Craig a candidate for lsu WR coach (update: Done Deal)

[FoundationEagle 637]

According to Cole Cubelic, DC has been looking around for over a month. Be thankful that Craig is professional.

^^This^^ more like 2 months but he was hoping things could be worked out. One of the reasons for leaving was he became frustrated with having little input into the offense game plan/play calling. He did turn down the UGA offer.

Gus is on the hot seat weather you believe it or not. He has made he choices and will either make it or not this year

Auburn will go on but this will make it very challenging.

This 100%. And its just not Gus's job on the line IMO. One if not both Jay's jobs are also on the line.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm pretty sure that was the case before DC left. He definitely needs to show something this year. 4 years is enough time... I don't believe he has to win the West, but if he goes 6-6 he will likely be bought out. The DC situation may have exacerbated the issue, but I believe this was a make or break year for him regardless.

[WarDamnEagleWDE 12,737]

I have sources within the program just like WDE, Altima, etc. I can tell you from what I have heard that this means really bad news for the program. For those in the "he wasn't that great of a coach" train, you are foolish. Dameyune Craig is one of the best offensive minds in the country. Rhett can't hold his jock strap. The coaching staff is literally pulling on both ends of the rope. Yes, our receivers were bad this year. That is because we had no talent. When Ricardo Louis is your "go to" receiver, you are in a world of trouble.

Like Altima said, Gus' inability to get rid of Rhett, is going to lead to his downfall. I dare say that Dameyune is more valuable to this program than Gus or Rhett combined. No, he is not ready to be a head coach. But, he should be our OC without a doubt. Hearing from those close to the program, Rhett may be the worst OC AU has ever had as far as developing players and on field coaching.

I was told Dameyune basically took a demotion (although he got a raise) to come to AU because he loves AU and Gus promised him the OC job eventually. Gus was convinced that Rhett would be a HC somewhere within a few years. When it all went south last season and Rhett should have been fired, Gus decided to hang on to him, thus sealing his fate. AU could have a great season in 2016 and Gus could be retained. But the major effect of this fiasco will come next year in recruiting because Mobile will be all but shut off to AU.

I love AU just like each and every one of you. But, this is the worst possible news to come out of Auburn football in a while. This is definitely worse than Muschamp/Robinson leaving. Those I have spoken with have shared these same sentiments.

Yes, Auburn is bigger than one man. But, allowing a former legend walk out of Auburn for a lateral position is a crushing blow to this program.

That’s all I got.

Well, if you remember this AU legend was at not first coming to AU from FSU until he got more money. So his love for AU had a price. To say he is more valuable than Gus is laughable. And while our receivers talent was so-so last year, a coach shows his real ability when he gets more out of less. That did not happen.

Coaches come and go. I am indifferent about him leaving. Yes he is a good recruiter, but most assistant are and have to be today.

DC was told how & what to do with coaching the WR's by Gus and Rhette. Routes, techniques ect.

So any success with WR last year or in upcoming years will e Gus's? Right?

DC will have his footpring on the AU WR's for the next 4 years. The kids he got at WR this year are elite. Anything with the Auburn O is on Gus.

[WarDamnEagleWDE 12,737]

The Elephant in the Room:

How much of this goes back to Duke Williams?

Yes, there was the issue that CDC supposedly would be more involved in the offense in 2015. He had disagreements with CGM and CRL and they parted ways.

But here is my question: On the Duke Williams issues, at each step, who was advocating for another chance for Duke, and who was advocating to cut ties to Duke Williams?

We can throw accusations around: QB play was horrible, WRs couldn't catch the ball. But the one common thread was Duke Williams. Myron Burton, A-Day MVP leaves team--people blame his departure on CGM allowing Duke Williams back on team. Duke Williams roommate was Jeremy Johnson--Did Duke's issues personally impact JJ? WRs were never in the game--some blamed that on the Duke Williams issues, using terms like "cancer".

So here is my question: Who from the coaching staff was the "Bad Cop", or heavy, to Duke Williams, and who was the "Good Cop"? And did that manifest itself over the course of the season as an issue on the coaching staff?

Was CDC saying "Trust me, I can't deal with this guy", and was CRL or CGM saying "Do your job and straighten this guy out"? Was CDC saying "Duke is a game changer, give him another chance", and CRL or CGM saying "I'm done with him"?

I am not saying it was Duke Williams alone, but if we buy into the idea Duke Williams poisoned at least the WR corps, if not the whole team, then it had to have some repercussions on the coaching staff.

When your head coach won't address problems because said said coach does not like dealing with problems is not a thing you want from you head coach. Players, football related & staff related.

I thought the story back then was that GM wanted Duke gone but DC talked him into giving Duke another chance. Am I remembering it wrong? I'm sure someone remembers it better than I do.

This is true. And Gus should have said no.

[NoALtiger 3,873]

According to Cole Cubelic, DC has been looking around for over a month. Be thankful that Craig is professional.

^^This^^ more like 2 months but he was hoping things could be worked out. One of the reasons for leaving was he became frustrated with having little input into the offense game plan/play calling. He did turn down the UGA offer.

Gus is on the hot seat weather you believe it or not. He has made he choices and will either make it or not this year

Auburn will go on but this will make it very challenging.

CDC should have had more input than he was allowed to. He was the co-OC but was not permitted to contribute. I can see how that would be extremely frustrating. Gus has made his choices and he has to deliver now.

[WarDamnEagleWDE 12,737]

To 80Tiger, Rhett is not a good recruiter. Dameyune is not a WR coach. Like it has been said in this thread, titles can be deceiving. Dameyune was brought in as a co oc. Like Rob Pate said, his ideas fell on deaf ears. Lashlee is not a DI OC. This is a lot deeper than what it being shown on the surface.

I like this guy. 100% correct. And DC was to coach QB's this year. Rhette to coach WR's. DC didn't agree with Rhette coaching WR's and left.

[FoundationEagle 637]

I have not been told whether he was in the running for any OC jobs (I will ask), but why leave if you are next in line at your alma mater? With Rhett's poor performance, he should have been let go. Normally, in a down year like AU had, the head coach makes changes. That was not the case this year. All coaches that left did so on their own accord. Gus did not fire anyone this season.

Gibson, I respect your opinion and those of your sources, but if we are at a point where everyone involved goes into panic mode because an OC isn't fired after one down year after two great offensive years, the coaches may not be the problem.

Tell me one thing Rhette has done at AU in the last two years. And how many recruits did he get on signing day this year? I'll hang up and listen.

I've never defended Rhette just the same as I haven't attacked him. He doesn't appear to be great, but it appears Gus trusts him to help his offense get going. He likely does things in film study and game prep that aren't seen by those that are allowed to watch practice. Whether everyone else believes those are worthy of his salary and position or not, Gus does and he is the one who will sink or swim because of the decision to keep him.

It seems DC and Gus differ in opinions of how to run an offense. Doesn't make either of them bad guys, just not a fit together and that is ok.

[WarDamnEagleWDE 12,737]

According to Cole Cubelic, DC has been looking around for over a month. Be thankful that Craig is professional.

^^This^^ more like 2 months but he was hoping things could be worked out. One of the reasons for leaving was he became frustrated with having little input into the offense game plan/play calling. He did turn down the UGA offer.

Gus is on the hot seat weather you believe it or not. He has made he choices and will either make it or not this year

Auburn will go on but this will make it very challenging.

CDC should have had more input than he was allowed to. He was the co-OC but was not permitted to contribute. I can see how that would be extremely frustrating. Gus has made his choices and he has to deliver now.

Yes he does. This move with DC just lost cost Gus a lot of AU people who where in his corner. Gus is alienating himself from some AU people he needs to be successful. Like I said Chiz 2.0.

[PoetTiger 1,901]

I have not been told whether he was in the running for any OC jobs (I will ask), but why leave if you are next in line at your alma mater? With Rhett's poor performance, he should have been let go. Normally, in a down year like AU had, the head coach makes changes. That was not the case this year. All coaches that left did so on their own accord. Gus did not fire anyone this season.

Gibson, I respect your opinion and those of your sources, but if we are at a point where everyone involved goes into panic mode because an OC isn't fired after one down year after two great offensive years, the coaches may not be the problem.

Tell me one thing Rhette has done at AU in the last two years. And how many recruits did he get on signing day this year? I'll hang up and listen.

Gus's offense has been successful without Craig. It had one down year. Is that all

on one coach RL or was it chemistry within coaching staff. Gus has his philosophy and it has got him this far with a few championships along the way. Rhett very well may be riding Malzahn's coat tail and probably can't recruit worth crap. But he is more in tune to what the HC wants to do from a philosophy standpoint. I don't think anyone wanted to see DC go, but it may have gotten to the point it just had to happen. Time will tell....

[Never2Yield 1,005]

To 80Tiger, Rhett is not a good recruiter. Dameyune is not a WR coach. Like it has been said in this thread, titles can be deceiving. Dameyune was brought in as a co oc. Like Rob Pate said, his ideas fell on deaf ears. Lashlee is not a DI OC. This is a lot deeper than what it being shown on the surface.

I like this guy. 100% correct. And DC was to coach QB's this year. Rhette to coach WR's. DC didn't agree with Rhette coaching WR's and left.

So now we have no one, who is proven, that can coach either QBs or WRs.

[FoundationEagle 637]

To 80Tiger, Rhett is not a good recruiter. Dameyune is not a WR coach. Like it has been said in this thread, titles can be deceiving. Dameyune was brought in as a co oc. Like Rob Pate said, his ideas fell on deaf ears. Lashlee is not a DI OC. This is a lot deeper than what it being shown on the surface.

I like this guy. 100% correct. And DC was to coach QB's this year. Rhette to coach WR's. DC didn't agree with Rhette coaching WR's and left.

So wait, now you're saying DC left...as the QB coach...to take a job as the WR coach somewhere else because he didn't want Rhette coaching receivers? Does DC think he's in charge? If so he won't like it at LSU either.

[PoetTiger 1,901]

According to Cole Cubelic, DC has been looking around for over a month. Be thankful that Craig is professional.

^^This^^ more like 2 months but he was hoping things could be worked out. One of the reasons for leaving was he became frustrated with having little input into the offense game plan/play calling. He did turn down the UGA offer.

Gus is on the hot seat weather you believe it or not. He has made he choices and will either make it or not this year

Auburn will go on but this will make it very challenging.

CDC should have had more input than he was allowed to. He was the co-OC but was not permitted to contribute. I can see how that would be extremely frustrating. Gus has made his choices and he has to deliver now.

Yes he does. This move with DC just lost cost Gus a lot of AU people who where in his corner. Gus is alienating himself from some AU people he needs to be successful. Like I said Chiz 2.0.

What do you mean alienation? Some of these AU people need to get out of the way IMO. Let him do his job, if he fails it will all take care of itself. I would argue any coach needs to be successful at Auburn -- so with or without Craig this should have been an expectation anyway.

[WarDamnEagleWDE 12,737]

I have not been told whether he was in the running for any OC jobs (I will ask), but why leave if you are next in line at your alma mater? With Rhett's poor performance, he should have been let go. Normally, in a down year like AU had, the head coach makes changes. That was not the case this year. All coaches that left did so on their own accord. Gus did not fire anyone this season.

Gibson, I respect your opinion and those of your sources, but if we are at a point where everyone involved goes into panic mode because an OC isn't fired after one down year after two great offensive years, the coaches may not be the problem.

Tell me one thing Rhette has done at AU in the last two years. And how many recruits did he get on signing day this year? I'll hang up and listen.

I've never defended Rhette just the same as I haven't attacked him. He doesn't appear to be great, but it appears Gus trusts him to help his offense get going. He likely does things in film study and game prep that aren't seen by those that are allowed to watch practice. Whether everyone else believes those are worthy of his salary and position or not, Gus does and he is the one who will sink or swim because of the decision to keep him.

It seems DC and Gus differ in opinions of how to run an offense. Doesn't make either of them bad guys, just not a fit together and that is ok.

Gus has been trying to get Rhette a OC job elsewhere for 2 years. No takers. Gus won't fire him. Dead weight. Has been for 2 years.

Hand will be the man this year with Gus. Was hoping Gus would let DC and Hand help Gus. BUT.

To 80Tiger, Rhett is not a good recruiter. Dameyune is not a WR coach. Like it has been said in this thread, titles can be deceiving. Dameyune was brought in as a co oc. Like Rob Pate said, his ideas fell on deaf ears. Lashlee is not a DI OC. This is a lot deeper than what it being shown on the surface.

I like this guy. 100% correct. And DC was to coach QB's this year. Rhette to coach WR's. DC didn't agree with Rhette coaching WR's and left.

So now we have no one, who is proven, that can coach either QBs or WRs.

Yep.

[AU64 10,122]

Been an interesting ride for Gus in the Forum for the last 5 or so years. Has gone from a coaching genius to incompetent HC right before our eyes it seems.

And has been frequently asked in matters like this: "when did he forget how to be a HC?" or perhaps did he have enough time to learn how to be the HC ?. I'm of the latter view right now.

But as noted above, just because two guys have a difference of opinion, it does not make either one of them a bad guy or an incompetent coach. Each made his decision and each will have to live with it.

[PoetTiger 1,901]

I have not been told whether he was in the running for any OC jobs (I will ask), but why leave if you are next in line at your alma mater? With Rhett's poor performance, he should have been let go. Normally, in a down year like AU had, the head coach makes changes. That was not the case this year. All coaches that left did so on their own accord. Gus did not fire anyone this season.

Gibson, I respect your opinion and those of your sources, but if we are at a point where everyone involved goes into panic mode because an OC isn't fired after one down year after two great offensive years, the coaches may not be the problem.

Tell me one thing Rhette has done at AU in the last two years. And how many recruits did he get on signing day this year? I'll hang up and listen.

I've never defended Rhette just the same as I haven't attacked him. He doesn't appear to be great, but it appears Gus trusts him to help his offense get going. He likely does things in film study and game prep that aren't seen by those that are allowed to watch practice. Whether everyone else believes those are worthy of his salary and position or not, Gus does and he is the one who will sink or swim because of the decision to keep him.

It seems DC and Gus differ in opinions of how to run an offense. Doesn't make either of them bad guys, just not a fit together and that is ok.

This is the way I look at it...just not a good fit from a philosophy standpoint.

[FoundationEagle 637]

I have not been told whether he was in the running for any OC jobs (I will ask), but why leave if you are next in line at your alma mater? With Rhett's poor performance, he should have been let go. Normally, in a down year like AU had, the head coach makes changes. That was not the case this year. All coaches that left did so on their own accord. Gus did not fire anyone this season.

Gibson, I respect your opinion and those of your sources, but if we are at a point where everyone involved goes into panic mode because an OC isn't fired after one down year after two great offensive years, the coaches may not be the problem.

Tell me one thing Rhette has done at AU in the last two years. And how many recruits did he get on signing day this year? I'll hang up and listen.

I've never defended Rhette just the same as I haven't attacked him. He doesn't appear to be great, but it appears Gus trusts him to help his offense get going. He likely does things in film study and game prep that aren't seen by those that are allowed to watch practice. Whether everyone else believes those are worthy of his salary and position or not, Gus does and he is the one who will sink or swim because of the decision to keep him.

It seems DC and Gus differ in opinions of how to run an offense. Doesn't make either of them bad guys, just not a fit together and that is ok.

Gus has been trying to get Rhette a OC job elsewhere for 2 years. No takers. Gus won't fire him. Dead weight. Has been for 2 years.

Hand will be the man this year with Gus. Was hoping Gus would let DC and Hand help Gus. BUT.

To 80Tiger, Rhett is not a good recruiter. Dameyune is not a WR coach. Like it has been said in this thread, titles can be deceiving. Dameyune was brought in as a co oc. Like Rob Pate said, his ideas fell on deaf ears. Lashlee is not a DI OC. This is a lot deeper than what it being shown on the surface.

I like this guy. 100% correct. And DC was to coach QB's this year. Rhette to coach WR's. DC didn't agree with Rhette coaching WR's and left.

So now we have no one, who is proven, that can coach either QBs or WRs. :no:/> :(/>

Yep.

Well by your account, Rhett is moving to WR coach, no? So we'll be hiring a true QB coach then, right?

[PowerOfDixieland 3,227]

This 100%. And its just not Gus's job on the line IMO. One if not both Jay's jobs are also on the line.

First time I've seen this opinion printed. Would/could Jay Gogue be fired for what is perceived to be oversight indifference towards the athletic department? At what point does the success of the football program override any and all other areas of academia? If this happens, I believe some old memories haven't faded to the point that SACS would cause some serious heartburn at Samford Hall. I remember sending emails to Gogue during the Chizik regime and thinking this guy couldn't care less about what goes on at Jordan Hare.

[OnthePlains 2,014]

According to Cole Cubelic, DC has been looking around for over a month. Be thankful that Craig is professional.

^^This^^ more like 2 months but he was hoping things could be worked out. One of the reasons for leaving was he became frustrated with having little input into the offense game plan/play calling. He did turn down the UGA offer.

Gus is on the hot seat weather you believe it or not. He has made he choices and will either make it or not this year

Auburn will go on but this will make it very challenging.

I'm starting to get the feeling this will be a lame duck season for Gus which makes it a very depressing situation. Thank goodness for our ladies teams who are doing so well across different sports.

[FoundationEagle 637]

If we are looking at firing the school president because the football team hasn't met our standards of apparently a minimum of 3 NC game appearances in 7 years, we've sold our souls and need to re evaluate every single person allowed to have input into the University. If the University itself has sunk this low in moral standards, it has completely lost everything that most of us love about it, and will quickly start losing its entire identity as a family school built on high moral ground, as well as the support of those who love it mostly for that reason. This would be over the line into a dark place that is very difficult from which to return. People need to get a grip on what really matters in life.

[AU64 10,122]

This 100%. And its just not Gus's job on the line IMO. One if not both Jay's jobs are also on the line.

First time I've seen this opinion printed. Would/could Jay Gogue be fired for what is perceived to be oversight indifference towards the athletic department? At what point does the success of the football program override any and all other areas of academia? If this happens, I believe some old memories haven't faded to the point that SACS would cause some serious heartburn at Samford Hall. I remember sending emails to Gogue during the Chizik regime and thinking this guy couldn't care less about what goes on at Jordan Hare.

Interesting question and good point. Lots of people here want to have it both ways....don't want JJ meddling in the program .....and when he is apparently hands off, they complain because he is not doing anything.

JMO but "things get handled"...and sooner or later (perhaps not as soon as some folks like) the coaching issues are dealt with. Impatience is the biggest problem with AU's fans in my view.

Meanwhile it would be a sad day for Auburn University if JG"s job was placed at risk over lack of the success in the football program.

PS..was writing this while FE was posting...and I agree 100% with his comments....

[WarEagle1983 2,185]

According to Cole Cubelic, DC has been looking around for over a month. Be thankful that Craig is professional.

And i don't blame him one bit. We traded him for Burns.

[mom2kid 216]

Reading this thread, it's obvious that those truly in the know like WDE have laid out the situation. I'm troubled by those that refuse to hear the truth and make excuses for CGM. There is no room for this level of ego; an inability to work with others; protecting a coach who needs to be gone and is making plenty to have savings to live on if he cant get hired by another program. GM is not an Auburn man; DC is. GM is not an offensive guru and possibly not a SEC caliber coach. What kind of coach doesnt allow his coaches to coach? I will root for AU but this is not the coach I want and yes JJ is a fool.

[PowerOfDixieland 3,227]

There is no room for this level of ego;

There is if you're the HC in West Vance and do nothing but show up for THE game year after year. Funny, he manhandles and muzzles his coaches and yet he has no shortage of guys cycling through that staff. Always better off than when they showed up. We seem to have something far from that, at least in terms of real leadership.

[Tiger 8,833]

Reading this thread, it's obvious that those truly in the know like WDE have laid out the situation. I'm troubled by those that refuse to hear the truth and make excuses for CGM. There is no room for this level of ego; an inability to work with others; protecting a coach who needs to be gone and is making plenty to have savings to live on if he cant get hired by another program. GM is not an Auburn man; DC is. GM is not an offensive guru and possibly not a SEC caliber coach. What kind of coach doesnt allow his coaches to coach? I will root for AU but this is not the coach I want and yes JJ is a fool.

While I agree with your overall statement, Saban has "his way" throughout the program and he gets his assistants to implement "his way". So I don't have an overall issue with this. However, if you told a man he would be Co-OC he should at least have the ability to order the depth chart of the position he oversees, if nothing else. Coupled with the fact that defenses have figured out the elementary passing game it would have been wise to let somebody else, I don't know maybe the guy that was told he'd be Co-OC, to have SOME input.

[WarEagle1983 2,185]

I have not been told whether he was in the running for any OC jobs (I will ask), but why leave if you are next in line at your alma mater? With Rhett's poor performance, he should have been let go. Normally, in a down year like AU had, the head coach makes changes. That was not the case this year. All coaches that left did so on their own accord. Gus did not fire anyone this season.

But had no problems understanding he had to let Ellis and the rest of those guys go. I don't like the favoritism and especially for a coach that has not provided any benefits to us.

[AUbritt 611]

Nothing shockingly new here. I think the headline says it all. It's just a marker of how this looks from the outside on the national scene.

The ESPN headline sort of says it all: "Dameyune Craigs move to LSU will be painful for Auburn on multiple fronts."