Hiring while on hotseat...

[gchamblee]

Winning helps attract and retain good assistants...

Actually, good assistants show up before the winning starts. Once the winning starts, it becomes harder to retain the good assistants, not easier. Do you even football bro?

[ricepig]

Rehiring is easier for some- no so much for others.....we are the others

How do you know we have had problems on any rehires? Link please.

[Wildhog]

Actually, good assistants show up before the winning starts. Once the winning starts, it becomes harder to retain the good assistants, not easier. Do you even football bro?

Well, we're certainly hiring some guys that we should be able to keep for a long time. 

[gchamblee]

Well, we're certainly hiring some guys that we should be able to keep for a long time. 

I don't care how long we keep them, as long as they serve their purpose. Right now we need help converting to a 3-4 defense and it appears that CBB has gotten a couple of guys who are respected for their ability to do so.

[ricepig]

Well, we're certainly hiring some guys that we should be able to keep for a long time. 

Stability, I've read where that was the most important aspect of a coaching staff.

[Wildhog]

I don't care how long we keep them, as long as they serve their purpose. Right now we need help converting to a 3-4 defense and it appears that CBB has gotten a couple of guys who are respected for their ability to do so.

If we have another mediocre season, will "we were transitioning to the 3-4" be a valid excuse?  Because I see that being the go-to excuse this year. 

[bennyl08]

If we have another mediocre season, will "we were transitioning to the 3-4" be a valid excuse?  Because I see that being the go-to excuse this year.

Depends on why we are mediocre. If we are losing games where our defense hold the other team to under 20 points, then no, it probably won't be the go-to excuse because the defense largely did their job.

If we are losing because of our defense, then that breaks down into two possible reasons. One: We see games where the defense is very good and drives where they are very good, but at other times, our players are flat out of position or are slow one game where they are thinking to much and are objectively faster in a different game. In that scenario, which IMO is very much a possibility, yes, transitioning to the 3-4 would be the likely culprit. I.e. we have the physical talent on that side of the ball, but the 3-4 is inherently complex and something a lot of these athletes have never used before, so they'd be likely to miss assignments and having to think instead of play.

If we are losing because of our defense that isn't even showing flashes of talent but just looks slower and weaker then you'll probably see a mix with some holding onto the defensive scheme change as an excuse for poor talent and others claiming we just don't have the talent. This is unlikely IMO as we do have good talent on that side of the ball. We have NFL level players at every level of our defense.

[hogcard1964]

If we have another mediocre season, will "we were transitioning to the 3-4" be a valid excuse?  Because I see that being the go-to excuse this year.

There's no doubt we're going to have another mediocre or bad season.  However, there's a myriad of excuses people will be able to use. 

[gchamblee]

If we have another mediocre season, will "we were transitioning to the 3-4" be a valid excuse?  Because I see that being the go-to excuse this year.

If we have a bad season, I wont be able to tell you why it happened until I see it happen. I know you are trying to set the stage for next years moaning, but you would be wise to wait and whine about what really happened instead of what you figure will happen. Your tactic is not fresh or unique, people see it from quite a distance.

[gchamblee]

There's no doubt we're going to have another mediocre or bad season.  However, there's a myriad of excuses people will be able to use.

We don't make excuses corky. We are perfectly fine with 7 wins per year. We are hoping CBB gets an extension due to all the kids that are graduating. Winning is so yesterday.

[Wildhog]

If we have a bad season, I wont be able to tell you why it happened until I see it happen. I know you are trying to set the stage for next years moaning, but you would be wise to wait and whine about what really happened instead of what you figure will happen. Your tactic is not fresh or unique, people see it from quite a distance.

Not trying to hide it.  I have no faith in Bielema.  Just trying to get out in front of the excuses.

[Wildhog]

We don't make excuses corky. We are perfectly fine with 7 wins per year. We are hoping CBB gets an extension due to all the kids that are graduating. Winning is so yesterday.

[factchecker]

There's no doubt we're going to have another mediocre or bad season.  However, there's a myriad of excuses people will be able to use.

[gchamblee]

Not trying to hide it.  I have no faith in Bielema.  Just trying to get out in front of the excuses.

Why get out in front of them? Did you make it your mission to save the program from the casual fan who isnt smart enough to see the cancer that is eating away at it? Are you afraid people will still be supportive?

[hogcard1964]

We don't make excuses corky. We are perfectly fine with 7 wins per year. We are hoping CBB gets an extension due to all the kids that are graduating. Winning is so yesterday.

+1000

common

[factchecker]

Are you afraid people will still be supportive?

This is their biggest fear.

[factchecker]

+1000

common

[hogcard1964]

Why get out in front of them? Did you make it your mission to save the program from the casual fan who isnt smart enough to see the cancer that is eating away at it? Are you afraid people will still be supportive?

Cancer-shmanser!!!

We all fall in line!!!

[gchamblee]

There's no doubt we're going to have another mediocre or bad season.  However, there's a myriad of excuses people will be able to use.

For someone that has accepted who we are and our firm grip on mediocrity, you sure do not support the team very well. If you accept it and are fine with it like you claim, drop the emotional breakdown schtick and get on board. Have the balls to stand behind the program you have accepted and are a fan of. Speaking out of both sides of your mouth looks silly. You're wishy washy. You proclaim to be a fan of a mediocre program that you accept, yet lack the conviction to get behind them and support them.

For the record, I know you don't accept it and are not supportive of it. Whining like a little girl is the only tactic you know how to employ, I assume from it being your goto for your entire life. And just to help you out, nobody here is fooled by your schtick.

[Wildhog]

One of my all time favorite movies.  Turns out it was a documentary.

[Jek Tono Porkins]

The main problem I see with the 3-4 is creating pressure along the front.

Pretty much every coach that runs a 3-4 agrees that in a 3-4 the most important position is the nose tackle. He's got to be really big in order to take on being double-teamed on pretty much every play but also athletic enough and strong enough to create pressure despite the double-team. Using last season's weights, Bijhon Jackson is the only guy on the roster capable of playing that position. Capps and Guidry are capable if they put on some pounds. We're going to have some good DE's in Agim and Beanum and a couple others, but if the NT doesn't do his job the DE's will be neutralized. It will be a very long season if the NT can't do his job.

However, maybe this change is a reaction to the past couple of years. We couldn't create any pressure up front with a 4-3 anyway. If we sat back and played coverage opposing QB's had tons of time to make a play. If we can't create any pressure up front anyway, may as well switch to a 3-4 and instead of being straightforward and manhandling opposing o-lines (2014 defense), try to confuse the opposing o-lines with some creative blitzing. Only time will tell. Honestly, I don't see it panning out so well. But what we were doing the past 2 seasons obviously wasn't working, so credit to CBB for making a change. If the defense wasn't going to get any better in the 4-3 scheme anyway, make a change.

[factchecker]

One of my all time favorite movies.  Turns out it was a documentary.

Especially the opening scene:

[Deep Shoat]

There's no doubt we're going to have another mediocre or bad season.  However, there's a myriad of excuses people will be able to use.

[twistitup]

Actually, good assistants show up before the winning starts. Do you even football bro?

Laughable...

Football...did you play or just on the computer?

[hogcard1964]

For someone that has accepted who we are and our firm grip on mediocrity, you sure do not support the team very well. If you accept it and are fine with it like you claim, drop the emotional breakdown schtick and get on board. Have the balls to stand behind the program you have accepted and are a fan of. Speaking out of both sides of your mouth looks silly. You're wishy washy. You proclaim to be a fan of a mediocre program that you accept, yet lack the conviction to get behind them and support them.

For the record, I know you don't accept it and are not supportive of it. Whining like a little girl is the only tactic you know how to employ, I assume from it being your goto for your entire life. And just to help you out, nobody here is fooled by your schtick.

Nobody's breaking down, I simply don't care if the program improves in the near future. Fans like yourself have created this monster.  I'm simply enjoying watching your ilk perform mental gymnastics in order to defend your mess.  Keep twisting.

[bennyl08]

The main problem I see with the 3-4 is creating pressure along the front.

Pretty much every coach that runs a 3-4 agrees that in a 3-4 the most important position is the nose tackle. He's got to be really big in order to take on being double-teamed on pretty much every play but also athletic enough and strong enough to create pressure despite the double-team. Using last season's weights, Bijhon Jackson is the only guy on the roster capable of playing that position. Capps and Guidry are capable if they put on some pounds. We're going to have some good DE's in Agim and Beanum and a couple others, but if the NT doesn't do his job the DE's will be neutralized. It will be a very long season if the NT can't do his job.

However, maybe this change is a reaction to the past couple of years. We couldn't create any pressure up front with a 4-3 anyway. If we sat back and played coverage opposing QB's had tons of time to make a play. If we can't create any pressure up front anyway, may as well switch to a 3-4 and instead of being straightforward and manhandling opposing o-lines (2014 defense), try to confuse the opposing o-lines with some creative blitzing. Only time will tell. Honestly, I don't see it panning out so well. But what we were doing the past 2 seasons obviously wasn't working, so credit to CBB for making a change. If the defense wasn't going to get any better in the 4-3 scheme anyway, make a change.

Beanum isn't on the team for the upcoming season.

Also, I had the same thoughts on you for a while, but those thoughts are from outdated information. What you are talking is the traditional 2-gap 3-4 system. The NT has to eat up double blockers and the only guy on our team who has the size to do that play in and play out is Bijhon who to date hasn't had the conditioning to be a play in play out player. However, there is also the 1-gap 3-4 defense where you don't have to eat up double teams on the DL and particularly NT. You can have a Philon sized NT who's job it is to be aggressive if you want in that scheme.

[gchamblee]

Laughable...

Football...did you play or just on the computer?

Turned down 2 scholly offers from small colleges for both football and band. Was tired of school and ready to get on with women, drugs, sleeping all day and working on my car. Never once have I claimed to be smart.

[hogcard1964]

Turned down 2 scholly offers from small colleges for both football and band. Was tired of school and ready to get on with women, drugs, sleeping all day and working on my car. Never once have I claimed to be smart.

You should have stuck with the trombone.  You really knew how to work it.   

[Wildhog]

Especially the opening scene:

Maybe the most spot-on scene in movie history.

[Wildhog]

Why get out in front of them? Did you make it your mission to save the program from the casual fan who isnt smart enough to see the cancer that is eating away at it? Are you afraid people will still be supportive?

I guess I'm like anyone else on here that tries to sell others on their opinion. My opinion just isn't as popular as others' at the moment, so I tend to get harsh, personal replies.  Many from you.

I do try to back up my opinion with facts, though.

[gchamblee]

I guess I'm like anyone else on here that tries to sell others on their opinion. My opinion just isn't as popular as others' at the moment, so I tend to get harsh, personal replies.  Many from you.

I do try to back up my opinion with facts, though.

fair answer

[ChitownHawg]

The main problem I see with the 3-4 is creating pressure along the front.

Pretty much every coach that runs a 3-4 agrees that in a 3-4 the most important position is the nose tackle. He's got to be really big in order to take on being double-teamed on pretty much every play but also athletic enough and strong enough to create pressure despite the double-team. Using last season's weights, Bijhon Jackson is the only guy on the roster capable of playing that position. Capps and Guidry are capable if they put on some pounds. We're going to have some good DE's in Agim and Beanum and a couple others, but if the NT doesn't do his job the DE's will be neutralized. It will be a very long season if the NT can't do his job.

However, maybe this change is a reaction to the past couple of years. We couldn't create any pressure up front with a 4-3 anyway. If we sat back and played coverage opposing QB's had tons of time to make a play. If we can't create any pressure up front anyway, may as well switch to a 3-4 and instead of being straightforward and manhandling opposing o-lines (2014 defense), try to confuse the opposing o-lines with some creative blitzing. Only time will tell. Honestly, I don't see it panning out so well. But what we were doing the past 2 seasons obviously wasn't working, so credit to CBB for making a change. If the defense wasn't going to get any better in the 4-3 scheme anyway, make a change.

320 is the average 3-4 NT in NFL.

http://www.thefalcoholic.com/2014/3/17/5509510/nfl-34-defenses-atlanta-falcons-mike-nolan

Here is a projected 3-4 defensive roster for us:

Jackson (320) and Capps (309) at NT

https://www.seccountry.com/arkansas/arkansas-football-2017-preview-depth-chart

[twistitup]

Turned down 2 scholly offers from small colleges for both football and band. Was tired of school and ready to get on with women, drugs, sleeping all day and working on my car. Never once have I claimed to be smart.

Nice...just checking. I played too and have never seen a bad team loaded w good assistants 

[gchamblee]

Nice...just checking. I played too and have never seen a bad team loaded w good assistants

Did they have a good nutritionist where you played?

[HamSammich]

The main problem I see with the 3-4 is creating pressure along the front.

That's the main problem?? I sort of thought it was that we were changing to a defense that highlights our worst position group.

[twistitup]

Did they have a good nutritionist where you played?

Yes...but things have come a long ways since the late 90's- nutrition programs included.

Btw... Having a nutritionist and a top notch nutrition program are two different things.

[bennyl08]

Nice...just checking. I played too and have never seen a bad team loaded w good assistants

Check out the 1993 Cleveland Browns.

HC: Bill Belichick
Kirk Ferentz: Longtime Iowa HC was the OL coach.
John Mithcel: Longtime Steelers DL coach was the browns DL coach

Go back to 92 and you lose Ferentz as a big time coach but you get Al Groh who was a long time college HC as well who was their LB coach.

EDIT: Forgot that Nick Saban was their defensive coordinator as well.

[LZH]

Turned down 2 scholly offers from small colleges for both football and band. Was tired of school and ready to get on with women, drugs, sleeping all day and working on my car. Never once have I claimed to be smart.

Even though we never agree, I knew there had to be a reason we've always gotten along.....and here it is.

[twistitup]

Check out the 1993 Cleveland Browns.

HC: Bill Belichick
Kirk Ferentz: Longtime Iowa HC was the OL coach.
John Mithcel: Longtime Steelers DL coach was the browns DL coach

Go back to 92 and you lose Ferentz as a big time coach but you get Al Groh who was a long time college HC as well who was their LB coach.

EDIT: Forgot that Nick Saban was their defensive coordinator as well.

How long did it take to find that ONE example? Hopefully you didnt waste too much time trying to prove me wrong.

The fact remains- good coaches go to good programs....not the other way around. The pool of coaches wanting to coach for CBB seems to be getting shallow.

[ricepig]

How long did it take to find that ONE example? Hopefully you didnt waste too much time trying to prove me wrong.

The fact remains- good coaches go to good programs....not the other way around. The pool of coaches wanting to coach for CBB seems to be getting shallow.

You have no proof of that, just your conjecture.

[twistitup]

Check out the 1993 Cleveland Browns.

HC: Bill Belichick
Kirk Ferentz: Longtime Iowa HC was the OL coach.
John Mithcel: Longtime Steelers DL coach was the browns DL coach

Go back to 92 and you lose Ferentz as a big time coach but you get Al Groh who was a long time college HC as well who was their LB coach.

EDIT: Forgot that Nick Saban was their defensive coordinator as well.

How long did it take to find that ONE example? Hopefully you didnt waste too much time trying to prove me wrong.

The fact remains- good coaches go to good programs....not the other way around. The pool of coaches wanting to coach for CBB seems to be getting shallow.

[gchamblee]

How long did it take to find that ONE example? Hopefully you didnt waste too much time trying to prove me wrong.

The fact remains- good coaches go to good programs....not the other way around. The pool of coaches wanting to coach for CBB seems to be getting shallow.

Link?

[bennyl08]

How long did it take to find that ONE example? Hopefully you didnt waste too much time trying to prove me wrong.

The fact remains- good coaches go to good programs....not the other way around. The pool of coaches wanting to coach for CBB seems to be getting shallow.

It took about 30 seconds because I knew Bill Bellichick and Saban were on the same browns team, just had too google their names and Brown to find what year it actually was. It's always strange how people like to try and make fun of somebody knowing something. The whole anti-intellectual movement is a weird one.

I'm a football nerd. Trivia like that is what I do. I'd wager a guess that there are a lot more teams like that out there, but not worth the time to find them.

That Browns team did eventually go on to go 11-5 for one season. However, it took several seasons with arguably two of the best coaches of the past 30 years many seasons to get there.

[southeasthog]

Winning helps attract and retain good assistants...

I bet good coaches don't lose four games in a row with one of those being to ULM either.

[twistitup]

It took about 30 seconds because I knew Bill Bellichick and Saban were on the same browns team, just had too google their names and Brown to find what year it actually was. It's always strange how people like to try and make fun of somebody knowing something. The whole anti-intellectual movement is a weird one.

I'm a football nerd. Trivia like that is what I do. I'd wager a guess that there are a lot more teams like that out there, but not worth the time to find them.

That Browns team did eventually go on to go 11-5 for one season. However, it took several seasons with arguably two of the best coaches of the past 30 years many seasons to get there.

Anti-intellectual movement? Good one.

Link please....I guess I'm out of the loop on this; similar to the alt-right movement?

[OS2 (SW) Razor Back]

Bret is only on Hogville's hotseat.

[twistitup]

Link?

If there was a link for common sense I would post it for you.

[bennyl08]

Anti-intellectual movement? Good one.

Link please....I guess I'm out of the loop on this; similar to the alt-right movement?

Link on the browns coaching staff, or link showing people not believing in science and having a general disdain for academics or facts? Check out the threat on the razorbacks GPA for some evidence of the latter.

[twistitup]

 and they get this....

https://www.yahoo.com/sports/news/reports-alabama-to-hire-patriots-assistant-brian-daboll-as-offensive-coordinator-030803184.html

[bennyl08]

https://www.yahoo.com/sports/news/reports-alabama-to-hire-patriots-assistant-brian-daboll-as-offensive-coordinator-030803184.html

So you are saying that Saban is on the hot seat because his hire for his OC is somebody with similar resume to our positional hires, or are you saying that maybe hiring somebody like that isn't necessarily a terrible thing after all?