 % isn’t going to convince sec level difference makers to come play for him and I don’t blame them.

[StarkVegasSteve]

We had a lack of talent. We didn’t have getting blown out by Toledo talent. We gave up nearly 40 ppg against SEC competition. Thats way more than a talent issue. Bo Bounds is pretty adamant that we are going to change defensive coordinators, so hopefully all of this conversation is for naught because Hutzler 100 % isn’t going to convince sec level difference makers to come play for him and I don’t blame them.

Bo Bounds is one of those boosters that needs to shut the hell up and cut the check. That's another one of those Madison "boosters" that likes to have all the info. He likes to sit up at Tico's livin that Y'all Lifestyle!!!

[Jarius]

Bo Bounds is one of those boosters that needs to shut the hell up and cut the check. That's another one of those Madison "boosters" that likes to have all the info. He likes to sit up at Tico's livin that Y'all Lifestyle!!!

I do not disagree that Bo is a b*tch and I dislike him a lot, but he has a lot of connections and if he is saying Hutzler is getting fired it is much more credible than Steve saying he isn’t IMO. He’s also right that Hutzler needs to be fired. It would be unprecedented for any DC at any program to come back after those numbers.

[maroonmania]

You're acting like we had all this talent and it was completely on Hutzler...it wasn't. We had FCS talent STARTING. I have said all along that if you can pull a sitting P4 coordinator, then do it. But don't make a change just to say you made one. Make it because you think it will make you better. Also, Coleman has us on a lot of portal guys so make sure the new DC has those same connections because a DC will not be bringing players with him. He's not the HC.

There were numerous experuenced G5 level DCs that Lebby could have hired last year that would have given us way better results than what we got this year. But he chose the buddy route with a guy having to learn on the job. Outside of maybe Blanton who grew up a State fan, Hutzler couldn't pull anyone significant out of the transfer portal last year. After the results this year you really expect a hugely different result just because we maybe have a few more dollars in the till? As was said, everyone has money now and everyone is going after the same difference makers in the portal.

[StateDawg44]

Hutzler 100 % isn’t going to convince sec level difference makers to come play for him and I don’t blame them.

Not for 2025 and not for 2026 either. Lipstick>Pig

[StarkVegasSteve]

There were numerous experuenced G5 level DCs that Lebby could have hired last year that would have given us way better results than what we got this year. But he chose the buddy route with a guy having to learn on the job. Outside of maybe Blanton who grew up a State fan, Hutzler couldn't pull anyone significant out of the transfer portal last year. After the results this year you really expect a hugely different result just because we maybe have a few more dollars in the till? As was said, everyone has money now and everyone is going after the same difference makers in the portal.

Everyone doesn't have the money we got. We have A BUNCH of money. As I have said, it's closer to 20 million than it is to 18 million. The only SEC teams who have more are Bama and UGA. Ole Miss is slightly below us. I doubt those donations hold year over year, but for this offseason, we're playing with the big boys. Again, maybe we move off Coleman after tomorrow, but if we do it better be for a bonafide P4 DC. Not a G5 guy because that is just OTJ training once again.

[Jarius]

Everyone doesn't have the money we got. We have A BUNCH of money. As I have said, it's closer to 20 million than it is to 18 million. The only SEC teams who have more are Bama and UGA. Ole Miss is slightly below us. I doubt those donations hold year over year, but for this offseason, we're playing with the big boys. Again, maybe we move off Coleman after tomorrow, but if we do it better be for a bonafide P4 DC. Not a G5 guy because that is just OTJ training once again.

A good G5 DC would be perfectly acceptable.anyone who has never been a DC would not be. If you hire a good G5 guy he will be able to bring a couple of quality adds with him if he is worth his salt and no one we are on in the portal is tied to Hutzler. They are tied to money and knowing the person they are playing for is competent as a play caller.

[StarkVegasSteve]

A good G5 DC would be perfectly acceptable.anyone who has never been a DC would not be. If you hire a good G5 guy he will be able to bring a couple of quality adds with him if he is worth his salt and no one we are on in the portal is tied to Hutzler.

No because a good G5 DC has no connections and will not bring any difference makers with him. If you're swinging, then by god swing. Don't swing just because the bat is in your hands and you'd rather swing than leave it on your shoulder. I do still think there's a high possibility that Barnes moves on, we move Cliff Odom to safeties, and move Coleman to STC. The new DC would coach LBs. And if you didn't want to completely move Coleman off DC then make him Co-DC and bring in a playcaller that can coach safeties. I feel that Barnes and Turner are definitely moving on off this staff. I'm 99.9% sure on one of them.

[StateDawg44]

No because a good G5 DC has no connections and will not bring any difference makers with him. If you're swinging, then by god swing. Don't swing just because the bat is in your hands and you'd rather swing than leave it on your shoulder. I do still think there's a high possibility that Barnes moves on, we move Cliff Odom to safeties, and move Coleman to STC. The new DC would coach LBs. And if you didn't want to completely move Coleman off DC then make him Co-DC and bring in a playcaller that can coach safeties.

Any scenario where Hutzler stays at MSU after a demotion just doesn't seem realistic.

I just don't see this. Just like I don't see us "playing with the big boys" this cycle.

[maroonmania]

Everyone doesn't have the money we got. We have A BUNCH of money. As I have said, it's closer to 20 million than it is to 18 million. The only SEC teams who have more are Bama and UGA. Ole Miss is slightly below us. I doubt those donations hold year over year, but for this offseason, we're playing with the big boys. Again, maybe we move off Coleman after tomorrow, but if we do it better be for a bonafide P4 DC. Not a G5 guy because that is just OTJ training once again.

While there would be some transition, I disagree that hiring a good, experienced G5 DC would in any way be the same OJT we currently have with a guy that has never organized a defensive game plan or called a defense before in game.

[Jarius]

No because a good G5 DC has no connections and will not bring any difference makers with him. If you're swinging, then by god swing. Don't swing just because the bat is in your hands and you'd rather swing than leave it on your shoulder. I do still think there's a high possibility that Barnes moves on, we move Cliff Odom to safeties, and move Coleman to STC. The new DC would coach LBs. And if you didn't want to completely move Coleman off DC then make him Co-DC and bring in a playcaller that can coach safeties. I feel that Barnes and Turner are definitely moving on off this staff. I'm 99.9% sure on one of them.

A good G5 coordinator will be perfectly fine. We can swing as hard as we want, but a good G5 coordinator is a massive upgrade from what we have currently and he will have more connections than Hutzler. That’s not even debatable, because Hutzler has already proven he has zero of those that amount to anything.

[StarkVegasSteve]

A good G5 coordinator will be perfectly fine. We can swing as hard as we want, but a good G5 coordinator is a massive upgrade from what we have currently and he will have more connections than Hutzler. That’s not even debatable, because Hutzler has already proven he has zero of those that amount to anything.

We'll see. He's the sole reason we got Hardy and Mitchell and he's the sole reason we're on 12-15 portal guys.

[StateDawg44]

We'll see. He's the sole reason we got Hardy and Mitchell and he's the sole reason we're on 12-15 portal guys.

He can be on them all he wants. We've heard we were "on" good players every offseason, yet here we are.

Get them in the boat and signed and he will get a little slack. Hope he's an elite salesman.

[Coach34]

Here's what I saw this season:

Both Lebbo and Hutz were bad to start the season because they were trying to do too much in their gameplans. That led to constant mistakes by the players because it was too much on them which led to breakdowns and missed assignments.

The 2nd half of the season we were better on both sides of the ball. Lebbo had to stream back his gameplans for the Rookie QB and Hutzler had guys in better positions because they had a better understanding of what to do. The 2nd half of the season you could really see the lack of talent on defense. Hutz's EB gameplan was great. They executed it well. We simply lacked talent. Look at the last TD by Mississippi- we bring pressure on a big 3rd down and go man. Mississippi's big TE just outmuscles our safety for the TD catch. Their player was better than ours.

Get ready for Hutz to stay around. Hopefully he and Lebbo have learned their 1st year lessons on trying to do too much. It's not about what the coach knows- it's what the players know (a lesson I had to learn in my 20's. Once I learned that I became a much better coach)

[StarkVegasSteve]

Here's what I saw this season:

Both Lebbo and Hutz were bad to start the season because they were trying to do too much in their gameplans. That led to constant mistakes by the players because it was too much on them which led to breakdowns and miss assignments.

The 2nd half of the season we were better on both sides of the ball. Lebbo had to stream back his gameplans for the Rookie QB and Hutzler had guys in better positions because they had a better understanding of what to do. The 2nd half of the season you could really see the lack of talent on defense. Hutz's EB gameplan was great. They executed it well. We simply lacked talent. Look at the last TD by Mississippi- we bring pressure on a big 3rd down and go man. Mississippi's big TE just outmuscles our safety for the TD catch. Their player was better than ours.

Get ready for Hutz to stay around. Hopefully he and Lebbo have learned their 1st year lessons on trying to do too much. It's not about what the coach knows- it's what the players know (a lesson I had to learn in my 20's. Once I learned that I became a much better coach)

That's a pretty good summary.

[basedog]

I totally agree. Not only Lebby stream back his offense, he had to start developing MVB much earlier than he had planned due to the injury of Sharpen. Hutz did about the best he could with what little talent we had on defense. It made no difference what formation we lined up in we were over matched pretty much at every position on every Sec game.

[AROB44]

I totally agree. Not only Lebby stream back his offense, he had to start developing MVB much earlier than he had planned due to the injury of Sharpen. Hutz did about the best he could with what little talent we had on defense. It made no difference what formation we lined up in we were over matched pretty much at every position on every Sec game.

This is why I don't think Hutz needs to be replaced. But, once message boards decide that a coach needs to be fired, it never changes. Lack of talent was our biggest problem. I'm for seeing if it can be fixed by this coaching staff.

[Jarius]

We'll see. He's the sole reason we got Hardy and Mitchell and he's the sole reason we're on 12-15 portal guys.

Yea I’m not going to call you a liar because I think you’re a good poster but whoever is telling you that is in fact a liar. Also, we have 3 SEC level defensive players on our roster and 1 just hit the portal. The chance of him landing 12-15 SEC level players is about the same as me hitting the powerball. Hutzler is complete a*s cheeks.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Yea I’m not going to call you a liar because I think you’re a good poster but whoever is telling you that is in fact a liar. Also, we have 3 SEC level defensive players on our roster and 1 just hit the portal. Hutzler is complete a*s cheeks.

What does Hutzler have to do with current talent? I'm being serious. Heck he brought in one of the SEC level guys. Look I get the angst, I really do. I'm pissed like everyone else. And look, if within the first 30-45 days Coleman doesn't have us on those guys then I'm in agreeance with you. I just want to see if what I've been told will come into fruition.

[preachermatt83]

Guys Lebby is getting MINIMUM 3 years barring a scandal. Our D will be better next year. We have close to 18 million dollars for NIL. Everyone needs to remain calm, wait 60-90 days, and see what we get out of the portal. I think you will like what we come up with. And yes, Hutzler is a big part of a few of those guys.

+1. Not to mention, we got much better with play calling on the defensive side as the year went on.

[preachermatt83]

This is why I don't think Hutz needs to be replaced. But, once message boards decide that a coach needs to be fired, it never changes. Lack of talent was our biggest problem. I'm for seeing if it can be fixed by this coaching staff.

+1

[Todd4State]

Bo Bounds is one of those boosters that needs to shut the hell up and cut the check. That's another one of those Madison "boosters" that likes to have all the info. He likes to sit up at Tico's livin that Y'all Lifestyle!!!

YEP.


I do not disagree that Bo is a b*tch and I dislike him a lot, but he has a lot of connections and if he is saying Hutzler is getting fired it is much more credible than Steve saying he isn?t IMO. He?s also right that Hutzler needs to be fired. It would be unprecedented for any DC at any program to come back after those numbers.

This sounds to me like it's a situation where Lebby wants to keep Hutzler but the boosters are going to meet with Selmon and try to force Hutzler out. And I bet Lebby sells them on the plan that StarVegasSteve is describing.


No because a good G5 DC has no connections and will not bring any difference makers with him. If you're swinging, then by god swing. Don't swing just because the bat is in your hands and you'd rather swing than leave it on your shoulder. I do still think there's a high possibility that Barnes moves on, we move Cliff Odom to safeties, and move Coleman to STC. The new DC would coach LBs. And if you didn't want to completely move Coleman off DC then make him Co-DC and bring in a playcaller that can coach safeties. I feel that Barnes and Turner are definitely moving on off this staff. I'm 99.9% sure on one of them.

If it plays out that way it's fine with me. And I sincerely hope it does. It's just hard to believe it will actually work out that way because it seems like whatever MSU wants to do something happens and we end up with the short end of the stick. MSU desperately needs something to go right for once in football.

I also wouldn't be surprised to see some changes on the offensive side of the ball given the coaching changes at Oklahoma and North Carolina. That could very well mean that Joe Jon Finley and Randy Clements end up here. And I think that would improve the offense some.

[StarkVegasSteve]

YEP.



This sounds to me like it's a situation where Lebby wants to keep Hutzler but the boosters are going to meet with Selmon and try to force Hutzler out. And I bet Lebby sells them on the plan that StarVegasSteve is describing.



If it plays out that way it's fine with me. And I sincerely hope it does. It's just hard to believe it will actually work out that way because it seems like whatever MSU wants to do something happens and we end up with the short end of the stick. MSU desperately needs something to go right for once in football.

I also wouldn't be surprised to see some changes on the offensive side of the ball given the coaching changes at Oklahoma and North Carolina. That could very well mean that Joe Jon Finley and Randy Clements end up here. And I think that would improve the offense some.

Kennedy is another one that there are strong rumors he will be moving on so that Jeff can bring in Randy Clements. Still no clue why Clements didn't come with him when he got the job but that's neither here nor there. I don't know where we'd stick Joe Jon on staff. Probably an analyst role and to solidify Jackson.

[Dawgology]

Yea I’m not going to call you a liar because I think you’re a good poster but whoever is telling you that is in fact a liar. Also, we have 3 SEC level defensive players on our roster and 1 just hit the portal. The chance of him landing 12-15 SEC level players is about the same as me hitting the powerball. Hutzler is complete a*s cheeks.

I think you may be right on this one. There is a lot of BS being put out right now in attempts to calm the fanbase.

[Jarius]

We'll see. He's the sole reason we got Hardy and Mitchell and he's the sole reason we're on 12-15 portal guys.

Yea Hardy just flipped to Carolina. You’ve been lied to.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Yea Hardy just flipped to Carolina. You’ve been lied to.

Maybe so. But we did get Mitchell. I have a bad feeling that Hutzler is telling them one thing and David Turner is telling them another. Because it seems like they all love Hutzler but none of them ever talk about Turner.

[RezDog7]

Maybe so. But we did get Mitchell. I have a bad feeling that Hutzler is telling them one thing and David Turner is telling them another. Because it seems like they all love Hutzler but none of them ever talk about Turner.

Isn't Hutzler Turner's boss. Why hasn't he fired his ass.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Isn't Hutzler Turner's boss. Why hasn't he fired his ass.

Because Hutzler nor Lebby hired Turner. He was a booster hire. So our good ole boys have now unsuccessfully hired a former baseball coach to be AD, promoted a DC to HC, hired an OL coach, hired a DL coach, and two liaisons who were advising the HC. Their miss rate is honestly incredible. Like I have been saying, the quicker we get those boosters out and get nee blood in, we will be better.

[Really Clark?]

Because Hutzler nor Lebby hired Turner. He was a booster hire. So our good ole boys have now unsuccessfully hired a former baseball coach to be AD, promoted a DC to HC, hired an OL coach, hired a DL coach, and two liaisons who were advising the HC. Their miss rate is honestly incredible. Like I have been saying, the quicker we get those boosters out and get nee blood in, we will be better.

But hey, we got Bump out of the deal! Lol. I think Bump is doing a good job btw but no where close to out weighing the disasters elsewhere.

[BankerDog]

But hey, we got Bump out of the deal! Lol. I think Bump is doing a good job btw but no where close to out weighing the disasters elsewhere.

Turner is just inexcusable. He made his name off Cox and Boyd who committed to Croom, almost cost us Jones (Thank God for Hev on that), and had Mullen not let him go to A&M-we wouldn?t have been able to get Simmons even with the money we gave him.

[bulldawg28]

Maybe so. But we did get Mitchell. I have a bad feeling that Hutzler is telling them one thing and David Turner is telling them another. Because it seems like they all love Hutzler but none of them ever talk about Turner.

We need DL

[StarkVegasSteve]

But hey, we got Bump out of the deal! Lol. I think Bump is doing a good job btw but no where close to out weighing the disasters elsewhere.

Correct. Chad figured out REAL QUICK that he was going to be an outsider due to having no connections on the staff so he did what coaches in those positions do, start recruiting your ass off. Turner did the exact opposite because the dumbasses who hired him told him they'd protect him. He couldn't recruit last time he was here either. Tony just saved his ass all the time.

[Really Clark?]

Correct. Chad figured out REAL QUICK that he was going to be an outsider due to having no connections on the staff so he did what coaches in those positions do, start recruiting your ass off. Turner did the exact opposite because the dumbasses who hired him told him they'd protect him. He couldn't recruit last time he was here either. Tony just saved his ass all the time.

I know most on here know it but I don't think a lot fans know how important Tony Hughes was for a lot of years for our recruiting. Not the only one but kept locked down several great players and kept some others from sliding away last minute

[Really Clark?]

We need DL

In the worse way. The rest of the class is shaping up and for all the talk about Kennedy, his recruiting has held up today.

[Really Clark?]

Turner is just inexcusable. He made his name off Cox and Boyd who committed to Croom, almost cost us Jones (Thank God for Hev on that), and had Mullen not let him go to A&M-we wouldn?t have been able to get Simmons even with the money we gave him.

Shhhh, not suppose to say out loud we paid anyone before NIL.

[StarkVegasSteve]

I know most on here know it but I don't think a lot fans know how important Tony Hughes was for a lot of years for our recruiting. Not the only one but kept locked down several great players and kept some others from sliding away last minute

The amount of recruits that Tony saved in the last two days would shock everyone. And it's guys people consider "True Maroon" bulldogs. And guess what.....we paid most of them. Tony was a hell of a bagman. Him and ole Melvin Smith were two of the best.

[Johnson85]

The amount of recruits that Tony saved in the last two days would shock everyone. And it's guys people consider "True Maroon" bulldogs. And guess what.....we paid most of them. Tony was a hell of a bagman. Him and ole Melvin Smith were two of the best.

Yup. They both came off as genuinely good guys (I assume because they are) and avoided coming off as sleazy even though they were doing a job that tended to attract sleazier coaches. I sort of know second hand about Melvin Smith being pretty upset about a recruit he lost that ended up in bad legal trouble. Didn't think the other school really gave him a fair shot at playing time or tried to keep him in school when it was obvious what was going to happen if he went back to the environment he came from. I assume that genuinely caring about what happens to the recruits even if you lose them probably comes through on the recruiting trail.

[Really Clark?]

Yup. They both came off as genuinely good guys (I assume because they are) and avoided coming off as sleazy even though they were doing a job that tended to attract sleazier coaches. I sort of know second hand about Melvin Smith being pretty upset about a recruit he lost that ended up in bad legal trouble. Didn't think the other school really gave him a fair shot at playing time or tried to keep him in school when it was obvious what was going to happen if he went back to the environment he came from. I assume that genuinely caring about what happens to the recruits even if you lose them probably comes through on the recruiting trail.

I don't know Melvin nearly as well as Tony but I can tell you Tony wasn't just a good man on the surface. He truly cared for the players and their families.

[StarkVegasSteve]

I don't know Melvin nearly as well as Tony but I can tell you Tony wasn't just a good man on the surface. He truly cared for the players and their families.

Tony and Melvin were both good guys, but both knew you had to get in the weeds sometimes and play dirty.

[Really Clark?]

Tony and Melvin were both good guys, but both knew you had to get in the weeds sometimes and play dirty.

No doubt. I've known Tony for a long long time. When he was at USM was when I first meet him. Good family too!

[BankerDog]

Shhhh, not suppose to say out loud we paid anyone before NIL.

If they only knew?

[Jarius]

I know most on here know it but I don't think a lot fans know how important Tony Hughes was for a lot of years for our recruiting. Not the only one but kept locked down several great players and kept some others from sliding away last minute

I know Tony extremely well. My grandfather gave Tony his first couple of coaching jobs. He comes to family
Christmas. He was the best recruiter we have ever had here. He has gotten older and probably lost his fastball, but he is one of the best human beings to ever walk this earth.

[Coach34]

The amount of recruits that Tony saved in the last two days would shock everyone. And it's guys people consider "True Maroon" bulldogs. And guess what.....we paid most of them. Tony was a hell of a bagman. Him and ole Melvin Smith were two of the best.

Melvin's a car salesman. You know he is full of shit but you like him anyway. Tony is just a genuine dude that understands things have to be done to get the desired result.

[Lord McBuckethead]

You telling me we couldn't get Charlie Strong to come here? He is an off the field analyst at either UGA or Bama right now.

[StarkVegasSteve]

You telling me we couldn't get Charlie Strong to come here? He is an off the field analyst at either UGA or Bama right now.

Charlie Strong doesn't want to call plays anymore. He's not at Bama or UGA. He's probably done coaching. Charlie is in his mid 60s and has been in coaching for over 40 years. Charlie also doesn't like the state of MS. Got a bad taste in his mouth in his one year at OM.

[Bothrops]

We need DL

Can't buy them

[StarkVegasSteve]

Can't buy them

With David Turner leading that room it will be very hard.