An outsiders take on your coaching situation

[TigerHog93]

Since I'm new to this board I'll introduce myself. I'm from Baton Rouge, been going to LSU games since I was 4 years old and have been to at least 2 games every year since. I moved to LR two years ago for grad school and I started following the Hogs a little bit. You guys have a beautiful state and some nice people. For the record I hope you all win every game (except LSU).

Anyway on the coaching situation. Obviously your administration should wait until the end of the year because you may all very well turn it around. However, if the Hogs lose to A&M, and things start to get ugly even 6-6 or another 7-5, I think they have to pull the plug at the end this year and here's why. Look around the SEC. A&M, Auburn, and Tennessee could all be looking for head coaches within the next year or two and all of those places are more attractive jobs. Arkansas' best bet is to make a quick decision and find someone before other teams around the league start looking for head coaches as well.

I personally don't see why you all can't find a coach that can win 8-9 games a year and compete or get in SEC championship discussion once every 5-6 years with the right guy. Bret is on year 5 and there are no signs of competing for an SEC championship in the near future.

[ChitownHawg]

And how long did y'all hang onto Les after Saban's recruits were gone? Talk about under achieving.

But thanks for the advice. 

[hoglady]

Since I'm new to this board I'll introduce myself. I'm from Baton Rouge, been going to LSU games since I was 4 years old and have been to at least 2 games every year since. I moved to LR two years ago for grad school and I started following the Hogs a little bit. You guys have a beautiful state and some nice people. For the record I hope you all win every game (except LSU).

Anyway on the coaching situation. Obviously your administration should wait until the end of the year because you may all very well turn it around. However, if the Hogs lose to A&M, and things start to get ugly even 6-6 or another 7-5, I think they have to pull the plug at the end this year and here's why. Look around the SEC. A&M, Auburn, and Tennessee could all be looking for head coaches within the next year or two and all of those places are more attractive jobs. Arkansas' best bet is to make a quick decision and find someone before other teams around the league start looking for head coaches as well.

I personally don't see why you all can't find a coach that can win 8-9 games a year and compete or get in SEC championship discussion once every 5-6 years with the right guy. Bret is on year 5 and there are no signs of competing for an SEC championship in the near future.

I used to live in BR - went to Tara High School back in the mid 70's.
Still have friends there.
I'm the opposite of you - I pull for LSU in every game except when they play the Hogs.
Welcome to Hogville.
(Bielema and SEC Championship don't belong in the same sentence at this point. A winning SEC record would be a miracle)

[MultipleScoreGasms]

Since I'm new to this board I'll introduce myself. I'm from Baton Rouge, been going to LSU games since I was 4 years old and have been to at least 2 games every year since. I moved to LR two years ago for grad school and I started following the Hogs a little bit. You guys have a beautiful state and some nice people. For the record I hope you all win every game (except LSU).

Anyway on the coaching situation. Obviously your administration should wait until the end of the year because you may all very well turn it around. However, if the Hogs lose to A&M, and things start to get ugly even 6-6 or another 7-5, I think they have to pull the plug at the end this year and here's why. Look around the SEC. A&M, Auburn, and Tennessee could all be looking for head coaches within the next year or two and all of those places are more attractive jobs. Arkansas' best bet is to make a quick decision and find someone before other teams around the league start looking for head coaches as well.

I personally don't see why you all can't find a coach that can win 8-9 games a year and compete or get in SEC championship discussion once every 5-6 years with the right guy. Bret is on year 5 and there are no signs of competing for an SEC championship in the near future.

Opinion looks similar to what others on this board have observed.  I think it's highly possible that aTm will also be looking for a coach "this" year, but maybe Sumlin pulls it out.  Would hate to be competing with them in a coaching search.  Tennessee is also possible, but they are 2-0 so far.  I would say their run is easier because they are in the East, but they seem to have a tougher draw this year.  UGA, SC, KY, and Vandy may all be better this year.  Add in Bama and LSU, and they don't have a "cake walk."  I certainly wouldn't want to compete against them and aTm for a coach, so I am hoping they do well.

[Steef]

Since I'm new to this board I'll introduce myself. I'm from Baton Rouge, been going to LSU games since I was 4 years old and have been to at least 2 games every year since. I moved to LR two years ago for grad school and I started following the Hogs a little bit. You guys have a beautiful state and some nice people. For the record I hope you all win every game (except LSU).

Anyway on the coaching situation. Obviously your administration should wait until the end of the year because you may all very well turn it around. However, if the Hogs lose to A&M, and things start to get ugly even 6-6 or another 7-5, I think they have to pull the plug at the end this year and here's why. Look around the SEC. A&M, Auburn, and Tennessee could all be looking for head coaches within the next year or two and all of those places are more attractive jobs. Arkansas' best bet is to make a quick decision and find someone before other teams around the league start looking for head coaches as well.

I personally don't see why you all can't find a coach that can win 8-9 games a year and compete or get in SEC championship discussion once every 5-6 years with the right guy. Bret is on year 5 and there are no signs of competing for an SEC championship in the near future.

Welcome. Good post.

I dont disagree that we probably need a new coach. Its problematic for us to fire him this year, due to his buyout.

Either way, there are coaching openings every year, with whom we will have to compete. Outside of the SEC, there's always a Notre Dame or some other "destination" program that gets first choice. Its unlikely we would ever be at the top of the list.

It is what it is.

[Cinco de Hogo]

I see a valid and rational opinion. Don't expect those here to listen to what they consider "fake news." Welcome and keep posting regardless.

What's different about it?  Same thing everybody is saying except for a few that want or dream of BB being fired today.

[riccoar]

What's different about it?  Same thing everybody is saying except for a few that want or dream of BB being fired today.

He's not getting fired today, in two weeks, or at the end of the season.  Bielema is safe for 2017 and will be here in 2018.  Sooner or later people are going to start realizing that Jeff Long's number one concern is not on the field, but in the classroom.

[RazorbackAlways]

Since I'm new to this board I'll introduce myself. I'm from Baton Rouge, been going to LSU games since I was 4 years old and have been to at least 2 games every year since. I moved to LR two years ago for grad school and I started following the Hogs a little bit. You guys have a beautiful state and some nice people. For the record I hope you all win every game (except LSU).

Anyway on the coaching situation. Obviously your administration should wait until the end of the year because you may all very well turn it around. However, if the Hogs lose to A&M, and things start to get ugly even 6-6 or another 7-5, I think they have to pull the plug at the end this year and here's why. Look around the SEC. A&M, Auburn, and Tennessee could all be looking for head coaches within the next year or two and all of those places are more attractive jobs. Arkansas' best bet is to make a quick decision and find someone before other teams around the league start looking for head coaches as well.

I personally don't see why you all can't find a coach that can win 8-9 games a year and compete or get in SEC championship discussion once every 5-6 years with the right guy. Bret is on year 5 and there are no signs of competing for an SEC championship in the near future.

A TigerHog? A wild, strange kind of animal. Very rare for sure. Maybe extinct?

You make a good point. Question is, do you jump first? Or let everyone else play their highest card first?

[BigE_23]

Since I'm new to this board I'll introduce myself. I'm from Baton Rouge, been going to LSU games since I was 4 years old and have been to at least 2 games every year since. I moved to LR two years ago for grad school and I started following the Hogs a little bit. You guys have a beautiful state and some nice people. For the record I hope you all win every game (except LSU).

Anyway on the coaching situation. Obviously your administration should wait until the end of the year because you may all very well turn it around. However, if the Hogs lose to A&M, and things start to get ugly even 6-6 or another 7-5, I think they have to pull the plug at the end this year and here's why. Look around the SEC. A&M, Auburn, and Tennessee could all be looking for head coaches within the next year or two and all of those places are more attractive jobs. Arkansas' best bet is to make a quick decision and find someone before other teams around the league start looking for head coaches as well.

I personally don't see why you all can't find a coach that can win 8-9 games a year and compete or get in SEC championship discussion once every 5-6 years with the right guy. Bret is on year 5 and there are no signs of competing for an SEC championship in the near future.

Thanks for the post! Coach O has really changed the way I feel about LSU. I root for that guy!!

IMO, your post is spot on. What I can't seem to get is how fans of other teams get this, but our own fans can't seem to comprehend this level of logic. I guess it just proves the old saying, "we can't see the forest for the trees."

[PorkRinds]

Thanks for the post! Coach O has really changed the way I feel about LSU. I root for that guy!!

IMO, your post is spot on. What I can't seem to get is how fans of other teams get this, but our own fans can't seem to comprehend this level of logic. I guess it just proves the old saying, "we can't see the forest for the trees."

I couldn't root for LSU if Jesus Christ himself were their coach.

[RazorbackAlways]

I couldn't root for LSU if Jesus Christ himself were their coach.

[hogcard1964]

Since I'm new to this board I'll introduce myself. I'm from Baton Rouge, been going to LSU games since I was 4 years old and have been to at least 2 games every year since. I moved to LR two years ago for grad school and I started following the Hogs a little bit. You guys have a beautiful state and some nice people. For the record I hope you all win every game (except LSU).

Anyway on the coaching situation. Obviously your administration should wait until the end of the year because you may all very well turn it around. However, if the Hogs lose to A&M, and things start to get ugly even 6-6 or another 7-5, I think they have to pull the plug at the end this year and here's why. Look around the SEC. A&M, Auburn, and Tennessee could all be looking for head coaches within the next year or two and all of those places are more attractive jobs. Arkansas' best bet is to make a quick decision and find someone before other teams around the league start looking for head coaches as well.

I personally don't see why you all can't find a coach that can win 8-9 games a year and compete or get in SEC championship discussion once every 5-6 years with the right guy. Bret is on year 5 and there are no signs of competing for an SEC championship in the near future.

Good post and you're correct.

There's no chance of us competing for an SEC West title while he's here.

But I agree, we have to wait until the end of the year.  That is barring him somehow finding a way to lose the next two.   

[HoggyCat]

Question.  What's he gonna "turn it baround" to??  Yet ANOTHER 6-6 season???  At what point do we cut our losses??? It's every single year.

What time of year was it LSU dismissed Miles??

[3kgthog]

He's not getting fired today, in two weeks, or at the end of the season.  Bielema is safe for 2017 and will be here in 2018.  Sooner or later people are going to start realizing that Jeff Long's number one concern is not on the field, but in the classroom.

But Jeff has bosses and all may not share his Ho-hum approach to the win-loss record. When's the last time you saw someone pay to watch our football players walk across a stage at graduation? If I'm not mistaken, his insistence on the NEZ expansion already created one "enemy" on the BOT. Having empty suites and club seats is likely to create more.

If Jeff learned nothing after watching the end of Nutt unfold from afar, he might want to educate himself on how difficult his job is going to be once an unhappy Hog fanbase gets rolling.

[go hogues]

Texas A&M
Ole Miss
Tennessee

All probable jobs that will be open this season and all more attractive jobs than UA. Even if we do want to hire a new guy, we'll have to fight these three (and more from outside the conference). Not good

[jgphillips3]

There is no turning this thing around.  Bielema will never hit double digit wins here unless the entire West collapses.  It's too early to fire him but it's not too early to start compiling a list of potential replacements.

[DeltaBoy]

He's not getting fired today, in two weeks, or at the end of the season.  Bielema is safe for 2017 and will be here in 2018.  Sooner or later people are going to start realizing that Jeff Long's number one concern is not on the field, but in the classroom.

The we need to contact the BOT and get Long Canned.

[hawgtime]

There is no turning this thing around.  Bielema will never hit double digit wins here unless the entire West collapses.  It's too early to fire him but it's not too early to start compiling a list of potential replacements.

who should be on our Christmas list of coaches?  I want someone who will bring in the coaches to WIN the recruits.  That coach should employ a team of coaches that will  have a stifling defense that hits HARD and an offense that will keep the other team guessing and can score in a hurry!  if the defense is FUN the recruits will want to come and play.  if we can score and use many weapons, all kinds of offensive STARs will want to be on campus.

go HOGS, doesn't hurt to dream....

[hogcard1964]

who should be on our Christmas list of coaches?  I want someone who will bring in the coaches to WIN the recruits.  That coach should employ a team of coaches that will  have a stifling defense that hits HARD and an offense that will keep the other team guessing and can score in a hurry!  if the defense is FUN the recruits will want to come and play.  if we can score and use many weapons, all kinds of offensive STARs will want to be on campus.

go HOGS, doesn't hurt to dream....

Mike Bobo!

[Hogwild]

However, if the Hogs lose to A&M, and things start to get ugly even 6-6 or another 7-5,

If we lose to A&M, we aren't getting to 6 or 7 wins.

[NoogaHog]

Mike Bobo!

"Run the dang ball, Bobo!" Living in GA, I heard that endlessly. He seemed to like to pass in the second half when the run was working (seems to be a common trait among coaches, doesn't it?) and not put teams away. (like Childs, please)

I'm not sure if he would be an improvement. But who knows?

[hobhog]

Thanks for the post! Coach O has really changed the way I feel about LSU. I root for that guy!!

IMO, your post is spot on. What I can't seem to get is how fans of other teams get this, but our own fans can't seem to comprehend this level of logic. I guess it just proves the old saying, "we can't see the forest for the trees."

Quit reading when he said he roots for LSU....

[LZH]

Texas A&M
Ole Miss
Tennessee

All probable jobs that will be open this season and all more attractive jobs than UA. Even if we do want to hire a new guy, we'll have to fight these three (and more from outside the conference). Not good

Since when did Ole Miss become a better job than Arkansas?

[al_pigcino]

And how long did y'all hang onto Les after Saban's recruits were gone? Talk about under achieving.

lmao @ Hogville.  Only there can we call a coach like Les Miles an underachiever.
Overall   141–55
Bowls   8–6
Championships
1 National (2007)
2 SEC (2007, 2011)
3 SEC Western Division (2005, 2007, 2011)

77% win percentage while in the SEC..........

[EastexHawg]

If we lose to A&M, we aren't getting to 6 or 7 wins.

It would be problematic.  This is by far the worst A&M team the Hogs will have faced since resuming the series.  They have no QB, hence they couldn't score in a whorehouse with a fistful of $50s.

[Boarsnest]

Texas A&M
Ole Miss
Tennessee

All probable jobs that will be open this season and all more attractive jobs than UA. Even if we do want to hire a new guy, we'll have to fight these three (and more from outside the conference). Not good

I sure hope Bret is writing love letters to the AD's at each of these schools.

[NashvilleHog]

Texas A&M
Ole Miss
Tennessee

All probable jobs that will be open this season and all more attractive jobs than UA. Even if we do want to hire a new guy, we'll have to fight these three (and more from outside the conference). Not good

You do know that Ole Miss is in front of the Council on Infractions, as we speak?  There is no way, no how that they are a better job than Arkansas...especially with them looking down the barrel of crippling NCAA sanctions that will set them back a decade. 

[Ex-Trumpet]

He's not getting fired today, in two weeks, or at the end of the season.  Bielema is safe for 2017 and will be here in 2018.  Sooner or later people are going to start realizing that Jeff Long's number one concern is not on the field, but in the classroom.

I disagree.  JL's number one concern is looking back at him in the mirror.  He and UA will both be better off when he takes his next gig.  I wish him luck!

I haven't always felt this way; I've been a JL supporter, thinking his visibility has been great for the Hogs.  I realize now that it's been great for JL.

[WOOPIGMAN]

WE GOTTA FIRE HIM BO! IM SICK OF THE MEDIOCRITY, THROW THE BANK AT SOMEBODY AND BRING BACK THE GLORY DAYS! WOO PIG AND YOU'RE ALL IDIOTS FOR WANTING LEACH, HE'S MEDIOCRE, JUST LIKE YOU GUYS AND YOUR DA LOSER LIFES, YOU'RE EITHER A WINNER OR A LOSER AND YOU WONT WIN UNTIL YOU GET A WINNER! IDIOTS! GOD BLESS AMERICA AND SHUTUP!

[al_pigcino]

WE GOTTA FIRE HIM BO! IM SICK OF THE MEDIOCRITY, THROW THE BANK AT SOMEBODY AND BRING BACK THE GLORY DAYS! WOO PIG AND YOU'RE ALL IDIOTS FOR WANTING LEACH, HE'S MEDIOCRE, JUST LIKE YOU GUYS AND YOUR DA LOSER LIFES, YOU'RE EITHER A WINNER OR A LOSER AND YOU WONT WIN UNTIL YOU GET A WINNER! IDIOTS! GOD BLESS AMERICA AND SHUTUP!

Ricky Bobby?

[RazorPiggie]

I used to live in BR - went to Tara High School back in the mid 70's.
Still have friends there.
I'm the opposite of you - I pull for LSU in every game except when they play the Hogs.
Welcome to Hogville.
(Bielema and SEC Championship don't belong in the same sentence at this point. A winning SEC record would be a miracle)

We actually had a winning SEC record in 2015.

[RazorPiggie]

WE GOTTA FIRE HIM BO! IM SICK OF THE MEDIOCRITY, THROW THE BANK AT SOMEBODY AND BRING BACK THE GLORY DAYS! WOO PIG AND YOU'RE ALL IDIOTS FOR WANTING LEACH, HE'S MEDIOCRE, JUST LIKE YOU GUYS AND YOUR DA LOSER LIFES, YOU'RE EITHER A WINNER OR A LOSER AND YOU WONT WIN UNTIL YOU GET A WINNER! IDIOTS! GOD BLESS AMERICA AND SHUTUP!

Eddie from Clarksville?

[PLHawg]

The reality is that Bielema knows his days are numbered here, if not this year then next year.  You think his players don't know it as well?  I know from experience when you have one foot out the door at a present employer it hurts your performance, psychologically you're just not all there.  Don't expect any miracles here, it's not gonna happen - he's gonna collect his paychecks until it's time for him to leave and that is that.  Don't get me wrong, I'm sure CBB has ego and pride, and doesn't want to look like damaged goods to the rest of the coaching profession but you can tell by his demeanor on the sideline that he's just not into it.  One other thing, and I say this in all seriousness, I'm worried about his health.  He is way overweight, and the stress of his profession, hours worked, lack of sleep has to be taking a toll on him. 

[Razor1997]

We actually had a winning SEC record in 2015.

True, but like she said, it took a miracle (specifically, the Hunter Henry Heave on 4th and 25)

[Porkette]

Since when did Ole Miss become a better job than Arkansas?

I guess it's a side note in this discussion, but that's exactly what I was thinking. Ole Miss is nowhere close to being a better job. They are in better recruiting territory, but have to compete with Miss State and others. Even before the Hugh Freeze mess, they are certainly not a more successful program than Arkansas nor an easier place to win.

[Laughing Hog]

"Run the dang ball, Bobo!" Living in GA, I heard that endlessly. He seemed to like to pass in the second half when the run was working (seems to be a common trait among coaches, doesn't it?) and not put teams away. (like Childs, please)

I'm not sure if he would be an improvement. But who knows?

Yeah, I heard a lot of "BoBo gotta GoGo" as well..................

Whoever we get, we need a Super recruiter who can get the Jimmies and the Joe's. He needs to be capable of getting assistants who can recruit as well.

[Cinco de Hogo]

Since when did Ole Miss become a better job than Arkansas?

It's one of those dirty little secrets that coaches want to go to a program that has shown an interest in winning.

[bondhue]

hours worked, lack of sleep has to be taking a toll on him.

I may be wrong but that's not the impression I get.  Flip flops and shorts, cool laid back attitude and a five course meal.

[hoglady]

We actually had a winning SEC record in 2015.

Judging this team on the way they've played so far this year - it'd be a miracle to have a winning SEC record.

[HoggyCat]

If we lose to A&M, we aren't getting to 6 or 7 wins.

Or even 5

[Mo_Better_Hogs]

I miss the days of the GOOD non-hog posters. Welcome TH93.

[Porkchop#1]

Texas A&M
Ole Miss
Tennessee

All probable jobs that will be open this season and all more attractive jobs than UA. Even if we do want to hire a new guy, we'll have to fight these three (and more from outside the conference). Not good

Where'd you come up with those are better jobs than ours?  Not true.

We used to nearly always beat A&M, before Bert got here anyways. Same for Ole Miss, even Bert beats them.  And we beat the Hound dogs our last game with them.

[JOKERHOG]

Texas A&M
Ole Miss
Tennessee

All probable jobs that will be open this season and all more attractive jobs than UA. Even if we do want to hire a new guy, we'll have to fight these three (and more from outside the conference). Not good

Ole Miss is not a better job.  The other two aren't much better

[Cletus]

You do know that Ole Miss is in front of the Council on Infractions, as we speak?  There is no way, no how that they are a better job than Arkansas...especially with them looking down the barrel of crippling NCAA sanctions that will set them back a decade. 

They'll probably end up hiring a young, hungry coach that will be the next Saban, knowing our luck.

[razorsharptusk]

Any good coach out there right now looking for a job knows that these other schools are going to possibly be looking for another coach as well.  For a great coach looking for an opportunity, the field is fixing to be ripe.

However, I don't think Gus is on the hot seat.  His O line struggled, but that Clemson D line is a beast and they are the number 3 team in the country.  Far cry from what we lost to. 

[HognotinMemphis]

If we lose to A&M, we aren't getting to 6 or 7 wins.

Easily can get 6 wins if we lose to A&M.

NM St and Coastal Carolina will make 3 wins. Miss St at home is likely a win. Missouri at home is likely a win, assuming they do not throw for 500 yards. That is 5 wins. A 6 win season will depend on winning 1 SEC road game: either Ole Miss or SC.

In preseason, I predicted 6-6 because I thought they would go 3-5 in SEC and lose to TCU. I also said 5-7 is a ton more likely than 7-5.