Maybe We Should Be Demanding More...

[Snaggletiger]

from the right people?

Driving to work this morning and listening to the parade of callers, ranting about how much Malzahn sucks.  People just plain angry.  And funny how this board, and probably every other AU board, is twice as active as they would be if we were 6-0 and top 5.  I've had my bouts of pissed-offedness, but I try to check it by telling myself not to be a Bammer.  It's a football team and I'm not playing or coaching. I'm extremely passionate about the program and devote a lot of time and $$$ to it in attending games, but I know the sun is still going to come up the day after a win or loss. 

But is our anger or our passion a bit misplaced?  The callers this morning were rehashing the same things they were 3-4 years ago.  Look back on this board.  I guarantee the comments are exactly the same.  Play calling...QB development and play....dissension amongst the players....  shampoo, rinse, repeat.

I'm at the point of apathy with Gus. There is way more than enough of a sample size to know what this coach is all about.  It's been evident for several years.  But as we muddled through the 8-5's and 7-6's, the 5 QB's and whirley-birds etc. we never demanded better.  Better yet, those in charge never demanded it.  As I said in another thread, Auburn did what it always does. They let the euphoria of a couple of big wins blur the lines.  They panicked and thought they had to lock down a coach that had long since proven he can't hack it on a consistent basis at this level.  They gave him luda-kris amounts of money and structured the deal such that we're all married to this coach for the foreseeable future.

But I'm actually not pissed at Gus anymore.  The man got his money.  Who among us wouldn't?  Whether it was real or just another Arkansas troll job, he gave Auburn the option and they caved. Was it Leath that made the decision?  The Trustees?  We'll be in coach-search mode again in the future. We're not right now.  $32 million says we have to bend over and take it.  But when that time comes, we might need to go Left Wing protest mode and make 100% certain they get the importance of what they're doing.         

[Kaos]

from the right people?

Driving to work this morning and listening to the parade of callers, ranting about how much Malzahn sucks.  People just plain angry.  And funny how this board, and probably every other AU board, is twice as active as they would be if we were 6-0 and top 5.  I've had my bouts of pissed-offedness, but I try to check it by telling myself not to be a Bammer.  It's a football team and I'm not playing or coaching. I'm extremely passionate about the program and devote a lot of time and $$$ to it in attending games, but I know the sun is still going to come up the day after a win or loss.

But is our anger or our passion a bit misplaced?  The callers this morning were rehashing the same things they were 3-4 years ago.  Look back on this board.  I guarantee the comments are exactly the same.  Play calling...QB development and play....dissension amongst the players....  shampoo, rinse, repeat.

I'm at the point of apathy with Gus. There is way more than enough of a sample size to know what this coach is all about.  It's been evident for several years.  But as we muddled through the 8-5's and 7-6's, the 5 QB's and whirley-birds etc. we never demanded better.  Better yet, those in charge never demanded it.  As I said in another thread, Auburn did what it always does. They let the euphoria of a couple of big wins blur the lines.  They panicked and thought they had to lock down a coach that had long since proven he can't hack it on a consistent basis at this level.  They gave him luda-kris amounts of money and structured the deal such that we're all married to this coach for the foreseeable future.

But I'm actually not pissed at Gus anymore.  The man got his money.  Who among us wouldn't?  Whether it was real or just another Arkansas troll job, he gave Auburn the option and they caved. Was it Leath that made the decision?  The Trustees?  We'll be in coach-search mode again in the future. We're not right now.  $32 million says we have to bend over and take it.  But when that time comes, we might need to go Left Wing protest mode and make 100% certain they get the importance of what they're doing.       

Where might one purchase a pussy hat?

[Godfather]

Where might one purchase a pussy hat?

From Jay Jacobs?

[wesfau2]

As I said in another thread, Auburn did what it always does. They let the euphoria of a couple of big wins blur the lines.  They panicked and thought they had to lock down a coach that had long since proven he can't hack it on a consistent basis at this level.  They gave him luda-kris amounts of money and structured the deal such that we're all married to this coach for the foreseeable future.

I know we hashed...and re-hashed...this point when the deal was inked, but I disagree with your assessment of the conditions surrounding the contract.

Caveat: I know nothing...these are just my thoughts.

I don't think it was UGA/Bama post-coital euphoria.  I think the PTB realize that staff stability is a key factor in long-term success.  I also think they looked around at the open jobs and quality candidates available, did some quick cyphering, and realized that there weren't enough of the latter for the former and didn't want to be overpaying for a relative unknown quantity.

The terms of the contract are not commensurate, in my opinion, with the coach's inherent worth.  That said, the overall cost of a total rebuild with a shot-in-the-dark candidate might have been more than the admin was willing spend.  I think this is our ride-the-storm-out deal with Malzahn.  We're hunkered down, knowing what we'll get, until Saban moves on.

[Kaos]

I know we hashed...and re-hashed...this point when the deal was inked, but I disagree with your assessment of the conditions surrounding the contract.

Caveat: I know nothing...these are just my thoughts.

I don't think it was UGA/Bama post-coital euphoria.  I think the PTB realize that staff stability is a key factor in long-term success.  I also think they looked around at the open jobs and quality candidates available, did some quick cyphering, and realized that there weren't enough of the latter for the former and didn't want to be overpaying for a relative unknown quantity.

The terms of the contract are not commensurate, in my opinion, with the coach's inherent worth.  That said, the overall cost of a total rebuild with a shot-in-the-dark candidate might have been more than the admin was willing spend.  I think this is our ride-the-storm-out deal with Malzahn.  We're hunkered down, knowing what we'll get, until Saban moves on.

Then we are the French.  

[Snaggletiger]

I know we hashed...and re-hashed...this point when the deal was inked, but I disagree with your assessment of the conditions surrounding the contract.

Caveat: I know nothing...these are just my thoughts.

I don't think it was UGA/Bama post-coital euphoria.  I think the PTB realize that staff stability is a key factor in long-term success.  I also think they looked around at the open jobs and quality candidates available, did some quick cyphering, and realized that there weren't enough of the latter for the former and didn't want to be overpaying for a relative unknown quantity.

The terms of the contract are not commensurate, in my opinion, with the coach's inherent worth.  That said, the overall cost of a total rebuild with a shot-in-the-dark candidate might have been more than the admin was willing spend.  I think this is our ride-the-storm-out deal with Malzahn.  We're hunkered down, knowing what we'll get, until Saban moves on.

Is Malzahn still here had he lost to UGA and Bama?

[Godfather]

I know we hashed...and re-hashed...this point when the deal was inked, but I disagree with your assessment of the conditions surrounding the contract.

Caveat: I know nothing...these are just my thoughts.

I don't think it was UGA/Bama post-coital euphoria.  I think the PTB realize that staff stability is a key factor in long-term success.  I also think they looked around at the open jobs and quality candidates available, did some quick cyphering, and realized that there weren't enough of the latter for the former and didn't want to be overpaying for a relative unknown quantity.

The terms of the contract are not commensurate, in my opinion, with the coach's inherent worth.  That said, the overall cost of a total rebuild with a shot-in-the-dark candidate might have been more than the admin was willing spend.  I think this is our ride-the-storm-out deal with Malzahn.  We're hunkered down, knowing what we'll get, until Saban moves on.

You forgot we also had no Athletic Director either, it was truly a perfect storm.

[Godfather]

Is Malzahn still here had he lost to UGA and Bama?

The answer is probably not, but IMO Gus should have never been here to begin with so there is that.  I don't believe Wes4au said it was the right decision, just his estimation of the decision process, which I believe to also be the case.

[Snaggletiger]

The answer is probably not, but IMO Gus should have never been here to begin with so there is that.  I don't believe Wes4au said it was the right decision, just his estimation of the decision process, which I believe to also be the case.

Oh I get that, but my contention is that the 4th straight losses to both UGA and Bama would have meant all of that was a moot point.  There are zero contract discussions from that point forward except the question of how do you want the buyout check made payable? 

I said last year to reward the man for those wins.  And yes, they were huge wins. Extend him a year.  Stroke him a big bonus.  But a 7 year/$7 million deal with the present buyout is unacceptable by any standards where Malzahn is concerned.  Especially when he had long since proven that what we're getting right now is who he is.  That's not going to change.  In no way, shape or form should they have done what they did, current climate or not.

[wesfau2]

I said last year to reward the man for those wins.  And yes, they were huge wins. Extend him a year.  Stroke him a big bonus.  But a 7 year/$7 million deal with the present buyout is unacceptable by any standards where Malzahn is concerned. 

Had that line been drawn in the sand, Gus would be in Fayetteville and we'd be breaking in Morris/Pruitt/whodafuckknows.

[Godfather]

Had that line been drawn in the sand, Gus would be in Fayetteville and we'd be breaking in Morris/Pruitt/whodafuckknows.

and I'm of the mindset that this would not have been a bad thing.  Because what do we have now?


again the other outlier was we had no AD.

[wesfau2]

and I'm of the mindset that this would not have been a bad thing.  Because what do we have now?


again the other outlier was we had no AD.

Better the devil you know, IMO.

Gus beats Saban more often than just about anybody and as long as we're in the SECW, the road to championships run through Turdtown.

I'd love more consistency and I abhor the lifeless offense when the running game isn't top tier, but it is what it is, aight?

My stance would be different if there was more parity in the West and the title was truly up for grabs every year.  It will be that way eventually.  Until then, strap in so Gus can strap on.

[Godfather]

Better the devil you know, IMO.

Not when he is getting paid 49 bazillion dollars I tend to disagree.

[Snaggletiger]

Had that line been drawn in the sand, Gus would be in Fayetteville and we'd be breaking in Morris/Pruitt/whodafuckknows.

And that would be worse than the current situation....how? BTW, ya' think Pruitt can game plan to stop this offense?  He may not have the athletes, but neither did Southern Miss.

I'll say it again, Gus Malzahn has long since proven this is who he is.  This is far more the norm than the exception.  He'll always go on a run, but come crashing back down to reality in some mind-boggling manner.  And if....I stress if, that piece by Marcello is half way credible, we have far bigger problems than play calling and player development.    

 ***Submitted after GF's post***

[Saniflush]

Then we are the French. 

Oui

[wesfau2]

And that would be worse than the current situation....how? BTW, ya' think Pruitt can game plan to stop this offense?  He may not have the athletes, but neither did Southern Miss.

I'll say it again, Gus Malzahn has long since proven this is who he is.  This is far more the norm than the exception.  He'll always go on a run, but come crashing back down to reality in some mind-boggling manner.  And if....I stress if, that piece by Marcello is half way credible, we have far bigger problems than play calling and player development.   

 ***Submitted after GF's post***

I just think that washing out coaches every 3-5 years trying to chase Saban is a losing proposition.

Settle in.  CFB is fucked right now.

[Godfather]

I just think that washing out coaches every 3-5 years trying to chase Saban is a losing proposition.

Settle in.  CFB is fucked right now.

I don't disagree, look at the like of schools who have done that.  However, we know Gus and he has been here longer than 3-5. It is, however, moot as you have said and thus the reason I believe we have Gus until Saban is gone or close to being gone.

[Saniflush]

I don't disagree, look at the like of schools who have done that.  However, we know Gus and he has been here longer than 3-5. It is, however, moot as you have said and thus the reason I believe we have Gus until Saban is gone or close to being gone.

One thing for certain is we do not want to be looking for a coach the same time the mouth breathers are.  They have already pushed the average income of coaches through the roof and they will again after Lord Sabinz leaves.

[Kaos]

I just think that washing out coaches every 3-5 years trying to chase Saban is a losing proposition.

Settle in.  CFB is fucked right now.

It’s not chasing Saban.  Its abhoring incompetence. 

Auburn physically dominated two number one teams in a row last season.  We proved we have the talent to do that.  

We also proved we can take that talent and gargle balls.

Forget chasing Saban.  Not the point.  It’s about looking and acting like a football team and not some clown show.  It’s about not doing the same stupid failed thing over and over.  It’s about playing hard.  It’s about being prepared.  It’s about getting better. It’s about evaluating the talent you have and managing that talent.  

There are things Gus does well.  He’s as good a front runner as I’ve ever seen.  When things are working he gets on a roll where every call he makes rocks the opposition.  But god help us all if a wheel starts to wobble. He overthinks, overdoes, doubts, puckers and falls apart.  That lost/confused face on the sidelines where you know he has no idea what to do, can’t step outside his own insecurities to figure it out and is mentally flailing? It’s infuriating.  I’ve never seen that look of paralyzed helplessness on even a good high school coach.  And when you see it you know it’s going to have lingering impact.  It’s never just one game. That self doubt spills over for weeks and shows up in gameplans and playcalls.  

I want to believe.  I want to think it’s going to be better “when”.   But that’s bullshit.  

I spent a long time married to someone and it was awful.  I kept telling myself things would be better “when”.  When doesn’t come.  You’ll have good days that give you hope but they never last. 
 

[AUJarhead]

Not when he is getting paid 49 bazillion dollars I tend to disagree.

Yep.  We are paying WE!!! Salary and getting Nook results.