Completely agree. And if Gundy ends up in Gainesville I am sure we will see a high flying, high scoring offense.
My hesitation with him is his record against Oklahoma. Even if they have major advantages in prestige, money and facilities (which I'm not sure they do in all those areas) an elite coach should find a way to beat a rival like that more than twice in 13 years. It's not a Vandy versus Florida disparity. Figure out how to win your biggest game of the year maybe 25% of the time.
Also, as a minor issue, you can expect that every SEC rival will have a ball with the "I'm a man, I'm 40" rant. That would probably produce some pretty funny memes.
Yep he doesn't check that box. And OK State v OK isn't Florida v Vandy. Maybe Florida V Tennessee? And we know how that's worked for Tennessee. That's a risk and there are others I'm sure.
I'm not particularly attached to Gundy, his name just passed a few filters when people were throwing out names. I'm one of those spoiled, entitled, arrogant Florida fans that thinks we should go after the best we can get. Also after the past two coaching failures I'm a bit risk adverse. If this was post Meyer I would be all for going after some up and comer but now I want more of a sure thing. Yes, everybody is a risk but you'd have to agree that all other things being equal a 10 yr, 80%, P5 coach is less risk than a 2 yr, 80% G5 coach.
So my first choice is a successful P5 coach. Not that I don't think we could possibly talk a Tier 1 P5 coach to come to Florida but I don't think there's anybody available right now. So next choice is a successful P5 T2 coach.
What boxes does he check? (in no order)
1) His offenses are lights out. We couldn't ask for more.
2) He's experienced with the media - he's been through his "I'm a man" rant with the media and I'm sure he learned form that.
3) He's tested. He's been running a P5 team for 13 years with all the ups, downs, suspensions, injuries and media fights that go with that.
4) He's not a flash in the pan. He wins more than most and has been doing it for a while.
5) He's only 50. I'd like the next coach to be a 10 year guy and if he made the jump I'd bet this would be his last stop
6) He's arguably available. He was pushing for the job three years ago. His buyout is reasonable. He makes only $4.2M now and I think we should be paying $6M for NC caliber coach. (whether or not he's that guy remains to be seen).
What boxes does he not check?
1) Rivalry record. Keep in mind Spurrier was only 5-7 v FSU. The gamble here is if he would do better on an equal recruiting ground.
2) Defense. I'm one who believes defense is easier to fix than offense. DC's are easier to get and defense can be more quickly fixed through recruiting. Having said that I have no idea if he's reverse Muschumpian in his recruiting of defense. If so, we don't want him.
3) Only one Conference championship. Again the gamble is would he do better on equal recruiting grounds.
The worst case with Gundy is probably Richt level. That's a helluva lot better than we've had in the last 8 years although we'd have to dump him eventually. But we'd be in much better shape. That's worst case. Worst case on an up and coming flash in the pan is that they are a total disaster. Not a risk I prefer to take.
Other names look good also, Fuentes, Franklin for example. I mostly choose Gundy because the Mullet is my spirit animal.
Having said all that I'd be very excited if we hire Frost.
