While there’s much to be thankful for beyond our team, I’m thankful right now that we have gone beyond looking for a coach/staff… article below (AU coaching search) brings up some painful memories (at least memories of wasted seasons).
First and 10: Coach Prime at Auburn would reset SEC pecking order immediately
While watching games this weekend, had a few thoughts about how the upcoming coaching dominos will fall.
1. As silly as it sounds, AU is actually in a decent spot as far as looking for their coach as I suspect Saban will retire next year. I say this as I’d bet Saban won’t leave until there’s a “coach in waiting” (obviously there’s not one right now) or clear path to get a coach that could take over and win - e.g. not after this season. If AU can’t get Kiffen now, I think they should go for Freeze/Stoops at least as a tool to get their program back on track. If they don’t, I’d expect Ole Miss to try and bring Freeze back when/if Kiffen leaves for Bama.
2. ATM is in a hurt locker… the longer they wait to move (albeit very expensive), the harder it will be to “get their guy” who can elevate the program commensurate with resources being thrown at it. It will only be harder once utJr and OU joins the SEC.
3. Bama isn’t in that great a position either (see #1). The game is/has changed (portal/NIL, etc) which will make it hard for them to sustain success post Saban. There’s a reason Saban is paid more than any other coach (e.g. he became the brand)... just can’t see bama continuing the streak as more teams can compete with them in getting talent.
4. KY has already passed their apex in SECE (based on team implosions of over majority of programs in our division)… at some point, Stoops may pull a Kelly and go somewhere where he could at least compete for a conference championship.
For whatever it’s worth, being beat by UGA may have also helped us retain our OC… hoping some team will go after Monken first.
Enough of these musings for now… most thankful for our team and coaches for resurrecting pride and VN swagger this season.
Go VOLS!
First and 10: Coach Prime at Auburn would reset SEC pecking order immediately
While watching games this weekend, had a few thoughts about how the upcoming coaching dominos will fall.
1. As silly as it sounds, AU is actually in a decent spot as far as looking for their coach as I suspect Saban will retire next year. I say this as I’d bet Saban won’t leave until there’s a “coach in waiting” (obviously there’s not one right now) or clear path to get a coach that could take over and win - e.g. not after this season. If AU can’t get Kiffen now, I think they should go for Freeze/Stoops at least as a tool to get their program back on track. If they don’t, I’d expect Ole Miss to try and bring Freeze back when/if Kiffen leaves for Bama.
2. ATM is in a hurt locker… the longer they wait to move (albeit very expensive), the harder it will be to “get their guy” who can elevate the program commensurate with resources being thrown at it. It will only be harder once utJr and OU joins the SEC.
3. Bama isn’t in that great a position either (see #1). The game is/has changed (portal/NIL, etc) which will make it hard for them to sustain success post Saban. There’s a reason Saban is paid more than any other coach (e.g. he became the brand)... just can’t see bama continuing the streak as more teams can compete with them in getting talent.
4. KY has already passed their apex in SECE (based on team implosions of over majority of programs in our division)… at some point, Stoops may pull a Kelly and go somewhere where he could at least compete for a conference championship.
For whatever it’s worth, being beat by UGA may have also helped us retain our OC… hoping some team will go after Monken first.
Enough of these musings for now… most thankful for our team and coaches for resurrecting pride and VN swagger this season.
Go VOLS!
