2024 FOOTBALL Staff Thread

[ScoobaDawg]

Gonna try to keep this updated as news breaks....

2024 Staff

IN -

HC - Jeff Lebby (OU - OC)
Asst HC / RB - Anthony Tucker (Indiana)
QB - Matt Holecek (OU - Offensive Analyst)
OL - Cody Kennedy (Arkansas - OL)
WR - Chad Bumphis (Retained)
TE - Jon Cooper (UNT - OL)


DC (IL)- Coleman Hutzler - (Alabama - ST / Outside LB)
Co-Defensive Coordinator (Safeties) - Matt Barnes ( DC - Memphis)
DL - David Turner (Retained)
LB -
CB - Corey Bell (Florida Atlantic University -Defensive Pass Game Coordinator - DB Coach)

ST -

Head Strength Coach - Shaud Williams (Asst S&C - Oregon)
Director of Speed & Performance - Jarwarski Beckum (Oregon)

Director of Football Recruiting Communications - Rod Gibson (Retained- same position)
Director of Career & Professional Dev. - Greg Knox
Director of Life Skills and NFL Liaison - Jason Washington
Director of Community Engagement and Former Player Relations - Gerri Green

---4 off the field staffers from OK coming. Phil Loadholt, Benton Duby, Matt Holecek, and Tanner Schafer ---


2023 Staff

Staff Directory Members By Category/Department
NAME TITLE PHONE E-MAIL ADDRESS

Greg Knox Senior Offensive Analyst
Kevin Barbay Assistant Football Coach (Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks
Matt Brock Assistant Football Coach (Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers)
Tony Hughes Associate Football Head Coach (Running Backs)
Chad Bumphis Assistant Football Coach (Wide Receivers)
Brett Dewhurst Assistant Football Coach (Safeties)
Will Friend Assistant Football Coach (Offensive Line)
Darcel McBath Assistant Football Coach (Cornerbacks)
Eric Mele Assistant Football Coach (Special Teams Coordinator)
Mike Schmidt Assistant Football Coach (Tight Ends & Tackles/Run Game Coordinator)
David Turner Assistant Football Coach (Defensive Line)

Jason Thoren Senior Defensive Analyst
Kendrick Shaver Kendrick Shaver Defensive Analyst
Dan Conwell Special Teams Quality Control
Koy Detmer Offensive Quality Control
Shane Gallant Special Teams Quality Control
Alex Jackson Offensive Quality Control
Henry Stone Offensive Quality Control
Cody Leach Special Teams Fellow
Taveze Calhoun Graduate Assistant
Tim Washington Graduate Assistant
Brad Peterson Associate A.D./Football Administration
David Wilczewski Associate A.D./Football Operations
Juliana Prezelski Assistant Director/Football Operations
Steve Campbell Director of High School Relations
Joey Jones Director of Player Personnel
Jason Washington Director of Player Development
Lee Wilbanks Senior Director of Football Recruiting
Rod Gibson Director of Football Recruiting Communications
Andrea Hollis Director of Recruiting Strategy
Daniela Torres Coordinator of Recruiting Operations
Kyle Schexnayder Football Recruiting Specialist
Courtney Williams Assistant Director/College Scouting
Seth Swinney Graphic Designer
Chris Zuccaro Director of Football Technology
Taylor Hart Assistant Director of Football Technology
Tyson Brown Head Strength & Conditioning Coach
Jordan Ellis Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach
MyQuon Stout Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach
Chad Traver Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach
Kalyn Robinson Accounting Assistant

[ScoobaDawg]

Names being Mentioned for OC - DeMarco Murray - current RB coach at OU.
Names being mentioned for DC - DJ Durnkin - DC at Texas A&M

Other positions - North Carolina OL coach Randy Clements, OU OL Coach - Bill Bedenbaugh
OU TE Coach - Joe Jon Finley, OU Safety coach - Brandon Hall , Matt Wells . OU offensive analyst
OU Director of recruiting (former TE Coach ) - JR Sandlin

[FISHDAWG]

Thanks Scooba..:. Good info and thread .... I look forward to following

[Really Clark?]

Durkin possibly for DC

[DEDawg]

Durkin possibly for DC

Huge

[StarkVegasSteve]

David Wilczewski has been through 3 coaches now so I feel like he may stay.

[mo7888]

Names being Mentioned for OC - DeMarco Murray - current RB coach at OU.
Names being mentioned for DC - DJ Durnkin - DC at Texas A&M

Other positions - North Carolina OL coach Randy Clements, OU OL Coach - Bill Bedenbaugh
OU TE Coach - Joe Jon Finley, OU Safety coach - Brandon Hall , Matt Wells . OU offensive analyst
OU Director of recruiting (former TE Coach ) - JR Sandlin

Getting none of the on field OU coaches to follow..

[StarkVegasSteve]

Getting none of the on field OU coaches to follow..

Joe Jon will probably end up coming. Also, a lot of those OU guys, outside of Joe Jon, were holdovers from Lincoln or were brought in by Venables.

Also would not be surprised to see Matt Holecek come with him and be the QB coach. He was the assistant QB coach at OU helping Lebby and was with him at OM. I could see him coming along and getting an on field role. Obviously Lebby is the actual QB coach, but kind of like Drew Hollingshead with Mike, Holecek was with the QBs every day.

[civildawg]

Getting none of the on field OU coaches to follow..

Dang that's pretty disappointing

[Really Clark?]

Joe Jon will probably end up coming. Also, a lot of those OU guys, outside of Joe Jon, were holdovers from Lincoln or were brought in by Venables.

Also would not be surprised to see Matt Holecek come with him and be the QB coach. He was the assistant QB coach at OU helping Lebby and was with him at OM. I could see him coming along and getting an on field role. Obviously Lebby is the actual QB coach, but kind of like Drew Hollingshead with Mike, Holecek was with the QBs every day.

JJF is staying and being promoted at OU

[StarkVegasSteve]

JJF is staying and being promoted at OU

I mean I guess good for him for getting a raise out of it. Will be interesting to see if Lebby now goes after Jon David Baker at OM. Honestly it really does not matter who the OC is. That title is in name only. Whoever it is will just be a higher paid position coach and get to handle some offensive meetings.

[BankerDog]

David Wilczewski has been through 3 coaches now so I feel like he may stay.

Andrea Hollis as well. She?s a keeper

[Activated Alpha]

Man I haven?t been this excited since I opened up my Red Ryder carbine action, 200-shot, range model air rifle on Christmas morning

[Catfish]

Man I haven?t been this excited since I opened up my Red Ryder carbine action, 200-shot, range model air rifle on Christmas morning

Never forget that Christmas, instead of the Red Ryder, I got the lamp. Yowza!!!

[BrunswickDawg]

Man I haven?t been this excited since I opened up my Red Ryder carbine action, 200-shot, range model air rifle on Christmas morning

You'll shoot your eye out kid.

[SteelCurtain74]

Getting JR Sandlin would be huge. He has quite an impressive resume' as a recruiting coordinator. Worked for Saban and Brian Kelly in addition to Venables.

[TrapGame]

Getting JR Sandlin would be huge. He has quite an impressive resume' as a recruiting coordinator. Worked for Saban and Brian Kelly in addition to Venables.

Hello. That would be huge.

[Joebob]

2024 Staff









2023 Staff
Staff Directory Members By Category/Department
NAME TITLE PHONE E-MAIL ADDRESS

Greg Knox Greg Knox Senior Offensive Analyst
Kevin Barbay Kevin Barbay Assistant Football Coach (Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks
Matt Brock Matt Brock Assistant Football Coach (Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers)
Tony Hughes Tony Hughes Associate Football Head Coach (Running Backs)
Chad Bumphis Chad Bumphis Assistant Football Coach (Wide Receivers)
Brett Dewhurst Brett Dewhurst Assistant Football Coach (Safeties)
Will Friend Will Friend Assistant Football Coach (Offensive Line)
Darcel McBath Darcel McBath Assistant Football Coach (Cornerbacks)
Eric Mele Eric Mele Assistant Football Coach (Special Teams Coordinator)
Mike Schmidt Mike Schmidt Assistant Football Coach (Tight Ends & Tackles/Run Game Coordinator)
David Turner David Turner Assistant Football Coach (Defensive Line)
Jason Thoren Jason Thoren Senior Defensive Analyst
Kendrick Shaver Kendrick Shaver Defensive Analyst
Dan Conwell Dan Conwell Special Teams Quality Control
Koy Detmer Koy Detmer Offensive Quality Control
Shane Gallant Shane Gallant Special Teams Quality Control
Alex Jackson Alex Jackson Offensive Quality Control
Henry Stone Henry Stone Offensive Quality Control
Cody Leach Cody Leach Special Teams Fellow
Taveze Calhoun Taveze Calhoun Graduate Assistant
Tim Washington Tim Washington Graduate Assistant
Brad Peterson Brad Peterson Associate A.D./Football Administration
David Wilczewski David Wilczewski Associate A.D./Football Operations
Juliana Prezelski Juliana Prezelski Assistant Director/Football Operations
Steve Campbell Steve Campbell Director of High School Relations
Joey Jones Joey Jones Director of Player Personnel
Jason Washington Jason Washington Director of Player Development
Lee Wilbanks Lee Wilbanks Senior Director of Football Recruiting
Rod Gibson Rod Gibson Director of Football Recruiting Communications
Andrea Hollis Andrea Hollis Director of Recruiting Strategy
Daniela Torres Daniela Torres Coordinator of Recruiting Operations
Kyle Schexnayder Kyle Schexnayder Football Recruiting Specialist
Courtney Williams Courtney Williams Assistant Director/College Scouting
Seth Swinney Seth Swinney Graphic Designer
Chris Zuccaro Chris Zuccaro Director of Football Technology
Taylor Hart Taylor Hart Assistant Director of Football Technology
Tyson Brown Tyson Brown Head Strength & Conditioning Coach
Jordan Ellis Jordan Ellis Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach
MyQuon Stout MyQuon Stout Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach
Chad Traver Chad Traver Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach
Kalyn Robinson Kalyn Robinson Accounting Assistant


What the heck do quality control people do?

[TheLostDawg]

Andrea Hollis as well. She?s a keeper

What about Mullen's/Can's old girlfriend. She's over there too

[Tough Dawg]

WR - Chad Bumphis.

I?m more anxious about DC than anything.

[Really Clark?]

Bumphis is staying on staff. Just tweeted it

[Coursesuper]

Bumphis is staying on staff. Just tweeted it

Looks Lebby decided to keep him. Good for him and us.

[BigDawg81]

Looks Lebby decided to keep him. Good for him and us. Good for all parties and JJ Harrell

[ScoobaDawg]

Sounds like none of the on the field OU coaches are coming. Ouch. ...

[msstate7]

Sounds like none of the on the field OU coaches are coming. Ouch. ...

Anyone know how many we offered? This is concerning to me

[StarkVegasSteve]

Anyone know how many we offered? This is concerning to me

I imagine we offered Joe Jon Finley and maybe Murray. I think we just kicked the tires with Bedenbaugh. Joe Jon is the only one I thought we might get but even then I thought it would be between him and Jon David Baker at OM.

[Leroy Jenkins]

Where does Buddy Stephens fit in? OL coach or off field?*

[Pancho]

first I've heard about Buddy

[bigbub50]

If we get buddy, I want season 1 version of ?last chance u? buddy. If he isn?t bringing that, it?s a hard pass.

[Really Clark?]

No surprise to anyone...Barbay has officially been let go.

[ScoobaDawg]

Yea.. that's the first mention I have seen anywhere of Buddy... and gotta say no thanks. He can stay in Scooba forever .

[Really Clark?]

David Turner is being retained

[Coursesuper]

David Turner is being retained

Does this mean we have a DC that hasn't been announced yet?

[ScoobaDawg]

https://twitter.com/mzenitz/status/1729882975389864198

[StarkVegasSteve]

Randy Clements will probably be announced in the next couple of days. I expect him to be the OL/RGC and maybe even possibly OC.

As I said yesterday, I would expect Matt Holecek to be the QB coach and maybe even PGC.

As someone stated last night, would not be shocked if Alec Abeln to end up being the TE coach. I believe it is down to him and JR Sandlin at OU. Abeln is at UT with Heupel. Could also see one of these guys be named the PGC.

No clue on RB coach at the moment. I seriously doubt it will be Knox. I could see Mele or Washington interviewing for it as well as each of them coached that position for Leach.

[ScoobaDawg]

Does this mean we have a DC that hasn't been announced yet?

Unless Clark has a different source. I'm not seeing anyone saying it offically yet. As no, Dirkin hasn't accepted yet.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Does this mean we have a DC that hasn't been announced yet?

I would expect this means that Lebby knows whoever the DC is going to be will have no issues with him retaining the DL coach. Turner is also very highly thought of in the coaching world as well. From a coaching and recruiting standpoint.

[Coursesuper]

I would expect this means that Lebby knows whoever the DC is going to be will have no issues with him retaining the DL coach. Turner is also very highly thought of in the coaching world as well. From a coaching and recruiting standpoint.

That's hopefully how this is working.

[Really Clark?]

From my understanding the DC candidates had discussions about any possible retentions and Turner specifically and their input was requested on that. Lebby was working through our staff yesterday and finishing up today, I believe. A good bit if news will come today and tomorrow.

[Homedawg]

David Turner is being retained

Good decision. But wait, I thought ALL other Hc let the Coordinators hire their sides of the ball*****************************************

[Coursesuper]

From my understanding the DC candidates had discussions about any possible retentions and Turner specifically and their input was requested on that. Lebby was working through our staff yesterday and finishing up today, I believe. A good bit if news will come today and tomorrow.

I guessed this would take three to four days to get the position coaches into play. It's just as important to get the support staff completed and augmented as fast as possible also, sadly we have to move at lighting speed.

[StarkVegasSteve]

I guessed this would take three to four days to get the position coaches into play. It's just as important to get the support staff completed and augmented as fast as possible also, sadly we have to move at lighting speed.

Yea it is tough because you can start contacting recruits again on Friday and the portal opens on Monday. So things are moving very quickly.

[Jack Lambert]

If he hires a friend, I hope it isn't because he's a friend.

[Really Clark?]

Yeah, I think some off field staffer retention and some new hires will be named pretty soon. OL coach hopefully will be announced later today.

[BankerDog]

Randy Clements will probably be announced in the next couple of days. I expect him to be the OL/RGC and maybe even possibly OC.

As I said yesterday, I would expect Matt Holecek to be the QB coach and maybe even PGC.

As someone stated last night, would not be shocked if Alec Abeln to end up being the TE coach. I believe it is down to him and JR Sandlin at OU. Abeln is at UT with Heupel. Could also see one of these guys be named the PGC.

No clue on RB coach at the moment. I seriously doubt it will be Knox. I could see Mele or Washington interviewing for it as well as each of them coached that position for Leach.

Sandlin is a good dude. He?s from Tuscaloosa. I?d like to see him here.

[Coursesuper]

From my understanding the DC candidates had discussions about any possible retentions and Turner specifically and their input was requested on that. Lebby was working through our staff yesterday and finishing up today, I believe. A good bit if news will come today and tomorrow.

I have to admit I'm not a fan of keeping staff from the last administration. Affecting culture change is not simple thing to do. The program needs to affect change through out the organization, it needs a total culture change. That said I understand that for the sake of expediency and the compressed timelines that we are currently working in compromises have to be made. Maybe these will be kept to a minimum and the holdovers will have total buy in with the new way of doing things. They are professionals.

[Really Clark?]

I have to admit I'm not a fan of keeping staff from the last administration. Affecting culture change is not simple thing to do. The program needs to affect change through out the organization, it needs a total culture change. That said I understand that for the sake of expediency and the compressed timelines that we are currently working in compromises have to be made. Maybe these will be kept to a minimum and the holdovers will have total buy in with the new way of doing things. They are professionals.

Yeah I can see that. I think there are a few things in play like you mention. I know Turner and Bump both were frustrated with how things were being run. Bumps previous 2 stops...Leipold and Whittingham. They can really run a program well.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Yeah I can see that. I think there are a few things in play like you mention. I know Turner and Bump both were frustrated with how things were being run. Bumps previous 2 stops...Leipold and Whittingham. They can really run a program well.

That was my biggest worry with Bumphis and retaining him. Is he really a good coach? Or was he just under exceptional HCs who know how to run programs at high level of efficiency and organization. Obviously he is a decent recruiter though so with the compressed timeline of things it was probably best to just go ahead and keep him and have him on a short leash this year.

[Really Clark?]

Tyson Brown has not been retained

[StarkVegasSteve]

Tyson Brown has not been retained

Looks like Shaud Williams from Oregon will be the new S&C coach.

[ScoobaDawg]

Looks like Shaud Williams from Oregon will be the new S&C coach.

Interesting name. wonder how Lebby knows him or just an up and comer that's been noticed? He has been at Oregon since 2018 and was at wisconsin in 17. Texas high schools before that.
Looks like Oregon hired Wilson Love from Mississippi last jan... who would of been there with Lebby. He kept Williams on.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Interesting name. wonder how Lebby knows him or just an up and comer that's been noticed? He has been at Oregon since 2018 and was at wisconsin in 17. Texas high schools before that.
Looks like Oregon hired Wilson Love from Mississippi last jan... who would of been there with Lebby. He kept Williams on.

He and Lebby went to Andrews High in TX together.

[TrapGame]

Looks like Shaud Williams from Oregon will be the new S&C coach.

Heard he may be bringing a couple of the Oregon S&C staff with him.

[ScoobaDawg]

Heard he may be bringing a couple of the Oregon S&C staff with him.

Bring on JARWARSKI BECKUM, was at UM with Lebby, and graduated from State.
https://goducks.com/sports/football/roster/coaches/jarwarski-beckum/5015

[Homedawg]

Bring on JARWARSKI BECKUM, was at UM with Lebby, and graduated from State.
https://goducks.com/sports/football/roster/coaches/jarwarski-beckum/5015

he's coming too

[Anonymous]

Interesting name. wonder how Lebby knows him or just an up and comer that's been noticed? He has been at Oregon since 2018 and was at wisconsin in 17. Texas high schools before that.
Looks like Oregon hired Wilson Love from Mississippi last jan... who would of been there with Lebby. He kept Williams on.

He worked under Feld at Oregon. When we hired Feld as S&C yesterday Shaud jumped at the chance to join back up with him. :cool:

[Op4isabitch]

Phil loadholt, Matt Holecek and Benton Duby are expected to leave Oklahoma and join Coach Lebby here at State according to 247’s Colin Kennedy.

[ScoobaDawg]

He worked under Feld at Oregon. When we hired Feld as S&C yesterday Shaud jumped at the chance to join back up with him. :cool:

Wait what? we hired the stache yesterday??? where is that reported.

[KB21]

He worked under Feld at Oregon. When we hired Feld as S&C yesterday Shaud jumped at the chance to join back up with him. :cool:

Wait. What?

[Coursesuper]

Wait what? we hired the stache yesterday??? where is that reported.

Oh was wondering the same thing.

[ScoobaDawg]

I think he's pulling our legs hard... Going from Oregon. to Miami... to us?

[was21]

Hope you still have both eyes

[StarkVegasSteve]

Wait what? we hired the stache yesterday??? where is that reported.

We did not. Feld is not coming back unless Judge is the HC. Shaud Williams is an asst S&C at Oregon now. He was never with Feld.

[Anonymous]

We did not. Feld is not coming back unless Judge is the HC. Shaud Williams is an asst S&C at Oregon now. He was never with Feld.

I was joking about Feld, although I firmly believe we should make an offer he can't refuse.

Shaud has been at Oregon since 2018, so he spent 3 years on staff under Feld.

[BrunswickDawg]

We did not. Feld is not coming back unless Judge is the HC. Shaud Williams is an asst S&C at Oregon now. He was never with Feld.

Feld and Williams were both at Oregon from 2018. Feld left to follow Cristobol to Miami in '22, Williams stayed at Oregon.

[BigDawg81]

Any shot at Corey Raymond? Great recruiter and made DBU at LSU.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Any shot at Corey Raymond? Great recruiter and made DBU at LSU.

We won’t know until a DC is hired. Things will come together pretty quickly once that hire is made.

[NCDawg]

I find it strange we would hire Turner before a DC is hired. Could be the DC may have someone else in mind for DL coach.

[Really Clark?]

3 off the field staffers from OK coming. Phil Loadholt, Benton Duby, Matt Holecek

[StarkVegasSteve]

I find it strange we would hire Turner before a DC is hired. Could be the DC may have someone else in mind for DL coach.

Lebby has ok’d hiring Turner with all of the potential DC candidates before he made that move.

[KB21]

For those in the know, who else is in the mix besides Durkin? Geoff Collins? Tom Allen? Blake Baker?

[StarkVegasSteve]

For those in the know, who else is in the mix besides Durkin? Geoff Collins? Tom Allen? Blake Baker?

Durkin is the main candidate at the moment. I think we want him to say no before moving on.

[NCDawg]

I don't suppose Manny Diaz has any interest in coming back again. He didn't do too well as a HC, but he's a good DC in my opinion.

[TrapGame]

Durkin is the main candidate at the moment. I think we want him to say no before moving on.

Is Durkin holding out to see if he gets another HC gig?


I don't suppose Manny Diaz has any interest in coming back again. He didn't do too well as a HC, but he's a good DC in my opinion.

Manny's wife was too good for Starkville. And he's got a good thing going on at Penn State.

[BrunswickDawg]

For those in the know, who else is in the mix besides Durkin? Geoff Collins? Tom Allen? Blake Baker?

With Lebby's whole "Swag Manifesto", having the originator of the Can o' Swag back in the fold would be fitting LOL

[sandjunky]

With Lebby's whole "Swag Manifesto", having the originator of the Can o' Swag back in the fold would be fitting LOL

#SwagIsState brother

[HancockCountyDog]

3 off the field staffers from OK coming. Phil Loadholt, Benton Duby, Matt Holecek

Anyone know what role they are getting? I'm assuming still off-the-field analysts?

[Big4Dawg]

Anyone know what role they are getting? I'm assuming still off-the-field analysts?

I bet 1 or 2 get on-the-field roles

[ScoobaDawg]

It's been discussed Holecek might be the QB coach (if there is one) as he worked closely with Lebby as the Rebels’ assistant quarterbacks coach including helping develip Matt Corral.

Loadholt was a OL analyst at OU,
I don't know what the full story on Duby is... seems like he's some kid associated with the team?
Tanner Schafer played 5 years at OU and is/was a GA coach now.

[Coach34]

I don't suppose Manny Diaz has any interest in coming back again. He didn't do too well as a HC, but he's a good DC in my opinion.

Manny is the DC at Penn State. He aint leaving a Top 15 program

[Really Clark?]

Will Friend has not been retained

[Really Clark?]

Besides Tyson, all senior S & C coaches will not be retained.

[Op4isabitch]

Will Friend has not been retained

Yeah you got me…. Snuck that little NOT in there. Shame on you! lol

[Really Clark?]

Yeah you got me…. Snuck that little NOT in there. Shame on you! lol

Haha. I almost made a separate thread to declare:

Will Friend will be the new OL coach

Then a separate post:

At some other school.

I figured the board would burn and someone would investigate where I live to come and murders me good and dead. Lol

[StarkVegasSteve]

Anyone know what role they are getting? I'm assuming still off-the-field analysts?

Holecek will probably be the QB coach. Loadholt will probably stay off field. No clue on Duby because I do not know what he did on staff and who he helped.

[ScoobaDawg]

Holecek will probably be the QB coach. Loadholt will probably stay off field. No clue on Duby because I do not know what he did on staff and who he helped.

Duby is interesting. Been a student coach since his freshman year in HS when he threw out his shoulder. Best I can tell graduated HS in spring 2021. So.... he's an undergrad coach???
https://www.newschannel10.com/2019/09/22/benton-duby-next-great-football-coach/

[ScoobaDawg]

https://twitter.com/PeteThamel/status/1730001166581284974

[ScoobaDawg]

Jon cooper would have been at OU when Lebby was there. Likely TE coach i would think

https://meangreensports.com/sports/football/roster/coaches/jon-cooper/734

[Really Clark?]

Jon cooper would have been at OU when Lebby was there. Likely TE coach i would think

https://meangreensports.com/sports/football/roster/coaches/jon-cooper/734

He was also the TE coach at Ark in 2020. UCF 2018-2019

[DEDawg]

Was Jon let go from OU? Or is UNT OL coach a step up?

[HancockCountyDog]

Was Jon let go from OU? Or is UNT OL coach a step up?

It was a step up. He was an analyst at OU. Im not thrilled with the staff so far. A lot of analysts getting promoted.

[ScoobaDawg]

Was Jon let go from OU? Or is UNT OL coach a step up?

He was an offensive analyst there. Not sure why he left Western Carolina after 1 year of being the OL coach.

[civildawg]

Are we really about to hire Arky's OL coach? It might have been the worst OL in college football this year

[ScoobaDawg]

Sounding better that we get the Oregon asst s&c coach and the director of speed...

[BeardoMSU]

Sounding better that we get the Oregon asst s&c coach and the director of speed...

Oh...

[StarkVegasSteve]

It was a step up. He was an analyst at OU. Im not thrilled with the staff so far. A lot of analysts getting promoted.

That is who Lebby worked directly with. I mean this was not a sitting HC with a staff built out. Also some of these analysts could be position coaches at G5 or D2 but choose to stay at the blue bloods because they are around more exposure. This is not 2009 when we were hiring Dan. Analysts are big these days. For example, Holecek has been with Lebby as an asst QB coach since OM. He could go be a position coach at a G5 or an OC at a lower level but has chosen to stay with Lebby because he knew what the payoff was.

[CoachT14]

Jon cooper would have been at OU when Lebby was there. Likely TE coach i would think

https://meangreensports.com/sports/football/roster/coaches/jon-cooper/734

If he?s the OL or TE coach that?s a pretty bad hire (I?ve liked all the others mentioned so far mind you, before you think I?m bashing or being negative, just realistic).

He was TEs coach with Heupel and Lebby at UCF. But Heupel didn?t bring him to Tennessee (first red flag).

He then takes the TE coach with Pittman in 2020 (makes sense with Briles there). He is fired less than a year later (second red flag) and goes to be the OL coach at FCS Western Carolina.

In 2022, he?s goes to Oklahoma as an offensive analyst. Then leaves this year to be North Texas OL coach.

Almost every main recruit his had has either never seen the field or transferred out. So he?s not a good recruiter and that is the rumor of why he was let go at Arkansas. AJ Green was his best recruit and the only one who did anything in college.


Hopefully he?s coming to be an analyst because he loves Lebby and not an on field role. Seems to be a below average coach and recruiter.

[BigDawg81]

Is Mele getting retained? He is tweeting out State graphics with Tulu and Zavion

[Coach34]

If he?s the OL or TE coach that?s a pretty bad hire (I?ve liked all the others mentioned so far mind you, before you think I?m bashing or being negative, just realistic).

He was TEs coach with Heupel and Lebby at UCF. But Heupel didn?t bring him to Tennessee (first red flag).

He then takes the TE coach with Pittman in 2020 (makes sense with Briles there). He is fired less than a year later (second red flag) and goes to be the OL coach at FCS Western Carolina.

In 2022, he?s goes to Oklahoma as an offensive analyst. Then leaves this year to be North Texas OL coach.

Almost every main recruit his had has either never seen the field or transferred out. So he?s not a good recruiter and that is the rumor of why he was let go at Arkansas. AJ Green was his best recruit and the only one who did anything in college.


Hopefully he?s coming to be an analyst because he loves Lebby and not an on field role. Seems to be a below average coach and recruiter.

Meh- here is where you have to defer to Lebbo. Urban demoted Hevesy and then Mullen made him the OL coach at State. While Hev was a jackass- he was a good OL coach and recruited well except when they let him talk to a WR. Hev should have been banned from talking to WR recruits. But Hev had a great relationship with Dak and others on the recruiting trail that didnt play WR.

[Really Clark?]

Pumped up dude

https://s3media.247sports.com/Uploads/Assets/352/144/12144352.jpeg

[Patrick Tibbons]

Had no idea that was the same Shaud Williams who played RB at Bama back in the early 2000s. Fun Fact: He played for Leach at Texas Tech before transferring to Bama.

[BlackSailsDawg]

3 off the field staffers from OK coming. Phil Loadholt, Benton Duby, Matt Holecek

So Collins......

[Really Clark?]

So Collins......

Yeah I got that rumor sent to me. I don't have any confirmation though.

[civildawg]

If true, I am pretty underwhelmed by this staff. I feel like bump and DT are the best ones on staff and they are holdovers. I'll give them a chance but my eyebrows are definitely raised like they were last year when we hire Will freaking Friend.

[MBDawg601]

If true, I am pretty underwhelmed by this staff. I feel like bump and DT are the best ones on staff and they are holdovers. I'll give them a chance but my eyebrows are definitely raised like they were last year when we hire Will freaking Friend.

None of the main positions have been filled yet...

[civildawg]

That's why I said if true at the beginning of my statement

[Coach34]

If true, I am pretty underwhelmed by this staff. I feel like bump and DT are the best ones on staff and they are holdovers. I'll give them a chance but my eyebrows are definitely raised like they were last year when we hire Will freaking Friend.

Did you donate 100K toward coaching hires? I only ask because we are in the bottom 1/3 of the SEC in budget. We didnt just suddenly win the lottery. We can only afford what we can afford

[civildawg]

So because I don't donate 100k I can't critique the RUMORED staff hires? When did this message board become genespage?

[MBDawg601]

So because I don't donate 100k I can't critique the RUMORED staff hires? When did this message board become genespage?

I mean, you're saying you're not thrilled with hardly any named staff members. Why not wait and see how it shakes out? Just seemed a bit soon to start downing the potential staff.

[CoachT14]

Meh- here is where you have to defer to Lebbo. Urban demoted Hevesy and then Mullen made him the OL coach at State. While Hev was a jackass- he was a good OL coach and recruited well except when they let him talk to a WR. Hev should have been banned from talking to WR recruits. But Hev had a great relationship with Dak and others on the recruiting trail that didnt play WR.

Fair point.

[civildawg]

Because it's a massage board and that's what message boards are for.

[MBDawg601]

Because it's a massage board and that's what message boards are for.

Use your soap box how you see fit then...
Carry on..

[Coach34]

So because I don't donate 100k I can't critique the RUMORED staff hires? When did this message board become genespage?

critique all you want. But you have to realize we have limited money and cant hire an all-star team to coach us

[Really Clark?]

Tony Hughes retained to an off field position. Rod Gibson as well.

[Coach34]

Rod Gibson as well.

Great move

Now the urban legend of my connection to the staff can continue and our insane fan's crazy notion that Rod is a mole of the Old Guard can continue

[Thick]

I was told that Urban actually told Dan that you better take your boy with you, or he is going to be unemployed. The rest is history.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Psycho


Defense

[msudawg1200]

Psycho


Defense

Sirmon?

[Op4isabitch]

I think Collin’s would be great! Psycho defense, cans of swag everywhere, just leave the 1A, 1B shit it the past. He and Shoop were the best defenses we had under Mullen.

[BigDawg81]

1A and 1B here we come

[StarkVegasSteve]

I think Collin’s would be great! Psycho defense, cans of swag everywhere, just leave the 1A, 1B shit it the past. He and Shoop were the best defenses we had under Mullen.

Shoop was never here under Mullen. I think you are thinking of Grantham. Or maybe Manny 1

Also, Shoop being good is a fallacy. Any of us could have coordinated that 2018 D and it would have been elite. Sweat on one side, Simmons in the middle, and Gerri Green on the other. Corey Thomas would sub in there as well. Then you had Errol and Willie at LBs with the heat seeking missile Jonathan Abram in the backend along with Dantzler

[Op4isabitch]

You’re correct I was thinking of TG. Thank you.

[CoachT14]

1A and 1B here we come

He better send like 100 kids in the portal cans of swag juice to come here. lol

[dawgday166]

Shoop was never here under Mullen. I think you are thinking of Grantham. Or maybe Manny 1

Also, Shoop being good is a fallacy. Any of us could have coordinated that 2018 D and it would have been elite. Sweat on one side, Simmons in the middle, and Gerri Green on the other. Corey Thomas would sub in there as well. Then you had Errol and Willie at LBs with the heat seeking missile Jonathan Abram in the backend along with Dantzler

Sorta true and sorta false.

Coordinate 2018 D to a top 10 D ... Sure. To #1 ... Not too many DCs would've done that. Or shut Tua down in TTown when he had been lighting everyone else up.

[vindastra]

Shoop was never here under Mullen. I think you are thinking of Grantham. Or maybe Manny 1

Also, Shoop being good is a fallacy. Any of us could have coordinated that 2018 D and it would have been elite. Sweat on one side, Simmons in the middle, and Gerri Green on the other. Corey Thomas would sub in there as well. Then you had Errol and Willie at LBs with the heat seeking missile Jonathan Abram in the backend along with Dantzler

How we easily forget Peter Sirmon.

[Anonymous]

Shoop was never here under Mullen. I think you are thinking of Grantham. Or maybe Manny 1

Also, Shoop being good is a fallacy. Any of us could have coordinated that 2018 D and it would have been elite. Sweat on one side, Simmons in the middle, and Gerri Green on the other. Corey Thomas would sub in there as well. Then you had Errol and Willie at LBs with the heat seeking missile Jonathan Abram in the backend along with Dantzler

I get your point, but you're mistaken if you don't think he did a good job that year. There is having a good defense with that talent, then there is what he did. We gave up 13.2 ppg that year, a full 2.5 ppg better than UGA's defense this year.

[BrunswickDawg]

I get your point, but you're mistaken if you don't think he did a good job that year. There is having a good defense with that talent, then there is what he did. We gave up 13.2 ppg that year, a full 2.5 ppg better than UGA's defense this year.

Now you are just making me made at JoMo all over again for the way he wasted that defense with such a craptastic approach to offense.

[ScoobaDawg]

Jon Cooper will be the OL Coach.

[MetEdDawg]

Jon Cooper will be the OL Coach.

This seems underwhelming. I know he's got previous experience as a TE coacH at UCF and some other experience as well.

But I feel like we should have been able to do a little better here.

Not sure what to make of this.

[Coursesuper]

This seems underwhelming. I know he's got previous experience as a TE coacH at UCF and some other experience as well.

But I feel like we should have been able to do a little better here.

Not sure what to make of this.

It simply comes down to knowing the offense I believe. As long as the head guy is good on it it is what it is. Hevesy got demoted and was a go coach here. A dick but a good coach.

[ScoobaDawg]

This seems underwhelming. I know he's got previous experience as a TE coacH at UCF and some other experience as well.

But I feel like we should have been able to do a little better here.

Not sure what to make of this.

I'm going to trust....doing some more digging. Yes he meet Libby at UCF, when Heupel was the head coach. The OL coach there was Glen Elarbee, who has twice been a finalist for the Broyles award. Elarbee followed Heupel to UT. Cooper moved on to Arkansas and was fired after one of being the TE coach, which seems pretty weird....in the 1st year of Pittman and Broyles. Then the OL Coach For Western Carolina dies from Covid-19 and Cooper is hired on Sept 1st 2021 to the OL Coach....which he noted he always wanted to be instead of a TE Coach. They went 4-7 that year. He then moved on to OU as an offensive analyst, teaming up with Lebby again. From there he went to UNT and their spread offense for a year under Eric Morris.

Best pedigree? No. but it's someone Lebby knows and knows his system. I would feel better if Clements come in and was the OC and OL coach and Cooper was either TE or another split of the line type deal.

[the_real_MSU_is_us]

Say we're poor all you want. Arnett (a guy with significant fewer connections vs Lebby) was able to:

Hire the WR coach from Utah, hire the OL coach from Syracuse, hire another OL coach that had been an OL coagc at other SEC schools (yes Friend sucks but he had a resume), bring back Turner, bring in an experienced SEC RB coach as an analyst (Knox), and that's off the top of my head. And Arnett did it with a smaller assistant pool.

Arnett and Moorhead were able to bring in sitting P5 on field coaches. Don't tell me Lebby can't because of money

I understand there's a long way to go. Point is, these early returns are not good

[Coach34]

aGAIN- our football budget is in the bottom of the SEC. That didnt suddenly change just because we fired Arnett. What were you guys expecting?

[the_real_MSU_is_us]

Shoop was never here under Mullen. I think you are thinking of Grantham. Or maybe Manny 1

Also, Shoop being good is a fallacy. Any of us could have coordinated that 2018 D and it would have been elite. Sweat on one side, Simmons in the middle, and Gerri Green on the other. Corey Thomas would sub in there as well. Then you had Errol and Willie at LBs with the heat seeking missile Jonathan Abram in the backend along with Dantzler

This is very dumb.

We had 3 first round draft picks. So did Clemson, so did Alabama. But they had more defenders drafters late, and they had more drafted in the next few years. Ie, Clemson and Bama had the same elite talent but more talent and depth behind them. Moreover, Clemson and Bama had elite offenses helping them out too- ours did it with a 3 and out as their only rest. Lastly, Lupoi and pretty good DCs in their own right.

For Shoop to have. A better defense than Clemson or Bama was impressive as hell.

[civildawg]

aGAIN- our football budget is in the bottom of the SEC. That didnt suddenly change just because we fired Arnett. What were you guys expecting?

So we were able to bring in P5 assistants last year but this year we can't because our budget is at the bottom of the SEC?

[Saltydog]

And this is why the Bulldog Club is still relevant, IMO.

[the_real_MSU_is_us]

aGAIN- our football budget is in the bottom of the SEC. That didnt suddenly change just because we fired Arnett. What were you guys expecting?

Moorhead hired the OL coach from Duke, brought the RB coach from PSU with him, and hired the Packers WR coach to the same position.

Arnett hired the sitting OL coach from Syracuse and WR coach from Utah.

But now the best we can afford is a guy with 1 year of G5 experience who was fired after 1 season from his only P5 job?

You're not making sense

[chef dixon]

I know we are 9 months from our next game and there's not shit else to talk about, but maybe, as a fan, who gives a shit who our O-line coach is?

[Mjoelner34]

This is very dumb.

We had 3 first round draft picks. So did Clemson, so did Alabama. But they had more defenders drafters late, and they had more drafted in the next few years. Ie, Clemson and Bama had the same elite talent but more talent and depth behind them. Moreover, Clemson and Bama had elite offenses helping them out too- ours did it with a 3 and out as their only rest. Lastly, Lupoi and pretty good DCs in their own right.

For Shoop to have. A better defense than Clemson or Bama was impressive as hell.

It's always been that way and probably always will be. Bulldog Backer (there is a name you haven't heard in a while) told me he was at one of Mullen's radio shows at Harvey's and during commercial break someone at the table asked Mullen about the difference between MSU and Bama. He said Mullen told them "We have Fletcher Cox and Josh Boyd and they're pretty good. Well, Alabama and LSU have 6 or 7 Fletcher Cox's and Josh Boyd's."

[BankerDog]

Moorhead hired the OL coach from Duke, brought the RB coach from PSU with him, and hired the Packers WR coach to the same position.

Arnett hired the sitting OL coach from Syracuse and WR coach from Utah.

But now the best we can afford is a guy with 1 year of G5 experience who was fired after 1 season from his only P5 job?

You're not making sense

Arnett didn?t hire the WR coach from Utah. That was a forced hire as was David Turner. That was Brad?s doing. Just like bringing Knox back.

Also Getsy was the ?assistant WR coach? btw and left after a year because he couldn?t stand that Joe didn?t have structure.

[NCDawg]

I know we are 9 months from our next game and there's not shit else to talk about, but maybe, as a fan, who gives a shit who our O-line coach is?

I do find it strange that we hired an OL coach and DL coach without hiring an OC and DC first.

[StarkVegasSteve]

This is very dumb.

We had 3 first round draft picks. So did Clemson, so did Alabama. But they had more defenders drafters late, and they had more drafted in the next few years. Ie, Clemson and Bama had the same elite talent but more talent and depth behind them. Moreover, Clemson and Bama had elite offenses helping them out too- ours did it with a 3 and out as their only rest. Lastly, Lupoi and pretty good DCs in their own right.

For Shoop to have. A better defense than Clemson or Bama was impressive as hell.

I am telling you all what I was told by multiple guys on at 18 defense, 2 of which being 1st round picks. Shoop did not have much to do with any of it. Brian Baker played almost as big of a role as Shoop. They told Shoop all he ever had to do was blitz 4 and they would get to the QB

[the_real_MSU_is_us]

Arnett didn?t hire the WR coach from Utah. That was a forced hire as was David Turner. That was Brad?s doing. Just like bringing Knox back.

Also Getsy was the ?assistant WR coach? btw and left after a year because he couldn?t stand that Joe didn?t have structure.

I'm not saying Moorhead was a good coach. I did say that Arnett hired those people, but I do t really care if it was him or Peterson.

Point is, we were able to pay these assistants enough for them to come here. Like real coaches that had experience at the p5 level coaching the position groups we hired them to coach here.

If we could afford it 6, 4, and 1 year ago, we can afford it now too.

The question is, why are we bringing analysts and a OL coach with no P5 experience? Is it because nobody wants to work for Lebby? Because he refuses to hire anyone he isn't friends with? Or because he genuinely believes these guys will be better coaches if given the chance than the sitting P5 coach alternatives? Charitable answer is that last one, but it does seem like a stretch doesn't it?

[shoeless joe]

Is it so much about who we “could hire” back then or is it more about who Lebby wants to hire?

[Homedawg]

I do find it strange that we hired an OL coach and DL coach without hiring an OC and DC first.

The OC isn't the OC so that doesn't matter. And coaches hire position coaches all the time wo having coordinators first.

[BankerDog]

I'm not saying Moorhead was a good coach. I did say that Arnett hired those people, but I do t really care if it was him or Peterson.

Point is, we were able to pay these assistants enough for them to come here. Like real coaches that had experience at the p5 level coaching the position groups we hired them to coach here.

If we could afford it 6, 4, and 1 year ago, we can afford it now too.

The question is, why are we bringing analysts and a OL coach with no P5 experience? Is it because nobody wants to work for Lebby? Because he refuses to hire anyone he isn't friends with? Or because he genuinely believes these guys will be better coaches if given the chance than the sitting P5 coach alternatives? Charitable answer is that last one, but it does seem like a stretch doesn't it?

How about trust the guy in his decisions until you don?t have a reason to? Friend, Schdmit, Brock, Dewhurst had previous experience-how did their units look this year? Bump did too-how did they look? Barbay?

Give the guys a chance. Half the people on this board hated Hev but those same people are now 1) Talking about how he was decent recruiter and 2) a great coach after years of talking how bad he was. Give the guys a chance to coach a unit before questioning a hire.

[dawgday166]

How about trust the guy in his decisions until you don?t have a reason to? Friend, Schdmit, Brock, Dewhurst had previous experience-how did their units look this year? Bump did too-how did they look? Barbay?

Give the guys a chance. Half the people on this board hated Hev but those same people are now 1) Talking about how he was decent recruiter and 2) a great coach after years of talking how bad he was. Give the guys a chance to coach a unit before questioning a hire.

I agree with this and nowadays am a "wait and see" guy myself.

However, right now my skepticism is growing due to one main reason.

In Barbay's and Selmon's PC, Barbay was talking up our football program and stated that there were many coaches who had reached out to him and were interested in a job on his staff.

Right now it's not looking like that is necessarily the case. But I'll continue to wait and see for 2 or 3 or so years.

It does kinda make me nervous tho cause Barbay made assurances that he adapted offenses to personnel depending on their skill sets, which he didn't seem to do this year.

[Todd4State]

I'm optimistic about Cooper after listening to an interview with him. I think it's import that he and Lebby are familiar with the offense which is the case obviously.

I also like the fact that Cooper has been with Charley Pell at Western Carolina and North Texas with Eric Morris so he has some modern Air Raid experience that could add some ideas to Lebby's offense.

On the surface I think Cooper will be a good recruiter.

But the thing no one is talking about is Lebby bringing in Matt Holocek. That's a really big coup as far as QB coaches go.

[Todd4State]

I agree with this and nowadays am a "wait and see" guy myself.

However, right now my skepticism is growing due to one main reason.

In Barbay's and Selmon's PC, Barbay was talking up our football program and stated that there were many coaches who had reached out to him and were interested in a job on his staff.

Right now it's not looking like that is necessarily the case. But I'll continue to wait and see for 2 or 3 or so years.

It does kinda make me nervous tho cause Barbay made assurances that he adapted offenses to personnel depending on their skill sets, which he didn't seem to do this year.

The big difference between Barbay and Lebby is Barbay didn't really have a defined identity that he could clearly communicate. That was a huge red flag for me. We know what Lebby is going to do. There is no question about that.

Also Barbay had never really called plays on his own and had never worked for a non offensive head coach who was there for oversight. Lebby coached under Brent Venables so there is no question when I watch Oklahoma film it's Lebby calling the plays.

Lebby's influences are also night and day compared to Barbay. Briles, Heupel and Kiffin compared to former Iowa OC Greg Davis and Larry Kueck.

[dawgday166]

The big difference between Barbay and Lebby is Barbay didn't really have a defined identity that he could clearly communicate. That was a huge red flag for me. We know what Lebby is going to do. There is no question about that.

Also Barbay had never really called plays on his own and had never worked for a non offensive head coach who was there for oversight. Lebby coached under Brent Venables so there is no question when I watch Oklahoma film it's Lebby calling the plays.

Lebby's influences are also night and day compared to Barbay. Briles, Heupel and Kiffin compared to former Iowa OC Greg Davis and Larry Kueck.

All good points but I was sorta comparing stating something which actually isn't or doesn't turn out to be true. Not sure if that is the case with regard to Lebby's statement on coaches wanting to come here or not just yet, but so far it doesn't appear to be shaping up that well.

We'll see what happens tho.

[the_real_MSU_is_us]

Obviously I hope these hires work out and have trust that Lebby knows what he's doing. That said:

1) this is a message board, we're allowed to state our concerns as well as praise the hires.

2) C34 is saying we're too poor to hire people with good resumes. My comments are more about calling that narrative out than it is criticizing Lebby. These hires are concerning on paper but they may be great hires in reality... but we absolutely can afford to hire a P5 onfield coach as our last 3 new HCs did just that

[Todd4State]

All good points but I was sorta comparing stating something which actually isn't or doesn't turn out to be true. Not sure if that is the case with regard to Lebby's statement on coaches wanting to come here or not just yet, but so far it doesn't appear to be shaping up that well.

We'll see what happens tho.

We're going to have to hunker down at this point IMO. A lot of (most) candidates are going to be coaching in bowl games. This staff won't be complete until January if I had to guess.

The QB coach is someone we should be very excited about. He's developed guys into first round picks. And he has been with Lebby for awhile. Cooper is coming from North Texas who did not make a bowl. The other two hires are Bumphis and Turner who are MSU guys which I'm Ok with. We need to keep some guys for recruiting continuity and to help Lebby get re-acclimated to the area.

If Holocek is on the field- which may or may not be the case, Dan and Leach both had QB coaches that were off the field staff and I'm pretty sure Holocek was off the field at Ole Miss- then we have about half of our offensive staff completed. All we need is a RB and a TE coach. With Lebby being the OC then we could potentially do some other things as well. Like have Holocek off the field and hire an outside receivers coach and let Bumphis coach slot/inside receivers.

Actually, not having an OC should allow us to overspend on a DC. I don't think we have the money constraints that some are touting. We've historically attracted elite DC's even during 1980's Felker MSU (Jim Carmody). I'd rather us take our time and get an elite guy rather than knee jerk reaction hire Geoff Collins. Especially given the fact that our last staff was put together very quickly and we see how that turned out. Other than OC which we had trouble hiring in part because we essentially put their staff together before we even interviewed them. I could definitely see us offering at least 1.5 million if we wanted to a DC.

[CoachT14]

I'm optimistic about Cooper after listening to an interview with him. I think it's import that he and Lebby are familiar with the offense which is the case obviously.

I also like the fact that Cooper has been with Charley Pell at Western Carolina and North Texas with Eric Morris so he has some modern Air Raid experience that could add some ideas to Lebby's offense.

On the surface I think Cooper will be a good recruiter.

But the thing no one is talking about is Lebby bringing in Matt Holocek. That's a really big coup as far as QB coaches go.

I think Holocek is going to be off the field.

[DCdawg]

Apparently Cooper won't be the OL coach. I won't link Football Scoop, but we are set to hire Cody Kennedy away from Arkansas.

[Pancho]

well well

[sack07]

Cody Kennedy is good hire. Granted, Arkansas OL did not light the world on fire this year but he is highly regarded in the industry. Had a great run game at Tulane with Fritz.

[DownwardDawg]

Apparently Cooper won't be the OL coach. I won't link Football Scoop, but we are set to hire Cody Kennedy away from Arkansas.

Interesting. Arkansas O line was horrible this year. Couldn't block water. Maybe it was talent?

[Todd4State]

Apparently Cooper won't be the OL coach. I won't link Football Scoop, but we are set to hire Cody Kennedy away from Arkansas.

Nevermind then. LOL.

[Todd4State]

I think Holocek is going to be off the field.

Very possible. And I'm fine with that recruiting QB's is a different animal.

[TrapGame]

Interesting. Arkansas O line was horrible this year. Couldn't block water. Maybe it was talent?

It was going from Briles to Enos. The three years Briles was there they had a pretty damn good OL.

[the_real_MSU_is_us]

Cody Kennedy has been at Arky 3 seasons. The OL immediately got better under him his 1st year, and they were good last year. Then they lost 3 starters and have been AWFUL this year- 12th in yards per rush, 14th in sacks allowed. They are starting a couple 2nd year players at the tackle spots.

So what do you make of that? Is he a really good OL coach that just had a fluky down year due to young guys? Or is he a good coach of other peoples players that can't recruit?

It's probably the former. Good OLs at Tulane and early Arkansas, so the 1 bad year is probably a fluke. In college football everything is so "what have you done for me lately" that a school will be ready to fire a good coach after 1 down year- that's the time to poach said coach. If you try to poach a coach that just had a good year, the boosters at that school will rally to pay him.

I like this hire if true. And of Cooper is anything other than OL coach (ie TEs or off field) then I like that hire too

[KB21]

Cody Kennedy has been at Arky 3 seasons. The OL immediately got better under him his 1st year, and they were good last year. Then they lost 3 starters and have been AWFUL this year- 12th in yards per rush, 14th in sacks allowed. They are starting a couple 2nd year players at the tackle spots.

So what do you make of that? Is he a really good OL coach that just had a fluky down year due to young guys? Or is he a good coach of other peoples players that can't recruit?

It's probably the former. Good OLs at Tulane and early Arkansas, so the 1 bad year is probably a fluke. In college football everything is so "what have you done for me lately" that a school will be ready to fire a good coach after 1 down year- that's the time to poach said coach. If you try to poach a coach that just had a good year, the boosters at that school will rally to pay him.

I like this hire if true. And of Cooper is anything other than OL coach (ie TEs or off field) then I like that hire too

Last year's results have more to do with a poor scheme and piss poor play calling. Similar to us, though the OL coaches we had were actually bad.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Their line was bad this year because they were trying to run Enos’ offense. Under the Briles Veer and Shoot, basically our offense, their line was really good.

[CoachT14]

KJ Jefferson also holds the ball entirely too long. They gave up a ton of sacks the last 3 years while also nearly allowing the most time in the pocket in the SEC all 3 years

Their OL was top half of the SEC the last 2 years. Lost 3 starters and gained an Enos and you saw the results.

[HancockCountyDog]

Not thrilled with the hire, but I think any OL coach we hire will have his work cut out for him and this guy has turned OL that don't have a ton of talent into good OL so I'm going to hope he can do that here.

We definitely need someone that can develop an OL.

[TrapGame]

Not thrilled with the hire, but I think any OL coach we hire will have his work cut out for him and this guy has turned OL that don't have a ton of talent into good OL so I'm going to hope he can do that here.

We definitely need someone that can develop an OL.

Kennedy was a Broyles Award finalist. He's legit.

[DownwardDawg]

It was going from Briles to Enos. The three years Briles was there they had a pretty damn good OL.

Gotcha.

[ZedFedder]

When you look at the whole body of work and big picture, this is a good hire. He has familiarity with Briles offense, so transitioning to Lebby's should not be a huge jump.

[HancockCountyDog]

Kennedy was a Broyles Award finalist. He's legit.

Obviously I hope you are right. We need a great OL coach that can really develop cohesion fast and get the most out of what we have on the roster.

I expect at least 4-5 portal OL and anyone that has coached OL knows, getting 5 guys to work as one usually takes time. Same reason the 2008 OL looked like shit in oxford and the 2009 OL with basically the same players wrecked the bears shit.

[Cooterpoot]

Lebby's building a really solid offensive staff. I expect we know the defensive side really soon, probably after this weekend

[the_real_MSU_is_us]

And the Arky fans on Reddit are celebrating and calling us dumb. Again I'll say it- us fans are extremely emotional and only care about "what have you done for me lately". Arky fans can't see the guys resume because of 1 bad year. Conversely, if he was coming off a good year Arky would pay whatever we are offering to keep him... have to be a stock broker and "buy low" to get these guys with SEC experience. Love the hire.

[confucius say]

Time to update the new staff thread scooba

[HoopsDawg]

Time to update the new staff thread scooba

Wait, did we hire Arkansas's Oline coach? They were horrible this year. Beyond bad.

[ScoobaDawg]

Wait, did we hire Arkansas's Oline coach? They were horrible this year. Beyond bad.

This has been rehashed so much already. They were horrible because of the OC brought in. Kennedy is from the Veer and Shoot tree and was brought in with Kendal Briles.
Only 2 years ago he was up for the broyles award. We will be fine.

[DesotoDog1967]

Who is Anthony Tucker?

[Cooterpoot]

Who is Anthony Tucker?
Was at Indiana but at UCF with Lebby. String hire.

[preachermatt83]

Hearing a lot of Tom Allen smoke

[Really Clark?]

Was at Indiana but at UCF with Lebby. String hire.

Yeah, good RB coach hire

[ScoobaDawg]

Offensive staff is done ... well on-field portion

[ScoobaDawg]

https://twitter.com/HailStateFB/status/1730676892292755873

https://twitter.com/HailStateFB/status/1730676892292755873

https://twitter.com/HailStateFB/status/1730692355358097479

https://twitter.com/HailStateFB/status/1730707168968814866

[Todd4State]

Got a guy who was an OC in the Big 10 coaching running backs? Nice.

[ScoobaDawg]

https://twitter.com/HailStateFB/status/1730674122202710291

[DesotoDog1967]

Who is OC?

[ScoobaDawg]

Got a guy who was an OC in the Big 10 coaching running backs? Nice.

Asst Head Coach.... so an upgrade to being Co-Offensive Cordinator. He played WR. Has coached WR, RB, and QB.

https://twitter.com/HailStateFB/status/1730703735859667196

[ScoobaDawg]

Who is OC?

Lebby.

[FISHDAWG]

Not thrilled with the hire, but I think any OL coach we hire will have his work cut out for him and this guy has turned OL that don't have a ton of talent into good OL so I'm going to hope he can do that here.

We definitely need someone that can develop an OL.

I'm in this same boat.... I'm guessing he can develop if he has something to work with.... so let's just hope that he doesn't have to "grow " an O-line because that's probably gonna take a while

[ScoobaDawg]

No confirmation on a QB coach as of yet being on-field.

[ScoobaDawg]

And now its offical. Holecek get's his first ON-FIELD assignment as QB coach..

[CadaverDawg]

Bump

Any new coaches announced? When do we think a DC will be announced? Gotta hope soon with the portal getting rolling

[Medic601]

Bump

Any new coaches announced? When do we think a DC will be announced? Gotta hope soon with the portal getting rolling

Muschamp will be announced as DC now that the SEC Title Game is over. 😳

[Leroy Jenkins]

Muschamp will be announced as DC now that the SEC Title Game is over. ��

Maybe. He's Co-Dc making 900k while the primary DC makes 2mil and is young enough to be his son.

[BuckyIsAB****]

Muschamp will be announced as DC now that the SEC Title Game is over. 😳
Would be a good hire

[dawgday166]

Would be a good hire

I don't think so. Not a Muschamp fan.

[Leroy Jenkins]

Not a Muschamp fan.

As a HC, nope. As a DC.......? Maybe.

[DownwardDawg]

Apparently we don't have our DC yet. I just want Lebby to get the right one. No rush.

[ScoobaDawg]

Shaun Williams in as S&C

[Todd4State]

Muschamp will be announced as DC now that the SEC Title Game is over. ��

I'm not sure why people keep mentioning him? I just can't see him leaving his alma mater where his college teammate is the head coach and he has it absolutely made and he is a part of their most successful era of football by far.

[DownwardDawg]

I'm not sure why people keep mentioning him? I just can't see him leaving his alma mater where his college teammate is the head coach and he has it absolutely made and he is a part of their most successful era of football by far.

I'm pretty sure it's a joke. Shirley......

[Leroy Jenkins]

I'm not sure why people keep mentioning him? I just can't see him leaving his alma mater where his college teammate is the head coach and he has it absolutely made and he is a part of their most successful era of football by far.

I don't know either, unless it's the fact that he works for a 30 year old and makes less than half the money their DC does.

[StarkVegasSteve]

It seems like Randy Shannon could be the hire at DC. Also would not be surprised to see it end up being Tosh Lupoi.

[TrapGame]

It seems like Randy Shannon could be the hire at DC. Also would not be surprised to see it end up being Tosh Lupoi.

Damn, I'd take Tosh over Randy. Oregon has a pretty good defense.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Damn, I'd take Tosh over Randy. Oregon has a pretty good defense.

Just one of the names I have heard. I do think our DC is coming from a program that was playing last week it could be Boom as well, although I do not see him leaving UGA. I think he believes he could get that job when Kirby hangs it up. I have heard from multiple UGA people that Kirby does not want to coach too much longer. I had heard that if he won the natty this year there was a thought he would hang it up.

[Medic601]

I'm not sure why people keep mentioning him? I just can't see him leaving his alma mater where his college teammate is the head coach and he has it absolutely made and he is a part of their most successful era of football by far.

I said that being stupid. I don?t have the slightest clue who it is or anything of the sort.

[TrapGame]

Just one of the names I have heard. I do think our DC is coming from a program that was playing last week it could be Boom as well, although I do not see him leaving UGA. I think he believes he could get that job when Kirby hangs it up. I have heard from multiple UGA people that Kirby does not want to coach too much longer. I had heard that if he won the natty this year there was a thought he would hang it up.

Wow. Could you imagine a scenario where both Bama and UGA come open in the same year? Total insanity. Boom at UGA? He'd have a tough time selling that.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Wow. Could you imagine a scenario where both Bama and UGA come open in the same year? Total insanity. Boom at UGA? He'd have a tough time selling that.

Yea, he wants it. They do not want him. They want Lanning. Problem is, Bama does too now. So those two jobs come open it will be the bidding war of all time between UGA, Bama, and Phil Knight.

[TrapGame]

Yea, he wants it. They do not want him. They want Lanning. Problem is, Bama does too now. So those two jobs come open it will be the bidding war of all time between UGA, Bama, and Phil Knight.

I would not be surprised if Saban steps down after this season. This turnaround was a masterful piece of coaching but you can tell it's taken its toll on him. Watching him in interviews it looks like he's ready.

[Really Clark?]

Waiting out TAM and Durkin, retention or if they will buy him out. He has 3 years at $1.8 MIL per left on his contract.

[HancockCountyDog]

Waiting out TAM and Durkin, retention or if they will buy him out. He has 3 years at $1.8 MIL per left on his contract.

Well that seems silly. At this point he is going to coach the bowl game. We can't wait for that to be over. A&M already lost Elijah Robinson to Syracuse.

As long as it doesn't affect us for signing day, I don't care. With this December signing day, I'm ready to have someone on the defensive side of the ball.

[Lord McBuckethead]

I don't think so. Not a Muschamp fan.

Muschamp is a good Defensive Coordinator.

[ScoobaDawg]

3 off the field annouched

Director of Career & Professional Dev. - Greg Knox
Director of Life Skills and NFL Liaison - Jason Washington
Director of Community Engagement and Former Player Relations - Gerri Green

[Leroy Jenkins]

Looks like the enthusiasm for updates has faded.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Looks like the enthusiasm for updates has faded.

No there are just 84 other threads about it. Our newest member woof has started 83 of them.

[msudawg1200]

Phil Loadholt has been hired as Colorado's OL coach

[BlackSailsDawg]

3 off the field annouched

Director of Career & Professional Dev. - Greg Knox
Director of Life Skills and NFL Liaison - Jason Washington
Director of Community Engagement and Former Player Relations - Gerri Green

Part of the new program put in by Lebby. It's called D.A.W.G

[ScoobaDawg]

Coleman Hutzeler offically the DC and Inside Linebackers

https://twitter.com/HailStateFB/status/1733162122652397840

[LibraryDawg]

Rosebowl says we only have one spot left unfilled. Who else has not been announced?

[ScoobaDawg]

Rosebowl says we only have one spot left unfilled. Who else has not been announced?

Memphis defensive coordinator Matt Barnes as Outside LB
Corey Bell of FAU to be the Cornerbacks coach.


Not sure who will be Special Teams cordinator and safety coach.

[Really Clark?]

Memphis defensive coordinator Matt Barnes as Outside LB
Corey Bell of FAU to be the Cornerbacks coach.


Not sure who will be Special Teams cordinator and safety coach.

Barnes will be the safeties coach

[civildawg]

Is it true that the non qualified coach we are giving our DC role to us staying on at Bama until after the playoff?

[mparkerfd20]

Is it true that the non qualified coach we are giving our DC role to us staying on at Bama until after the playoff?

Yes it's true. Lebby severely ****ed the pooch on defensive hires. He doesn't care about D like he does O

[DEDawg]

Is it true that the non qualified coach we are giving our DC role to us staying on at Bama until after the playoff?

Sorry, why is he unqualified?

[Turfdawg67]

Looks like the enthusiasm for updates has faded.

Oh, it's faded alright... I love the names that were thrown around vs who we got.

[BrunswickDawg]

Sorry, why is he unqualified?

His name isn't Durkin or Collins****

[Really Clark?]

Is it true that the non qualified coach we are giving our DC role to us staying on at Bama until after the playoff?

Name all the coaches who leave a title team and not pull double duty. Kiffin and....

[civildawg]

He's a LB coach that got a promotion and hefty pay raise to DC. It's not unreasonable to expect him to be at his new job.

[civildawg]

Sorry, why is he unqualified?

Because he's coached ST more than defense

[Really Clark?]

He's a LB coach that got a promotion and hefty pay raise to DC. It's not unreasonable to expect him to be at his new job.

Except it really is when he is coaching a team going for a national title. Again, name coaches who don't? Mullen and Hev pulled double duty. Kirby and Tucker pulled double duty. Lanning pulled double duty. Tom Herman pulled double duty at OSU. Kiffin showed his ass thinking he got the Houston gig and Saban helped show him the door, that's one who didn't.

[mparkerfd20]

I'm not in the wait and see camp on D. I'm in the "These guys suck. Please prove me wrong" camp.

[Coursesuper]

Except it really is when he is coaching a team going for a national title. Again, name coaches who don't? Mullen and Hev pulled double duty. Kirby and Tucker pulled double duty. Lanning pulled double duty. Tom Herman pulled double duty at OSU. Kiffin showed his ass thinking he got the Houston gig and Saban helped show him the door, that's one who didn't.

Our alumni and fan base prove me right every time. We are exactly who I thought we are and our own worst enemy.

[Really Clark?]

Our alumni and fan base prove me right every time. We are exactly who I thought we are and our own worst enemy.

We are who we thought we are!! You would think it would get better over time...I think it's getting worse lately.

[mparkerfd20]

Stop the damn ridiculous spin that our fan base is getting worse. These are worse than average much less worse than stellar hires on paper and every one of you know it. We all hope to God these are the greatest things since sliced bread. Risk is extremely high but the reward is too. We hope we're wrong but facts are facts.

[Really Clark?]

Stop the damn ridiculous spin that our fan base is getting worse. These are worse than average much less worse than stellar hires on paper and every one of you know it. We all hope to God these are the greatest things since sliced bread. Risk is extremely high but the reward is too. We hope we're wrong but facts are facts.

What the hell are you talking about? That has nothing to do with what I posted, if you are referring to my post about fan base getting worse about not getting out of its own way. Re-read what topic I and Coursesuper were responding to.

[Coursesuper]

Stop the damn ridiculous spin that our fan base is getting worse. These are worse than average much less worse than stellar hires on paper and every one of you know it. We all hope to God these are the greatest things since sliced bread. Risk is extremely high but the reward is too. We hope we're wrong but facts are facts.

I've never said worse, but we are a most ignorant, divided, clickish bunch. We are incapable of ever pulling in the same direction and always have been. There has been faction fighting faction for as long as I can remember as far back as the Tyler years for me and I'm sure that it goes much further than that. And now it just more amplified due to the access to social media etc. But that said we are who and where we are and always have been and continue to be our own worst enemy.

[Op4isabitch]

I've never said worse, but we are a most ignorant, divided, clickish bunch. We are incapable of ever pulling in the same direction and always have been. There has been faction fighting faction for as long as I can remember as far back as the Tyler years for me and I'm sure that it goes much further than that. And now it just more amplified due to the access to social media etc. But that said we are who and where we are and always have been and continue to be our own worst enemy.

This, is correct. If we could get on the same page as a fan base, we would be so much better off. Instead we have armchair AD’s and Coaches that don’t know shit from mud voicing their useless detrimental opinions.

How about holding the negative comments until there’s actually something negative to mention.

[mparkerfd20]

What the hell are you talking about? That has nothing to do with what I posted, if you are referring to my post about fan base getting worse about not getting out of its own way. Re-read what topic I and Coursesuper were responding to.

Maybe I misunderstood the intent of your post. And if so, I do apologize.

[the_real_MSU_is_us]

Didn't see it posted. We hired Matt Barnes as Co-DC. From Memphis, they had the 110th D in the country this past year. Yikes

[ScoobaDawg]

Believe we shoule be seeing one more defensive coach or Special teams coach named. As we are at 10 on the field currently by my count.

[MBDawg601]

"Pull in the same direction" or "Pull the rope in the same direction"

That should be our catch phrase. I have read that more in the past 2 weeks than I ever have. I am not sure what it means, but let's ride.

[Walkerhill]

"Pull in the same direction" or "Pull the rope in the same direction"

That should be our catch phrase. I have read that more in the past 2 weeks than I ever have. I am not sure what it means, but let's ride.

Thoughts on the open LB position? Any rumors there?

I wonder if it is possible that ends up being a co-DC. Possibly one we have already identified but need to wait on.

[DownwardDawg]

"Pull in the same direction" or "Pull the rope in the same direction"

That should be our catch phrase. I have read that more in the past 2 weeks than I ever have. I am not sure what it means, but let's ride.
Hud was big on this while he was head coach at ULL. He handed the team a rope pre game.

[BlackSailsDawg]

There was 100% nothing wrong with the DC hire. The guy has a history that includes being at the top colleges teaching the game including TX as a Co-DC. They wanted him back this year too!

No I don't want him to turn his back on Bama. If he does it to them, he would do it to us. Plus it's nice to have a DC walk into a recruit's home with ring that reads NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP on it and talk about how he is bringing that level of dedication to our Defense

[Walkerhill]

There was 100% nothing wrong with the DC hire. The guy has a history that includes being at the top colleges teaching the game including TX as a Co-DC. They wanted him back this year too!

No I don't want him to turn his back on Bama. If he does it to them, he would do it to us. Plus it's nice to have a DC walk into a recruit's home with ring that reads NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP on it and talk about how he is bringing that level of dedication to our Defense

Mostly agree with you. Pedigree is good and solid rep as a recruiter.

I do understand the concerns about breaking in a first time DC under a first time head coach. That is mostly where the question comes from.

If we are going to roll the dice on young guys, high energy, strong recruiters, and players coaches I am good with that. But I get if it makes some people nervous and they wish for more experience.

I trust Lebby?s judgment - seems like he is ready for this moment and knows what he is about.

[preachermatt83]

Our alumni and fan base prove me right every time. We are exactly who I thought we are and our own worst enemy.


We are who we thought we are!! You would think it would get better over time...I think it's getting worse lately.

Exactly right. It?s disgusting

[TNDawg35]

There was 100% nothing wrong with the DC hire. The guy has a history that includes being at the top colleges teaching the game including TX as a Co-DC. They wanted him back this year too!

No I don't want him to turn his back on Bama. If he does it to them, he would do it to us. Plus it's nice to have a DC walk into a recruit's home with ring that reads NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP on it and talk about how he is bringing that level of dedication to our Defense

Dude apparently has 6 Natty rings. I looked at his wiki page.

[MsuDawg_10]

when you hire a coach that is contending for a NC, I think you just know that as a coach he is going to finish his commitment to that goal. As long as he understands he is going to also be required to put in the effort in doing what he needs to do to not hurt his new team there should be no issue with it. When first hired, there was alot of smoke about him from our fan base...it was refreshing tho to see a portion of our fans actually go do their homework on the guy..hopefully through this the other portion learn to do the same.

[LibraryDawg]

Any buzz on the last slot?

[Todd4State]

Any buzz on the last slot?

The only name I've heard is Liberty's ST coach who also coaches OLB.

[DCdawg]

Looks like the staff is complete.

https://twitter.com/PeteThamel/status/1736219481351848051?t=zdZCzow_OPiaSe_BbUlDXw&s=19

[KOdawg1]

They may turn out to be gangbusters, but this is a pretty boring staff at least on paper. Not a ton of experience or big names.

Lebby is rolling with his guys. We'll see how it goes.

[MBDawg601]

They may turn out to be gangbusters, but this is a pretty boring staff at least on paper. Not a ton of experience or big names.

Lebby is rolling with his guys. We'll see how it goes.

What would be less boring? You want him to hire a magician on staff to excite people? Maybe find a spot on staff for Sinbad? Couple of circus clowns?