Dear Jack,
http://www.southbendtribune.com/article/20091126/SPORTS13/911269975/1130
Please tell me that Eric Hansen ate too much Turkey and took a nap. He then woke up and just slapped this thing together before his deadline. Please tell me there is no truth to this.
I hope his ”university source” is actually his dog. Not a person with inside information on your coaching search. Here are my issues.
Bob Stoops, Head Coach Oklahoma-
This is not the worst thing that could happen. I have a lot or respect for coach Stoops. Not only does he have a national championship, he has the 2nd most wins this decade. He trails Texas, Mack Brown by 2 wins. If Bob Stoops is announced as the new head coach of the Irish I will be okay with that. He is not my guy, Brian Kelly, but he is a hell of a football coach. I really don’t have an issue with Bob Stoops being targeted. However, I don’t think he will leave Oklahoma.
Will Muschamp, Defensive Coordinator, Texas-
Muschamp has proved to be a defensive guru and one of the best motivators in the country. He is an outstanding recruiter. However, he has NEVER BEEN A HEAD COACH AT ANY LEVEL. Notre Dame is in no position to bring someone in who needs to learn to be a head coach. I don’t care how good of a coordinator you are that by no means translates into being a good head coach. Look no further than the current coach at Notre Dame. The list of guys who are great coordinators and failed head coaches is as long as drive from Chicago to Aviston, IL. (5 hours of fields and the smell of cow shit) Domers, you remember Bob Davie don’t you? I am not willing to take a chance on Muschamp when there are plenty of sure things available.
Gary Patterson, Head Coach, TCU-
Great Football coach. Most known for taking 2 and 3 star offensive players and turning them into defensive stars. I am not sure how he would do at Notre Dame. I like Patterson, I just like other options better
The problem I see developing here is all 3 of these candidates named before my man Brian Kelly are defensive coaches. Do not get caught up in where the head coaches background is. That is the wrong way to pick a coach. Interview them, consider their track record and success. (or lack of one in Muschamp’s case) Hire a winner that has established himself.
Stoops won a national championship and has 3 BCS title game appearances
Kelly has won at 2 levels and 3 schools
Muschamp can coach D
Urban Meyer told you no
When Ohio State fired John Cooper in 2000 they were coming off a trying period in their great history. They were 14-10 over the last 2 seasons, 2-10-1 vs Michigan and 3-8 in bowl games. (those numbers are great compared to Charlie Weis’ 0-5 vs USC, 1 bowl win and 13-11 over the last 2 seasons) They hired Jim Tressel who had been the head coach of Division I-AA, Youngstown State. They chose a proven winner that was ready to take a top program. 9 years later, 6 Big Ten Titles, 1 National Championship and 93 wins later Ohio State is happy with their choice.
Is it me, or does that make Brian Kelly sound even better.
