Next Head FB coach

Is this going back to the rumor he was planning on retiring because of his health?

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Originally Posted by HoopsDawg

Klieman would be my first call. He only makes 3.5 so he would at least listen.

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He just signed an extension to 2026 for $4.3 per year

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Originally Posted by HoopsDawg

Klieman would be my first call. He only makes 3.5 so he would at least listen.

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I totally agree, but you are definitely switching offenses. He doesn't run anything close to an air raid.

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Originally Posted by HancockCountyDog

I totally agree, but you are definitely switching offenses. He doesn't run anything close to an air raid.

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Yep!!!

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Originally Posted by WinningIsRelentless

Don?t be surprised if we have a coach before we have a AD. Might have been Leach recommendation.

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I was wondering about this last night... If Leach was seriously considering stepping down.. he would have had some suggestions I'm sure about keeping the program going.

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Originally Posted by ScoobaDawg

I was wondering about this last night... If Leach was seriously considering stepping down.. he would have had some suggestions I'm sure about keeping the program going.

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Yes and with extensive coaching tree and development of coaches, you pay close attention. Arnett is not just a name because he is on staff. Not saying we will or should or that he would accept but he is highly regarded.

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Originally Posted by ScoobaDawg

I was wondering about this last night... If Leach was seriously considering stepping down.. he would have had some suggestions I'm sure about keeping the program going.

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This is the most intriguing thing I've read. If so, who would he have suggested because I'm at a loss on this one. I honestly don't know who a viable candidate would be right now other than.....Mullen.

I know it's not perfect but if I look as an outside observer he's the one that makes the most sense. I think he could keep Arnett, he knows all the connections to keep the class together, he has a track record of success here and I think he's good enough offensively to take what he knows and adapt it to what we have (at least as good as anyone else). I had my problems with how he shopped himself around but would he really do that again after it failing last time? I think he would be more drawn to retiring after us that moving on. Tough situation....

edited: he's also the only coach I could imagine taking the job not knowing who the AD is even going to be.

I don't know if I believe that though based on last week. There weren't many indications he was planning on stepping down and retiring. Seemed to be recruiting and doing bowl prep. If you are retiring, I figured that would have been announced after egg bowl.

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Originally Posted by gtowndawg

This is the most intriguing thing I've read. If so, who would he have suggested because I'm at a loss on this one. I honestly don't know who a viable candidate would be right now other than.....Mullen.

I know it's not perfect but if I look as an outside observer he's the one that makes the most sense. I think he could keep Arnett, he knows all the connections to keep the class together, he has a track record of success here and I think he's good enough offensively to take what he knows and adapt it to what we have (at least as good as anyone else). I had my problems with how he shopped himself around but would he really do that again after it failing last time? I think he would be more drawn to retiring after us that moving on. Tough situation....

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Maybe an OC from one of leach's tree branches? maybe someone he didn't directly coach but has kept up with. I don't think he would suggest Mullen.

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Originally Posted by gtowndawg

This is the most intriguing thing I've read. If so, who would he have suggested because I'm at a loss on this one. I honestly don't know who a viable candidate would be right now other than.....Mullen.

I know it's not perfect but if I look as an outside observer he's the one that makes the most sense. I think he could keep Arnett, he knows all the connections to keep the class together, he has a track record of success here and I think he's good enough offensively to take what he knows and adapt it to what we have (at least as good as anyone else). I had my problems with how he shopped himself around but would he really do that again after it failing last time? I think he would be more drawn to retiring after us that moving on. Tough situation....

edited: he's also the only coach I could imagine taking the job not knowing who the AD is even going to be.

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# Manny Diaz

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Originally Posted by ScoobaDawg

Maybe an OC from one of leach's tree branches? maybe someone he didn't directly coach but has kept up with. I don't think he would suggest Mullen.

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No, didn't mean to suggest Leach would have recommended Mullen. I was just adding my own thoughts to the post.

I don't think Mullen is drawn to us. I think he and his family have moved in and don't have a desire to move back to Starkville based on his on comments on radio just a few weeks ago.

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Originally Posted by gtowndawg

This is the most intriguing thing I've read. If so, who would he have suggested because I'm at a loss on this one. I honestly don't know who a viable candidate would be right now other than.....Mullen.

I know it's not perfect but if I look as an outside observer he's the one that makes the most sense. I think he could keep Arnett, he knows all the connections to keep the class together, he has a track record of success here and I think he's good enough offensively to take what he knows and adapt it to what we have (at least as good as anyone else). I had my problems with how he shopped himself around but would he really do that again after it failing last time? I think he would be more drawn to retiring after us that moving on. Tough situation....

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I highly doubt we hire Dan. Like I said we could realistically get Todd Monken after the playoffs and announce him before or we could get Chris Hatcher right now. We have options but it's certainly limited. I think that's what Keenum will do but I could be wrong. I do think hiring Arnett is very knee jerk at this point.

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Originally Posted by trojandawg

I don't think Mullen is drawn to us. I think he and his family have moved in and don't have a desire to move back to Starkville based on his on comments on radio just a few weeks ago.

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Dan would have no problem using us again. I assure you.

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Originally Posted by trojandawg

I don't think Mullen is drawn to us. I think he and his family have moved in and don't have a desire to move back to Starkville based on his on comments on radio just a few weeks ago.

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I can buy that mainly because he has a son pursuing golf at a critical point in life. It would make sense for that and school to factor into Mullen's equation.

All these lists are great and during a normal coaching we might even be able to get a couple of them. But guys, this is the furthest thing from a normal coaching search we will ever see. First off, I doubt there are many coaches who would take this job presently. It is a terrible situation and either you bring in a new coach and force a staff on him that is not his so he is the outsider or you bring in a new coach and he brings in his own staff and you have 30-40 guys transfer and you probably lose 10-15 recruits.

We are taking a massive gamble any direction. And personally I would take the gamble that we know will keep the roster over the gamble that could set us back 5-10 years. Because if we lose this staff that will happen. Right now our best choice is elevate Arnett and either try to entice an OC to come that has Air Raid experience or promote Hollingshead or Miller to that job and backfill if you need to.

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Originally Posted by StarkVegasSteve

All these lists are great and during a normal coaching we might even be able to get a couple of them. But guys, this is the furthest thing from a normal coaching search we will ever see. First off, I doubt there are many coaches who would take this job presently. It is a terrible situation and either you bring in a new coach and force a staff on him that is not his so he is the outsider or you bring in a new coach and he brings in his own staff and you have 30-40 guys transfer and you probably lose 10-15 recruits.

We are taking a massive gamble any direction. And personally I would take the gamble that we know will keep the roster over the gamble that could set us back 5-10 years. Because if we lose this staff that will happen. Right now our best choice is elevate Arnett and either try to entice an OC to come that has Air Raid experience or promote Hollingshead or Miller to that job and backfill if you need to.

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Where in a tight spot for sure

What olinemen are expected back next season among starters?

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Originally Posted by msstate7

What olinemen are expected back next season among starters?

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all except our Center

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Originally Posted by StarkVegasSteve

All these lists are great and during a normal coaching we might even be able to get a couple of them. But guys, this is the furthest thing from a normal coaching search we will ever see. First off, I doubt there are many coaches who would take this job presently. It is a terrible situation and either you bring in a new coach and force a staff on him that is not his so he is the outsider or you bring in a new coach and he brings in his own staff and you have 30-40 guys transfer and you probably lose 10-15 recruits.

We are taking a massive gamble any direction. And personally I would take the gamble that we know will keep the roster over the gamble that could set us back 5-10 years. Because if we lose this staff that will happen. Right now our best choice is elevate Arnett and either try to entice an OC to come that has Air Raid experience or promote Hollingshead or Miller to that job and backfill if you need to.

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That's what I've been saying but we have people on this board that still hate Leach, even in death, and are willing to blow the entire football program back to the Stone Age to get away from any concept of the Air Raid..

I just hope like hell we have people in the University with better foresight.

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Originally Posted by trojandawg

I don't think Mullen is drawn to us. I think he and his family have moved in and don't have a desire to move back to Starkville based on his on comments on radio just a few weeks ago.

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MSU isn't interested in Dan Mullen.

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Originally Posted by DownwardDawg

MSU isn't interested in Dan Mullen.

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Bingo!

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Originally Posted by DownwardDawg

MSU isn't interested in Dan Mullen.

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May very well be accurate…but that feeling would not be mutual.

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Originally Posted by StarkVegasSteve

All these lists are great and during a normal coaching we might even be able to get a couple of them. But guys, this is the furthest thing from a normal coaching search we will ever see. First off, I doubt there are many coaches who would take this job presently. It is a terrible situation and either you bring in a new coach and force a staff on him that is not his so he is the outsider or you bring in a new coach and he brings in his own staff and you have 30-40 guys transfer and you probably lose 10-15 recruits.

We are taking a massive gamble any direction. And personally I would take the gamble that we know will keep the roster over the gamble that could set us back 5-10 years. Because if we lose this staff that will happen. Right now our best choice is elevate Arnett and either try to entice an OC to come that has Air Raid experience or promote Hollingshead or Miller to that job and backfill if you need to.

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Very few coaches that we could have hired previously would hesitate to take it now. The transfer portal is a game changer and anyone we hire can immediately flip a roster very quickly. Also, zero chance we lose 40 guys no matter what we do. That just isn’t going to happen. There are a lot of people who would love to take over an 8 win team with a lot returning and a favorable schedule next year.

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Originally Posted by Coach34

all except our Center

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Haven't all played in a system other than leach's? Just curious bc if they have, I think a year 1 transformation wouldn't be so bad.

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Originally Posted by StarkVegasSteve

All these lists are great and during a normal coaching we might even be able to get a couple of them. But guys, this is the furthest thing from a normal coaching search we will ever see. First off, I doubt there are many coaches who would take this job presently. It is a terrible situation and either you bring in a new coach and force a staff on him that is not his so he is the outsider or you bring in a new coach and he brings in his own staff and you have 30-40 guys transfer and you probably lose 10-15 recruits.

We are taking a massive gamble any direction. And personally I would take the gamble that we know will keep the roster over the gamble that could set us back 5-10 years. Because if we lose this staff that will happen. Right now our best choice is elevate Arnett and either try to entice an OC to come that has Air Raid experience or promote Hollingshead or Miller to that job and backfill if you need to.

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Originally Posted by Todd4State

I highly doubt we hire Dan. Like I said we could realistically get Todd Monken after the playoffs and announce him before or we could get Chris Hatcher right now. We have options but it's certainly limited. I think that's what Keenum will do but I could be wrong. I do think hiring Arnett is very knee jerk at this point.

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Exactly. If this was just a we fired this coach situation, this would be much easier. Knee jerk to hire Arnett, maybe. But that doesn't mean it is not the correct path for us at this moment, which I think it is.

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Originally Posted by Jarius

Very few coaches that we could have hired previously would hesitate to take it now. The transfer portal is a game changer and anyone we hire can immediately flip a roster very quickly. Also, zero chance we lose 40 guys no matter what we do. That just isn?t going to happen. There are a lot of people who would love to take over an 8 win team with a lot returning and a favorable schedule next year.

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UNDER NORMAL CIRCUMSTANCES. I figured I would lead it with it this time. This is not a normal coaching search. You are replacing a sitting P5 HC who was quite literally with his team 96 hours ago. This is not replacing a guy who got fired or a coach who is resigning or retiring. This has only happened 3 or 4 other times in the history of the sport. This is not on page 76 of the coaching handbook. With the timing of this and the circumstances surrounding it there just will not be much interest in this job from anyone other than extremely high risk candidates. Only a couple of P5 HCs that we would want will have legit interest in the job and only a handful of G5 HCs will and we cannot hire an outsider who has never been a HC to try and steer this ship after what has happened. And you are right the transfer portal is a game changer, but it is not a game changer in February. Only a handful of guys jump into the portal after spring practice. Again I am not making the hire. No one on this board is so our opinions are just that, OPINIONS.

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Originally Posted by StarkVegasSteve

UNDER NORMAL CIRCUMSTANCES. I figured I would lead it with it this time. This is not a normal coaching search. You are replacing a sitting P5 HC who was quite literally with his team 96 hours ago. This is not replacing a guy who got fired or a coach who is resigning or retiring. This has only happened 3 or 4 other times in the history of the sport. This is not on page 76 of the coaching handbook. With the timing of this and the circumstances surrounding it there just will not be much interest in this job from anyone other than extremely high risk candidates. Only a couple of P5 HCs that we would want will have legit interest in the job and only a handful of G5 HCs will and we cannot hire some guy who has never been a HC to try and steer this ship after what has happened. And you are right the transfer portal is a game changer, but it is not a game changer in February. Only a handful of guys jump into the portal after spring practice. Again I am not making the hire. No one on this board is so our opinions are just that, OPINIONS.

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That's the truth. I doubt Keenum is looking at message boards seeking directions on how to proceed.

Clay Helton?

https://soonersports.com/staff-directory/jeff-lebby/248

https://d4sjo25z9q3iq.cloudfront.net...humb_IYOa8.JPG

Scroll past who is the current Oklahoma Offensive Coordinator - there is a nice tribute video to Mike Leach.

Leach was the OC at OU in 1999. He actually recruited Josh Heupel to be his QB. Heupel was a JC QB from a college nobody knows about, won a NC and nearly a Heisman at OU, almost a Rudy level story.

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Originally Posted by Dawgface

That's the truth. I doubt Keenum is looking at message boards seeking directions on how to proceed.

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That part is true. Not the rest of it. There will be a long list of people that would take the State job right now. SEC, just won 8 games, MILLIONS per year, etc....
Coaches have giant egos. They all think they can win more than the guy before them. If not, you don't want them.

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Originally Posted by StarkVegasSteve

UNDER NORMAL CIRCUMSTANCES. I figured I would lead it with it this time. This is not a normal coaching search. You are replacing a sitting P5 HC who was quite literally with his team 96 hours ago. This is not replacing a guy who got fired or a coach who is resigning or retiring. This has only happened 3 or 4 other times in the history of the sport. This is not on page 76 of the coaching handbook. With the timing of this and the circumstances surrounding it there just will not be much interest in this job from anyone other than extremely high risk candidates. Only a couple of P5 HCs that we would want will have legit interest in the job and only a handful of G5 HCs will and we cannot hire an outsider who has never been a HC to try and steer this ship after what has happened. And you are right the transfer portal is a game changer, but it is not a game changer in February. Only a handful of guys jump into the portal after spring practice. Again I am not making the hire. No one on this board is so our opinions are just that, OPINIONS.

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I don't follow your logic at all. I think it's pretty flawed.

Also guys I will say I am very proud of us for not having mentioned Urban or Marcus Wood. Yes the old EMCC OC Marcus Wood. They each have two page threads over at GP. I really wish I was making that up.

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Originally Posted by StarkVegasSteve

Also guys I will say I am very proud of us for not having mentioned Urban or Marcus Wood. Yes the old EMCC OC Marcus Wood. They each have two page threads over at GP. I really wish I was making that up.

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Crazy

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Originally Posted by HoopsDawg

I don't follow your logic at all. I think it's pretty flawed.

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Sorry I will make it more straightforward. There are only a handful of coaches that we would be interested in that would even entertain the thought of taking over a program who’s HC just died. There is also the small tidbit that at the earliest, if the hire is not Arnett, we will be making the hire the second week of January and in the portal era you need a new hire the second week of December at the latest to give the new staff a fighting chance.

Realistically you are looking at an extremely small list of people:

Todd Monken-maybe
Will Hall- I do not think he is ready
Dan- 50/50 on whether he is interested or we would be interested.

There are probably 3 or 4 more but pulling a sitting HC is just going to be almost impossible with the timing of all of this.

To add to that: Every major sports publication has run tributes to the previous HC for two days now.... most coaches don't want to follow that...they'd rather be the guy after the guy in that scenario..

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Originally Posted by StarkVegasSteve

Sorry I will make it more straightforward. There are only a handful of coaches that we would be interested in that would even entertain the thought of taking over a program who’s HC just died. There is also the small tidbit that at the earliest, if the hire is not Arnett, we will be making the hire the second week of January and in the portal era you need a new hire the second week of December at the latest to give the new staff a fighting chance.

Realistically you are looking at an extremely small list of people:

Todd Monken-maybe
Will Hall- I do not think he is ready
Dan- 50/50 on whether he is interested or we would be interested.

There are probably 3 or 4 more but pulling a sitting HC is just going to be almost impossible with the timing of all of this.

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You don't think someone like Jeff Traylor would jump at this job if offered?

So every Fortune 500 Company looking for a CEO should just not reach out to anyone who may or may not even take an interview?

To heck with that thinking! I?d make 10 sitting company CEOs or COOs turn me down before I settled for the easy fix of hiring the 28 year old guy who started in the Mailroom and reached a Vice President of Marketing Strategies.

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Originally Posted by ScoobaDawg

I was wondering about this last night... If Leach was seriously considering stepping down.. he would have had some suggestions I'm sure about keeping the program going.

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Apparently it was very iffy if he was going to be able to finish the year around Auburn. We had a plan if things went south then just like we were quick to respond Sunday.

Do you not find it interesting Arnett was named interim over Hughes who has the actual title Associate Head Coach?

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Originally Posted by HoopsDawg

You don't think someone like Jeff Traylor would jump at this job if offered?

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No. Jeff Traylor is a Texas High School coaching legend of the last decade and guys like are hard to ever pry away from a Texas school even in the best of times, which this is not. Those guys are wired differently and for a lot of them their dream is to lead a Texas FBS program. I am not saying it is impossible and from a recruiting standpoint he would get you into every high school in the state of Texas. I just do not see it happening. He also runs an RPO based spread so we would have to hope to find a mobile QB or roll with Parson.