The Case for Kevin Sumlin

[HoustonCajun]

Let me preface with, not being argumentative. I started this thread for exactly this discussion. I think your take is valid on several points.

Kiffin, while embattled, was a hot name at the time. I'll go pull some articles. He was certainly in the mix at P5 openings.

Malzahn just flat out choose to go to Ark St to get a head gig. That's it. There was no caveat with that move. (I think he's from Ark though, but still).

On Petrino, I think your image repair argument holds up more. At that point in time, he was pretty untouchable to big brands. Still, those couple years with him at HC really set them up going forward.

My head tells me Sumlin is too good a coach to have to "settle" for a job in G5.
My heart tells me that the timing is possibly right for both, and we absolutely have to ring his phone to death. Call up Broadway, get a meeting set up with Trace Armstrong, and let's at least have a cup of coffee over it.

Charlie Strong is another example. Went from Texas to G5 USF and had an outstanding season.

[ManAboutTown]

For the people that don't care about Missouri connections, can anyone find a link from Maggard (or Missouri) to Sumlin? Sumlin is a former LB at Purdue. Midwest folk are sure to have some connections...

[ManAboutTown]

Charlie Strong is another example. Went from Texas to G5 USF and had an outstanding season.

Yes Sir, didn't think about him.

[Just1More]

Schiano is a defensive coach. He was mildly successful at Rutgers. I'd rather an offensive minded coach. Kids coming to a program like ours are easier to get at higher levels to play in dynamic offenses.

I've always tended to agree with this (dynamic offenses attracting premium skill talent). But I see some things differently. Some offensive minded head coaches tend to get in the way of a very talented OC. I'm not so sure I'm not ready for a defensive minded HC. I almost would rather us target a young super aggressive offensive coordinator... and then find a head coach that compliments him (focuses on the program overall - and keeps his nose out of the details).

Hud has not failed in getting dynamic skill talent. I tend to think the differences in programs these days has a lot more to do with recruiting coachable linemen. I'm not sure how to crack that code with a coaching hire... but that is what I think would radically improve our program. I haven't had that big of a problem with our playbook under Hud. The biggest flaw in Hud's offensive mindset is that he depends too much on the athleticism of his QBs. If you have a QB that ranks high in every category AND he has wheels... that's fantastic. But if his wheels are his greatest attribute... you tend to steal 50% of your playbook away from other skill talent on the field.

In reality... I keep reading the posts on the new head coach targets... and I think there's hardly a clear path. It's fun to speculate I guess. I tend to loan my thoughts to "What does Brian Maggard think... and who and what influences his selection of a new head coach?". Does Gerry Glasco give us any insight into how Dr. Maggard will go about choosing a football head coach?

[Hark Mudspeth]

I've always tended to agree with this (dynamic offenses attracting premium skill talent). But I see some things differently. Some offensive minded head coaches tend to get in the way of a very talented OC. I'm not so sure I'm not ready for a defensive minded HC. I almost would rather us target a young super aggressive offensive coordinator... and then find a head coach that compliments him (focuses on the program overall - and keeps his nose out of the details).

Hud has not failed in getting dynamic skill talent. I tend to think the differences in programs these days has a lot more to do with recruiting coachable linemen. I'm not sure how to crack that code with a coaching hire... but that is what I think would radically improve our program. I haven't had that big of a problem with our playbook under Hud. The biggest flaw in Hud's offensive mindset is that he depends too much on the athleticism of his QBs. If you have a QB that ranks high in every category AND he has wheels... that's fantastic. But if his wheels are his greatest attribute... you tend to steal 50% of your playbook away from other skill talent on the field.

In reality... I keep reading the posts on the new head coach targets... and I think there's hardly a clear path. It's fun to speculate I guess. I tend to loan my thoughts to "What does Brian Maggard think... and who and what influences his selection of a new head coach?". Does Gerry Glasco give us any insight into how Dr. Maggard will go about choosing a football head coach?

If they pull the trigger, I️ think we should go after Brent Pry, young energetic coach who has had several top 25 defenses at all levels. He was a part of changing the culture at Vanderbilt which is pretty difficult. He had been a part of bringing one of the most storied programs back to prominence. His wife is from here and has recruiting ties in the area from being get. He would also be able to hire a young dynamic OC and stay out if his way. Look what defense does in the SBC....APP state.

[ULGrad@HOU]

Sumlin is the offensive type of coach I would like UL to hire. Great track record, but I don't think he would take the job here.

I also like Kendal Briles. Look at FAU's numbers under he and Kiffin. Just phenomenal. This is the type of system that can beat better and more talented teams. I don't think he was responsible for what went on at Baylor and would be under more scrutiny here. He wants to one day be big time, so you know he would jump at the chance. I think he would be an excellent coach to take us up a few notches before he takes a P5 job.

[ManAboutTown]

Sumlin is the offensive type of coach I would like UL to hire. Great track record, but I don't think he would take the job here.

I also like Kendal Briles. Look at FAU's numbers under he and Kiffin. Just phenomenal. This is the type of system that can beat better and more talented teams. I don't think he was responsible for what went on at Baylor and would be under more scrutiny here. He wants to one day be big time, so you know he would jump at the chance. I think he would be an excellent coach to take us up a few notches before he takes a P5 job.

I think in many ways, they are similar coaches.

[ULGrad@HOU]

I think in my ways, they are similar coaches.

Yep.

[Just1More]

Sumlin is the offensive type of coach I would like UL to hire. Great track record, but I don't think he would take the job here.

I also like Kendal Briles. Look at FAU's numbers under he and Kiffin. Just phenomenal. This is the type of system that can beat better and more talented teams. I don't think he was responsible for what went on at Baylor and would be under more scrutiny here. He wants to one day be big time, so you know he would jump at the chance. I think he would be an excellent coach to take us up a few notches before he takes a P5 job.

Good call.

[Cajunrunner]

If they pull the trigger, I️ think we should go after Brent Pry, young energetic coach who has had several top 25 defenses at all levels. He was a part of changing the culture at Vanderbilt which is pretty difficult. He had been a part of bringing one of the most storied programs back to prominence. His wife is from here and has recruiting ties in the area from being get. He would also be able to hire a young dynamic OC and stay out if his way. Look what defense does in the SBC....APP state.

Would Brent Pry ____ on us if we were on fire after he was treated as the scapegoat during Bustle’s later years?