From an outsiders perspective, this would be a strange hire. Almost as if UH is resigned to being used as a stepping-stone going forward. Are y'all really okay with that?
Honestly, it is a reality. If a school is not in a power conference (even then not in the top programs) and a coach is really successful, he is almost certain to leave. The University of Houston at this point as a program needs to get a coach that will not embarrass then and keep them relevant by being consistently ranked and recruiting well. If that leads to a coach leaving after a few years, that is the cost of doing business. Obviously everyone wants the unicorn Gary Patterson type coach at a program, but the reality is that you cannot let the hope of getting someone that will stay long term blur your decisions. University of Houston hired a coach (Levine) that would have never left and was a great person, but he didn't win football games and ultimately lost his job. The next hire needs to be someone that wins, and brings attention to the program and continues to build the program. The University of Houston last four full time head coaches (Briles/Sumlin/Levine/Herman) are a combined 112 - 65 and have brought the program out of a period where they were 32 - 79. Everyone points to the coaches leaving the University of Houston but forgets that the football program has benefited greatly regardless and has consistently seen its winning percentage increase over the last 13 years.
Regardless, the post I responded to said anytime in UH history and the 70s were part of that time frame.
There's some merit to being resigned to being a stepping stone. If you're a stepping stone you're winning ~10 games a season. Sustain that until the next conference reshuffling means we're on the realignment shortlist and we'll have a better shot at ultimately keeping a coach. No steps back. It has to be Briles > Sumlin, not Sumlin > Levine.
It isn't even a matter of being resigned to being a stepping stone, it is possible that the next coach that UH hires is there for 20 years, but the reality is that is such a small possibility that you cannot let that possibility play large in decisions that are made. Even elite programs lose great coaches. Saban left LSU Urban Meyer left Florida Harbaugh left Stanford Before rape gate there were discussion of Briles leaving Baylor for UT. Jimbo Fisher almost left FSU.
Kinda shows you how low people think about Kiffin when not yelling back at your HC is a sign of him maturing. I kid of course somewhat but the guy owes his career to Saban at this point and time.
http://www.cbssports.com/college-fo...y-impresses-houston-matt-rhule-spurns-oregon/ Spoiler Oklahoma Sooners offensive coordinator Lincoln Riley "hit it out of the park" during his recent Houston interview, according to a source. "I would be surprised if they don't hire him," the source said. "Lincoln killed it." Riley interviewed in recent days along with Les Miles and Alabama offensive coordiantor Lane Kiffin. Riley's presentation was ahead of the others with Kiffin doing "well," according to the source. Riley, 33, knows Texas Longhorns well having been with Mike Leach for eight years at Texas Tech Red Raiders . Bob Stoops hired him in January 2015 to take over for Josh Heupel at Oklahoma. Riley couldn't be any hotter at the moment having coordinated the Sooners' offense on the way to the 2015 College Football Playoff. This season, quarterback Baker Mayfield became a Heisman Trophy finalist, as did wide receiver Dede Westbrook . Mayfield is almost certain to become the NCAA's single-season pass efficiency leader with only the Sugar Bowl left to go. Under Riley, Oklahoma's offense resembles more of Leach's Air Raid approach. Mayfield is ninth nationally in passing yards and first in accuracy. Westbrook is expected to become an All-American currently standing fifth nationally in receiving yards. His 16 touchdown receptions are third nationally. Riley fits the Houston profile of a young, up-and-coming assistant with Texas roots hungry to take over a top Group of Five program. The same label applied to Tom Herman and before him Kevin Sumlin and Art Briles.
I don't really have an opinion on whether he has or hasn't matured or not. Saban is a very demanding head coach and he and Kiffin have constructively locked horns a number of times. Saban grumbles but allows Kiffin to handle the offense because Kiffin is very good at it. They seem to respect each others ability but it is an odd relationship. How long until Stoopes retires and Lincoln can go back to take over the program at OU?
Why not.... Saban claims he will be a head coach until he is in his 80's if the oatmeal Little Debbie snacks don't kill him first. I cannot find anyone with a single negative thing to say about Lincoln Riley.... literally NOTHING. He is also connected to Oregon, so he could end up there as well.
Didn't realize Joey Freshwater was close to being named head coach. Would be an epic mistake for the program, but hey, Lane would make things interesting. Particularly for the coeds and chicks who hang out on Tinder.
Pay less for Riley with a larger buyout? I like it. Wouldn't be able to retain Orlando though. Not unless Riley wants to at which point...we should really retain Orlando. The big thing with this program is that it's chock full of resources and doesn't have boosters and front office undermining the coaching staff. Hoping TF doesn't become one of those Mccombs types. Honestly the Kiffin hire is a very UT thing to do (big name for pub) instead of doing what's gotten them success in the past. Either UH gets into a P5 or the CFP expands and if the CFP expands then you might as well put UH in the P5 because they'd be in the CFP every single year if they're in the G5.
Lincoln Riley would be an excellent hire. It just seems like you're in the same position that you were in with Herman. Maybe they get him to agree to a 5 mil per year buyout?
I agree he is an excellent candidate but he is very young at 33. That is a huge responsibility for someone that age.
I have read where we have interviewed as many as 10 candidates. Lincoln Riley Lane Kiffin Todd Orlando Major Applewhite Les Miles So who are the others ?
I'm warming up to Riley. The contract has to be stupidly university friendly though. Not giving any rookie HCs softball deals anymore.
