Pros and cons of potential head coaches

[Quaoarsking]

I'm going to keep this updated, so if you have any suggestions for coaches or pro/con, post them. These are listed alphabetically rather than any kind of ranking/preference order. Let's stick to realistic candidates. Also, the purpose of this thread isn't to debate whether or not we should keep Dan. Let's just keep this from the perspective of who do we hire if we need a new coach for 2017. Each listed coach has a Wikipedia link.

Dave Aranda (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dave_Aranda), DC LSU
40 years old
DC at Utah State in 2012, the best season in school history. Had the 15th best Total Defense in the FBS.
In 3 years as DC at Wisconsin (2013-15), had top 10 defenses each season.
Retained by Ed Orgeron after he fired some of the other assistants.
Kendal Briles (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kendal_Briles), OC Baylor
Kept Baylor's offense rolling after Montgomery left for Tulsa
Young - only 33, but if he inherited his father's knack for building winners out of historically bad programs, we could get a steal
No indication that he was involved in the Briles scandal, but we'd have to be 100% sure of that before we hired him.
Might bring Art Briles with him as an OC.
Might bring Art Briles with him as an OC.
Jeff Brohm (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeff_Brohm), HC Western Ketucky
23-9 in his third year at Western Kentucky
Beat undefeated and ranked Marshall on the road in 2014.
Averaged 535 and 526 YPG in his first two seasons at WKU.
Mario Cristobal (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mario_Cristobal), OL Alabama
Was head coach of Florida International, where he went 27-47 and was fired
However, winning seasons in years 4 and 5 were the first winning seasons in school history. (Interesting side note: Wesley Carroll was the QB those two years.)
Fired after going 3-9 in year 6. However, most national media members were very surprised at the firing and thought it was a dumb move. FIU hasn't had a winning season since then either.
By all accounts very good at his current job at Alabama.
Sonny Cumbie (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sonny_Cumbie), OC TCU
Played QB under Mike Leach at Texas Tech.
35 years old
TCU had a tough transition to the Big 12 - first they were 7-6, then 4-8 (in year 13). Then Sonny Cumbie arrives as OC and overnight they turn into an amazing offense and their nobody QB Trevone Boykin becomes a star. From 4-8 in 2013 to #3 in the final poll for 2014, thanks to Cumbie and his offense
Larry Fedora (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Larry_Fedora), HC North Carolina
34-19 at Southern Miss and even had them ranked his last season there
36-22 at North Carolina and seems to have them really rolling now. Won the ACC Coastal in 2015.
Could we really steal a coach from North Carolina?
PJ Fleck (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P._J._Fleck), HC Western Michigan
After a bad first year, has gone 6-2 twice in the MAC and is 6-0 this year.
Has defeated Northwestern and Illinois this year.
Never coached in the South
Probably going to get a Big 10 job this offseason, but it couldn't hurt to call him.
Reputation for being a good recruiter in the MAC, which may or may not translate in the SEC.
Willie Fritz (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willie_Fritz), HC Tulane
A consistent winner. Previously was 97-47 at Central Missouri, 40-15 at Sam Houston State, and 17-7 at Georgia Southern. Has only ever had 2 losing seasons, and both of those were 5-6.
Played in the FCS national championship game twice at Sam Houston State, losing to North Dakota State. Defeated FBS team in New Mexico once.
Runs a triple-option offense, but out of the shotgun with spread concepts mixed in. Would be a great fit for Fitz and our young RBs.
Actually a defensive guy, so he may not really even be committed to the triple option. Would probably hire an OC and let him run whatever he wants.
Scott Frost (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scott_Frost), HC Central Florida
Was WR coach, QB coach, and OC at Oregon
Developed Marcus Mariota
Leaves Oregon and suddenly Oregon sucks
Has Oregon 3-2 this year so far, his first year, after they were 0-12 last year.
Lane Kiffin (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lane_Kiffin), OC Alabama
Mediocre at Tennessee, and then left for USC after a year
Mediocre at USC and then was fired
Actually has been very good as OC at Alabama - without Kiffin, Alabama doesn't win the national championship in 2014 (and we do? - we probably at least win the SEC)
Some personal life issues may make him a less desirable hire
Chris Klieman (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Klieman), HC North Dakota State
Formerly the DB coach and then DC at North Dakota State
Craig Bohl (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Craig_Bohl), not Klieman, is who built NDSU as a program. Note how Bohl has sucked since he left for Wyoming.
However, Currently 33-3 at North Dakota State in his third season, with 2 FCS national championships
Wins over FBS P5 teams Iowa State and Iowa
Never coached in the South
Only coached in FBS football for 1 season, as the DC for Kansas in 1997
Lance Leipold (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lance_Leipold), HC Buffalo
Went 109-6 (!) and won six national titles (!) in 8 years at Wisconsin-Whitewater.
Only 6-11 so far at Buffalo
Never coached in the South
Mike MacIntyre (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_MacIntyre), HC Colorado
Bad record overall (30-50), but turned San Jose State from a terrible program into a good one.
Colorado had 5 straight losing seasons before he got there, including 1-11 the year before. Only won 10 games in MacIntyre's first three seasons, but appears to have Colorado decent this year.
Only makes $2,500,000, so we could probably raise his salary enough to get him, if no one else is trying to outbid us.
Has SEC experience, playing at Vanderbilt and coaching at Georgia and Ole Miss.
Les Miles (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Les_Miles), former HC LSU
113-34 in 11+ years at LSU, including 1 national title, 2 SEC titles, and 3 West championships.
Finished 6-2 or better in the SEC six times.
Seemed to have a knack for pulling out games in crazy ways.
In 11+ years at LSU, only ever lost one non-conference game (Wisconsin this year) other than bowl games.
Reputation as being a great recruiter. Though was that because of Miles, or just because selling LSU is easy? Would it translate to recruiting well at MSU?
Reputation for being horrendous at clock management.
Philip Montgomery (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philip_Montgomery), HC Tulsa
Former QB coach and OC at Houston and Baylor under Art Briles
Developed Kevin Kolb (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevin_Kolb), Case Keenum (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Case_Keenum), Robert Griffin III (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Griffin_III), and Bryce Petty (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bryce_Petty), all 4 of whom are very different styles of QB.
Baylor's offenses averaged 572 or more yards per game his last 4 years there. Tulsa had its second-best season in yardage in school history his first year there and is averaging 472 this year.
Tulsa was 3-9 and 2-10 the two years before he got there. In year 1, Montgomery had them in a bowl and is now 4-1 this year.
No indication that he was involved in the Briles scandal, but we'd have to be 100% sure of that before we hired him.
Might bring Art Briles with him as an OC.
Might bring Art Briles with him as an OC.
Todd Monken (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Todd_Monken), OC Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Head coach of Southern Miss from 2013-2015. Took him a while to get going in the wake of Ellis Johnson, but in year 3 went 9-5 (7-1 CUSA) and won the CUSA West
Previously at Oklahoma State, where he developed Brandon Wheeden and had one of the top offenses in the country
Left his job to become an NFL coordinator. (maybe this bullet should be red?)
Chad Morris (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chad_Morris), HC SMU
Former OC at Clemson under Dabo, where he was generally considered to be one of the best assistants in the country. Was named the AFCA Assistant Coach of the Year.
Hasn't had a lot of success at SMU yet, but they are at least competitive this year. Huge win over #11 Houston in 2016
Ken Niumatalolo (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ken_Niumatalolo), HC Navy
Consistent winner: 72-38 in his ninth season at Navy
Triple option guy
Mormon, which shouldn't matter, but will be used against him in recruiting
Mike Norvell (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Norvell), HC Memphis
Former OC at Arizona State, where the Sun Devils averaged in the 440-480 range in yards per game.
Note: Did not develop Brock Osweiler, who left ASU before Norvell got there.
Ed Orgeron (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ed_Orgeron), interm HC LSU
Fired by Ole Miss after going 10-25 (3-21 SEC)
However was 6-2 at USC and 1-0 so far at LSU
Considered to be one of the best recruiters in America
Very familiar with the SEC.
Lincoln Riley (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lincoln_Riley), OC Oklahoma
Played QB under Mike Leach at Texas Tech.
32 years old
As OC of East Carolina, routinely had them in the top 10 in total offense and scoring.
Won Broyles Award in 2015, his first year at Oklahoma, where he was again top 10 in yards and scoring.
Willie Taggart (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willie_Taggart), HC South Florida
Has eventually been successful everywhere he's coached. Elevated Western Kentucky from awful to respectable, and successors Bobby Petrino and Jeff Brohm have kept it going.
While coaching WKU, won at Kentucky.
Brent Venables (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brent_Venables), DC Clemson
Generally considered to be one of the best DCs in America, and has been considered for many P5 jobs.
Kyle Whittingham (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kyle_Whittingham), HC Utah
No reason to think he would want the job, other than the word of a few posters claiming inside knowledge. [ETA by Hack: He'll take it].
Very successful at Utah: 100-47 over 12 seasons. Finished ranked in the final AP Poll 5 times in 11 completed seasons.
Defeated Alabama in the Sugar Bowl after the 2008 season. Beat a top 10 Stanford team in 2013 and dismantled a good Oregon team last year.
Home losses include 3-9 Colorado (2011), in-state non-P5 Utah State (2012) and 3-9 Washington State (2014)
Went 5-7 in year 8 and year 9
Never coached in the South
Only makes $2,500,000, so we could probably raise his salary enough to get him, if no one else is trying to outbid us.
Mormon, which shouldn't matter, but will be used against him in recruiting

Throw out other suggestions and I'll update.

[HoopsDawg]

I hate every coach on that list except for whittingham and possibly Montgomery.

[I seen it dawg]

Whittingham would be all over our job

[msstate7]

I hate every coach on that list except for whittingham and possibly Montgomery.

What's the disgust towards fritz for? Seems to have Tulane playing much better

[Really Clark?]

I watched the Tulsa and SMU game the other night, mainly because those two names have been thrown out a good bit lately. Offensively I like Montgomery and both teams moved ball but Tulsa was better. I've dropped Montgomery down as on the possible list because if you have had issues with our defensive schemes under Mullen, you will despise a lot of Tulsa's coverages. CB played off 10-12 yards on about 70-75% off all plays. Very very little tight coverage and they maybe pressed a couple of times all night that I missed but don't recall any true press man coverage. I think Morris needs more time to show he can lead a program. Not sold yet.

[RocketDawg]

Why is "Never coached in the South" a biggie? Neither had Saban before LSU, Bielema before he came to Arkansas, etc. I just don't think it's that important this day and age.

[Quaoarsking]

Is there any reason John Chavis has never been a head coach? Very solid DC resume. Does he just not want to be one?

[Coursesuper]

Why is "Never coached in the South" a biggie? Neither had Saban before LSU, Bielema before he came to Arkansas, etc. I just don't think it's that important this day and age.

To recruit at LSU in La all you need is a yellow shirt, maybe not the same at Arky.

[HoopsDawg]

What's the disgust towards fritz for? Seems to have Tulane playing much better

b/c i don't want a fckin triple option offense.

if we're going to get our asses kicked I want us to at least look good doing it.

[Todd4State]

What's the disgust towards fritz for? Seems to have Tulane playing much better

The tough part of Tulane's schedule is coming up. Jury should be still out on him.

[HoopsDawg]

I watched the Tulsa and SMU game the other night, mainly because those two names have been thrown out a good bit lately. Offensively I like Montgomery and both teams moved ball but Tulsa was better. I've dropped Montgomery down as on the possible list because if you have had issues with our defensive schemes under Mullen, you will despise a lot of Tulsa's coverages. CB played off 10-12 yards on about 70-75% off all plays. Very very little tight coverage and they maybe pressed a couple of times all night that I missed but don't recall any true press man coverage. I think Morris needs more time to show he can lead a program. Not sold yet.

A smart offensive minded head coach would hire a defensive coordinator and turn it over. Like Dabo at Clemson handing over the D to venables. Or Beamer/Fuentes at VT. There are many other examples.

[Quaoarsking]

b/c i don't want a fckin triple option offense.

if we're going to get our asses kicked I want us to at least look good doing it.

Georgia Tech looked pretty good against us in 2008, 2009, and 2014

[Tbonewannabe]

Fedora or Monken? Both have already coached in MS.

[msstate7]

b/c i don't want a fckin triple option offense.

if we're going to get our asses kicked I want us to at least look good doing it.

Haha

No matter how good of a recruiter we get, we'd most likely top out at 15 or so. That would land us 5th in the sec west almost every time. I think a unique offense could help negate some of that talent gap. I think it's about time for the option to become big in CFB again anyway.

[msstate7]

Fedora or Monken? Both have already coached in MS.

Monken bc he's at least possible. Don't see fedora coming here. I like monken BTW

[msstate7]

A smart offensive minded head coach would hire a defensive coordinator and turn it over. Like Dabo at Clemson handing over the D to venables. Or Beamer/Fuentes at VT. There are many other examples.

Venables will probably be up for bigger jobs than ours, but I do like him

[Quaoarsking]

Fedora or Monken? Both have already coached in MS.

Added them both, although I'm not sure that Fedora is realistic. I don't think he steal a coach from any P5 team unless the coach just wants out.

[RocketDawg]

Georgia Tech looked pretty good against us in 2008, 2009, and 2014

But all were under some very unfortunate circumstances for us: Croom's last year, Mullen's first year, and our DC had just bailed on us and didn't even go to the Orange Bowl.

[HoopsDawg]

Haha

No matter how good of a recruiter we get, we'd most likely top out at 15 or so. That would land us 5th in the sec west almost every time. I think a unique offense could help negate some of that talent gap. I think it's about time for the option to become big in CFB again anyway.

15 or so every year is plenty good enough. 20 every year is good enough if it's a legit 20. We signed 2 O-linemen this year. Almost none of the guys we signed, save Simmons, had any legitimate good offers other than us.

[Really Clark?]

A smart offensive minded head coach would hire a defensive coordinator and turn it over. Like Dabo at Clemson handing over the D to venables. Or Beamer/Fuentes at VT. There are many other examples.

He could but there have been many many more either never care to do so, like who he cut his teeth with in Briles, Leech, etc. or takes several years for them to decided to get a really good DC like Sumlin.

Beamer was a DC before coming HC at Murray St then VT. Bud Foster was with him all the way back to those Murray St days. Not close to the same. Dabo had Kevin Steele to begin with and made a change when Steele had issues. So it was his second DC not his first that started to turn the defense around.

[Bass Chaser]

What about Jeff Brohm HC at WKU or Dave Aranda LSU DC?

[shoeless joe]

I wouldn't mind some form of the option...even the relf option...but I'm a big fan of ball control and pounding the rock.

Once the current fiasco is over and done I'd like a flexible coach that allows coordinators to game plan and execute that plan. Micro managers never do well it seems.

One thing I always like in a HC is if the players play for them...obviously this weekend has put a spot light on that. But I've always admired the fact that players were willing to run thru a brick wall for miles and O. Now that doesn't mean I want them as HC but it is a trait that I'd look for in the next guy. Even when we were #1 I never felt the players played FOR Mullen.

[msstate7]

15 or so every year is plenty good enough. 20 every year is good enough if it's a legit 20. We signed 2 O-linemen this year. Almost none of the guys we signed, save Simmons, had any legitimate good offers other than us.

And you have to hope auburn, bama, aTm, and lsu have an issue bc they'll all be above 15

[shoeless joe]

Also, I'm as Christian conservative as anyone but I think it's absurd that being Mormon would even be thought of as a mark against a coach. And along that same lite, I understand what all occurred at Baylor but if briles would take the job here (with a decent buyout) I'd jump all over it in a heartbeat.

[HoopsDawg]

And you have to hope auburn, bama, aTm, and lsu have an issue bc they'll all be above 15

That doesn't matter. You sign 25 every year. That's 125 scholarship players if you redshirt everyone. You can only have 85. You play about 50. We can find 50 players to compete if we have a great QB. That's Mullen's greatest strength. That's why I hate to see him go just b/c of his O-line coach and lack of O-line recruiting.

[HoopsDawg]

Also, I'm as Christian conservative as anyone but I think it's absurd that being Mormon would even be thought of as a mark against a coach. And along that same lite, I understand what all occurred at Baylor but if briles would take the job here (with a decent buyout) I'd jump all over it in a heartbeat.

It's hard to walk into that living room in Grenada or Jackson or West Point and sign that kid when you are a Mormon. Hard truth. The mama's love Freeze. Absolutely Love him.

[Todd4State]

Also, I'm as Christian conservative as anyone but I think it's absurd that being Mormon would even be thought of as a mark against a coach. And along that same lite, I understand what all occurred at Baylor but if briles would take the job here (with a decent buyout) I'd jump all over it in a heartbeat.

It is absurd but it?s the region we live in. There?s a reason why Freeze and Ole Miss play up the Christianity card BIG time. And also a reason why they played up the Scientologist card big time even though it was BS.

[Quaoarsking]

What about Jeff Brohm HC at WKU or Dave Aranda LSU DC?

Added Brohm. Don't know much about Aranda, but I'll research and put him up there.

[shoeless joe]

It's hard to walk into that living room in Grenada or Jackson or West Point and sign that kid when you are a Mormon. Hard truth. The mama's love Freeze. Absolutely Love him.


You make a good point...and it's sad that someone who says one thing and does another is held to a higher esteem than someone who has positive core values and actually strives to live up to them and be a model of being a man as they try to influence young men.

[msstate7]

It's hard to walk into that living room in Grenada or Jackson or West Point and sign that kid when you are a Mormon. Hard truth. The mama's love Freeze. Absolutely Love him.

If you think that's hard, sell mom on briles if she has a daughter too

[Quaoarsking]

Also, I'm as Christian conservative as anyone but I think it's absurd that being Mormon would even be thought of as a mark against a coach.
Agreed, I don't think it matters if our coach worships the sun as long as he wins. But a lot of denominations of Christianity don't consider Mormons to be Christians (for example, the Catholic Church - largest denomination in America and the world - and the Southern Baptist Convention - largest denomination in Mississippi). Also, the whole bit about Mormons believing that blacks were destined to be servants until God "changed his mind" in 1978 (that's a good bit after the Civil Rights era) won't play well either, even though there are faithful and sincere black Mormons nowadays.


And along that same lite, I understand what all occurred at Baylor but if briles would take the job here (with a decent buyout) I'd jump all over it in a heartbeat.

I'm extremely skeptical that any school (other than maybe Auburn) will try to hire Art Briles as a head coach. Imagine the outcry from the whole country and from within whatever fanbase hires him. We're talking about a guy who covered up several rapes committed by his players and bullied and intimidated a women's track athlete and had her scholarship reduced because she told on Sam Ukwuachu (who was found guilty and sentenced to jail, so it's not a he-said, she-said thing). Who would want to send their daughters to school at MSU if Art Briles were our coach?

[Todd4State]

About Tulsa and their defense- his DC’s (has co-DC’s) are both old guys. Bill Young has been around forever and then the other one is Brian Norwood who was a coach at Baylor who was not known for the defense. Young is a native of Oklahoma. If we hire Montgomery I would hope that he would bring in another DC- hopefully Shaw from Vanderbilt.

About Fleck- My hope there would be that he would at least keep Buckley and then promote the recruiting triplets to on the field coaches- Gibson, Peterson, and Austin. That would be a good start and then he could go from there with building the rest of the staff. Does anyone know what Austin’s background is? Offense or defense?

[RocketDawg]

Also, I'm as Christian conservative as anyone but I think it's absurd that being Mormon would even be thought of as a mark against a coach. And along that same lite, I understand what all occurred at Baylor but if briles would take the job here (with a decent buyout) I'd jump all over it in a heartbeat.

Mormons are Christians. And they're more conservative than most ... no drinking, no premarital sex, etc. They're a little different from some Christian sects but so are snake handlers.

[msstate7]

About Tulsa and their defense- his DC’s (has co-DC’s) are both old guys. Bill Young has been around forever and then the other one is Brian Norwood who was a coach at Baylor who was not known for the defense. Young is a native of Oklahoma. If we hire Montgomery I would hope that he would bring in another DC- hopefully Shaw from Vanderbilt.

About Fleck- My hope there would be that he would at least keep Buckley and then promote the recruiting triplets to on the field coaches- Gibson, Peterson, and Austin. That would be a good start and then he could go from there with building the rest of the staff. Does anyone know what Austin’s background is? Offense or defense?

Montgomery with coach O at DC.

[Todd4State]

Mormons are Christians. And they're more conservative than most ... no drinking, no premarital sex, etc. They're a little different from some Christian sects but so are snake handlers.

You might want to look their theology up.

[Dawgology]

I would like Orgeron simply because it would drive UNM insane and he would do everything in his power to make their life a living hell. Plus he knows all their recruiting tricks so it would be fun to watch them squirm as they will be hamstrung even further after the NCAA hammer falls.

[Todd4State]

Quaors- I’d add Mike MacIntyre from Colorado to the list as well. His record is bad, but he turned San Jose State into a 10 win team and then took over a dumpster fire and now they are playing pretty well. He used to coach under Cutcliffe and his Dad was the head coach at Vanderbilt.

[Really Clark?]

About Tulsa and their defense- his DC’s (has co-DC’s) are both old guys. Bill Young has been around forever and then the other one is Brian Norwood who was a coach at Baylor who was not known for the defense. Young is a native of Oklahoma. If we hire Montgomery I would hope that he would bring in another DC- hopefully Shaw from Vanderbilt.

About Fleck- My hope there would be that he would at least keep Buckley and then promote the recruiting triplets to on the field coaches- Gibson, Peterson, and Austin. That would be a good start and then he could go from there with building the rest of the staff. Does anyone know what Austin’s background is? Offense or defense?

Ha. Yeah I would love Shaw, doubt he leaves Stanford to be our DC. Seriously Mason would be a really good DC. Just worrisome that several of these types of coaches don't put much stock in defense or takes too long before they do.

[Dawgology]

Just thinking. Whoever we hire needs to be a BIG splash hire. If we need to pony up 5 mil to get that person then it needs to happen. The timing of this combined with what the NCAA is about to do up north could (more or less) end UNM's football program for a loooooong time.

[Quaoarsking]

Quaors- I’d add Mike MacIntyre from Colorado to the list as well. His record is bad, but he turned San Jose State into a 10 win team and then took over a dumpster fire and now they are playing pretty well. He used to coach under Cutcliffe and his Dad was the head coach at Vanderbilt.

Oh yeah, I think he's a good one. And he only makes $2 million, so I think we could get him.

[Todd4State]

I would like Orgeron simply because it would drive UNM insane and he would do everything in his power to make their life a living hell. Plus he knows all their recruiting tricks so it would be fun to watch them squirm as they will be hamstrung even further after the NCAA hammer falls.

He knows Mississippi, Memphis, and Louisiana well. He could very easily pull the top 10-15 from Mississippi, 3-5 quality guys from Memphis, and 3-5 quality guys from NOLA every year. He would probably keep T-Buck and the recruiting triplets as well.

And as an added bonus he would probably be pissed off at LSU for not hiring him as well. That could be a very good thing.

He might be able to get Lance Thompson for us as well and that would help our recruiting a lot.

[Todd4State]

Ha. Yeah I would love Shaw, doubt he leaves Stanford to be our DC. Seriously Mason would be a really good DC. Just worrisome that several of these types of coaches don't put much stock in defense or takes too long before they do.

My bad. I meant Mason. Ha!

[Quaoarsking]

What about Jeff Brohm HC at WKU or Dave Aranda LSU DC?

Added Aranda. He has a good record as a DC.


Does anyone know why Chavis has never been a head coach? Does he have a scandal on him or something? Surely he's gotten the chance before and turned it down?

[Todd4State]

Added Aranda. He has a good record as a DC.


Does anyone know why Chavis has never been a head coach? Does he have a scandal on him or something? Surely he's gotten the chance before and turned it down?

Probably because he's a good coordinator guy and doesn't come across as head coaching material in interviews.

[I seen it dawg]

I'm gonna sticky this up top. If y'all would rather it not be ill move it back.

[BHildreth3]

Add Mario Cristobal, Asst HC at Bama. Shit, at least consider him because he was a bad ass offensive lineman for Miami. At least we would have a solid oline!

[Really Clark?]

Add Mario Cristobal, Asst HC at Bama. Shit, at least consider him because he was a bad ass offensive lineman for Miami. At least we would have a solid oline!

A guy that was 27-47 in 6 years at Florida International?

[Quaoarsking]

Add Mario Cristobal, Asst HC at Bama. Shit, at least consider him because he was a bad ass offensive lineman for Miami. At least we would have a solid oline!

I added him, but I don't really have a lot of pros to say for him. Do I remember correctly that he's supposedly a good recruiter?

[I seen it dawg]

He got a lineman out of West Point...oh wait that was Hevesy

[Eric Nies Grind Time]

Add Mario Cristobal, Asst HC at Bama. Shit, at least consider him because he was a bad ass offensive lineman for Miami. At least we would have a solid oline!

If we are taking anyone from Alabama I hope it's Kiffin.

[GTHOM]

If we dont get Art Briles someone else will and everyone will regret not taking him

[msstate7]

If we dont get Art Briles someone else will and everyone will regret not taking him

I won't... I have a niece

[Really Clark?]

If we dont get Art Briles someone else will and everyone will regret not taking him

We won't talk with him and the administration has the backing of several power supporters in that regard. Unless something drastically changes y'all Briles supporters all just wasting you time even bringing him up. And there is a lot of speculation he will not get interviews for any Power 5 school this season. If Herman leaves he might get to talk with Houston. LSU will hire Mullen before Briles per third hand info from supporter who supposedly will have input. That's 3rd hand though.

ETA. I actually think this hang around his neck that he never reaches the same level of success again. Maybe he does ok but it doesn't matter. There are many who will not regret passing on him if he is even available and goes somewhere else and wins. We are not missing out on anything.

[Really Clark?]

If we dont get Art Briles someone else will and everyone will regret not taking him

Dp

[preachermatt83]

Brohm Montgomery and Fleck are very realistic and would be high on my list.

[Eric Nies Grind Time]

If we dont get Art Briles someone else will and everyone will regret not taking him

I don't think you'll see Briles coaching in the SEC anytime soon.

[GTHOM]

I am in no way shape or form condoning what he did at Baylor, but all I'm saying is that just like every other scandal (Stringfellow at OM, Petrino at Ark, Simmons at State, Hartsfield and more at OM) it will all go away and the media will fall in love with Briles if he goes somewhere and wins. Y'all know it.

[Really Clark?]

I am in no way shape or form condoning what he did at Baylor, but all I'm saying is that just like every other scandal (Stringfellow at OM, Petrino at Ark, Simmons at State, Hartsfield and more at OM) it will all go away and the media will fall in love with Briles if he goes somewhere and wins. Y'all know it.

Not condoning but you named 2 scandals involving HS kids and one involving a college Sophmore. That's a big difference with a 60 year old coach, in position of authority, covering up significant issues to keep players on his team eligible and against school mandated discipline policy in those instances. Petrino got busted cheating on his wife, is considered as good if not better HC, had to go to a lower D1 school before his old school just happened to need a coach the following year and had lengthy conversations about his behavior and put in place measures to protect them from his team hopping. If Louisville wasn't open, he wasn't leaving Western Kentucky that year either. Now compare and contrast what Petrino did and Briles behavior. I just don't see a Power 5 school going after him this year. Maybe ever again. Like I said earlier, maybe Houston could as a lower program with a prior relationship and get away with it. But, what if there are skeletons their that we don't know about? If Herman leaves and Houston doesn't touch him, that's another red flag to me

[GTHOM]

Not condoning but you named 2 scandals involving HS kids and one involving a college Sophmore. That's a big difference with a 60 year old coach, in position of authority, covering up significant issues to keep players on his team eligible and against school mandated discipline policy in those instances. Petrino got busted cheating on his wife, is considered as good if not better HC, had to go to a lower D1 school before his old school just happened to need a coach the following year and had lengthy conversations about his behavior and put in place measures to protect them from his team hopping. If Louisville wasn't open, he wasn't leaving Western Kentucky that year either. Now compare and contrast what Petrino did and Briles behavior. I just don't see a Power 5 school going after him this year. Maybe ever again. Like I said earlier, maybe Houston could as a lower program with a prior relationship and get away with it. But, what if there are skeletons their that we don't know about? If Herman leaves and Houston doesn't touch him, that's another red flag to me

Fair points haha

[saltydawg77]

PJ FLICK NEEDS TO BE OUR NEXT COACH!! THIS GUY IS SIMPLY AMAZING!

[HSVDawg]

Why is "Never coached in the South" a biggie? Neither had Saban before LSU, Bielema before he came to Arkansas, etc. I just don't think it's that important this day and age.

Butch Jones had never coached in the South either before UT.

[Eric Nies Grind Time]

From what I am reading about Fleck it sounds like he will be the next Herman in terms of hot coaching name.

[Mjoelner34]

From what I am reading about Fleck it sounds like he will be the next Herman in terms of hot coaching name.

http://247sports.com/Article/Row-the-Boat-Western-Michigans-rapid-rise-under-PJ-Fleck-48036661

"Stories of Fleck’s tireless recruiting are well known, and it’s reflected in the recruiting rankings."

[Dawg-gone-dawgs]

Gary Patterson

[Really Clark?]

Gary Patterson

Just signed an extension through 2022 for $4.7 MIL a year with bonus going over $5 MIL. We can't even match that at $7 MIL per year.

[Dawg-gone-dawgs]

ahhh gotcha.

[GTHOM]

So PJ Fleck is the guy I see most mentioned. Anyone care to give a summary about him?

[munk_munk92]

I'd like to have the coach from south alabama. He seems to be doing pretty good. Coaches in the south.

[bdawg02]

So PJ Fleck is the guy I see most mentioned. Anyone care to give a summary about him?


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VCFUYaJwSXI

http://www.mlive.com/broncos/index.ssf/2016/10/pj_fleck_uses_colorful_analogy.html

[bstate]

Fleck would be the best choice. We need someone to come in and reenergize the program and be relentless on the recruiting trail and take advantage of the success we have been having. He has proved his work ethic at WMU.

[Tripp McNeely]

I'm going to keep this updated, so if you have any suggestions for coaches or pro/con, post them. These are listed alphabetically rather than any kind of ranking/preference order. Let's stick to realistic candidates. Also, the purpose of this thread isn't to debate whether or not we should keep Dan. Let's just keep this from the perspective of who do we hire if we need a new coach for 2017. Each listed coach has a Wikipedia link.

Dave Aranda (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dave_Aranda), DC LSU
40 years old
DC at Utah State in 2012, the best season in school history. Had the 15th best Total Defense in the FBS.
In 3 years as DC at Wisconsin (2013-15), had top 10 defenses each season.
Retained by Ed Orgeron after he fired some of the other assistants.
Kendal Briles (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kendal_Briles), OC Baylor
Kept Baylor's offense rolling after Montgomery left for Tulsa
Young - only 33, but if he inherited his father's knack for building winners out of historically bad programs, we could get a steal
No indication that he was involved in the Briles scandal, but we'd have to be 100% sure of that before we hired him.
Might bring Art Briles with him as an OC.
Might bring Art Briles with him as an OC.
Jeff Brohm (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeff_Brohm), HC Western Ketucky
23-9 in his third year at Western Kentucky
Beat undefeated and ranked Marshall on the road in 2014.
Averaged 535 and 526 YPG in his first two seasons at WKU.
Mario Cristobal (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mario_Cristobal), OL Alabama
Was head coach of Florida International, where he went 27-47 and was fired
However, winning seasons in years 4 and 5 were the first winning seasons in school history. (Interesting side note: Wesley Carroll was the QB those two years.)
Fired after going 3-9 in year 6. However, most national media members were very surprised at the firing and thought it was a dumb move. FIU hasn't had a winning season since then either.
By all accounts very good at his current job at Alabama.
Sonny Cumbie (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sonny_Cumbie), OC TCU
Played QB under Mike Leach at Texas Tech.
35 years old
TCU had a tough transition to the Big 12 - first they were 7-6, then 4-8 (in year 13). Then Sonny Cumbie arrives as OC and overnight they turn into an amazing offense and their nobody QB Trevone Boykin becomes a star. From 4-8 in 2013 to #3 in the final poll for 2014, thanks to Cumbie and his offense
Larry Fedora (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Larry_Fedora), HC North Carolina
34-19 at Southern Miss and even had them ranked his last season there
36-22 at North Carolina and seems to have them really rolling now. Won the ACC Coastal in 2015.
Could we really steal a coach from North Carolina?
PJ Fleck (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P._J._Fleck), HC Western Michigan
After a bad first year, has gone 6-2 twice in the MAC and is 6-0 this year.
Has defeated Northwestern and Illinois this year.
Never coached in the South
Probably going to get a Big 10 job this offseason, but it couldn't hurt to call him.
Reputation for being a good recruiter in the MAC, which may or may not translate in the SEC.
Willie Fritz (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willie_Fritz), HC Tulane
A consistent winner. Previously was 97-47 at Central Missouri, 40-15 at Sam Houston State, and 17-7 at Georgia Southern. Has only ever had 2 losing seasons, and both of those were 5-6.
Played in the FCS national championship game twice at Sam Houston State, losing to North Dakota State. Defeated FBS team in New Mexico once.
Runs a triple-option offense, but out of the shotgun with spread concepts mixed in. Would be a great fit for Fitz and our young RBs.
Actually a defensive guy, so he may not really even be committed to the triple option. Would probably hire an OC and let him run whatever he wants.
Scott Frost (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scott_Frost), HC Central Florida
Was WR coach, QB coach, and OC at Oregon
Developed Marcus Mariota
Leaves Oregon and suddenly Oregon sucks
Has Oregon 3-2 this year so far, his first year, after they were 0-12 last year.
Lane Kiffin (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lane_Kiffin), OC Alabama
Mediocre at Tennessee, and then left for USC after a year
Mediocre at USC and then was fired
Actually has been very good as OC at Alabama - without Kiffin, Alabama doesn't win the national championship in 2014 (and we do? - we probably at least win the SEC)
Some personal life issues may make him a less desirable hire
Chris Klieman (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Klieman), HC North Dakota State
Formerly the DB coach and then DC at North Dakota State
Craig Bohl (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Craig_Bohl), not Klieman, is who built NDSU as a program. Note how Bohl has sucked since he left for Wyoming.
However, Currently 33-3 at North Dakota State in his third season, with 2 FCS national championships
Wins over FBS P5 teams Iowa State and Iowa
Never coached in the South
Only coached in FBS football for 1 season, as the DC for Kansas in 1997
Lance Leipold (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lance_Leipold), HC Buffalo
Went 109-6 (!) and won six national titles (!) in 8 years at Wisconsin-Whitewater.
Only 6-11 so far at Buffalo
Never coached in the South
Mike MacIntyre (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_MacIntyre), HC Colorado
Bad record overall (30-50), but turned San Jose State from a terrible program into a good one.
Colorado had 5 straight losing seasons before he got there, including 1-11 the year before. Only won 10 games in MacIntyre's first three seasons, but appears to have Colorado decent this year.
Only makes $2,500,000, so we could probably raise his salary enough to get him, if no one else is trying to outbid us.
Has SEC experience, playing at Vanderbilt and coaching at Georgia and Ole Miss.
Les Miles (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Les_Miles), former HC LSU
113-34 in 11+ years at LSU, including 1 national title, 2 SEC titles, and 3 West championships.
Finished 6-2 or better in the SEC six times.
Seemed to have a knack for pulling out games in crazy ways.
In 11+ years at LSU, only ever lost one non-conference game (Wisconsin this year) other than bowl games.
Reputation as being a great recruiter. Though was that because of Miles, or just because selling LSU is easy? Would it translate to recruiting well at MSU?
Reputation for being horrendous at clock management.
Philip Montgomery (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philip_Montgomery), HC Tulsa
Former QB coach and OC at Houston and Baylor under Art Briles
Developed Kevin Kolb (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevin_Kolb), Case Keenum (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Case_Keenum), Robert Griffin III (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Griffin_III), and Bryce Petty (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bryce_Petty), all 4 of whom are very different styles of QB.
Baylor's offenses averaged 572 or more yards per game his last 4 years there. Tulsa had its second-best season in yardage in school history his first year there and is averaging 472 this year.
Tulsa was 3-9 and 2-10 the two years before he got there. In year 1, Montgomery had them in a bowl and is now 4-1 this year.
No indication that he was involved in the Briles scandal, but we'd have to be 100% sure of that before we hired him.
Might bring Art Briles with him as an OC.
Might bring Art Briles with him as an OC.
Todd Monken (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Todd_Monken), OC Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Head coach of Southern Miss from 2013-2015. Took him a while to get going in the wake of Ellis Johnson, but in year 3 went 9-5 (7-1 CUSA) and won the CUSA West
Previously at Oklahoma State, where he developed Brandon Wheeden and had one of the top offenses in the country
Left his job to become an NFL coordinator. (maybe this bullet should be red?)
Chad Morris (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chad_Morris), HC SMU
Former OC at Clemson under Dabo, where he was generally considered to be one of the best assistants in the country. Was named the AFCA Assistant Coach of the Year.
Hasn't had a lot of success at SMU yet, but they are at least competitive this year.
Ken Niumatalolo (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ken_Niumatalolo), HC Navy
Consistent winner: 72-38 in his ninth season at Navy
Triple option guy
Mormon, which shouldn't matter, but will be used against him in recruiting
Mike Norvell (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Norvell), HC Memphis
Former OC at Arizona State, where the Sun Devils averaged in the 440-480 range in yards per game.
Note: Did not develop Brock Osweiler, who left ASU before Norvell got there.
Ed Orgeron (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ed_Orgeron), interm HC LSU
Fired by Ole Miss after going 10-25 (3-21 SEC)
However was 6-2 at USC and 1-0 so far at LSU
Considered to be one of the best recruiters in America
Very familiar with the SEC.
Lincoln Riley (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lincoln_Riley), OC Oklahoma
Played QB under Mike Leach at Texas Tech.
32 years old
As OC of East Carolina, routinely had them in the top 10 in total offense and scoring.
Won Broyles Award in 2015, his first year at Oklahoma, where he was again top 10 in yards and scoring.
Willie Taggart (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willie_Taggart), HC South Florida
Has eventually been successful everywhere he's coached. Elevated Western Kentucky from awful to respectable, and successors Bobby Petrino and Jeff Brohm have kept it going.
While coaching WKU, won at Kentucky.
Brent Venables (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brent_Venables), DC Clemson
Generally considered to be one of the best DCs in America, and has been considered for many P5 jobs.
Kyle Whittingham (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kyle_Whittingham), HC Utah
No reason to think he would want the job, other than the word of a few posters claiming inside knowledge.
Very successful at Utah: 100-47 over 12 seasons. Finished ranked in the final AP Poll 5 times in 11 completed seasons.
Defeated Alabama in the Sugar Bowl after the 2008 season. Beat a top 10 Stanford team in 2013 and dismantled a good Oregon team last year.
Home losses include 3-9 Colorado (2011), in-state non-P5 Utah State (2012) and 3-9 Washington State (2014)
Went 5-7 in year 8 and year 9
Never coached in the South
Only makes $2,500,000, so we could probably raise his salary enough to get him, if no one else is trying to outbid us.
Mormon, which shouldn't matter, but will be used against him in recruiting

Throw out other suggestions and I'll update.

Bump...because the thought of same shit, different verse, next year is too depressing to think about. 2-10...Mullen has completely lost this team

[Bothrops]

We need a HC that's smart, but also a guy that's an asshole when he sees players giving 80% effort. An imposing, dominant personality. Mullen can hardly talk coherently.

[Quaoarsking]

Added SMU's win over Houston last night to Chad Morris's section.

I think that guy's gotta be in the top 5.

[DownwardDawg]

Charlie Strong? Just throwing his name out there.

[BHildreth3]

I know he's a Boise guy but why not see if Bryan Harsin wants to be in the big bad SEC?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bryan_Harsin

[Tripp McNeely]

Should/Could DJ Durkin be on this list?

[Cooterpoot]

Name the number of mid-major coaches that have come to the SEC and been successful. Especially one that's never even been a coordinator at a bigger school. I really can't think of any. So, Fleck is a no for me. Of the list above, Morris might be my pick. Venables maybe. Would love to have Christobal on staff but not at HC. Briles might be interesting but I just can't say for sure on him. I was high on Frost but not anymore. Brohm might be good but just not sure on him.

[preachermatt83]

Name the number of mid-major coaches that have come to the SEC and been successful. Especially one that's never even been a coordinator at a bigger school. I really can't think of any. So, Fleck is a no for me. Of the list above, Morris might be my pick. Venables maybe. Would love to have Christobal on staff but not at HC. Briles might be interesting but I just can't say for sure on him. I was high on Frost but not anymore. Brohm might be good but just not sure on him.

Urban Meyer, Sumlin, Freeze, Malzahn were all mid major guys. I don't think the whole coord at bigger school matters.

[Political Hack]

Strick leaving opens the door for Hud to be an option.

[Cooterpoot]

Urban Meyer, Sumlin, Freeze, Malzahn were all mid major guys. I don't think the whole coord at bigger school matters.

I don't put Utah in the same category as Western Michigan, but I'll give you Meyer.
Sumlin was a OC at A&M and OK, Freeze is cheating his ass off, & Malzahn was OC at AR. So I think being a coordinator matters.

[RocketDawg]

How about the OC at Auburn? He was pretty intense in beating OM last night.

[Tripp McNeely]

Might be a good list to keep in your pocket...interesting that Western Michigan is on this list

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Adidas_sponsorships