A Couple Thoughts On Scott Frost

Image via Daily Emerald (Ryan Kang)

I just wanted to take a minute and offer a couple alternatives to those out there so quick to throw cold water on the possibility of Scott Frost being a legitimate candidate for the Sooners.

Point No. 1 – If you’re heard Frost’s name mentioned as a potential candidate, you’ve almost assuredly heard the following. (1) Frost is currently paid just $400k by Oregon. (2) “There’s no way he’d ever come to OU because Oregon would just match whatever Stoops would offer.”

Here’s my counter to those two statements. He’s paid $400k now for a reason. It’s not like the powers that be at Oregon are unaware he’s one of the top up-and-coming assistant coaches in the country. If they wanted to be paying him more, they easily could be.

That said, if you wanted to make the argument that he’s only been their OC/primary play caller for a couple years and his current salary is pretty much in line with that level of experience, I’d certainly be willing to hear you out.

However, this is a little out of date but not so much as it negates the point I’m attempting to make. Take a look at what Oregon is currently paying their football staff. I’ll wait. Okay, you back? Not exactly top of the market, right?

And, yeah, win or lose Monday night they’re probably all due for some kind of a pay bump. But will the Oregon brass double the assistants’ salaries across the board and give Mark Helfrich a healthy raise as well?

Nobody needs to be reminded of Oregon’s Phil Knight/Nike money. So obviously they could match whatever OU would potentially offer Frost. But would they?

Based on what they’re paying right now, evidence might suggest otherwise.

Point No. 2 – Who’s to say what Oregon has built in Eugene hasn’t instilled a sense of confidence that their “system” is capable of sustaining the loss of their offensive coordinator?

When Mike Belotti left, they promoted from within. When Chip Kelly left, again, they promoted from within. Both instances they went with, at least on paper, an “unproven” candidate, but presumably because of the confidence in the system, they were comfortable with an internal hire. And obviously those were both much more high profile hires being that it involved the head coach position.

So if someone wants to come after one of their assistants and, in their view, overpay them, there seems to be a fairly decent track record in place to at least argue, on some level, they’d consider letting that person go. A plug-and-play type of confidence in their “system” if you will with regards to their coaching staff.

Point No. 3 – This one is pretty simple and, fortunately, I even have a visual aid.

I’m not going to sit here and tell you Scott Frost is going to be OU’s next offensive coordinator. I’m simply offering an alternative line of thinking for those who seem to be so quick to dismiss the idea of it even being a possibility.

762 Comments

  • Steve Johns says:

    I agree Jordan, just not going to get my hopes up. We should find out in a few days.

  • STL Sooner says:

    Who said the “off season” is boring? Waiting for NSD and the finalization of the coaching staff is almost as bad as waiting for the Baylor game to end….ALMOST!

  • soonerthunder says:

    I agree. And an additional point: Frost probably does not have complete control of the offense with Helfrick the HC since he was also the previous OC himself. Come to OU and Stoops would completely leave him alone to run the offense. Anybody who’s ever coached knows that is very valuable to people. To have more money, have complete control, be closer to his home–I could see three reasons why he might want to come to OU or another high profile school

  • Waters says:

    Thank you Jordan!
    My take is that Scott Frost will become the HC of the Offense. This would allow Cumbie to call the plays and be the QB coach. Frost would also be the WR coach.
    Bob Stoops will remain as HC at OU and Frost will become a future HC ( i.e. Mike Leach ) with Cumbie becoming the OC at OU after Frost.

    • curt gomer says:

      My understanding is the biggest con to bringing in Cumbie is that he has never been a play caller

      • Steve Johns says:

        Yep. He needs to be a co-OC and coach QB’s

      • Waters says:

        Frost could teach the offense to Cumbie and allow him to call the plays with supervision from Frost.
        This would give Cumbie motivation to leave TCU

      • James D-Space says:

        At one time none of us could drive a car… Most of us got preety good in withing 2-3 years, but on the other hand…. Some of still can’t do it. #roadrage

  • Defend Colfax says:

    The guy sure could run the option.

  • Won says:

    Thanks again for the write up and information.
    TFB is the BOOM!

  • JDSooner says:

    Another factor in his favor of possibly becoming a HC candidate is that he has coached on both sides of the ball…he was the DC at Northern Iowa and Jerry Montgomery was the DL coach during his tenure there.

  • OUn8v says:

    Interesting points, plus there are other connections with current OU staff. I am thinking that Frost may certainly be at the top of the list. If OU was going to hire someone else, I thought it would be announced yesterday. Since it wasn’t, it may be that OU has already came to an agreement with Frost, or that he has said that he’ll make his decision after Monday’s game.

  • soonerinks says:

    Would love to have Frost/Cumbie combo. To me this is a huge opportunity for Frost. Storied program, he will be the offensive guy (no meddling from the HC), work under a proven winner in CBS, get back to his roots, healthy pay raise and a clear direction to one of the best head coach gigs in the country. Cumbie is essential for his Texas connections, networking, trusted by Texas high school coaches. And, they each bring the necessary talents that we desperately need.

    • Davey says:

      What a power couple they would make! That is like the dream team of offense.

      • soonerinks says:

        Yeah, I get pretty excited just thinking about it. Cumbie is critical, we have to get someone with strong Texas high school connections. Texas is ripe for plucking if we get the right guys.

  • Kenny Sullivan says:

    People act like this is the equivalent of Rice offering Nick Saban a job and just completely insulting offer for Frost is what’s annoying to me.

    • blaster1371 says:

      I hear you. I haves scanned some of the longhorn boards and they think OU cant get anyone to come to Norman.

  • Waters says:

    A perfect fit for OU, Frost and Cumbie. Will it happen?
    The time line says Yes!

  • Stephen Dale says:

    another poster on another site mentioned both Frost ( OC/qb and his wr coach, Lubich )possibly being a package type deal….certainly would make a lot of sense and might be something to help lure Frost besides just the money…..

  • Indy_sooner says:

    Bob will pull someone out the gutter and we’ll all be clueless. AT this point, I’m resigned to whoever comes in at this point. Just be a decent OC and a good recruiter.

    • LXXIV says:

      Out of the gutter? That isn’t a very flattering description for a person’s previous place of employment. If Bob brings in someone that hasn’t been mentioned on this board, it will take less than 15 minutes for large number of posters on here to post his background and then we will get many critiques of his body of work. He will not remain a mystery for very long.

  • curt gomer says:

    I got to believe the way you get a guy like Frost to come in and be your OC is let him be part of choosing the staff on offense. Cale is going to be RB coach but other than him i think that you let him be part of it. Might be something else that might get him to come here.

    • Zack says:

      He can pick his staff. It’s called recruiting. But I know what you mean and as far as everyone is concerned bedenbaugh and cale go nowhere and I’m sure frost would agree.

    • sracer says:

      What if he wants rid of bill b.and cale?
      Everyone has their own style.

  • Big Higg says:

    Point #3 would make it a sweet deal for Frost. And seeing as how Ol Stoopsie seems to not want to bow out on a bad note, I could see something like that being in the back of Bob’s mind – win one more and then turn it over to the guy that helped get us there, if that scenario happens to play out. Bob’s nepotistic ways aside, I do believe that he cares about the program.

    • Zack says:

      I don’t think they need to sell him on “coach in waiting” but more or less just say “hey come here and turn our offense around, get us to the ‘ship and you can almost name the job you want.”
      I’m just saying maybe he doesn’t want to be a HC at ou. I mean Darrell royal is probably a rarity that he coached for a blue bloods rival of his alma mater.

      • Big Higg says:

        Didn’t mention anything about offering that to him. Just saying it may be in the back of Bob’s mind. If he came to OU and it turned out that he enjoyed being with the program and he happened to be offered the program in a couple of years, would that not be a sweet deal? I’m inclined to imagine so.

        • Zack says:

          I agree and that’s the way I feel too. But to the point floating out there of “coach in waiting” I would do everything short of that to get frost. And the other side is if monty was still on staff how do you decide between the 2.

  • blaster1371 says:

    In his presser Stoops said he was looking for an OC who had his own system. Is what Oregon does considered their system or is Frost the architect and brains behind it? I know thie HC was the OC and to the casual observer the Oregon offense looks the same now as it was under Belotti. (Alikil Smith and Dixon days).

    • Daddy R says:

      Pretty sure they consider it “their system” as in, Oregon’s. Goes all the way back to Kelly I believe (or Belotti, or whomever started the damn system, lol).. When someone departs, they just plug someone else into their “system.”

    • RBear says:

      Thinking Stoops meant he didn’t expect someone to come in and run what we’ve been doing but instead to run what they’re familiar with.

    • SoonerSpock says:

      The big change in the Oregon occurred in 2007 when Mike Belotti hired Chip Kelly as his OC . The system is Chip Kelly’s system he brought from New Hampshire.

  • NebraskaSooner says:

    IMHO, if Frost leaves Oregon it will be to come to Nebraska as Associate Head Coach and/or Head Coach in waiting. Mike Riley is 61 yrs old and Scott’s family lives in Wood River, Nebraska. K-State fans are also talking Scott as Associate Head Coach and/or Head Coach in waiting, won’t happen either, IMO.

    • curt gomer says:

      if he wanted NE job he would already have it. IMO

    • Waters says:

      OU will offer a lot more money than NE or K-State.
      OU will allow Frost to run the Oregon Offense without HC interferance

    • Daddy R says:

      61, yes, but dude just got there. If they allow him, I bet he coaches til he’s 75. No “head coach in waiting” at NEB, at least not for quite a few years..

    • Jeff says:

      OU>KSU and it is not even close

    • Herman Bubbert says:

      Riley and Frost are oil and water system-wise. Not happening. Plus, OU is a better job.

    • JSam says:

      As much as I could be convinced to believe this, there has also got to be a fair degree of caution in returning to the place of your collegiate exploits as a high-level coach (see JH). There might be a preference to make your name as a coach in a new venue.

    • Mizuno44 says:

      I might agree if Nebraska were still in the Big XII. I’m not convinced he wants an associate or head gig just yet. It feels like he’s still biding his time, learning, etc. Also, I don’t think “Head Coach In Waiting” really exists at any school with elite status. IMO, respectfully.

      • NebraskaSooner says:

        Good points. Probably so. Didn’t Texas give Muschamp a title like that? I can’t remember the precise title.

        • Mizuno44 says:

          Me neither, but I would bet Muschamp cringes when he hears the word, “Hindsight”. He also coined the phrase in the coaching world for those seeking advice about leaving good situations too early for promotion type jobs, “Don’t pull a Muschamp”.

          • Daddy R says:

            I had a professor at OU that would tell us not to “pull a Bomar.” But that didnt catch on very far..

        • Boomer4life says:

          Muschamp was a HC in waiting with the short horns.

      • NebraskaSooner says:

        Miz, my mistake, you did say “I don’t think “Head Coach In Waiting” really exists at any school with elite status”, I should not have included Texas in that category!

        • James D-Space says:

          “Coach in waiting” is as plausible as “multi-tasking”….. Good theories, but provide poor results.

  • Mizuno44 says:

    Great write up Jordan. And you’re in a difficult position to say Scott Frost will become our next OC, so I am. Getting past dollars, X’s and O’s, and statistics, this guy is a winner and the upside intangibles he would bring to our program are exponential. Excited for the announcement on Wednesday.

    • JB says:

      Are you speculating Wednesday is the day or is there some info I’ve missed?

      • Mizuno44 says:

        You haven’t missed anything, speculating. Basis is the need to have at least a full day after the NC game to iron out details. I believe there’s been enough dialogue between both parties to secure him as the #1 guy, and the circumstances have dictated what we’re seeing, nothing.

    • James D-Space says:

      I agree!

  • Jeff says:

    How many head coaching jobs are open as of today (NCAA)?

  • D Hunter Sanchez says:

    Great points Jordan. On another note, like I posted last week, I am pretty sure MS is not going anywhere. Coach Snyder quote about BS:

    “I can only imagine, because all those things you said are accurate about Bobby. He’s a very loyal individual. So I know that it had to be extremely, extremely difficult on him to do so. Hard choices. I’m sure nothing would be as complex and difficult personally than to have to move good friends on. Winning and losing are not that significant when it comes to those kinds of relationships. But the expectations there were just so dramatic.”

    In my view, if BS had a difficult time firing JH/JN, how much more difficult will it be to fire his own brother? If MS doesn’t find his own job, he’ll stay.

    • Herman Bubbert says:

      Snyder retired in 2005 rather than do the same thing.

    • Waters says:

      Excellent comment. I agree.
      IMHO Kish is gone after NSD .
      Wright will assume an administrative position.
      MS stays with two new defensive position coaches.
      Two new defensive position coaches and a resuscitated offense under Frost will also resuscitate MS as a DC.

      • Hotrod33 says:

        If this is the case that MS is going to stay, then he needs to be on a very short leash and better produce results in a hurry if not then it will be a very long year again. The best thing is that BS promoted JM to co-dc.

      • Puma says:

        I am all for MS leaving OU. But remember, fwiw OU defense was number 1 in the big 12 last year. His first year was terrible, last year was pretty good (not great by any means) and this year was terrible. 1st year we couldn’t stop the run. Last year we had solid pass rush. This year we stopped the run but couldn’t stop the pass at all. MS has been very very up and down. So while I am all for him leaving and I understand if BS gives him one more year to get things right.

      • Justin Keller says:

        Long enough for BGB and MS to move on. JM becomes DC and QB coach but OC in waiting could be bait for Cumbie. But, I don’t know if Cumbie’s buyout will allow him to make a lateral move to OU. Would OU just have to buyiut his contact? I’m not sure how that works? Anyone know how that works?

    • Fear The Magic says:

      MS should realize that his brother is in a very difficult situation and unless hes absolutely sure he can do a much better job and turn the defense around he should resign and move on. If not there will eventually come a point where because of Mike, Bob will have to go too.

  • Justin Keller says:

    Has anyone mentioned that Jerry Montgomery was Scott Frosts D-Line coach when he was the LB-DC at Northern Iowa in 2007-2008? A up and coming defensive coach like JM thats doing things like jumping 32 spots to become the #6 recruiter in the nation amd #1 in the Big 12 might be enticing to Frost. A familiar face promoted to Co-DC that someday might be Frosts guy is already there waiting on him. I’m sure JM is recruiting SF as well, he is already recruitinf the whole team lol.

    • Justin Keller says:

      Another factor I could only dream plays a factor would be having Texas in our backyard to recruit from

  • Herman Bubbert says:

    Great piece, Jordan. I doubt that Sittler and John Hoover – who is pitching option 3 himself today – came up with that notion in a vacuum.

  • Boom says:

    I’d have Frost sign on the dotted line at Kyler Murray’s house.

    • JSam says:

      I was JUST thinking this! Murray in the Oregon offense…? That has the potential to be deadly. Shoot, that offense is actually probably better suited to TK9 as well. Okay, I’m in. Call Scott and let him know it’s a “go”.

      • curt gomer says:

        TK9 I think is as good a qb as he is going to be. His biggest problem is accuracy throwing the ball. Dont think any coach can change that, a qb either has it or he dont

        • Boom says:

          We will see. Can you say Boykin.

          • Won says:

            If I say Boykin does that help Trevor make better reads and throw more accurately?

            OU is a program that requires a QB to get “it” quickly because there are so many other players to compete against. I would expect that he will need to play much better, regardless of the system.

          • Boom says:

            Maybe in a different system the reads are easier and less confusing which free’s up the cluttered mind. That’s why Oregon is plug and play.

          • Won says:

            Tell that to Mariotta

          • Daddy R says:

            And if Frost cant make him a better QB, he can help him with transition to safety. Isnt that what frost played in NFL?

          • Boom says:

            Has nothing to do with playing college

          • Daddy R says:

            Simply making observation that Frost can coach both, and also knows how the transition from QB to Safety works. Hell, I think TK was recruited by Oregon as a safety…

          • SoonerSpock says:

            I think Trevor has proven he is not strong enough or is too injury prone to play safety.

          • Daddy R says:

            Touche’

          • Boom says:

            hmm, so was a guy named Peterson but after a couple of dinged up years at OU he has done ok in the pros.

          • blaster1371 says:

            Marioti Gives the illusion it’s plug and play.

          • Boom says:

            Look who played before him, they all looked great too. Not taking away from Marioti as he is good, no doubt but it still a system for plug and play.

          • hushnpa says:

            might need Boykin’s QB coach to do it 🙂

          • JSam says:

            Yes. But you have to say it three times and turn around…

          • curt gomer says:

            i understand but i don’t know of a coach that was able to help a qb throw a more accurate pass, i think boykin was more reads and decision making

          • Boom says:

            Which in turn helped his accuracy. It all works hand in hand.

          • curt gomer says:

            i hope you are right, just think there are down the field throws TK is never going to consistently make

          • Boom says:

            who does

          • SoonerSpock says:

            One needs not to forget that field vision is one of critical shotcomings of TK9. No coach is going to help Trevor learn to see the field. He doesn’t see secondary receivers and he does not see defender positioned for interceptions. He just does not see the field only the primary receiver.

          • blaster1371 says:

            …. All, that plus can’t consistently throw with accuracy.

          • blaster1371 says:

            And buy in…. Gotta think that once it was determined he was the man that he applied himself in a different way.

        • Indy_sooner says:

          He has accuracy. Bama game showed that. His regression to me has been because of development IMO

          • eastoksooner says:

            I agree on accuracy. One thing that can make a difference with accuracy is confidence. TK lost his confidence. The question is can he get it back?

        • SoonerSpock says:

          Personally I think it is field vision. But for certain he has no consistency hitting receivers.

      • Hotrod33 says:

        We will need the players to help this system flourish. If you have a good system but not the players then it looks bad all around. I’m not saying we don’t have the players because in all honestly I think we do. I thought Quick should of been playing a lot last year and used the rb’s a lot more than they should.. I think we have the talent for the system to work and you will need the right chemistry for it to be a success.

      • Justin Keller says:

        What about Baker Mayfield?

        • James D-Space says:

          New Coaches with open minds and no “favs”. It’s an open competition 1 thru 4.

        • JSam says:

          Interesting thought. You’d have to think he has a puncher’s chance as well. I know it wasn’t the system he ran at Tech, but he also had INT issues there. I don’t recall his game well enough to know. Seems that you have to be somewhat mobile for the Oregon system, though not a a pure runner. The good news for anyone wanting to be QB @ OU is that there is no leader in the clubhouse.

          • blaster1371 says:

            All,four current QBs at OU are considered mobile.

          • Indy_sooner says:

            Au contrair. All but TK9 were pro style QBs out of HS. Not to say that can’t change but they are not true mobile signal callers

      • blaster1371 says:

        Unless knight develops some accuracy he could slip way down the depth chart.

      • ToatsMcGoats says:

        I would love this, but so far, Knight has shown that he isn’t durable enough to make it through an entire season.

    • ToatsMcGoats says:

      I wonder if this would have any impact on Braxton Miller’s supposed transfer to Oregon.

  • Boomer4life says:

    Wonder how many flips would take place if Frost is hired before NSD.

  • Waters says:

    Speculation:
    1. SF agreed to be the OU OC before JH was dismissed.
    a. Stoops press conference said that he had the financial resources, wanted him to bring in his own system, and track record of OU OC becoming a HC.
    b. nothing official until after the season ends for Oregon. No distractions
    2. Cumbie agreed to be the QB coach on recent visit to Norman.

    Speculation Evidence:
    1. Silence from OU consistent with announcement after the NC game.
    2. No other candidates are being seriously mentioned or talked about
    3. Consistent with Stoops personality of knowing who would replace JH before dismissing him.

    • Daddy R says:

      I’m speculating that your speculating is sound.

    • James D-Space says:

      Waters…. You got it! I think it’s a done deal.

    • Justin Keller says:

      Alot of the names that come up as having lunch or speculated flights into Norman seem to be more position coaches, no one that has struck me a OU-OC type yet. Some making lots of moves upward but I don’t think BGB chances his legacy on hiring any of the as OC right now. That McGee thing had me rolling!

    • 22dupree says:

      I hope your speculation is perculating in Norman!

  • Kevin says:

    In terms of “system vs. players”, I thought it was interesting that head coach and former OC at Oregon Mark Helfrich was hired by Kelly from Colorado during the mid-2000s (during the last years of Dan Hawkins’ tenure, I believe). I don’t know that anyone looking at Helfrich’s production from a play-calling standpoint would have considered that a home-run hire…so my take is that whether we get a big-name guy or someone from Directional University, Stoops wants a guy who has good ideas on how to best-utilize the current talent and then also recruit towards a system that will be successful, rather than hodge-podge a system.

  • Puma says:

    How come no one is doing their best dean impersonation and giving a % on SF to OU. That should be a whole new thread. I’m going to put mine out there and say it’s a 53% chance of being 100% SF to OU

  • James D-Space says:

    Scott Frost and Cumbie would be a lethal duo. Just think about that combo for a moment from recruiting, developmental and play calling view. My gosh, it gives me goosebumps and it should for the rest of you too. Also, it’s not “you’re out of your mind” wish on my part, in fact it could be a “strap on your damn seat belt” reality.
    I believe this is exactly how it’s going to play it out. As Joe Mixon would say …. “Wait on it”!

  • Mustvid says:

    after reading tons of opinions concerning Frost I don’t understand why he is the hot topic right now. Cumbie I can understand as QB development at TCU gives him street cred. Is Frost a hot commodity because Stoops wants to run that system? I personally don’t like it but that doesn’t matter.

    • Daddy R says:

      -Team is in NCG…
      -Coached Heisman winner this year…
      -Continued to run Oregon’s offense flawlessly for past two years..
      -Has played and coached both offense and defense…
      -Midwest boy that attended Stanford (smarts) and Nebraska (hated rival, but knows fire and history of OU)….
      -Knows Monty…

      Yea, I’d say he’s, in the context of Zoolander, “Frost is just so HOT right now!”

    • D Hunter Sanchez says:

      It’s a system that passes and runs i.e. multiple as BS likes to say. Check out this tutorial http://youtu.be/ekf3RGWwqMQ

  • rphokc says:

    …….haven’t read most of the speculative posting frenzy since it began. but what is the opinion, if any, on a wr coach……..obviously the oc is the important dog but we just fired a credible wr recruiter with perhaps some development issues………I hope wr coach is not a sideshow in the hiring

  • JJSoona says:

    Hmmm, Frost to OU. Interesting possibility with Cumbie as OB/WR coach and Frost as OC. Now if we can just fix the D.

    • James D-Space says:

      Good plan. After watching all these teams put up big yards & points in the bowl games, I’m not sure what is considered a good defense anymore.
      I’m serious, I’m not sure what is acceptable in today’s game. These offenses are so explosive and dynamic, as well as, the the kids are so gifted and talented. I’m beginning to question what I thought I knew or understood on that side of the ball.
      Maybe in today’s football, the best defense is the team with best offense. You kick FG’s or have to punt… You lose!

      • JJSoona says:

        Totally agree but you have to have a D that gives up 21 or less ppg. The days of 7-6 defense are long gone in CFB.

        • James D-Space says:

          I think so, or sure feels that way. Maybe the new standard is 17-24 ppg.
          I’ll use our bowl as an example. Was Clemson good on defense? Yeah I guess, but I was far more critical of OU’s offense than I was complimentary of Clemsons defense.

          • hOUligan says:

            With some teams, it is just going to be a shootout and as said, you kick FGs, you lose. Am starting to think if you hold some teams under 30, with some scoring 40+ ppg, you’ve done well. But one thing is for certain about D. You cannot give WRs 7-10 yd cushions play after play. It’s not as simple as it was when Mike left for AZ. Can he adapt?

          • James D-Space says:

            Several years ago I saw a Steve Young interview. In it he discussed is disgust for settling for a FG. “When you kick a FG, you are 3 points closer to losing”. That comment always stuck with me and I understand it now.
            As far as playing 7-10 yards off of receivers, I think Mike was hoping that the more snaps it took the opponent to get down the field to score, the better his chance of them making a mistake… I guess.

  • curt gomer says:

    cool edit posted on twitter

  • Roy C says:

    Does Scott Frost coach from the field or the press box at Oregon?

  • SoonerFan11 says:

    Gotta think a coach in waiting offer would turn the tide regardless of what Oregon does.

  • OUhomer4life says:

    Just want to throw this out there, our offense looked like it was in disarray all year, to many second calls coming from sideline. I’m not a football genius, I didn’t even play in high school, but from 40 years of watching even I could tell that the coaching staff had our players confused!

    • Puma says:

      JH thought he was clever by changing the offense play based on what the defense shows. In nfl they do that but the qb is responsible for making that call. At OU that call came from the sideline. What Oregon does is they don’t let the defense dictate what they run on offense.

      • OUhomer4life says:

        Not just at Oregon, the same could be said for Baylor, and TCU!

      • Daddy R says:

        I ask because I have never really payed much attention to Oregon’s offense..
        DO they do any of the “check with me” crap?

        • Easton says:

          Its a lot smoother when they do. And the QB is coached, prepped, and ready to make adjustments at the line. The process is quick and clean. Rather than the every play confusion, hands in the air waiting for a call, etc.

        • hOUligan says:

          Watching them dismantle FSU, they have the Meerkat but streamlined. I marveled when they were showing Frost in the booth making the calls, the sidelines guys with the cards and signals and how quickly they got the play in and off and Frost was already getting the next play in. Would love to get this guy.

    • Roy C says:

      I would describe both our offense and defense as being too complicated and not let the players just play.

      • leatherneck1061 says:

        The irony is that was precisely the point that a lot of people made about Venables’ defenses. The conventional wisdom was that Mike would bring a simplicity back to the defense by fitting the defense to his players rather than the other way around – Mike himself even discussed this in the beginning. The way this situation has evolved suggests the coaches may no longer believe “simple” defenses are adequate.

        • ToatsMcGoats says:

          I remember this…

        • Clint says:

          That actually did happen in Mike Stoops first year back (simplifying the defense). Even the Sooner defenders that were around the previous year with Venables said so. The problem is, that all went out the window for some reason when switching to the 3-4. As far as this past year, there were times that the defense was just bad enough, some failures looked intentional (i.e. tackling). It looked like a defense in revolt. Similar to how most of the team revolted against Gary Gibbs back in the day and also staged that walk-out.

          • leatherneck1061 says:

            That’s sort of my point. He started with a simplified defense the first year until the bottom started falling out late in the season. His defense gave up a ton of points to Baylor, WVU, and OSU. He then followed up with an embarrassing blowout loss against TAMU in the cotton bowl. He promptly changed the scheme the following spring. To me, this all strongly suggests that he and Bob no longer believe in a “simplified” defense. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have been so quick to abandon it.

  • leatherneck1061 says:

    Some sound points to be sure.

    Regarding point #2, the salaries Oregon pays their staff and their tendency to promote from within as Jordan pointed out both lend support to the idea that the powers that be in Eugene do indeed believe their success is based on their system more than their coaching personnel. I don’t know anything about this one way or the other, but we might want to at least consider the possibility they may be right.

    • OUhomer4life says:

      Hello fellow jarhead, I think instead of looking at Scott Frost, they should be looking at Lincoln Riley, he has a very balanced offense, and a high football IQ!

      • Easton says:

        His receiving corp was impressive, and they had multiple plays to multiple receivers every time I watched them. Justin Hardy is one of the best.

      • leatherneck1061 says:

        Semper Fi!

      • Waters says:

        Stoops would probable say ” No Way Jose”.
        Riley is a Leach offspring or derivative
        Stoops wants more of a running game.

        • Easton says:

          Oh we know. Nobody knows anything much yet. Discussion, discussion, discussion.

          • boomersooner says:

            who’s your guy? you on the frost freight train?

          • Easton says:

            I am becoming more and more intrigued by Cumbie/Riley. I don’t know, and I’m not making a case, but I have good sense about that combination.

          • boomersooner says:

            yeah the cumbie/meacham combo looks like it worked pretty well. have to do homework to see if they just meshed or which one is the one with the brighter future. need to do homework as well on whether frost has his own type identity or if qb and oc at oregon is plug and play. i don’t know much about riley but from how ouhomer up above broke it down, that’s a pretty legit offense and super balanced

          • Easton says:

            NCAA stats.com has the numbers on the whole of FBS. That is the conditional though: how would Cumbie and Riley mix? They may not, they may not work well together, in which case I am hoping Stoops is really scrutinizing chemistry between the two hires.

          • hOUligan says:

            Both are off The Pirate tree so think they would blend well. Riley is like Leach 2.0 with a good run game. IMHO after Frost, it’s the best combo.

          • Easton says:

            Agreement.

          • OUhomer4life says:

            He is a leach disciple, he runs a air raid offense, but it is more balanced than most of them are.

          • boomersooner says:

            so its air raid with zone read principles mixed in?

          • Easton says:

            If you do find yourself doing some research on this, I’d be interested to know what you think.

          • OUhomer4life says:

            Of the 500 rushes over a hundred was the qb run, and I’m not a big fan of the zone read. I like a scrambling qb not a running qb, where is Jason White when we need him!

          • Easton says:

            Alright, alright Ouhomer, and boomer. What about this: Cumbie/John Bond. Cumbie: pass game coord/WR’s/ John Bond: run game coord/QB’s.

          • OUhomer4life says:

            Not much on bond, he crapped out at UMass and Cumbie doesn’t have enough play callingcalling experience!

          • Easton says:

            He ran a good attack at Army, and coordinating GT’s offense currently. I remember watching TCU. Cumbie and Meacham combined their styles in such a great way. TCU went 3 yard splits between O lineman just like Leach did/does, then the next play they could bunch back up and run something different. I hope to see a similar ‘range of motion’ with this next offense.

          • OUhomer4life says:

            I don’t know enough about bond, but GT has always been a run heavy offense, now that doesn’t bother me much! I just think that in today’s football, the Wisconsin’s and Arkansas’s are a dying breed. I will have to read up on bond and form a opinion!

          • Easton says:

            Air attack blend with run attack. But then again, two guys with a similar attack could make it a better attack. All in discussion here. Really excited to see what the Program decides.

          • boomersooner says:

            one of, if not my favorite sooners of all time. have his and dupree’s jerseys. jason was as hard nosed, dependable, loyal, gritty, talented and likable as one can be

          • Boom says:

            I would go to Kevin Murray’s house and ask him who he would like as our OC so his son Kyler will flip to the good guys.

          • Easton says:

            No way Boom. This is bigger than a young up and coming talented quarterback. I know you must be making a funny comment though right?

          • Boom says:

            Yes, trying to keep things light. BGB is backed into a corner and my money is he comes out a winner in his hire whomever it may be.

          • Easton says:

            boom.

        • OUhomer4life says:

          529 passes, 509 rushes seems pretty good to me, almost 7k in offense #5 offense in FBS, and he is young and hungry!

          • Easton says:

            NCAA Stats. ECU dominated.

          • OUhomer4life says:

            I just know we need young hungry coaches, I’m a stoops fan, but he has lost some fire maybe with new blood he will get hungry again!

          • Waters says:

            Thanks for the info.
            I personally prefer the Leach offense and it’s offspring.
            His name was initially mentioned but no rumor of a visit or contact.
            I believe BS has made his choice and it is not Riley despite his impressive statistics.

          • Easton says:

            Interesting, you have maintained that Bob has made the call. Do you think the call has been and agreements have been made? Or just that Bob knows who he wants?

          • Waters says:

            The former.

          • Easton says:

            Wow. Alright, I got it. Looking forward to it.

          • Waters says:

            Speculation on my part but I believe it is accurate and correct .
            Number one reason is the silence from OU;
            2. the stoops press conference
            3. stoops personality to have his bases covered before a dismissal
            Other possible candidates would have been announced by Friday.

          • Easton says:

            I’m working Sherlock now: I think the press conference comments about not describing the scheme at all was quite telling, in a certain direction.

          • Waters says:

            Excellent point.
            Two new successful schemes are Auburn and Oregon.
            The Auburn OC would have been announced by Friday.
            The Oregon OC after the NCG.

          • OUhomer4life says:

            I don’t know where my son read or heard this, but he said that Riley was coming for a visit. I can’t say that is gospel, but he texted me that this morning!

          • Matthew Hawkins says:

            Young and hungry sells me. I think that is what OU has lost.

  • James D-Space says:

    I’m bored…. So in other news, two Texas Longhorn players were walking in the woods and one says “hey look a dead bird”. The other looks to the sky and says “where”?!
    That is all….

  • hOUligan says:

    This might sound strange but look at Frost and then look at JH. Frost is chiseled and has a toughness about him in his interviews. Look at his eyes. He has an intensity. JH looks ‘soft’ and lacks that intensity and toughness in his personna. Players can take on characteristics of their coaches. I think Frost would bring an edge on the offense that coupled with Coach B would get guys fired up. And we know he can call plays. I like some of the other combos, especially Riley with Cumbie, but am fully on this Frost train. That dog ull hunt.

    • bjwalker82 says:

      we’re really reaching here as the coaching search news well has run dry…

      While I think there’s some validity to what your saying, I think that’s on the margins of being important.

      • hOUligan says:

        LoL. True dat hence the disclaimer. Point is, I would love Frost talking with recruits, players in the locker room, in a huddle or on the sidelines. There is a confidence there. It would likely be a real change not just in play calling but in mindset.

    • Sooners W says:

      So we need to find a guy with a Clint Eastwood squint to be an effective OC? Frost used to play pick up hoops at UNI over lunch. Good athlete still.

      • Easton says:

        Sooners W. Layered response. You missed on Eastwood squint though. You seem to be hitting somewhere in the ‘I know a thing’ about Frost, but its like whatever.

        • Sooners W says:

          Just trying to figure out the ‘appearance’ thing. Mangino’s fat. Could be weight problems for us. JH looks soft.-could fold in tough situations. SF is chisiled evidently-must be intense. We need to find someone that wears glasses. Look smart. Play smart.

          • Matthew Hawkins says:

            Mangino was the OC when we one the NC, so lets try to give him a bit of respect.

          • Easton says:

            Someone who can look you in the eyes and have a plan to beat you, and then see his plan through to victory. These kind of eyes could wear glasses, but the vision meets the execution.

  • cush creekmont says:

    To me, the most salient argument for Frost wanting to come to OU is his personal desire to live in a middle-of-the-country milieu. He gets to live and have his family in a town and region that he feels is good for them. Then compared to Oregon he gets a legacy football program, much higher salary, chance to show HIS prowess with a showcase for HC in ANY league. I’ve lived on the west coast and I’d take less money to live in Oklahoma – he’ll get DOUBLE perhaps.

    • Matthew Hawkins says:

      Eugene is a nice town. Oregon is a nice state. I don’t think your argument holds water. If you want to be an outdoorsman, Eugene is great. If you want culture Portland and Seattle aren’t that far away. People are people, they are essentially the same. People in Oklahoma aren’t nicer than people in Oregon, unless they are college football fans. Oklahoma fans are much tougher and will put much more pressure on you.

      There is no upside for Scott Frost coming to OU, and he won’t.

      • Boomer4life says:

        It is a more liberal state than Oklahoma or Nebraska…… and so in that regard I’m sure it ‘s different than what he grew up around or perhaps wants to raise a family in. Do you have a magic 8 ball that told you he won’t come to OU?

      • Easton says:

        Hawkins, we see your point: Frost is not coming to OU. Got it.

      • boomersooner says:

        i think proving to himself and, especially, to the football world that he is more than a system oc would be plenty of reason to make the change. if he can have similar results at a different school, especially one with the clout of an OU, he may just be on his way to a hc gig a little quicker

        • Matthew Hawkins says:

          He is just going to bring the system to OU. If he doesn’t than why would we want him?

          • boomersooner says:

            point being, how many of their qb’s have gone on to set the world on fire after leaving? how many oc’s have left there to have great careers outside there? kelly did ok in philly. so the system works for them. does it work anywhere else? the answer would be so far….no. small sample size but if he wants to come to OU then he’ll come, if he doesn’t he won’t. if we wanted oregon’s oc(which happens to be frost), we go after and try to convince him. if we wanted gt’s oc same thing. i don’t know that bob necessarily wants oregon’s, he may just want frost, meaning frost may have blown his doors off in the meeting (if they’ve had one) and said something like “you like oregon’s offense? well what if i added my style to it and here’s what it would look like.” has oregon’s system made frost or has frost just continued to make oregon’s system awesome?

          • Matthew Hawkins says:

            I agree with you. I don’t want Scott Frost even if he would accept it.

          • boomersooner says:

            its not that i don’t want frost. i want bob to do his homework, which he will, and come up with the best guy for bob, the best guy for OU and the best guy to help mike or whomever is here on d next yr stay off the field as much as possible

          • Matthew Hawkins says:

            I hope you are right, but I have lost a little bit of faith in BS’s decision making.

            Next year better show improvement, primarily in player effort.

          • stan schmunk says:

            Is it Stoops’ coaching or recruiting that’s the biggest problem?

        • leatherneck1061 says:

          But therein lies the rub: Is he more than a system OC? Can anyone really be sure?

          • boomersooner says:

            i think if or when they have the sit down or if they’ve already had it, he will prove himself worthy, be able to talk a good game, or prove he doesn’t know a run from a pass. one of the three and hopefully it ain’t three

          • leatherneck1061 says:

            I take as given that every OC knows “a run from a pass”, and I also take as given that, if he is interested in the job, he will be capable of making a positive impression in the interview. One assumes Bob is a good judge of coaching talent and will be able to tell if this is the guy we need. But then BS hired Kish…..and Martinez…..and Kittle…..and…well, you get the idea.

          • boomersooner says:

            yeah i don’t know the exact history behind those hire except that they are people bob knows or whatever and he trusted them to come in and do a job. it got done to certain extents and then didn’t for various reasons. everybody wondered if he could make changes, then he did. then it was yeah but could he get rid of josh? then he did. now we’ll just have to see what happens. he’s on our mt rushmore, so i will love him til the day i die. i want to see what he has in store and hope he osborne’s and wouldn’t mind him doing it with one of osborne’s guys

          • leatherneck1061 says:

            Bob Stoops coaching tree is pretty impressive, and he seems to have operated a long time under the philosophy that he doesn’t need to go after great assistants – he’ll just grow his own. For a good many years he has gotten by with keeping much of the same staff as well as grooming and promoting from within, and that seemed to work. What he must be realizing at this point, is that there is now an arms race in CFB that has transformed the game. The level of competition has increased to the point where one must work every possible angle to gain a competitive edge…..much like the NFL.

          • boomersooner says:

            yeah. kinda to your point is he seems to always have just let his coaches coach and it bit him some because you got guys that weren’t recruiting or whatever but banging recruits moms. i really feel like he knows he needs a homer or at least a triple and he seems to be a little more hands on in the last couple yrs. i hope it continues. i want him to prove to people why he still belongs and if he can’t…

          • leatherneck1061 says:

            Whoa…..banging recruits’ moms? Lol…did I miss an update?

          • boomersooner says:

            haha. i believe that was the rumor about shipp. that and golf. i could be way off. ole damn rumor mill

          • Easton says:

            Great and good point: this has become an arms race. Where you could once get through a Big 12 with one or two tough games, now you have to be ready for four or five tough games. Which is good, but Bob has gotta keep up. And he will, my opinion.

      • ruasoonerfan2 says:

        1. Double or triple the salary
        2. OU verses UO 7 NC verses 0 NC unless 1st tomorrow
        3. Coach in waiting possible

        • Matthew Hawkins says:

          1. Phil Knight will match his salary.
          2. NC’s don’t make a difference to coaches, Only there current situation.
          3. Is Bob Stoops quitting soon, if not Scott Frost is a top candidate now.

          • stan schmunk says:

            What evidence is there that Stoops is quitting? And I’m still wondering if NU pursued Frost…

      • EasTex says:

        Oregon has legalized euthanasia and marijuana.
        I don’t view a state that votes that way as being “nice.”
        Living around those fruit loops could be all the incentive Frost would need to take a prime OC coaching job at OU, unless of course he is comfortable living with those fruit loops, in which case I hope he stays there.

  • D Hunter Sanchez says:

    Scott Frost runs a system that passes and runs i.e. multiple as BS likes to say. Check out this tutorial: http://youtu.be/ekf3RGWwqMQ

    • JSam says:

      Two things:

      (1) that is really good information

      (2) that dude is a trip with a lot of time on his hands 🙂

    • F1at1ined says:

      This was pretty cool. Always nice to see a video break things down. What I like about the zone read is that talent and execution gets rewarded. Defenses may know where the running plays are intended to go, but a RB with quick feet and vision can exploit other holes. It also opens up play action and other pass and run options from that alignment. Like he says, you may get a lot of zero or negative plays, but you will also get a lot more home runs.

      Outside of Mariotta, I wouldn’t say Oregon has had a QB who is a very capable passer. Put a talented QB with that offense and you get, well, Oregon circa 2014. My only concerns:
      – we may not be recruiting OL to play that kind of offense. We are building huge brutes who, though athletic, may be better suited to ground and pound.
      – this offense may not suit Perine. Then again, we saw quick feet. Does he have the vision? On the flip side, Joe Mixon and Rodney Anderson in particular could really explode.
      – can we get Mariotta-esque QB play who can run intelligently, safely and be a master at ball handling and zone reading?

      • D Hunter Sanchez says:

        I think Perine has the vision. There are reads a back makes. 1 hole 3…etc…Go back and watch some of his runs. I think our “brutes” would be better. I don’t see too much pulling going on. There is some. The narrator points out that Oregon is considered to have a smaller line, but the inside reads call for “physical football” at the point of attack. At least on the inside zone read, our bigger OL will crush the d. Darlington looks like one of the Oregon linemen at least.

  • Matthew Hawkins says:

    The worst part of your argument is this:

    At this point in time, which is a better program Oklahoma or Oregon? It isn’t a slam dunk for Oklahoma. Both states are essentially the same size and if they want to invest in there football program than there is no reason they can’t be as good.

    • Daddy R says:

      Better Program? OKLAHOMA hands down. When you talk of programs, you have to include history. Oregon has little on that..

  • SoonerSouthoftheRed says:

    Who’s to say that if Frost comes, revives a stalled offense for OU, gets a great offer to become HC somewhere after one season, and now we’re back to square one, looking for an OC. Is it worth it? Guess the same could be said of any coach.

    • JD says:

      What if that revived offense gives us #8….you see what a good offensive outing looked like in the sugar bowl against a good defense…if we can get the offense to make a jump like say tcu’s then it would be worth it…even if we lose Frost after one year…we’ll get the next guy…When we got Leach we actually didn’t win it until the next year after he had left so there’s that to think about as well

      • EasTex says:

        In fairness to Bob, he and Leach were at odds on how the offense should be run. Leach wanted to pass even more than they did in ’99 and Bob wanted more balance. That difference in opinion is what made Leach look for another job, with Bob’s blessing.
        Leach got Tacos and Bob got his balanced attack with Mangino and #7.

        • JD says:

          Just saying having him for one year wouldn’t necessarily be bad because it has worked out that way before. Maybe Frost and Cumbie come in and Frost gets a head gig after one year. Cumbie gets a bump in year two and wins it with his tweaks to the scheme

    • ToatsMcGoats says:

      What’s the alternative? I think I’d rather have success for a season and start all over than have what we just had…which was 5 or so years of saying: “Are we actually any good?”

  • Matthew Hawkins says:

    We have one great running back, two good running backs and one who has the potential to be better than all of them.

    We need an OC who wants to run downfield and use play action.

    Let’s get back under center and run a real offense instead of a gimmick.

    If our coaches want to run an option, lets go back to a real option instead of the weak ass pistol offense, read option.

    • Easton says:

      Lets all just wait and see Hawkins. This is going to work out.

      • Matthew Hawkins says:

        Somehow you have decided I am the enemy because I thin k that Scott Frost is a fantasy.

        I want a pro style offense that runs downhill.

        If I can’t get that than go back to the triple option and never throw the ball.

        What I don’t want is this gimmicky pistol offense.

        • JD says:

          triple option is a gimmick too…just saying……if we don’t have a qb that can complete passes and keep the chains moving then yeah we need a run gimmick offense…the whole point is to keep the chains moving and we were horrible on 3rd downs this year….and some of the times the run game got us into 3rd and long and we were unable to convert

          • Matthew Hawkins says:

            I am not sure that I agree with you that the triple option is a gimmcik. If you commit to it than it is an offense that nobody else sees but once a year and I think that is an advantage.

            Gimmick might be the wrong word, but the pistol seemed to be wrong for OU’s talent. We have great running backs, we need to run downhill and have short yardage oh 3rd down.

            But of course you are right about the QB. We need at least a competent one, and hopefully a good one, or we are screwed.

          • JD says:

            The triple option is a gimmick in todays world of offense…it is not a normally ran running game and the deception of who will have the ball is a gimmick much like a magician uses them to deceive

          • Matthew Hawkins says:

            I want a pro style offense with the QB under center. We should run the ball a lot, that is where our talent is. But play action should be a big part.

            What we shouldn’t be doing is running 50 bubble screens a came.

            I want us to punish the defense with our run game and make them quit in the 4th quarter.

            If we can’t do that, go back to the triple option.

          • JD says:

            I could live with a pro style offense as long as we commit to it…if we have a qb and wrs that can move the chains then we can still punish with the run game in the second half..you’d be surprise how tired a lineman gets running sideline to sideline trying to make a play on those bubble screens…they’ll be worn out in the second half…..I’d really hate to see the triple options…kinda boring to me really..I wonder what the ratings are for schools that run it…don’t think I could make it through a game watching it…I’ll guarantee we will not move to the triple option lol

          • EasTex says:

            I want a versatile offense that moves the chains, burns clock and scores points. I don’t care if we pass to run or run to pass or do one or the other when the opponent doesn’t expect it.

          • Boom says:

            Agreed. I want to have options or the versatility. The key to me is if we are up on a team, we don’t have to pass for first downs if we are trying to run the clock out.

          • Daddy R says:

            Play action should be a BIG part of every offense.

          • JJSoona says:

            Didn’t Miami figure out the triple option?

          • EasTex says:

            Penn St, Meatchicken and Forced Sex University all gave the bone fits.

          • Daddy R says:

            I almost loathe the pistol… but only because of the way we ran it, and almost never seemed to get out of it.

          • EasTex says:

            The triple was a gimmick, so was the wing t, the split t, the veer, the I, the power I, the run and shoot, the spread, the pistol, the diamond and the A-11(of which I am a big fan).
            http://a11offense.com/

            All offenses were gimmicks when introduced and to this day when one of the old seldom heard of or seen offenses are used they are gimmicks.

          • Easton says:

            Read option. Read option. But, cackle, cackle, gotta have the coach to teach it.

          • EasTex says:

            The only thing I don’t like about the read option is the QB always gets beat up. When they don’t and they run it right it is a great offense.

          • Easton says:

            Yup.

        • Boom says:

          Not much difference between pro style or spread. Mainly depends on the players and how you align. Pro style is also out of the shotgun too. If you do some research, you will see that they are not far from being the same.

        • Daddy R says:

          Because the triple option isnt a gimmick at all! ha! lol
          I like the triple, I’m just sayin…

        • stan schmunk says:

          I agree that a more traditional offense would be better for OU at this time.

  • boomersooner says:

    1st scatter thought for jordan’s hoops thread later:
    why do we always seem very disinterested at the beginning of games? to me, it seems every game sans one or two where we look like we forgot we had a game and then get pissed at some point and end up beating the tar outta somebody

    • boomersooner says:

      how do you go to texas and beat the absolute snot out of em and then come home for a brutal k st and lose?

      • Matthew Hawkins says:

        Miss a 19 yard field goal.

      • OkieRandolph says:

        I’ll tell you how. With time out, and you have the ball with 32 seconds left in the game, up 2 points, you put in your BEST free throw shooters and make dang sure the average ones or less are O U T!!! So what did Lon do? I’ll ttell you. NOTHING. He left Spangler and Woodard in the game, so naturally K-St fouls Spangler who is shooting a 1 and 1. Misses the first and they get a wild layup to tie it at the end of regualtion. DUMB

  • brainpimp says:

    I got nothing good for Christmas so someone owes me a Frost and (Helton or Cumbie).

    I’ll worry about the bonus D presents when they open up.

  • Rene Goupillaud says:

    The bigger question, is he the best man for the job. I think he’d be crazy not to take it if offered, but should he be offered. Leave a program where Kelly gets the credit, Mariota runs the system, and the current HC is the former OC under Kelly, to take a program in a swoon, following an OC who was fired and for a head coach who is more interested in defense and leaves the offense to the coordinator. It’s a no brainer IMHO. This is exactly the kind of situation successful people look for.

    But, is he really a better candidate than some of the others. Not sure because 1) the Oregon system, 2) Mariota, like Manziel, makes the coaches look better than they are. And 3) how would he have done if USC hadn’t been on probation.

  • EasTex says:

    An interesting look back at Scott Frost’s last game as the Huskers QB.
    http://youtu.be/7up6ACzdl78

  • OUhomer4life says:

    I just want to say that with all the bad talk about JH, this will always be my memory of him! We are down 14-0 to NE, our team is looking like the winner was knocked out of them, JH takes off down the sidelines. I remember it well he gets popped by a NE defender, he pops up with a smile on his face, and we were on our way to #7. BOOMER SOONER JH! I wish you well.

    • EasTex says:

      Yessir.
      That game put OU at #1 and never looked back.

    • SoonerfanTU says:

      Probably my favorite ever Sooner home game. That and the ’08 TT games are the two loudest I’ve attended with Stoops at OU. For an 11am kickoff, the crowd was insane that day. And not just inside the stadium. The buzz on campus that day before kickoff was simply incredible.

      Not to mention, I called the TD pass to Savage/Fagan just before it happened. No safety help, I turned to my buddy and said “watch him throw a TD on a post route right here.” Boom!!! 🙂

  • SamSooner says:

    Okay, Jordan, judging by the decline in the comments, this post is losing altitude and descending back to earth. We need you to lob us another nugget. Please. Please.Please.

    “I will gladly pay you Tuesday for a post today.”

  • Barry Duren says:

    Dave Sittler
    3 minutes ago

    Longtime friend, Omaha columnist Tom Shatel, says Scott Frost will leave Oregon only for head coach gig. Tom should know; he’s the best.

    • MoJoOkie says:

      That’s why I keep harping on the Riley/Cumbie combo. I just don’t feel like that’s a big step down, if any at all. Riley calls a very innovative offense and Cumbie has been associated with one as well. In addition, Cumbie appears to be a hell of a QB coach.

    • Easton says:

      Great find Barry. Thank you.

  • SoonerfanTU says:

    Early on I said probably no chance at Frost, but I’m warming up to the idea IF he is brought in with hopes of him taking over for Bob down the road a bit. If Bob, or Joe C., or Boren, whomever, is willing to have that conversation with him, I think that might be enough to pull him away. Still don’t see him leaving to just become our OC. Not sure what he gains there, unless Oregon is simply unwilling to offer him any more money, which would be stupid. He will likely succeed at Oregon, system or not. If he comes to OU and doesn’t have great success, people with think he isn’t a very good OC. And given our QB and WR’s talents on campus, there is no guarantee we have the talent on campus next year for Frost to make a huge difference.

    Certainly is interesting times.

    • D Hunter Sanchez says:

      Shepard is better than any of the Oregon wr’s. Westbrook and Quick will be more effective than the Neal, Quick combo.

  • Randall Nodine says:

    Something that i have not seen mentioned, but why do the OC and DC have to be a position coach also. I think most agree That the QB position went down as JH focused on play calling and play calling never took off. Same with DBs, maybe just focus on the big skeems and let someone else do the main position coaching with some input.

    • Steve Johns says:

      it’s probably a cost-saving measure, due to paying more for top coordinators.

    • SoonerfanTU says:

      Aren’t schools only allowed to have so many coaches, or paid coaches?

      If you break it down, the OC and DC almost have to coach a position, or you have to be willing to give up a positional coach somewhere, and have a position coach teach two spots. Like, sometimes you don’t see a TE coach, and they are simply coached by the OL coach or the WR’s coach.

      Looking around the country though, unless I’m just not remembering right, and even back at OU staffs under Bob, I think most of our coordinators have also been position coaches.

      • Randall Nodine says:

        I understand about the limits in staff but with the struggles we have had and the lack of usage of say the TEs, what would be more important QBs and play calling.

        • SoonerfanTU says:

          The TE usage is due to the QB play, IMO. And TE’s are almost never going to put up big stats. Outside of Gresham, who has at that position under Bob? Doesn’t mean they aren’t important.

          And I don’t completely disagree with you, but I’m not willing to change the entire makeup of the staff just bc the last couple of seasons hasn’t worked out so well. Bob got rid of JH and Norvell, doesn’t mean there is a problem with how the staff is set up. Give the new guys a chance. Like I said, look around the country, almost all schools have coordinators that are also coaching a position.

        • SamSooner says:

          I think our problem is that we are not using the TEs correctly. We use them to block as opposed to using them to occupy a LB.

          Running a route downfield on a run play is as effective as blocking on a run play.

          Our offense doesn’t always give us the run-pass option. If you get the defense thinking, you have the advantage.

  • Waters says:

    HC vs OC

    Scott Frost will become the HC of the offense at OU.
    Not the OC of the HC ( Bob Stoops )
    Big Difference.
    The Reason Leach got a HC job so soon was because he was the HC of the OU offense.
    Currently Frost is the OC of the HC and not the HC of the Oregon offense.
    This, money, opportunity of being his own boss, prestige FB program ( OU ) will be an offer Scott Frost can’t refuse. IMHO.

    • Waters says:

      Addendum:
      IMHO it is a “done deal” to be announced on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2015

      • SoonerfanTU says:

        If it were a done deal, I think there would be something out that suggesting OU and Frost have met, and I haven’t seen that. With all the people tracking flights, and all that other jazz, it’s tough to hide that sort of thing.

        Wouldn’t surprise me at all if Frost and OU hadn’t talked at all, at this point. At least, not directly.

    • SamSooner says:

      I like the analysis.

    • Steve Johns says:

      I don’t see Bob going for it, no way I would. Associate HC of Offense, maybe. Never heard about Leach holding that title either.

      • Waters says:

        Leach’s “official title” was OC.
        Leach brought the Kentucky offense to OU and was the boss of the offense.
        BS didn’t interfere.
        BS stepped aside and let Leach make all the decisions on offense.
        BS preferred Turner Gill ( NE QB ) to be the OC and install a balanced option offense.
        In order to recruit Leach as OC ( 3rd or 4th choice ) he had to agree to let him be the HC of the offense with the “official title” of OC.
        It’s of interest that Scott Frost like Turner Gill was a NE QB.
        This time BS will get his first choice IMHO.

        • Steve Johns says:

          I remember Bob saying he wanted Leach to run the offense because he had such a hard time defending it at Florida. Could’ve been talking up the hire though.

  • Martin says:

    The mood here has suddenly changed to “Frost or Bust.” Reminds me of the Texas fans’ obsession with landing a Boise St coach (to adopt their system). Harsin was unable to install anything innovative w/o a decent QB. Just as important as the system is the personnel on campus.

  • RBear says:

    I’m sure I’ll catch some flack for this theory but I’m going to throw it out there anyway because in the back of my mind, I can see it as having some truth to it- I just don’t want to believe it.

    Could it be that our program has fallen low enough so as to not be as attractive as we all assume it to be? Could we be placing our program on too high a pedestal and fooling ourselves that folks are falling over themselves to become a part of it?

    I think Scott Frost would be a great hire based on a lot of what I’ve read and followed links to from here mainly. I’ve also read a lot of opinion(s) as to why he, or anyone else for that matter, would be crazy to not accept an offer, why he/they would be a great fit etc etc.

    I don’t know squat really but could it be that we are nowhere near hiring anyone? That the delay is indeed due to Frost’s current focus but that in the end, he will opt out and all the rumored candidates prior to him were groundwork for Plan B if and when he turned us down?

    I’m preparing myself for a perceived letdown in that the hire we make won’t be as sexy as we think we deserve. Just have to hope that Bob somehow manages to make it count and finds a guy who wants to be here and brings a contagious enthusiasm along with him.

  • MoJoOkie says:

    Any chance Helfrich has NFL aspirations? Frost might just be waiting for the obvious promotion if Oregon wins Monday night and Helfrich gets an offer he can’t refuse. Frost just still seems like a long shot to me.

  • kt-raida says:

    as long as Kish is no longer the linebackers coach I’m ok with those changes Mike Stoops is well aware of the discontent with the defense.

    • JD says:

      Our D woes were coverage issues more than linebacker…Kish just can’t recruit worth a crap this year…I like Evans Bolton and Bond from last year but not sure how we finish up this class. That is my main gripe with Kish..on the field I’m not sure Stoops sees an issue with the backer coach

  • Jeff says:

    So if Frost declines, then who is #2 option?

  • boomersooner says:

    KILLER CAMEL
    ‘Aggressive’ animal tramples 2 to death at Texas farm

    are they as tired of the geico commercials as we are?

  • Defend Colfax says:

    This place is weird without news. They replace Gibbs yet?

  • james babcock says:

    Look i am at the point i don’t care who we get as a offensive coordinator i just want to win another national championship damn it in my lifetime does anybody agree with me.

  • SCKSChief says:

    Can’t. Wait. Til. Monday…err…Tuesday.

  • curt gomer says:

    Not sure how reliable RSEN is but…..Reports are saying Oregon OC Scott Frost will interview for the Oklahoma Sooners offensive coordinator position this week in Dallas. #RSEN

  • RBear says:

    Question: If we’re in the hunt for a top OC to run the show, do you think we even considered this guy who tOSU just hired? Just curious if he’s generally thought that much of.

    http://espn.go.com/college-football/bowls14/story/_/id/12150459/ohio-state-buckeyes-hire-tim-beck-former-nebraska-cornhuskers-offensive-coordinator

  • curt gomer says:

    It would really surprise me if BS would even ask for permission to talk to Frost until after Monday

  • Zack says:

    Its gonna happen.

  • JD says:

    Hope we find an OC that uses the tightend like the DCowboys are today

    • SoonerinLondon says:

      Go Pack Go!

    • SoonerfanTU says:

      What is the sudden obsession with OU fans and the TE? You do realize we’re probably a top 3 offense in college football over the last three years, and we did that with exactly ONE TE doing much of anything, and that was Gresham.

      I’m not against having a good TE and using him effectively, but some of you act like that has been our biggest issue in recent years. I don’t get it.

      • JD says:

        No sudden obsession here…the tight end is a nice safety valve for the qb and is usually a mismatch with either a backer or safety and work great with play action

  • Easton says:

    :stat from the twittersphere of Feldman: Oregon has had 6 different wide receivers go for over 100 hundred yards in a game this season.

  • Boomer4life says:

    Dez….just got robbed!

  • curt gomer says:

    Im a Raiders fan an i think that call on Dez is as bad as the tuck rule call in the snow at New England.

    • F1at1ined says:

      It was technically the right call. Its a bad rule that probably needs to go to the same rules graveyard as the tuck rule. Hate to see a referee’s decision determine a game. That said, who’s to say Rodgers would not have just marched down to score again as he was in imperious form. Lots of other plays decided this game, but only the Dez play will get talked about.

    • OkieRandolph says:

      I heard the rules guru on Fox say that it doesn’t matter how many steps he takes, IF he’s stumbling! WHAT?? So let’s see. If a guy catches a screen pass on his own 10 yard line, but is STUMBLING as he catches it, but STUMBLES out to the 50 it’s NOT a catch. HORSE HOCKEY PUCKS! That’s a dumb rule. Also, Dez was reaching for the goal line. If that call is right, then the rule is wrong and needs to be fixed.

  • F1at1ined says:

    I will say this – with Scott Frost practically on our doorstep on Monday, it would be criminal not meeting him in Texas before he flies home lol

  • kt-raida says:

    GO PACKERS!!!!!!!!

  • gstambaugh says:

    Can coach Montgomery recruit Frost…

    • Sooner Ray says:

      I have no proof but given their past relationship….I feel like they have had a conversation recently.

  • curt gomer says:

    What am i missing with Lampkin?? The last 4 crystal ball picks are OU but every picture i see he is wearing short horn garb and always doing horns up.

  • Greg sparks says:

    This potential Scott Frost as our next OC seems out of character for Bob, with very little experience as the OC running an offense that’s not his design, and qb he didn’t recruit. Our issues lie in recruiting/devoliping of the qb, can he recruit and coach them up? MM was already on campus and a projected heisman finalist, so the jury is still out on his recruiting and devoliping abilities, I just don’t see how anybody can say someone with so little experience should be our next OC that just don’t sound like Bob. We’ve just had our first miss that many including myself thought was a “can’t miss” with JH, wish him nothing but the best, a true sooner legend.

    • kt-raida says:

      Yeah I think the savior Scott frost mentality has run rampant. I like the wku or toledo guy. Not saying Frost wouldn’t get the job done, but is he the Nick Saban of coordinators?

  • Mizuno44 says:

    A not so encouraging update from Deano, not sure if anyone posted this earlier-

    UPDATE Jan. 11, 10:30 a.m. – Tom Shatel of the Omaha World Herald writes today that Oregon offensive coordinator Scott Frost will only leave the Ducks for a head coaching job. No surprise and exactly what you’d expect a coach to say as he prepares for Monday¹s title game. But Shatel is money. Tom is one of the writers who has covered Frost and his family for over twenty years. I’m not working the Blitz tonight, but if there were a Play the Percentage question on chances Frost becoming OU’s next play-calling OC, I’d say less than five percent.

  • Dlee914 says:

    BY DEAN BLEVINS, NEWS 9

    NORMAN, Oklahoma –

    Sources confirm that OU plans to name Lincoln Riley as its new play-caller and offensive coordinator. Riley has helped set records at East Carolina as the coordinator and quarterbacks coach the past five seasons. It’s a clear sign Bob Stoops is going back to the Hal Mumme/Mike Leach “Air Raid” style of attack that OU ran in the beginning of the Stoops Era (1999 under offensive coordinator Mike Leach). I’m told OU will emphasize getting its talented running backs in space in the attack and that Riley’s success and experience of play-calling helped him become Oklahoma’s choice.

    I’m told Mike Leach and Hal Mumme gave rave reviews of Riley, who was a walk-on quarterback at Texas Tech and spent seven seasons in the Tech system. The 31-year old Riley is expected to be named OU co-offensive coordinator, play caller and QB coach in the near future. It’s expected that Stoops will immediately focus on naming a wide receivers coach, and that Riley’s input would be considered. Stoops announced last week that his co-coordinators Josh Heupel and Jay Norvell were not returning to the OU staff following the 8-5 season in 2014.

    • Easton says:

      Riley/Cumbie.

    • Mizuno44 says:

      Nice. I stand corrected on Frost.

    • Billy M says:

      I hope it works out for OU.

    • Sooner Ray says:

      Does anyone know if Perine can make the deep throw?

    • Zack says:

      I’ll wait until I hear this confirmed by others I don’t think deano is right. According to dean, he won’t be on tv tonight so I think he’s trying to steal headlines.

    • DCinAZ says:

      So we’re going back to a 20 yr old offense. *YAWN*

      • Easton says:

        Yawn away. I’m going to be on the edge of my seat. Have been for awhile now. Time will tell.

        • SCKSChief says:

          IF this is the actual hire, I love it. He was my “realistic” number one and Frost was who I wanted “in a perfect world.”

          • Easton says:

            Same. I watched two ECU games this season. I saw the work he has done.

          • SCKSChief says:

            I know he understands what real WRs look like too…and how to use them. He had two beasts…at ECU.

          • Easton says:

            Yeah, TWO, and a supporting cast corp that could catch the ball reliably as well.

          • SCKSChief says:

            Needs to find some “in space” RBs though. What OU has are “downhill” guys…or develop them to work “in space”

          • Easton says:

            I’m not finding this distinction to be a real issue. Every running back seeks space, and good ones MAKE space. An offense like Riley’s (which will change to meet the talent and HC) will be capable of getting Perine, and Mixon, more space, and make the down-hill run more surprising. My view.

          • curt gomer says:

            Only real between the tackles pound ya type back we have is perine, the rest will do good in a riley type offense. Perine might not have to carry it 25-30 times for us to move the ball

          • Hotrod33 says:

            If Smith was still here I think he would of been a good one in space. Also, even though Quick is not a running back, He is one that I can see in space and making the plays for long yardage. He has some serious speed and put him out there, that would be a very tough matchup.

          • rphokc says:

            ….so, you’ve watched a couple……….are they just another tech

          • Easton says:

            I would shoot you straight and tell you yes if I thought so. No.

    • Dlee914 says:

      The Sports Animal ‏@sportsanimal 5s5 seconds ago

      Sources confirm that Lincoln Riley will become the new OC for OU #Sooners

      Sports Animal saying it too

      • ellisbr says:

        I’m not saying this isn’t true but until the Brainiacs confirm this I’ll take it as a rumor getting thrown around. I know nothing about Riley but it sounds like he likes to throw it a ton…I hope he figures out how to utilize our talented bunch of RBs because I’d hate to not use the best part of our offense.

    • rphokc says:

      ….don’t think the backs we currently have came here to ‘play in space’…….

  • CTSooner says:

    So I reading the tweets that it will be Lincoln Riley

  • Zack says:

    If it is Lincoln Riley then I expect him to bring one of his qb commits. I would guess this one from Shawnee.
    http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1251302/highlights/211079384

    • Sooner Ray says:

      6’2″, 220lbs, 4.47 speed, 5 star, I’ll give him a chance.

      • Zack says:

        He’s not a 5 star though. I’m not sure why that was on the video. 3 star on 247 and according to the composite.

        • Sooner Ray says:

          That makes more sense, was wondering why we haven’t heard more about him.

          • Zack says:

            I just can’t see cumbie coming here now so I wonder who we go after as the wide receiver coach

          • Sooner Ray says:

            No idea. I can’t figure out the plan behind this hire….if it takes place.

          • DCinAZ says:

            Me neither. If we’re going to go forward to the past and be Texas tech again, why’d we fire Josh?

          • Easton says:

            This isn’t valid or sound DC. No, not what is happening.

          • DCinAZ says:

            What isn’t valid?

          • Easton says:

            The assertion: we are being Texas Tech, and because we are, then Josh Huepel should have just stayed.

          • DCinAZ says:

            When I read somebody runs a Hal Mumme air-raid offense and gets kudos from Hal Mumme and Mike Leach, how are they not Texas Tech exactly? Not sure what you’re getting at.

          • Easton says:

            You draw a conclusion, from facts, but the conclusion you come to isn’t real. Its an opinion. Making an assertion as if it is the truth when it isn’t is just plain frustrating. If the offense runs a mimic of TT next season, and we get the same results that TT gets, and we go 8-5, then your assertion will take on reality.

          • DCinAZ says:

            Not sure what you’re talking about? We ran the air-raid Mumme offense for years here before when Texas Tech was running it as well and we always had a different results than they did. I’m drawing my conclusions from installing a re-tread offense we’ve already ran here that won a bunch of BIG XII titles but couldn’t win anything else of note.

            Looks like Riley runs the ball an average of 20 times per game and throws it 45-60 times per game. That’s the Hal Mumme air raid offense to a tee. SO……if this is true, we’re going back to being an unbalanced, unphysical, one dimensional team.

          • Easton says:

            ECU Total Offense:

            Total Pass Attempts: 637
            Total Rushing Attempts: 433

            We were one dimensional this season. That is real. Whatever actually happens in 2015, I’ll be ready to see it as it is.

          • DCinAZ says:

            We were one dimensional this year because we don’t have any QB’s that can complete a pass or and WR’s that can get open. So why would we want Hal Mumme offense retread? I just don’t get the thinking. And ECU was 66th in rushing last season.

            Also, in perfect Hal Mumme offensive fashion, ECU won a majority of games this year, made it to a bowl game against a legitimate defense, and could only manage 20 points, thus losing the game. Hal Mumme offense ladies and gentlemen *golf clap*

          • oumike23 says:

            Jason Candle?

          • JD says:

            Scout has him as a 2star…Seen him play Ardmore in the playoffs…pretty good player…almost brought them from behind to win with some long pass plays…pass D was a weakness of the Ardmore squad but he made some nice throws

  • Easton says:

    It is good news.

  • SoonerPhins says:

    Sports Animal facebook is reporting that Lincoln Riley will be the new OC. Any confirmation?

  • OUn8v says:

    Jake TrotterVerified account ‏@Jake_Trotter 2m2 minutes ago

    Per source, OU has not offered the OC job to anyone. Bob Stoops still talking to candidates, including Lincoln Riley.

  • Jeff says:

    Sounds like no Frost but Riley

  • Easton says:

    Opportune time to note the depression that ensued when this came across thirty minutes ago as Riley as OC. I am prepared for the reactions of anyone other than Frost now. We don’t know until the field is sprayed and the boys run out again. I hope the depression doesn’t strike this board as heavily as others, this just isn’t the place for it; but if it takes that downward spin, well, so be it.

  • Sooner Ray says:

    I feel like we’re being trolled.

  • rphokc says:

    ……..well, whether it’s true or not, I enjoyed this observation via LT poster…….

    ………”At least he’s not a friend, relative, gardener, contractor or neighbor of Bob’s. That alone warrants a thumbs up from me. “

  • J.K. Abbott says:

    My bad. Just got off of football Scoop.

  • SoonerinLondon says:

    QBs and WRs gotta love it. Come to OU. You’re gonna get to PLAY.

  • curt gomer says:

    Someone shoot Deano a message and thank him for giving us a little excitement on a Sunday night

  • hemisooner says:

    Lincoln Riley is the new OC

  • Daddy R says:

    Wow! Gone for an hour and come back and now this!? Scratching my head… but if Riley is pick, I’m down. As long as dude knows how to use I-formation.
    Edit: nice that he has experience calling plays. Plus, before Frosty was being thrown around, it seemed Riley was this boards overall “numero uno.”

  • Tucker says:

    Jake Trotter is calling FALSE on the Dean Blevins report… Looks like he strikes again. or, WHAT?

  • Zack says:

    Like I said dean just trying to stir things up. Not saying he will be wrong eventually but I think this has more to do with the fact that he won’t be on tv tonight

  • EasTex says:

    Sorry, I don’t consider Blevins a source for breaking news.

  • Sooner Ray says:

    Dean Blevins to be named WR coach………since we’re just throwing sh%t at the wall.

  • Boomer4life says:

    Regardless of the product Riley has put on the field, many fans would consider this to be a solid hire but not a homerun. From…Decray

  • Jared Tyra says:

    Y’all sure there’s any substance to the Lincoln Riley rumor? Starting to see reports that conflict with what Blevins said…

  • Stephen Dale says:

    forget Frost, Dean Blevins says it will be Lincoln Riley from ECU

  • Waters says:

    Last Coach Standing:

    Is still Scott Frost!
    Riley is back to Leach
    BS does not want a modified Leach offense.
    He wants a new offensive system that few can provide.
    Frost is one of the few coaches.

    • Easton says:

      Frost isn’t standing according to good reports out of Omaha. He is taking an HC job, or staying put. That has been communicated today, but we won’t know until we know.

      • Waters says:

        I saw the report out of Omaha from a credible source.
        OU position is a unique opportunity and not typical OC
        Position.
        I am still betting on Frost.
        I will eat Internet humble pie ( metaphor ) if wrong.
        You do the same if Scott Frost is the OU OC.

  • Tucker says:

    DEAN BLEVINS= TROLL LEVEL 999999999999999

  • Daddy R says:

    DEANO! DEANO! DEANO!

    (me rooting for the guy, kind of feel bad for him, always reporting wrong info and everything..)

  • ToatsMcGoats says:

    Not sure who Patrick Quinn is, but he’s reporting the same thing as Dean:

    http://www.wkrg.com/story/27823050/ecus-lincoln-riley-new-offensive-coordinator-at-oklahoma

  • SoonerinLondon says:

    Riley/Cumbie QB/WR combo could be pretty interesting.

  • Daddy R says:

    Gotta run for a few… DONT go hiring a WR coach without me!

  • curt gomer says:

    posted by oklahoma updates

  • Eddie Mac says:

    Dean Blevins
    Reporting new OC
    Lincoln Reilly new OF

  • boomersooner says:

    Done deal!
    Jimmy McGinty-OC/WR
    Shane Falco-QB

  • Hotrod33 says:

    Nate Scarborough-OC/WR
    Paul Crewe- QB
    I heard that Scarborough was a Heisman winner at OU back in the day.

  • rphokc says:

    Lincoln Riley is a candidate for the OU offensive coordinator job, but like @Jake_Trotter, I’m told no one has been offered yet. #Sooners

    jason kersey…..

  • Zack says:

    Antoine Stephens sounds close to choosing ou

  • L'Carpetron Dookmarriot says:

    If Lincoln Riley is the new OC, then that would be OK. Based on the games I’ve watched of East Carolina, they don’t look like a straight an Airraid offense like Tech or early 2000s OU. If Lincoln Riley is the new OC, then I’m confused why Heupel isn’t still the OC. Perhaps the answer is that Josh knows the offense, but not how to call plays or develop a game plan.

  • Waters says:

    Deano is the one. He can turn a calm peaceful evening into confusion,uncertainty and chaos.
    Listen to Deano and have another drink.
    Have another drink and cuss Deano.
    Enjoy the excitement and fun of an emotional shakedown.

  • boomersooner says:

    Per me:

    Nick Crozier and Jack Rooney- package deal

  • curt gomer says:

    new update on all this noise

  • Eddie Mac says:

    Jake Trotter solid reporting as always Dean Blevins appears to have it right this time,
    Will Lincoln be able to pick receiver coach ?

  • Sooner Redzone says:

    Anybody know how Bob’s interview today with Frost went? Not! What a pipe dream that was.