jknighton

I can't argue with any of this...

Ohhh if we could get Garner back

There was a time not too long ago when we would've considered this a homerun hire. I get the dark cloud from Maryland, but I can't help but feel like Durkin is the better choice over Kiffin.

FWIW...if Symons were hired by Freeze, then he'd have my full support. Freeze is going to make or break it with his hires, so he should get who he believes will succeed. Similar to Harsin with Kiesau and Schmedding, those hires were full of nepotism, but Harsin rolled the dice on his guys. This isn't directed at you or anyone in particular, but while Symons has an impressive resume, I personally don't believe he has the experience that one needs to be DC in the SEC.

https://twitter.com/CollegeFBPortal/status/1748105901750571226?t=zbF2n4or8AU_f3W5r0zYuw&s=19

It's from their official Twitter this morning https://twitter.com/OleMissFB/status/1747619939354071237?t=X6Qa3Umwyf3oRznwaEu9ZQ&s=19

Surely we can poach him, right?

You must've missed where I said FWIW I hope Freeze does well, but it's all good.

Obviously he would be foolish to follow that blueprint unless he wants to get paid and ruin his reputation, but you've got to admit that their 1st seasons have been eerily similar. The close Iron Bowl losses, the bowl game loss, the firing of the OC, rumors of the DC leaving, possibly promoting from within for the OC job, etc. FWIW I hope Freeze gets it turned around, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't concerned with all that's transpired. I expected more.

3-5 could easily happen and you're right 4-4 is realistic. I think 5-3 with a win over Arkansas and either Kentucky or Mizzou is what's needed to show progress. Finishing with wins over Vandy, ULM and A&M seems unfathomable, but sets the tone for a big match up in Tuscaloosa.

No, but if he follows the Harsin blueprint and is sitting at 3-5, then obviously we are not progressing. Right?

If he's 3-5?

Exactly. Saying that in public is a bad look whether true or not. If CHF wants to tell them how bad they played, then do it when the team is going over the game film not immediately after the game in the presser. Coach 'em up, don't break 'em down.

Yeah, that was Kiesau.

Exactly. Most kids choose Bama to make it in the NFL, it's strictly a business decision. I think Freeze was the right man for the job when he was hired because of our poor optics from the Harsin debacle. Unfortunately I think he's learning that the Auburn job is substantially tougher than the Ole Miss job. The fans here have ZERO patience and the administration has very little. I think he's done an decent job up to this point, but next year will tell the tale. I don't know if it's make or break, but another 6-7 year will be unacceptable.

True. As much as we want to believe that these young men commit to the university, it is the bond they build with their position coaches that can be stronger.

Hopefully not.

Not connected, but I remember plenty of talk of Mason interviewing for other jobs immediately after the season. The large debate was whether it was because Harsin insinuated he should look elsewhere or Mason simply wanted out. I personally believe it was a mutual separation because Schmedding was named DC immediately after.

You're not baiting me to go down that rabbit hole lol. If you remember there was plenty of whispers about Mason leaving after the bowl game.

I've quietly thought the same. Add in the quick removal of the OC with rumors of the DC being released as well. Even more similar is I would be shocked if Kent Austin wasn't promoted to OC.

Same. Maybe I'm a pessimist, but I don't get the "we should've hired Urban Meyer, Bob Stoops, Jon Gruden, etc". I highly doubt that our administration would shoot down Sexton if he called informing that said clients were interested.

My fault I missed 2021.