That's part of the whole problem with the Texas program. Everything is about perception and image. Texas should be established as a big dog again by winning. Nothing else. This is certainly true, but there's no evidence that this stuff lasts. Look at how many coaches - Saban included - come to schools and have immediate success. A bunch of them in recent years have won national titles within two years - Tressel, Saban, Meyer, Stoops. Toughness comes very quickly with the right coach. And it goes away really quickly with the wrong coach. While fans may see Texas that way, it's not really true. Texas isn't the clear far away #1 team in recruiting or head coach paycheck. In fact, I don't think they are the top in either category. Yet here, people are talking about paying Saban 50% more than the next highest paid coach. That's ridiculous and is basically the definition of buying wins and what the Yankees did about 5-10 years ago when their payrolls were far and away higher than everyone else.
I agree 100%. So why not go get the greatest winner of our generation? Why try and find the next Nick Saban if we are maybe the only program on the planet who can think about the real one?
Sorry - that was a bad description on my part. I'm thinking anyone who isn't at the top of the totem pole right now. There are a bunch of those, not all young though (like Briles). I want someone who'd come here to reach the pinnacle - not someone who's been there and done that and is just coming here for a gigantic paycheck. As I mentioned earlier, the number of coaches that come in and turn around programs and even win titles within a few years is ridiculous these days. There's no such thing as setting a program back a decade anymore, especially not one with the inherent advantages of Texas. You get a bad coach then you fire him. As soon as you find a good one, you can be good immediately. A&M went from a decade of mediocrity to national title talk in 1 year. They might go right back to mediocrity if they lose their QB and head coach this offense. The difference between great and mediocre just isn't that big in this era of football. I understand the sentiment, and from the administration's perspective, Saban makes a lot of sense. I just would be disappointed as a fan.
To me, it's like scheduling a bunch of cupcakes. Yeah, you get wins - but there's not a lot of fun or excitement in it. I'd rather risk losing to Ohio State than beat North Texas by 50. It's a hell of a lot more fun as a fan. Same thing here - I'd rather build something and try to beat greatness than just buy it.
In all likelihood, you're right. But why would Saban's agent meet with Texas reagents last offseason, and then why would his wife be shopping for homes in Austin? Sure, it could be a vacation home, but that doesn't answer the first question. Where there is smoke, there's usually fire.
This makes sense, but we'll just have to disagree on this one. I'll take the proven guy 10 times out of 10. Especially with a guy like Saban, who has never one shown a desire to be anything but the best. Plus, up-and-comers can be risky. Two years ago, I think most people would have rated Larry Fedora as a better hire than Kevin Sumlin.
I think we beat TCU this week; I predict the final score to be Texas 24 TCU 14. Did you guys hear anything about Oliver Luck becoming the new Athletic Director? I probably just missed the posts.
I'm not opposed to UT hiring Saban, but I'm not convinced Saban will do as well here as he has done in Alabama. He is old-school. Despite all his winning, his defenses have had a history of being vulnerable to high-powered, up-tempo, spread attacks, which several teams in the Big 12 currently utilize or have used in the recent past. He's also a bit old, and I'm not sure if he would be a fan of doing all the Longhorn Network crap...he seems like a guy who just wants to coach. I'm also wary of throwing upwards of $10 million/yr at any coach, regardless of his track record. It's unlikely that Saban leaves Alabama anyway. I think somebody like Briles would be a better fit, although I'm not fond of his age either. Briles knows the state of Texas very well.
He should. I've said all along that all it's going to take is 1 bad season at Boise to send them into a tailspin they're not likely to get out of. One season out of the spotlight and whatever recruits they are getting will start looking to warmer climates and (literally) greener pastures. Peterson should get what he can while he can.
Can we please site sources. You are already referencing someone. It doesn't have to be a link. "I heard it on local radio" "It was on this message board" etc
