Would you hire Charley Strong? Just because UT wasn't the right place doesn't mean he can't coach. I guess this is just discussion because I assume he will want some time off. But after that experience and that money, he will probably stay loyal to his next job.
Herman replacements? Todd Orlando Charlie Strong Larry Fedora Sonny Dykes (if fired) Chad Morris Phil Montgomery Dana Holgerson Major Applewhite
A lot of talk that Morris to Baylor is a done deal and unless Fedora or Holgerson get fired, don't think they'd leave for a G5 school. Honestly, not sure you'd guy really want Strong. Orlando's defense is just as good and Strong brings nothing to the offensive side of the ball.
This is the first time I'm seeing that Morris to Baylor is a done deal. I don't think it's true. Morris will take the Aggies job next. Whenever that'll be.
Kyle Allen. Is UH the only school he would be eligible to play for next season? If for some unknown reason he wanted to transfer to another school, could he play next year because he didn't play this year?
I believe that Morris will wind up at A&M or Baylor before it's over too, but he would be on our list of candidates if available. We're paying Tom more than both of those guys, and quite frankly, UH has about as much to offer, if not more, than UNC and WVU. The ACC and Big 12 champs don't have a for-sure playoff spot. I think Tom's observation is very astute. If you win the American, you're going straight to a huge bowl game no matter what. CFBP be damned. I believe that given enough time, Charlie Strong can build a national power with integrity. The hope is that Strong will have gotten his Texas-based roots sewn enough through his tenure at UT that he can make waves in his 2nd act at a place like UH. Orlando doesn't bring anything to the offensive side of the ball either. He basically *has* to be considered, if not offered the job. He is an elite defensive, and that alone deserves a shot. The questions then become.... 1) can Orlando handle recruiting and marketing the program the way Tom does? 2) Will Major stay to run the offense?
Yes you are paying Tom more but are you able/willing to pay these guys more? We both know UH was anticipating P5 cash for contracts, facilities, etc...Not saying you guys can't or won't but think it takes a lot to pull a coach away from a P5 to a G5. The ACC and Big 12 Champs may not have a for-sure playoff spot now but they'll be in the picture without a doubt. Win the American, you go to a NY6 at the very maximum. Win the ACC/Big 12, you are in the CFP playoffs picture but will get a NY6 at the very minimum. The ceiling is obviously higher from a winning/big picture perspective, that is not arguable. Both guys will need elite OC's. Biggest difference IMO is that Orlando knows the players and a system that works. Strong will want to change things up and has shown he needs a few years to get things rolling. But yes I agree that Strong will be able to build up a program at some point.
That's all up to Tillman Fertitta (PBUH). The ceiling is arguably higher, but I'd argue that the AAC is more worthy of a playoff spot this year than both the ACC and Big 12. Hell, it was probably that way last year too. Are the ACC/Big 12 champs really guaranteed an NY6 bowl every year? I thought that it depended on the rotation. E.G. If the Rose Bowl is participating in the playoff, then the Big 10 and PAC12 champs aren't guaranteed anything. I don't disagree, but you have to be prepared that Orlando follows Tom. Strong should garner strong consideration if it comes down to it.
I'm only interested in coaches that have significant ties to Texas. Huge bonus if they are familiar with Houston area recruiting.
The at-large NY6 last year was Ohio State vs. Notre Dame. So outside the 4 playoff spots, there are technically 3 spots available (one goes to the highest rank G5 conference champ), and if ND falls just short of the CFP bid then they're a lock for the at-large, leaving 2 spots left.
