Originally Posted by
RagnCajunRebel
It's pretty well known that Mike Glenn is a big fan of Freeze, which is one reason you'll see Freeze's name come up a lot in the next few weeks. I personally wouldn't have a big problem with either Rich Rod or Leach, although right now I would love to see Sumlin or Kirby Smart (but only if they could hire Freeze or a similar type offensive mind as his OC).
My concern with Freeze, and with Hud, isn't that they won't be successful (although I think Hud is the better choice). My concern is that it's going to take about 3 years to turn that program into a mid-level SEC contender again, like they were when Cut was there. Houston Nutt is leaving a fairly empty depleted roster, and while there is young talent at WR, that's about it. I think the fans will be patient next year, but two years down the road there will need to be more of a turn around, and fans may not be as patient with Hud or Freeze as they would be with Smart or Sumlin (because they're a "bigger name" type hire). I know this is stupid, but I think fans, on the whole, only care about winning and sometimes forget how long things can take.
I also think that speaks to how great of a job Hud has done here. My dad and I were talking before the season started, and we both said that if Hud could win 4 of the 5 home games, we'd be overly impressed. What he and the Cajuns have accomplished this season is nothing short of amazing and bigger, AQ programs will take notice.
This isn't a shot at the Cajuns, as some here seem to think. I hope that Hud stays forever and helps continuing to build this program into the next mid-major power and beyond. And I believe that's possible. But to think that Hud--or Marlin or anyone else--will continue to stay at UL just because they love the area, well that's wishing in one hand. And the bottom line is that if we're going to be wishing in one hand, we better use the other hand to write checks, because while I'm sure Hud got into coaching to help turn boys to men and teach them about life--he can do that at other schools where they pay him a lot more cash. So we better be ready to pony up the money when it comes time to extend that contract, which will hopefully starts after the New Orleans Bowl. So get ready to donate to the RCAF or however else we're told is necessary to keep him here.
Finally--a couple of more notes about how the Ole Miss coaching search indirectly touches us. First, I think that Freeze will be hearing a lot more buzz than Hud will, for the reasons I and others said earlier. I hope that this causes a little bit of a distraction up in ASU this week...I like any advantage possible. Second, I know that Ole Miss AD Pete Boone will not have any say so in the coaching hire, and I expect him to be replaced by no later than April or so of next year. HOWEVER, I wonder how much Pete being there will influence Hud from even considering that move. As some of you may remember, our Coach David Saunders is currently suing Ole Miss and AD Pete Boone for some breach of contract issues from when David was at Ole Miss. Knowing both men in some capacity, I can say with confidence that David is on the right side of the legal fence. I have nothing but the highest regard for Sarge and I'm sure Hud thinks the same. Thus, I have to think that as long as Pete is even on the outskirts of the AD office, I can't imagine Hud even CONSIDERING going to Ole Miss. So there's that.
That was a lot of opinion and info, and I apologize for the length. As most of you know, I grew up a Cajuns fan and have been one my whole life, but I did my undergrad at Ole Miss and have a special place in my heart for Oxford and the University. I'm so thankful that I've remained a Cajuns fan, as they've saved my football season this year. (Also, I donate more money to RCAF than I do to Ole Miss, so please don't question my loyalty. I've seen some of that on here and I hate it.)
Re: Houston Nutt out at Ole Miss
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