2017: What about Butch Jones?

[CharlieK]

Because he didn't beat any significant program. He has only proven to be able to win against medium to low level FBS programs.

And that was one of the knocks on him before we hired him...couldn't win the big ones. He would have good seasons at North Alabama, but always lose in the semi's or quarters. I think one thing we should look for if we hire a HC from the lower levels is a proven history of not just winning seasons, but getting over the hump and winning the big games when they count. Of the two mentioned earlier, Mike Houston has that history.

[cajun4life]

And that was one of the knocks on him before we hired him...couldn't win the big ones. He would have good seasons at North Alabama, but always lose in the semi's or quarters. I think one thing we should look for if we hire a HC from the lower levels is a proven history of not just winning seasons, but getting over the hump and winning the big games when they count. Of the two mentioned earlier, Mike Houston has that history.

Mike Houston or John Grass would be homerun hires. Period.

[CajunNation]

Coaching graveyard applies only because we choked in Gainesville and then the violations.. He wins that game, he's gone.

2 kinds of coached are hired away from G5 schools. The young gun or the veteran that has re-branded.

The young gun probably had no prior head coaching experience before the G5 job. The re-branding veteran comes with baggage (Kiffin, Petrino)

Either one of these were really never seriously considered in prior searches. We focus on head coaches and shy away from controversy like the plague. Hence, the graveyard.

If we have a search, I would definitely include guys like Butch Jones and those young, hot shot OC's out there with no head coaching experience.

[CharlieK]

Mike Houston or John Grass would be homerun hires. Period.

I don't know enough about either to judge...I just looked at their records at current job...both impressive. Houston has broken through and won a championship.

[sportsfanatic21]

My only concern with either Houston or Grass is that neither have been at any one place long enough to have had "their" recruits. Obviously, both can coach, as their W/L %s are really good. But in all instances, they've come in and led existing rosters to exceptional records.

[Clutch0364]

My only concern with either Houston or Grass is that neither have been at any one place long enough to have had "their" recruits. Obviously, both can coach, as their W/L %s are really good. But in all instances, they've come in and led existing rosters to exceptional records.

This is year 4 for Grass so the majority of those kids are now his. He just won his 4th outright conference title and hasn't lost a conference game. He is q very good coach.

[fanof71]

This is year 4 for Grass so the majority of those kids are now his. He just won his 4th outright conference title and hasn't lost a conference game. He is q very good coach.

Has a good staff as well with coaches who have played or coached in the belt

[Clutch0364]

Has a good staff as well with coaches who have played or coached in the belt

A DC who has power conference experience.

[Hark Mudspeth]

My only concern with either Houston or Grass is that neither have been at any one place long enough to have had "their" recruits. Obviously, both can coach, as their W/L %s are really good. But in all instances, they've come in and led existing rosters to exceptional records.

Perfect...you hope they aren’t here that long either. You want a guy who you have to wait for him to get his guys? Or a guy who can win with anyone’s players? I’ll take the latter..come here, win with HUD’s guys and move on...graveyard over.

[fanof71]

Paullll F. Just announced that Dan Mullen is top choice at Tennessee...if that happens, would Hud make a go to get back to Starkvegas...

[CajunJeaux]

Paullll F. Just announced that Dan Mullen is top choice at Tennessee...if that happens, would Hud make a go to get back to Starkvegas...

Hud can make a go all he wants... it has be M State that wants to make a go at him... ain't happening!

[sportsfanatic21]

Perfect...you hope they aren’t here that long either. You want a guy who you have to wait for him to get his guys? Or a guy who can win with anyone’s players? I’ll take the latter..come here, win with HUD’s guys and move on...graveyard over.

I agree with what you're saying. But didn't we just do that? Coach came in and won with existing players. Couldn't sustain the success once those guys were gone.

Not saying these two guys can't, it's just a minor concern. I'd take either of them...yesterday