The Football Brainiacs

So in reading some of the comments in my ‘Past Excusing Present‘ rant post from Sunday, I came across a valid…what I’ll call…criticism that I wanted to address. And I wanted to address it because I definitely believe it is a valid “criticism.” The comment was made, I’m not sure how many times, that…and I’m paraphrasing here…’Well, sure, it’s easy to say there’s a problem, but what’s your solution for fixing it?’ Which I took to essentially mean it’s easy for me (which I want to address here in a second) to call for Coach X, Y, or Z to be fired but unless I had a replacement in mind I should probably just shut up.

Well, I spent some time thinking about it and came up with a list I think is pretty damn strong. But first I want to address this ‘easy’ comment above. I just wanted to acknowledge that I recognize these people who I’m saying probably need to go are, in fact, people. I understand they have families and that these jobs aren’t necessarily easy to come by. I know they work hard and, of course, want to be successful just as much — I’m sure even more so — as we, the fans, want them to be. That said, I also recognize many in the coaching profession — at least at this level — are paid quite handsomely and thus, in my opinion, open to being criticized publicly. I’d like to believe my critiques of their respective performances was objective and fair. I’m quite sure some of you may disagree with that, which is fine, but know going in my intent was not to rip someone simply for the sake of doing so. All of which I’ve just said may not make a difference in the world to some, if you’re even still reading, but for the sake of full disclosure I just wanted to put this out there.

Enough with the soap box, on to the list.

Alright, so here’s what I came up with. You’ll see it’s in line with respect to what I wrote Sunday and who I believe deserves to go. I have a couple caveats that require some additional explaining, and I’ll do my best to explain why I chose who I did without boring you to death with details you can just as easily Google yourself (if you care to). Know that I made what I considered to be a concerted effort to keep this limited to realistic names. So you’re not going to see me suggest keeping Bob and bringing in Nick Saban & Chip Kelly to be his defensive and offensive coordinators, respectively.

I’m not saying I have all the answers and this is the definitive list of what OU’s coaching staff should look like next year. You said you wanted a solution to the problem, not just pointing out there was a problem. This is my suggested solution. Nothing more, nothing less.

HC Bob Stoops – As I’ve maintained all along, I never said I wanted Bob gone.

OC & QBs *Rhett Lashlee – Currently holds the same position at Auburn, Guz Malzahn protege (obviously) super young (31, I believe), style perfectly fits (IMO) what OU should be doing on offense with their current personnel.

RBs Cale Gundy – No reason to change here. One of, if not the, best in the country at his respective position.

OL Bill Bedenbaugh – Love the progress he’s made during his first two years in Norman. Tireless recruiter.

WRs Adam Henry – Currently with LSU (who has turned out a decent receiver or two) but has only been there a couple years so no super deep ties to keep him from relocating, recruiting ties to SEC country, early 40’s, spent four years in the NFL.

TEs & ST Jeff Banks – Currently at Texas A&M, who are No. 2 in the country in special teams efficiency according to this, solid track record developing kickers & punters.

Co-DC & DL Jerry Montgomery – Again, in my opinion has been a fantastic hire. Gets a promotion here under my hypothetical and a chance to run a defense. Also an outstanding and relentless recruiter.

Co-DC & LBs DJ Durkin – Was Will Muschamp’s DC at Florida and by every account I’ve heard/read, a true star in the making. Has the rep as one of the best recruiters at his position in the country. Would be a home run hire.

DBs Travaris Robinson – Another guy who was with Muschamp at Florida, where the Gators produced a ton of talent in the secondary. Young (33) and comes with obvious SEC recruiting ties.

*__________

*Justin Fuente – Assoc. HC, OC & QB

Okay, let’s address these asterisks right quick. I put one next to Lashlee because as you’ll probably see just above, my initial thought was to list Fuente (a former Sooner and the current Memphis head coach) but wound up taking him out because I convinced myself he fell on the ‘unrealistic’ side of things. For one he’s obviously a head coach and already being talked about for other HC gigs. Two, he’s paid a little over a $1MM and whatever his fondness for his time in Norman I can’t say he’d take a pay-cut and/or a demotion (at least in title), plus I know OU isn’t going to pay a coordinator a $1MM+. For whatever it’s worth, the scenario I had in my head to try and sell it was making him the associate HC with a potential handshake deal he’d have an inside track to replace Bob whenever he left. I know, I know, flame away at me for that one.

As to the ‘fill in the blank’ asterisk, I actually have an open spot as there are only nine names listed and OU is allowed 10 coaches, including Stoops. I left it open mainly because I was interested to hear what you all would do with it in this hypothetical as I’ve laid it out. I had a couple ideas, which I’ll share, but I’m interested to hear from you as well.

My first idea – Promote one of Chip Viney, Corey Callens, or C.J. Ah You, all current grad assistants. Not necessarily sure how that would work given how I have things assigned above, but that’s for someone else to figure out, haha.

My second idea – You could bring in a dedicated position coach for QBs, or TEs, or DTs, or whatever. You’ve got a spot, you can fill it however you see fit.

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Okay, commence the tearing me to shreds.