- Oct 15, 2018
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Yes, Foley is about 100% to blame for the facilities issue. But Mullen had "full control" over the hiring of the recruiting staff. And if he didn't, he should have read Saban's book, "Saban". When Saban took the Alabama job, in order to leave the Dolphins job, he told Mal Moore (AD) what he needed and wanted in regards to recruiting or he wasn't taking the job. He got EVERYTHING he wanted and EVERYTHING he asked for. That was Mullen's chance (and I'm sure he made some demands before he left MSU, but to what extent?). He hired a band of misfits to run the recruiting office, he brought over an adulterer from MSU, and the office continues to be disorganized. I know half this board is in the "you can't say anything bad about the coach" mode, but this is on Mullen. If he fixes it he could have a long tenure here....if he keeps pulling in 14th ranked classes, 7th in the SEC classes? Well, he probably won't last more than 5 or 6 seasons.
I am definitely not in any pile that limits what I say or don't say and do think Mullen has a lot of blame, especially in the staff he brought. But there was stuff mentioned here (not really interested in looking it up and quoting it) that implies that there is a definite ceiling to how much the recruiting staff can grow. I even think someone mentioned office space too. I am sure most of it was embellishment, but when you really think about it, I bet there is a culture in the AD where a lot of stuff isn't needed. But yeah ... it ultimately comes down on Mullen, but if the AD isn't supporting then who actually can succeed here. You have to believe that our AD has a good understanding of how the other ADs in our area are operating and it only makes sense to always keep a pulse on that. Especially the programs that are succeeding where you are failing. There has to be some top driven actions. If I was the AD, and that wreaks of stupidity because I would be a horrible AD, I would at least have the understanding to look at blueprints around me that are succeeding.
If Mullen truly does have his head in the sand, then it really just isn't Mullen that is the issue, it is our AD too. There is a whole lot of evidence showing how the AD views the football program. Actions speak louder than words.