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Spurrier watch in full effect
Monday, August 02, 2004
The recent SEC Football Media Days offered a little something for everyone -- intrigue, anticipation, analysis, goofiness, excitement, even a little humor. It was an interesting start to what is expected to be an interesting and competitive season.
There was just one thing missing -- the ball coach, Steve Spurrier.
He always brought a little something extra to the meetings. There was brashness and little jabs at opponents, but that was part of his success. In the biggest games of the season, Spurrier always seemed to say something that would throw all of the attention toward himself ... and away from his players. And you thought the Gators' passing offense was his greatest contribution.
Now the ole ball coach is unemployed, playing a lot of golf and no doubt surveying the offers that could come his way. Without question, he's going to get the opportunity to coach again.
The big question is where that will return will be. Ron Zook isn't the only guy looking over his shoulder. Here are some possibilities to consider, some tongue-in-cheek, others not so much, but each with a measure of possibility.
-- North Carolina: Spurrier's name keeps popping up here and for good reason. He's proven he can take a basketball school's football program and make it better (Duke). With the competition in the ACC getting better, it would be a good place to prove himself again. But he has fondness for Duke, which may cause him to pass on this pick.
-- Tennessee: Don't laugh. He grew up in the state and he's proven he can win in Neyland Stadium. If the Vols slip and the factors around Phillip Fulmer's world become too much of a distraction, a move could be made.
-- South Carolina: Lou Holtz's one-liners are losing their cuteness, especially on the heels of the past two seasons. Skip Holtz is no longer the coach-in-waiting. Former player Hootie Johnson, chairman at Augusta National, could add a membership to the bargaining pot, which could also include lots of golf in Hilton Head.
-- Texas: Here's another one that keeps being mentioned in Spurrier's future. The Longhorns can make the paycheck big enough (everything's big in Texas, don't you know?) and certainly all the pieces are in place. But would he prefer building up a team rather than getting it over the final hurdle?
-- Florida Atlantic: I know, I know, but hear me out. What could be sweeter than taking a new program just heading into Division I-A competition and having it compete against the established programs in the state? He would give the program instant credibility and lead to signing some top prospects. He gets to do so in his adopted state and with no pressure.
-- Others: Florida, of course, but does he really want to return even if Zook is tossed out? Auburn or Alabama: Sure, the fans love to hate him, but they'd also love it if he was there coach. If Auburn officials take another plane trip, would it be to Louisville or wherever Spurrier is? Should Shula not live up to expectations, Spurrier is someone who is a proven winner, who knows the league and can handle expectations.
The Spurrier Watch is under way and it may be as entertaining as the upcoming season.
Monday, August 02, 2004
The recent SEC Football Media Days offered a little something for everyone -- intrigue, anticipation, analysis, goofiness, excitement, even a little humor. It was an interesting start to what is expected to be an interesting and competitive season.
There was just one thing missing -- the ball coach, Steve Spurrier.
He always brought a little something extra to the meetings. There was brashness and little jabs at opponents, but that was part of his success. In the biggest games of the season, Spurrier always seemed to say something that would throw all of the attention toward himself ... and away from his players. And you thought the Gators' passing offense was his greatest contribution.
Now the ole ball coach is unemployed, playing a lot of golf and no doubt surveying the offers that could come his way. Without question, he's going to get the opportunity to coach again.
The big question is where that will return will be. Ron Zook isn't the only guy looking over his shoulder. Here are some possibilities to consider, some tongue-in-cheek, others not so much, but each with a measure of possibility.
-- North Carolina: Spurrier's name keeps popping up here and for good reason. He's proven he can take a basketball school's football program and make it better (Duke). With the competition in the ACC getting better, it would be a good place to prove himself again. But he has fondness for Duke, which may cause him to pass on this pick.
-- Tennessee: Don't laugh. He grew up in the state and he's proven he can win in Neyland Stadium. If the Vols slip and the factors around Phillip Fulmer's world become too much of a distraction, a move could be made.
-- South Carolina: Lou Holtz's one-liners are losing their cuteness, especially on the heels of the past two seasons. Skip Holtz is no longer the coach-in-waiting. Former player Hootie Johnson, chairman at Augusta National, could add a membership to the bargaining pot, which could also include lots of golf in Hilton Head.
-- Texas: Here's another one that keeps being mentioned in Spurrier's future. The Longhorns can make the paycheck big enough (everything's big in Texas, don't you know?) and certainly all the pieces are in place. But would he prefer building up a team rather than getting it over the final hurdle?
-- Florida Atlantic: I know, I know, but hear me out. What could be sweeter than taking a new program just heading into Division I-A competition and having it compete against the established programs in the state? He would give the program instant credibility and lead to signing some top prospects. He gets to do so in his adopted state and with no pressure.
-- Others: Florida, of course, but does he really want to return even if Zook is tossed out? Auburn or Alabama: Sure, the fans love to hate him, but they'd also love it if he was there coach. If Auburn officials take another plane trip, would it be to Louisville or wherever Spurrier is? Should Shula not live up to expectations, Spurrier is someone who is a proven winner, who knows the league and can handle expectations.
The Spurrier Watch is under way and it may be as entertaining as the upcoming season.
