We should be paying a minimum of $400K plus incentives for a good head coach. That would peak interest from these kind of candidates. I hope the RCAF can handle that, otherwise look for a low budget hire and we will get what we pay for. I don't think (hope) that won't happen this time.
I respectfully disagree. I think we need someone who understands what it takes to be a big time program and how we will get there. Hiring someone from another low budget program will only likely serve to perpetuate the low level of football we have always had here. It is not like Ohio State picking a 1AA coach from Youngstown State (Tressel). OSU had the money and the program in place to win. UL does not have either. Let's commit to doing this right for a change. I am tired of second class citizenry in sports.
And I respectfully disagree with the first part of your post. We tried the assistant from a big name program. A guy who came in here after coaching Mike Vick to an almost NC. I loved the hire of RB back then. But in retrospect I think those types of guys are used to big budgets and we present a shock to what they are used to. My preference would be a guy from a lower level program looking for his first HC job as a stepping stone.
As to the commit part I agree. Paying $400k to get an up and comer is what we need to do and then continue the commitment to better facilities. I think we HAVE to show the candidates that we are serious about a first class mid major program
And I too am tired of second class citizenry......
For some reason I am getting optimistic that we are headed in the right direction finally
To me, that points to someone like the Stephen F. Austin coach J.C. Harper. He appears to be the "Bob Marlin" of the names bandied about. http://sfajacks.cstv.com/sports/m-fo...rper_jc00.html
I want a coach who is a little hungry and will put in the effort to create a winning team.
We have tried the coordinator route from the big programs and that has not worked out as well as it should (Nelson Stokley was an exception prior to the budget cuts). In our case someone with success as a lower level head coach is exactly what we need as he will have similar resources to what he has now. As far as the X's and O's of the game, most would be shocked at how little difference there is in that regard between levels. It does not matter what you and I think about this. What matters is what the decision makers think and I can assure you the key players believe head coaching experience is a key criteria.
Harper has shown the instincts it takes to be a successful head coach. He hand selected his current coordinators a couple of years ago which has directly led to the current domination they are showing in the SLC.
For those of you who don't know, the O.C. at SFA is Shannon Dawson, a Hal Mumme disciple, and, YES, they throw the football with video-game type results.
I would say the odds are 60/40 that Harper and his crew will be in Cajun Field next season.
If you like the Bob Marlin selection, here's what J.C. Harper has accomplished at Stephen F. Austin and how few fans attended:
- 2007: 0-11 Attendance: 8480 average
- 2008: 4-8 Attendance: 8577 average
- 2009: 10-3 Attendance: 11111 average Conference Champions
- 2010 (5 out of 6 home games played): 8-2 Attendance: 9849 average
They are 4-1 in conference (5-1 if you count Lamar game, who will be in conference next year).
I counted 13 on the roster that looked like Jucos/transfers from 1-A programs.
That looks pretty good to me.
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