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The right hire vs. the home run hire

  • I know many on here have criticized possible candidates as not a "home run" hire. Of course, interpretations differ as to what constitutes a home run hire. My concern is that we get the right hire regardless of whether he is considered a home run or not. Had Kevin Sumlin been hired three years ago, many would have criticized the hire because he was simply Houston's coach. Turns out he would have been the right hire. Chip Kelly was offensive coordinator at New Hampshire before going to Oregon and eventually taking over as head coach.

    I believe Dave Hart clearly understands what's at stake with this hire. I also believe that he understands the football environment and attributes a head coach at Tennessee needs to possess better than any of us ever will. We need to trust that he will make the right hire for what the Tennessee program needs right now. Don't be quick to judge someone simply because of the name. Take the time to research that person and understand the reasons behind the hire. One other thing I am certain of - whoever the next coach of Tennessee is, he will be someone with more qualifications as a head coach than a well known last name.

    OK, I'm stepping off the soapbox.

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    RunThruThe T

  • The right hire is a home run hire IMO. That doesn't mean you have to hire a big name guy, just get the right guy and success will follow.

    This post was edited by VFL1985 on 11/14/2012 at 9:38 AM

    VFL1985

  • VFL1985 said...

    The right hire is a home run hire IMO. That doesn't mean you have to hire a big name guy, just get the right guy and success will follow.

    Let's just hope if this year's version of Kevin Sumlin is hired we won't hear howls of protest. Awww, who am I kidding? Of course we will.

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    RunThruThe T

  • VFL1985 said...

    The right hire is a home run hire IMO. That doesn't mean you have to hire a big name guy, just get the right guy and success will follow.

    I tend to agree with you. UT needs somebody whose name and prior success instantly gets them in the top three for the best prospects, but probably even more important, top coordinators and position coaches. "Top" meaning they are some of the best at recruiting and developing talent. Typically head coaches that have those qualities have won big and consistently in the past, know how to coach, and aren't going to shrink under pressure in big games.

    This post was edited by DCVolunteer on 11/14/2012 at 9:55 AM

    DCVolunteer ●

  • Absolutely agree. Hart has to get this hire right or TN is irrelevant another 5 years.

    wataugavol

  • RunThruThe T said...

    I know many on here have criticized possible candidates as not a 'home run' hire. Of course, interpretations differ as to what constitutes a home run hire. My concern is that we get the right hire regardless of whether he is considered a home run or not. Had Kevin Sumlin been hired three years ago, many would have criticized the hire because he was simply Houston's coach. Turns out he would have been the right hire. Chip Kelly was offensive coordinator at New Hampshire before going to Oregon and eventually taking over as head coach.

    I believe Dave Hart clearly understands what's at stake with this hire. I also believe that he understands the football environment and attributes a head coach at Tennessee needs to possess better than any of us ever will. We need to trust that he will make the right hire for what the Tennessee program needs right now. Don't be quick to judge someone simply because of the name. Take the time to research that person and understand the reasons behind the hire. One other thing I am certain of - whoever the next coach of Tennessee is, he will be someone with more qualifications as a head coach than a well known last name.

    OK, I'm stepping off the soapbox.

    I agree with this. Hart needs to hire the guy that he best feels can get the program turned around opposed to winning over the fans.

    I saw someone say this in another thread and I agree. If Golden or Strong are hired then people will be mad, but IMO they would be great hires. I really believe that either guy could come in and turn the program around.

    I honestly think that any coach not named Gruden is going to disappoint the fanbase. Too many false rumors have gotten people almost to the point of expecting Gruden to be named the coach. Don't get me wrong, it would be great, but I feel I have as good of a shot at winning the lottery as Gruden being the HC here. Give me Golden, Strong, Fisher, or even Cutcliffe with the right staff and I think they would all be good hires.

    StitchJones

  • StitchJones said...

    I agree with this. Hart needs to hire the guy that he best feels can get the program turned around opposed to winning over the fans.

    I saw someone say this in another thread and I agree. If Golden or Strong are hired then people will be mad, but IMO they would be great hires. I really believe that either guy could come in and turn the program around.

    I honestly think that any coach not named Gruden is going to disappoint the fanbase. Too many false rumors have gotten people almost to the point of expecting Gruden to be named the coach. Don't get me wrong, it would be great, but I feel I have as good of a shot at winning the lottery as Gruden being the HC here. Give me Golden, Strong, Fisher, or even Cutcliffe with the right staff and I think they would all be good hires.

    Didn't Strong just lose to Syracuse? And Golden has 4 losses this year at a school to which anyone's grandmother could recruit 5-star recruits. Remember, we are firing Dooley because he lost to AL, UGA, USCe, Miss St. (all top 25 teams). Neither of those guys (Golden, Strong) is a step up IMO. I actually think the best three coaches in the bunch are Taggart, Cutcliffe and Solich. Whomever come in is going to have to win quickly (2 years at longest). That means doing more with less - which a big name coach may not be able to do tat quickly (even if they get a top 10 class).

    DCVOL ●

  • DCVOL said...

    Didn't Strong just lose to Syracuse? And Golden has 4 losses this year at a school to which anyone's grandmother could recruit 5-star recruits. Remember, we are firing Dooley because he lost to AL, UGA, USCe, Miss St. (all top 25 teams). Neither of those guys (Golden, Strong) is a step up IMO. I actually think the best three coaches in the bunch are Taggart, Cutcliffe and Solich. Whomever come in is going to have to win quickly (2 years at longest). That means doing more with less - which a big name coach may not be able to do tat quickly (even if they get a top 10 class).

    I believe Taggart has either lost 3 in a row or 3 of the last 4

    wataugavol

  • wataugavol said...

    I believe Taggart has either lost 3 in a row or 3 of the last 4

    Good point. We need to make sure whomever we hire is actually an upgrade. And not the flavor of the week. Would love to see Cutcliffe back if we don't get the big splash.

    DCVOL ●

  • DCVOL said...

    Didn't Strong just lose to Syracuse? And Golden has 4 losses this year at a school to which anyone's grandmother could recruit 5-star recruits. Remember, we are firing Dooley because he lost to AL, UGA, USCe, Miss St. (all top 25 teams). Neither of those guys (Golden, Strong) is a step up IMO. I actually think the best three coaches in the bunch are Taggart, Cutcliffe and Solich. Whomever come in is going to have to win quickly (2 years at longest). That means doing more with less - which a big name coach may not be able to do tat quickly (even if they get a top 10 class).

    The only guy that has consistently recruited 5 stars to Miami in the last 15 years has been Butch Davis. When you have Florida, Florida State, and to an extent USF, then things are a bit tougher than they once were. Golden is in a rebuilding job at this point because Randy Shannon let the talent slip down there. Golden has proven he can win and he would be a big step up from Dooley.

    Charlie Strong has lost 1 game this year, so now he is no better than Dooley?

    I'm not saying these guys are my top candidates, but I think they would do a good job here and they would be an upgrade from Dooley. At least these guys have proven they can win.

    StitchJones

  • DCVOL said...

    Didn't Strong just lose to Syracuse? And Golden has 4 losses this year at a school to which anyone's grandmother could recruit 5-star recruits. Remember, we are firing Dooley because he lost to AL, UGA, USCe, Miss St. (all top 25 teams). Neither of those guys (Golden, Strong) is a step up IMO. I actually think the best three coaches in the bunch are Taggart, Cutcliffe and Solich. Whomever come in is going to have to win quickly (2 years at longest). That means doing more with less - which a big name coach may not be able to do tat quickly (even if they get a top 10 class).

    You're kidding right, about Strong losing to Syracuse and not being a step up? In Dooley's last year at La Tech he lost to Utah State, Idaho, Fresno, Nevada, and Navy. Cut is definitely a step up, but Cut lost to a Va Tech team that lost to two Big East teams that Strong and Louisville already beat. The other coaches you named are steps up, but I'm not sure Solich is a good fit for Tennessee. Taggart is very young, I like his potential, but I'm not sure he's ready for Tennessee just yet.

    DCVolunteer ●

  • StitchJones said...

    The only guy that has consistently recruited 5 stars to Miami in the last 15 years has been Butch Davis. When you have Florida, Florida State, and to an extent USF, then things are a bit tougher than they once were. Golden is in a rebuilding job at this point because Randy Shannon let the talent slip down there. Golden has proven he can win and he would be a big step up from Dooley.

    Charlie Strong has lost 1 game this year, so now he is no better than Dooley?

    I'm not saying these guys are my top candidates, but I think they would do a good job here and they would be an upgrade from Dooley. At least these guys have proven they can win.

    Golden has lost 4 games this year in a lesser conference. Miami, even now, is likely an easier sell to a 5-Star recruit than UT. Dooley inherited a program with very little SEC talent (likely much less than what Golden got at UM) and only about 65 actual players (out of NCAA max 85). Not sure how anyone can sell Golden as a step up if you want someone to win Now?

    Strong lost to Syracuse. We are firing a guy for losing to top 10 teams (and Mizzou) -- most of whom were played back-to-back-to-back. How can we hire a guy who coaches in a weak conference and loses to Syracuse? All I am saying is that, if you are firing the current coach (and I think he should be), you need to make sure that the next one is Clearly a step up. Not sure that losing to Syracuse by 19 points says the coach is clearly better. twocents

    DCVOL ●

  • DCVolunteer said...

    You're kidding right, about Strong losing to Syracuse and not being a step up? In Dooley's last year at La Tech he lost to Utah State, Idaho, Fresno, Nevada, and Navy. Cut is definitely a step up, but Cut lost to a Va Tech team that lost to two Big East teams that Strong and Louisville already beat. The other coaches you named are steps up, but I'm not sure Solich is a good fit for Tennessee. Taggart is very young, I like his potential, but I'm not sure he's ready for Tennessee just yet.

    Hey, look at the two "DC" guys going at it. A little Foggy Bottom throw down!

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    RunThruThe T

  • DCVolunteer said...

    You're kidding right, about Strong losing to Syracuse and not being a step up? In Dooley's last year at La Tech he lost to Utah State, Idaho, Fresno, Nevada, and Navy. Cut is definitely a step up, but Cut lost to a Va Tech team that lost to two Big East teams that Strong and Louisville already beat. The other coaches you named are steps up, but I'm not sure Solich is a good fit for Tennessee. Taggart is very young, I like his potential, but I'm not sure he's ready for Tennessee just yet.

    RE: Strong - comparing his losses to unranked bottom feeders to Dooley's might not be the strongest selling point for Hart (regarding Strong). I would not want to be the one explaining to big boosters how Strong bringing a ranked team into Syracuse and getting hammered is a slam dunk hire for your $3-4$ million hiring budget. Not exactly Saban-esque.

    RE: Cut -- Duke is light years ahead of where they were when Cut was hired. He also has a very good track record at Ole Miss and UT.

    Solich may not be the right fit, but I am worried there will be no slam dunk hire this time. And he is a good coach.

    Taggart has hit a losing skid lately, so not sure how easy of a sell he is (although I think is good coach).

    This post has been edited 3 times, most recently by DCVOL on 11/14/2012 at 1:24 PM

    DCVOL ●

  • RunThruThe T said...

    Hey, look at the two "DC" guys going at it. A little Foggy Bottom throw down!

    Although I work downtown, I am too old to spend a lot of time in Foggy Bottom now. I am more of a Loudoun County (VA) guy. peace

    DCVOL ●

  • DCVOL said...

    Solich may not be the right fit, but I am worried there will be no slam dunk hire this time. And he is a good coach.

    Solich is 68 years old. Do we really want to hire a senior citizen to recruit 18 year olds?

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    RockytopATL ●

  • RockytopATL said...

    Solich is 68 years old. Do we really want to hire a senior citizen to recruit 18 year olds?

    Maybe not -- but the guy at Kansas State is about that age (I think) and he is doing OK. Solich would not be my first choice, but the big name coaches who have been mentioned on here (Stoops, Kelly, Gundy) are unlikely to come - if nothing else because their current schools can/would likely match any UT offer. Don't get me wrong, I am tired of losing (and taking grief from people at work about it). I want the biggest/best coach possible. I just think that - if that is who we are going after - we need to stick to that standard until no longer valid - and then go for the best coach available.

    DCVOL ●

  • wataugavol said...

    Absolutely agree. Hart has to get this hire right or TN is irrelevant another 5 years.

    I don't think Tennessee will ever be irrelevant. Regardless of the hire, there's a ton of brand power.

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  • DCVOL said...

    Although I work downtown, I am too old to spend a lot of time in Foggy Bottom now. I am more of a Loudoun County (VA) guy. peace

    Head on over to the Sweetwater Tavern for me and have the rattlesnake pasta, a rack of ribs and a couple of their beers for me. Miss that place.

    Kevin Ryan

  • Kevin Ryan said...

    Head on over to the Sweetwater Tavern for me and have the rattlesnake pasta, a rack of ribs and a couple of their beers for me. Miss that place.

    Love sweet water. I have had a few of their beers ;-) Is cool place. Ribs are great. If ever back up this way, try Ford's in Ashburn - great seafood - good beer.

    DCVOL ●

  • When I lived in Reston we used to go to Champps and a good italian place in the town center that had great brick-oven pizza.

    When I lived in Ashburn Village we would go to Sweetwater or to the little brewery right there by the REdskins complex - forget the name of it. Used to get their big growlers to go and keep them in the fridge. Was cool place to live, but glad we got out when we did.

    Kevin Ryan

  • DCVOL said...

    Love sweet water. I have had a few of their beers ;-) Is cool place. Ribs are great. If ever back up this way, try Ford's in Ashburn - great seafood - good beer.

    Cool story about Ford's Fish Shack - I was up there in the spring, sitting at the bar with a buddy, and after a couple beers and a plate full of mussels, realized Mike Shannahan and his wife were sitting toward the other end of the bar. There was a young man in his mid-20s sitting between us, and talking football non-stop. When Shannahan got his dinner check, he told the bartender to add the young man's tab to it and said, "if anyone knows that much about football, he deserves for me to pay the bill."

    allwillbeorange

  • Kevin Ryan said...

    When I lived in Reston we used to go to Champps and a good italian place in the town center that had great brick-oven pizza.

    When I lived in Ashburn Village we would go to Sweetwater or to the little brewery right there by the REdskins complex - forget the name of it. Used to get their big growlers to go and keep them in the fridge. Was cool place to live, but glad we got out when we did.

    We have an office in Reston. I have eaten at Champs many times. Pizza is good. There are a few brew places near Redskins Park now. I live further west of there. You are right. You have to be careful where you buy in this housing market. Love Knoxville -- don't get home enough.

    DCVOL ●

  • allwillbeorange said...

    Cool story about Ford's Fish Shack - I was up there in the spring, sitting at the bar with a buddy, and after a couple beers and a plate full of mussels, realized Mike Shannahan and his wife were sitting toward the other end of the bar. There was a young man in his mid-20s sitting between us, and talking football non-stop. When Shannahan got his dinner check, he told the bartender to add the young man's tab to it and said, "if anyone knows that much about football, he deserves for me to pay the bill."

    That is a great story. A lot of the 'Skins live out here (close to Redskins Park). I guess Shanahan may too. Great food at Ford's (beer is not bad either).

    Hope all is well.

    DCVOL ●

  • allwillbeorange said...

    Cool story about Ford's Fish Shack - I was up there in the spring, sitting at the bar with a buddy, and after a couple beers and a plate full of mussels, realized Mike Shannahan and his wife were sitting toward the other end of the bar. There was a young man in his mid-20s sitting between us, and talking football non-stop. When Shannahan got his dinner check, he told the bartender to add the young man's tab to it and said, "if anyone knows that much about football, he deserves for me to pay the bill."

    That is a cool story. I was working in DC back in the 80's and a friend of mine was friends with John Riggins back in his Redskin's heyday. She pulled up to my hotel in a limo with Riggins and others inside inside and the group of us went out on the town. Needless to say, at that time when you are with John Riggins every door in town was open to you. I wish I could remember the details but the only part I remember fairly clearly was her and Riggins dancing in the streets of Georgetown early the next morning. That, and Riggins is freaking huge and loves to have fun. He was a really good guy.

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