The Case for Kevin Sumlin

[angeleast]

MAT, I agree we should attempt a HOME RUN!!! However, realistically he will ask for a kings ransom. I dont want to usl the next hire but I do expect Maggard to be not afraid of hearing the word no.

[ManAboutTown]

Kiffin had a HUGE image issue that he needed to repair. He couldn't even just coach at Alabama without fighting with Saban on the sidelines. His only route to get back on the FBS HC route was to go to FAU. I don't think this is the same thing as Sumlin has a much better track record and is not considered a cancer within his own program like Kiffin was.

Same thing goes for a Petrino. The hire for him several years ago was controversial in its own right after he got canned from Arkansas. He had major image issues.

Malzahn, I'm not sure how he is compared as he has a good thing going and great reputation. He isn't going anywhere and will not be available.

Coaches typically move up, not down especially when we talk about program prestige, conference affiliation and more importantly, pay. Unfortunately for us, ours is a program where we may more than likely have to go the young up and comer route. I just don't see a guy like Sumlin giving us that much play especially with all of the movement in the coaching ranks. I think you'd have a better chance of getting a Les Miles per se as I could see one of the older guys who may want to continue even though the P-5 guys aren't beating down your door. Kind of like Schnellenberger did at FAU or Frank Solich when he left Nebraska. I think those are the types of big name hires we could make.

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.

[ManAboutTown]

Gus and Freeze aren't comparable. They were in G5 as a stepping stone to where they are (were in Freezes case). Petrino was damaged goods...off the field.

Kiffin is the only one that's comparable to Sumlin, but he's also got his baggage. Sumlin does not.

Sumlin will have (has already had) offers at P5 programs. Also potentially on TV. And he doesn't need the money.

Not being argumentative, nor do I have a defeatist attitude about it, but like I've said a few times on multiple threads, Kevin Sumlin isn't coming here. There's no reason for him to.

If we ask, I'll be proud of the admin for turning over every rock, but Kevin Sumlin coaching at UL is a pipe dream...at best.

Kiffin didn't need to go to FAU either. Sumlin is a coach, not a TV personality.

It's not a pipe dream. It's a realistic option. Get on the phone, get on a plane, get in front of him and Armstrong.

[ManAboutTown]

MAT, I agree we should attempt a HOME RUN!!! However, realistically he will ask for a kings ransom. I dont want to usl the next hire but I do expect Maggard to be not afraid of hearing the word no.

I'm just discussing. If not Sumlin, someone with clout.
I don't think he'll ask for a King's Ransom. I think With A&M money and what we can offer him, he'll be about $2.5 to $3 million. That's not couch change.

I know he's going to get a call. I'm just trying to drive home the point that we need not just waste his or our time with a phone call. I want a real run to be made at him. I want it to be a serious play, not a "for show" attempt.

[sportsfanatic21]

What's the Armstrong connection? Trace Armstrong that played D line for the Bears??

[no1cajunfan]

No one seems to have interest in Greg Schiano...why can’t we make a play for him. Doesn’t hurt to ask.

[zephyr]

I'm fairly certain that Kiffin, when he left for FAU, was not being looked at by other programs. It was a surprise to everyone he was leaving, particularly for FAU and I know it was a hot topic of discussion as to whether he was helping his career or hurting it by doing so. He's getting paid like 500K or something like that which was a big reduction from his salary of OC at Alabama.

I think his image needed more repair than you suggest. He failed miserably at two high profile schools while having attitude and image issues and then was seen fighting with Saban on the sideline numerous times in their run. He will likely get back into the P-5 ranks at some point but I think FAU was the best he could do at the time. Too bad that wasn't now as we could have potentially had a shot with him just like they did if the timing was better.

[zephyr]

I'm just discussing. If not Sumlin, someone with clout.
I don't think he'll ask for a King's Ransom. I think With A&M money and what we can offer him, he'll be about $2.5 to $3 million. That's not couch change.

I know he's going to get a call. I'm just trying to drive home the point that we need not just waste his or our time with a phone call. I want a real run to be made at him. I want it to be a serious play, not a "for show" attempt.

I agree with all of this. That is why I hate to hear the "promote Will Hall" crap. I'm all about testing these waters and gauging the actual interest in our program out there. I think that Sumlin is less likely than many of the people that have been mentioned (wished for) on here before. He has more upside and will get a big gig.

[ManAboutTown]

What's the Armstrong connection? Trace Armstrong that played D line for the Bears??

Yes, he is Sumlin's Agent. He reps some big named guys. Brian Kelly at ND for example.

[ManAboutTown]

No one seems to have interest in Greg Schiano...why can’t we make a play for him. Doesn’t hurt to ask.

No thanks.

[zephyr]

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.

[ManAboutTown]

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.

Exactly.