- Jul 28, 2014
- 722
- 587
We have all been throwing names out and attacking each other when we think a suggestion is stupid. Our differing opinions implicitly contain how we weigh the importance of different criteria in the HC hunt. Here is a synopsis of these criteria and the importance level I have attached (on a 5-point scale).
1. Previous HC experience (5)
UF is not an OJT experiment. CIW is still a HC wanna be.
2. Success in a Power 5 Conference (3)
While it's nice to have, few successful coaches will move (laterally) if they are building something meaningful where they are. We might get a diamond-in-the-rough from other "lower" conferences.
3. Experience with the SEC (2)
Overrated. The SEC may be a tougher gig but it also attracts the best players. A good coach is a good coach. Of course, a non-SEC coach must be willing to take the intense pressure (see Urban Meyer)
4. Experience in the NFL (-5)
History shows (barring a few exceptions) that there are college coaches and there are NFL coaches. The skill sets and attitudes vary greatly between the two roles. NFL coaches with no significant college HC experience may be worse than college coordinators (see Charlie Weis).
5. Offense v. Defense Background (4)
Really it shouldn't matter but at UF it does. Also, the game has changed in the college scene where offense rules. All one needs is a competent defense.
6. Ties to UF or the area (3)
Alabama found out the hard way that this is not so important. However, coaches (or spouses) may prefer their alma mater or particular geographical area. Previous UF coaches may not have parted on the best of terms or feel slighted at being overlooked earlier (Strong? Mullen? perhaps) and will not come.
7. Age (4)
Much as I hate to admit this, age is a factor. Even Spurrier seems to think so. But that assumes we want/expect longevity, not stamina. The days of lifetime coaches may be over.
8. Ability to Recruit (3)
Also overrated (see Steve Spurrier). If you listen to prospects, they are more connected to their position coaches. The exception may be the 5 stars. Conversely, good recruiters can be a bust as HC (see Ron Zook).
9. Drive to Succeed/Ego (5)
At a pressurized job like Florida, coaches who have reached the pinnacle may not have the drive they once had (Bob Stoops perhaps?). We demand SECCs and NCs. Some "has-been" and "don't need this no more" types will decline or fail.
10. Success at Developing Talent (5)
Most successful coaches excel at the Xs and Os but it takes a special "eye" to develop talent at all positions (see Art Briles).
Feel free to add others....
1. Previous HC experience (5)
UF is not an OJT experiment. CIW is still a HC wanna be.
2. Success in a Power 5 Conference (3)
While it's nice to have, few successful coaches will move (laterally) if they are building something meaningful where they are. We might get a diamond-in-the-rough from other "lower" conferences.
3. Experience with the SEC (2)
Overrated. The SEC may be a tougher gig but it also attracts the best players. A good coach is a good coach. Of course, a non-SEC coach must be willing to take the intense pressure (see Urban Meyer)
4. Experience in the NFL (-5)
History shows (barring a few exceptions) that there are college coaches and there are NFL coaches. The skill sets and attitudes vary greatly between the two roles. NFL coaches with no significant college HC experience may be worse than college coordinators (see Charlie Weis).
5. Offense v. Defense Background (4)
Really it shouldn't matter but at UF it does. Also, the game has changed in the college scene where offense rules. All one needs is a competent defense.
6. Ties to UF or the area (3)
Alabama found out the hard way that this is not so important. However, coaches (or spouses) may prefer their alma mater or particular geographical area. Previous UF coaches may not have parted on the best of terms or feel slighted at being overlooked earlier (Strong? Mullen? perhaps) and will not come.
7. Age (4)
Much as I hate to admit this, age is a factor. Even Spurrier seems to think so. But that assumes we want/expect longevity, not stamina. The days of lifetime coaches may be over.
8. Ability to Recruit (3)
Also overrated (see Steve Spurrier). If you listen to prospects, they are more connected to their position coaches. The exception may be the 5 stars. Conversely, good recruiters can be a bust as HC (see Ron Zook).
9. Drive to Succeed/Ego (5)
At a pressurized job like Florida, coaches who have reached the pinnacle may not have the drive they once had (Bob Stoops perhaps?). We demand SECCs and NCs. Some "has-been" and "don't need this no more" types will decline or fail.
10. Success at Developing Talent (5)
Most successful coaches excel at the Xs and Os but it takes a special "eye" to develop talent at all positions (see Art Briles).
Feel free to add others....
