Coaching Carousel

[Dale]

Maybe that’s the only one that would take the job.

If he was choice #2 or choice #6, feel like you can feel pretty confident whether it was Elliot, Fleck Campbell or Franklin that #1 choice said no thanks

 

[Irish YJ]

I mean he did hire the guy at UCF, so I'm not all that surprised.
UCF did backslide, but they also had some rough breaks at QB.
It's not a splash, but I really can't say it's a bad hire (yet).

 

[Dale]

I mean he did hire the guy at UCF, so I'm not all that surprised.
UCF did backslide, but they also had some rough breaks at QB.
It's not a splash, but I really can't say it's a bad hire (yet).

Definitely agree it’s not bad. You’ll see a offense for sure, Ole Miss is the easy comp. If they go this route the DC hire will be interesting, keeping Steele or how that shakes out.

Heupel is probably on par with what Tennessee job really is, just not what they think it is.

 

[Ndaccountant]

I mean he did hire the guy at UCF, so I'm not all that surprised.
UCF did backslide, but they also had some rough breaks at QB.
It's not a splash, but I really can't say it's a bad hire (yet).

If it end's up being him, I would call it a meh type of hire.

For one, when White had to replace Frost at UCF, Heupel wasn't the top choice. IIRC, he was #3 or #4. While that is fairly common, it's important to note since he has backtracked each year while in the job.

Next, all the talk was about how UT was passed Fulmer and they were ready to commit to competing. They were going to spend and spend big. White as AD was a really solid hire and I think that elevated expectations for the coach even more. While some of the names being throw around were long shots (like Franklin), there were much bigger names than Heupel being discussed, though some had character flaws (Lane, Freeze, etc).

Time will tell, but in terms of "winning the press conference", I think this falls a bit short.

Random poll.....which fan base do you think is happier with their hire...Auburn or Tennessee (assuming JH)? I would say Auburn probably feels better, but they also had a head start.

 

[Irish YJ]

Definitely agree it’s not bad. You’ll see a offense for sure, Ole Miss is the easy comp. If they go this route the DC hire will be interesting, keeping Steele or how that shakes out.

Heupel is probably on par with what Tennessee job really is, just not what they think it is.

IMO, what they have lacked is O, so I think it could possibly turn out well. Kiffin, in his one year had them going in the right direction. Then the coaching hires went in another direction.

I agree on the DC hiring being interesting/key. I'd keep Steele unless there's a stud DC available.

 

[Dale]

Legit thought. Josh Heupel doesn’t look like a former national champion QB. I feel like his brand recognition suffers somehow. If he had the slicked back hair, aviator look to match his offense the boosters might like it lol

 

[Irish YJ]

If it end's up being him, I would call it a meh type of hire.

For one, when White had to replace Frost at UCF, Heupel wasn't the top choice. IIRC, he was #3 or #4. While that is fairly common, it's important to note since he has backtracked each year while in the job.

Next, all the talk was about how UT was passed Fulmer and they were ready to commit to competing. They were going to spend and spend big. White as AD was a really solid hire and I think that elevated expectations for the coach even more. While some of the names being throw around were long shots (like Franklin), there were much bigger names than Heupel being discussed, though some had character flaws (Lane, Freeze, etc).

Time will tell, but in terms of "winning the press conference", I think this falls a bit short.

Random poll.....which fan base do you think is happier with their hire...Auburn or Tennessee (assuming JH)? I would say Auburn probably feels better, but they also had a head start.

I think there are some very good reasons for UCFs backslide. And even then, the O was good. Gabriel was 32 TDs and 4 INTs last year. They've been top 5 in the nation in O the last 3 years. And that's why you're hiring him. The other side of the ball is a completely different story, but again, he's not a D guy. The DC hire will be key. Offensively, not sure what coach would be better. Maybe Freeze, but that's not a given.

 

[Irish YJ]

Legit thought. Josh Heupel doesn’t look like a former national champion QB. I feel like his brand recognition suffers somehow. If he had the slicked back hair, aviator look to match his offense the boosters might like it lol

He fits in with the common man going to the games lol.

 

[Irishize]

From Pete Thamel:

Sources: Former Stanford strength coach Shannon Turley has agreed to become the new strength coach at Colorado. He was part of three PAC-12 titles, 5 New Years Six bowls and produced 42 draft picks and 9 Pro Bowlers while at Stanford.

 

[Ndaccountant]

From Pete Thamel:

Sources: Former Stanford strength coach Shannon Turley has agreed to become the new strength coach at Colorado. He was part of three PAC-12 titles, 5 New Years Six bowls and his injections produced 42 draft picks and 9 Pro Bowlers while at Stanford.

FIFY

 

[Irish YJ]

From Pete Thamel:

Sources: Former Stanford strength coach Shannon Turley has agreed to become the new strength coach at Colorado. He was part of three PAC-12 titles, 5 New Years Six bowls and produced 42 draft picks and 9 Pro Bowlers while at Stanford.

So CO wants a juice bar.

 

[Ndaccountant]

I think there are some very good reasons for UCFs backslide. And even then, the O was good. Gabriel was 32 TDs and 4 INTs last year. They've been top 5 in the nation in O the last 3 years. And that's why you're hiring him. The other side of the ball is a completely different story, but again, he's not a D guy. The DC hire will be key. Offensively, not sure what coach would be better. Maybe Freeze, but that's not a given.

We will see. I want to see UT good again. I always loved the UF / UT battles in the 90's. I just think this was their chance to prove they didn't settle (like Pruitt, like Dooley).

Here are the FEI offensive rankings for Heupel lead offenses over the years. He seemingly has had a good offense, but got worse at UCF (QB issues noted), OU took off once he left (no shame in being less than LR) and Mizzou performed better in immediate year post Heupel, though Lock was a senior at that point. So, lots to consider, but I think it's fair to be equal parts optimistic and skeptical. Hence the meh rating from me.

2020 - 13th (notable mentions include coastal Car at 9, Buffalo at 6, ND at 17).
2019 - 9th
2018 - 4th (Mizzou was 11th first year post JH, the OC was none other than Derek Dooley)
2017 - 22 at mizzou (UCF was 7th)
2016 - 60
2015 - 53 at Utah State (OU was 9th first season post JH)
2014 - 19 at Oklahoma
2013 - 32
2012 - 8
2011 - 25
2010 - 16th

 

[dublinirish]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">SOURCES: UCF’s Josh Heupel is finalizing a deal to be the next coach at Tennessee. Details here at <a href="https://twitter.com/YahooSports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@yahoosports</a>: <a href="https://t.co/nrxs7cafwF">https://t.co/nrxs7cafwF</a></p>— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) <a href="https://twitter.com/PeteThamel/status/1354408081157992452?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Rogue219]

Maybe that’s the only one that would take the job.

Exactly my thought as well.

As for Matt Campbell, I don't know if he's either the next big thing or if he's the right guy for Iowa State. He could turn out to be the guy who leaves there and can't do anything anywhere else.

Think Frank Beamer at Virginia Tech as his career ceiling, which wouldn't be bad, though I doubt he stays at Iowa State forever. He should try to, though.

 

[Rogue219]

So UCF's DC is Randy Shannon and he makes $1M a year. The first and to this point only G5 coordinator to crack seven figures.

Interesting tidbit I did not know until this morning. Wow.

 

[dublinirish]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Assts: Clemson’s Tony Elliott, Texas A&M DC Mike Elko, Florida’s Brian Johnson, NDs Marcus Freeman, UNC’s Phil Longo, OU’s Alex Grinch, OM Jeff Lebby, USC’s Graham Harrell, UGA’s Dan Lanning, Ark’s Barry Odom, NCST's Tim Beck (alum).</p>— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) <a href="https://twitter.com/PeteThamel/status/1354436923356565514?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Freeman no thanks

 

[Dale]

So he named every coach with a pulse? I bet he’ll be right on one!

 

[Ndaccountant]

Interesting fact...since 2016, 9 coaches have jumped from the AAC to P5 schools. The combined winning percentage of them all is .477 at their next school. That is giving Manny Diaz (stretch) and not counting Willie at FSU.

 

[Irishize]

Exactly my thought as well.

As for Matt Campbell, I don't know if he's either the next big thing or if he's the right guy for Iowa State. He could turn out to be the guy who leaves there and can't do anything anywhere else.

Think Frank Beamer at Virginia Tech as his career ceiling, which wouldn't be bad, though I doubt he stays at Iowa State forever. He should try to, though.

Wasn’t it reported that Campbell will be choosy about which job he takes if that ever happens? I remember reading that he “didn’t want to get his hands dirty” which alluded to dirty recruiting that tends to be more prevalent at southern schools. It listed his ideal opportunities as tOSU, ND, PSU IIRC.

 

[BeauBenken]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">SOURCES: UCF’s Josh Heupel is finalizing a deal to be the next coach at Tennessee. Details here at <a href="https://twitter.com/YahooSports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@yahoosports</a>: <a href="https://t.co/nrxs7cafwF">https://t.co/nrxs7cafwF</a></p>— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) <a href="https://twitter.com/PeteThamel/status/1354408081157992452?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

So they just hired a guy who has UCF trending down. In his first season, 12-1; second, 10-3; third, 6-4....

I mean, they've still been a good, competitive team, but how much of it was just riding off the coat tails of Frost?

Then again, who the heck else were they going to get?

 

[Dale]

So they just hired a guy who has UCF trending down. In his first season, 12-1; second, 10-3; third, 6-4....

I mean, they've still been a good, competitive team, but how much of it was just riding off the coat tails of Frost?

Then again, who the heck else were they going to get?

Devils advocate, not much place to guy besides down after 12-1 right? Plus pandemic year pass

 

[Rogue219]

Wasn’t it reported that Campbell will be choosy about which job he takes if that ever happens? I remember reading that he “didn’t want to get his hands dirty” which alluded to dirty recruiting that tends to be more prevalent at southern schools. It listed his ideal opportunities as tOSU, ND, PSU IIRC.

Maybe. Sounds about right. I think those are Fickell's three schools, too, and Penn State is actually a maybe for Fickell. Somehow I think Fickell winds up at ND one day if the timing is right. The six children he spawned was the tip off that led to my hunch. Take it with a grain of salt.

My point regardless of that is I have my doubts that Campbell would be successful anywhere else other than Iowa State, however picky he intends to be. That being said, he is smart to be selective so long as he is employed and doing well at Iowa State. I have read the same with how some people regard Fickell too.

 

[Rogue219]

So they just hired a guy who has UCF trending down. In his first season, 12-1; second, 10-3; third, 6-4....

I mean, they've still been a good, competitive team, but how much of it was just riding off the coat tails of Frost?

Then again, who the heck else were they going to get?

This. Talk about trending down. Take a look at the Tennessee football program since Dooley took it over. It's Nine Inch Nails Downward Spiral time.

What kind of cupboard to O'Leary leave Scott Frost? He won there pretty quick. As I recall UCF wanted Dino Babers from BGSU but he wanted to coach his team in the MAC Championship. It leaked out and the deal fell apart. Frost went to UCF and Babers ended up at Syracuse.

 

[NDohio]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">SOURCES: UCF’s Josh Heupel is finalizing a deal to be the next coach at Tennessee. Details here at <a href="https://twitter.com/YahooSports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@yahoosports</a>: <a href="https://t.co/nrxs7cafwF">https://t.co/nrxs7cafwF</a></p>— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) <a href="https://twitter.com/PeteThamel/status/1354408081157992452?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

This is a great hire...for Clark Lea...

 

[Meatloaf]

Sounds like Tennessee had to settle for Heupel because literally no one else wanted the job. Frankly, I can't say I blame any of those coaches, given all of the mutiny and backstabbing that's happened there since they fired Butch Jones. What an absolute disaster of a program.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Per <a href="https://twitter.com/SInow?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sinow</a> sources, Heupel is the choice after White took some swings and misses elsewhere. Clemson OC Tony Elliott likely gave the job the most serious consideration before opting to stay put.</p>— Pat Forde (@ByPatForde) <a href="https://twitter.com/ByPatForde/status/1354411423498178569?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Dale]

The buyout and term as some have wondered about will be telling, if it’s short and not a large $, it’s a bandaid while sanctions happen and at least you’ll see TDs. If he gets a Rhule/Tucker deal, White has faith in Heupel

 

[Rogue219]

I'm sure White took care of Heupel on the back end. Probably a nice buyout for him once he gets fired in a few years.

PJ Fleck and Minnesota was the first instance I'd ever heard where the negotiations started backwards. Now I think they all do. What is my walk away money when you fire me because winning 7-8 games a year isn't enough?

Done and done.

 

[dublinirish]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Sources: Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald has agreed to a new 10-year contract that stretches through 2030. Multiple NFL franchises reached out to Fitzgerald this year, including two that made a heavy push.</p>— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) <a href="https://twitter.com/PeteThamel/status/1354492959534800903?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Cackalacky2.0]

Interesting fact...since 2016, 9 coaches have jumped from the AAC to P5 schools. The combined winning percentage of them all is .477 at their next school. That is giving Manny Diaz (stretch) and not counting Willie at FSU.

In hindsight, snagging BK wasn't such a bad deal after all.

 

[BeauBenken]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Sources: Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald has agreed to a new 10-year contract that stretches through 2030. Multiple NFL franchises reached out to Fitzgerald this year, including two that made a heavy push.</p>— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) <a href="https://twitter.com/PeteThamel/status/1354492959534800903?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

He might be a wacko and hate on ND, but I got to be honest, I respect what Fitzgerald has done at NW, and the fact that he has always stay committed to that school.

Now maybe that in itself is wacky, that he hasn't left NW. But he has found success in a tough place to find success. Kudos to him and that school.