ok let's say we fire Rob smith who can we get to replace him ?

[DiamondHogFan]

DEREK MASON! He wont be at Vandy next year, is a great recruiter (hard to recruit at schools like Vanderbilt though), and is a phenomenal defensive coach

Does Vandy even care enough to fire him?  Or are you saying he will just be looking to get out?

[Biggus Piggus]

I say let's try letting Robb Smith coordinate the defense instead of being forced to do what Bielema wants.

[Hogsmo Kramer]

I say let's try letting Robb Smith coordinate the defense instead of being forced to do what Bielema wants.

If that's truly what's going on then Bielema better wise up quick and get out of the way or it's gonna eventually cost him his job.

Let your coordinators coordinate, that's why you hire them.

[sickboy]

I say let's try letting Robb Smith coordinate the defense instead of being forced to do what Bielema wants.

That's weird, considering Bielema's comments about changing their approach to what their doing on defense yesterday and people being held accountable for how their positional players are playing. Sounds like the opposite. Like Bielema is getting more involved in his defense.

[Boss Hog in the Arkansas]

Does Vandy even care enough to fire him?  Or are you saying he will just be looking to get out?

Little of both perhaps lol

[Boss Hog in the Arkansas]

That's weird, considering Bielema's comments about changing their approach to what their doing on defense yesterday and people being held accountable for how their positional players are playing. Sounds like the opposite. Like Bielema is getting more involved in his defense.

Yep sounds like Bielema tried to let Rob Smith do his thing, but now has to step in due to lack of production (and development of players) on field

[Piggfoot]

I say let's try letting Robb Smith coordinate the defense instead of being forced to do what Bielema wants.

Please elaborate.

[Hogsmo Kramer]

Please elaborate.

I agree.

Please divulge.

[GolfnHog]

I'm willing to see if most of  of the issues are fixed on the back side of the schedule. If not then I'll be ready to entertain a DC change on a permanent basis.

I don't care who gets the job as long as it's a marked improvement in play and tackling. Correct me if I'm wrong but didn't I read or hear somewhere that CBB doesn't usually hire friends as assistants because the possibility is there he will be in a position that requires him to fire or let them go?

Strong and Mason would be solid and it can be assumed that due to buyouts on their current contracts we could get them at less than market price and still hope for defensive improvements. Rhoades resume is worth the chance as well.

Again, I'll bide my time until this season finishes out.

[Danny J]

Please elaborate.

He is basically saying it's like the BP and WR situation wherein the DC is being forced to work within a very specific framework the head coach has laid out not to mention adjustments or lack thereof. We don't seem to adjust at all. That's why Kiffin was high fiving himself on the sideline on half the play calls because he saw the terrible alignment and mismatches.  We never showed anything but base D which made it super easy for a true freshman to take the play call from the sideline and execute.

[code red]

Move Paul Rhoads up.  Hire Mark Stoops when he is fired from Kentucky to coach defensive backs.


or-

Break the bank and hire the Petrino killer- Brent Venebales.  Make him co-head coach and pay him a penny less than Coach Bielema. (not likely but I wish it would happen)

IDK about Rhodes...this secondary is WORSE....you wanta give him the keys???  I respect the opinion but.....at least a couple new assistants have a failing grade to this point.

[NaturalStateReb]

Mason is a fantastic defensive coach, but I think he gets another season at Vandy.

[The Kig]

Has you seen Paul Rhoades resume? Nobody with a brain question him becoming DC

No idea who Paul Rhoades is, but not questioning Paul Rhoads (Arkansas coach) resume.  Just saying it's a leap to promote him based on the impact he has made 6 games in here.  He may have been CBB's insurance policy anyway, but we don't know that.  He inherited the worst unit on the team...and as a unit, they remain there. 

[staystraight]

John Thompson is a good defensive coach. :razorback:

[Hollywood_HOGan45]

realistically both now which some want and at the end of the year ? TOP d/c'S REQUIRE TOP PAY . Do we really believe we are going to put out the million dollar pay day ? We are going to have to boost Enos quite a bit to keep others from getting him . he put 30 on bAMA ]SHOULD HAVE BEEN MORE] but for cheating ref's. I can't really come up with a big name in our normal price range . especially one who can recruit well. I think we will have to spend big boy money if we want big boy results .

Paul Rhodes or anyone that can teach tackling.

[HAWG MAFIA]

Mike Singletary!!! Da Bears!!!

That is all

[hobhog]

This is a complete waste of time arguing this now. Let's see what develops in November / December as far as coaching moves go. Smith isn't going anywhere until after bowl game, and doing anything earlier would be HUGE mistake.

[lumphog]

Need a DC that not only can coach but more importantly can flat out recruit. Someone like Butch Davis. 

WINNER, WINNER .......THIS would be AWESOME!!!!!

[Pig in the Pokey]

Move Paul Rhoads up.  Hire Mark Stoops when he is fired from Kentucky to coach defensive backs.


or-

Break the bank and hire the Petrino killer- Brent Venebales.  Make him co-head coach and pay him a penny less than Coach Bielema. (not likely but I wish it would happen)

you and GoHogs both! (and me)

[Pig in the Pokey]

Charlie strong

eeeewwww

[tophawg19]

i'd like to give Partridge another look

[Hogarusa]

We dont need to be firing anyone, would be great to have the same assistants return.  Charlie Strong will never be a coordinator again, he's a head coach

[PorkSoda]

Demote Smith and move Rhoads up to DC to finish the season.  If he works miracles with the defense, keep him as your DC.  If not find another DC.  I just don't think Smith is the answer.  I'm not sure about the D-line coach either, but I don't know if it is him or the overall scheme.

is it your opinion that rhoads doesn't get a say in the defensive game plan?

I highly doubt that.  the defense isn't going to change just by swapping positions.

[SooiecidetillNuttgone]

Jim Leavitt   Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers

Since we can't get Brent Venables, we should get the person that was Venables' position coach when he was a Linebacker for Kansas State.

COACHING EXPERIENCE

1978-79        Missouri   Graduate Assistant (Defense)
1980-81        Dubuque (Iowa)   Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers
1982              Morningside      Special Teams
1983-87        Morningside   Defensive Coordinator
1988-89        Iowa    Intern/Graduate Assistant
1990-91        Kansas State    Linebackers
1992-95        Kansas State    Co-Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers
1996-2009   South Florida   Head Coach
2011-14        San Francisco (NFL)   Linebackers
2015-            Colorado      Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers

http://www.cubuffs.com/coaches.aspx?rc=1065&path=football

One thing about it, if Leavitt were our DC/LBs Coach, we would tackle well and play hard.  Leavitt does not tolerate mediocre tackling and lack of effort.

This.
He was building something special at USF.
He can flat out identify talent and coach it up.

He also has ties in Florida for recruiting.

The suggestion for Butcher Davis is a tie with Leavitt.

[Dominicanhog]

I was thinking Stoops for DC

he might have a deal where he can't take a DC job or he loses his buy out money.. isn't that where Rhoades is today

[Dominicanhog]

Please elaborate.

That would be nice.. man that Bama loss has thrown him over the edge...

[TrueBlue]

John Thompson is a good defensive coach. :razorback:

Talking about a retread.

1982   Arkansas (GA)
1983–1986   Northwestern State (DC)
1987   Alabama (LB)
1988–1989   Northwestern State (DC)
1990–1991   Louisiana Tech (DC)
1992   Southern Miss (DC)
1993–1998   Southern Miss (AHC/DC)
1999   Memphis (DC)
2000   Arkansas (Co-DC)
2001   Arkansas (DC)
2002   Florida (DC/MLB)
2003–2004   East Carolina
2005   South Carolina (Co-DC/ILB)
2006  Central Arkansas (AD)
2007   Ole Miss (DC/DB)
2008–2011   Georgia State (AHC/DC/ILB)
2012–2013   Arkansas State (DC/LB)
2012   Arkansas State (Interim HC)
2013   Arkansas State (Interim HC)
2014–2015   Texas State (DC)

Head coaching record
Overall   5–20

We can do better.

[Boss Hog in the Arkansas]

Charlie Partridge for DC!

#Partridge2017

[Kevin]

someone who would recruit guys who will hit, then be able to teach them to TACKLE

[jackflash]

guess you guys don't remember Charlies defensive at South Carolina we tore up pretty ood

[JOKERHOG]

either stoops for strong after both are fired

[pigture perfect]

Ed orgeron or Charlie Strong.

[El Puerco Grande]

I can't argue that the product on the field leaves plenty to be desired. But if my memory is correct, the year we hired Robb Smith our defense finished around the top ten in the country. People were saying what a good hire he was. Two seasons later people are calling for his head. I am glad I am not a coach.

[jackflash]

if the NCAA is going to allow 10 coaches I would  go after Mason if Vanderbilt lets him go.

[Pig in the Pokey]

guess you guys don't remember Charlies defensive at South Carolina we tore up pretty ood

Charlie Strong is just awful. And he has baggage. And he is just TERRIBLE vs spread teams. His only redeeming quality is he's from Arkansas. THAT isnt on my pre-qualification list , though.

[HawgTrough]

this is what happens when you stay too long at ARK. Two years ago, he could have pursued a higher profile gig. Arkansas had one of the best defenses in the country going down the stretch and into the Texas Bowl. However, he sticks around here, hits a rough patch, and now he'll take a downward step in his career on the way out.

[Pig in the Pokey]

this is what happens when you stay too long at ARK. Two years ago, he could have pursued a higher profile gig. Arkansas had one of the best defenses in the country going down the stretch and into the Texas Bowl. However, he sticks around here, hits a rough patch, and now he'll take a downward step in his career on the way out.

the problem isnt having a bad year. It's having two bad years with regression in important, easily identified areas. That and only having one good year to counterbalance it with. ESPECIALLY when you are a DC for a team the really helps out it's defense with Pro-style and TOP dominance. And when spread teams with less talent have better defenses than us, you gotta start wondering what is going on. I loved Robb Smith when we were top 10 defense. Im just not feeling it now, although I am one inclinded to reserve judgement until after the season is over. But, man, it isn't looking promising for ole Robby.

[HawgTrough]

the problem isnt having a bad year. It's having two bad years with regression in important, easily identified areas. That and only having one good year to counterbalance it with. ESPECIALLY when you are a DC for a team the really helps out it's defense with Pro-style and TOP dominance. And when spread teams with less talent have better defenses than us, you gotta start wondering what is going on. I loved Robb Smith when we were top 10 defense. Im just not feeling it now, although I am one inclinded to reserve judgement until after the season is over. But, man, it isn't looking promising for ole Robby.

I sure hope they get it figured out. This looked like one of the deepest and talented d-lines we've had in awhile. I'm very underwhelmed by them at this point.

[IntegrityHog]

Jim Leavitt   Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers

Since we can't get Brent Venables, we should get the person that was Venables' position coach when he was a Linebacker for Kansas State.

COACHING EXPERIENCE

1978-79        Missouri   Graduate Assistant (Defense)
1980-81        Dubuque (Iowa)   Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers
1982              Morningside      Special Teams
1983-87        Morningside   Defensive Coordinator
1988-89        Iowa    Intern/Graduate Assistant
1990-91        Kansas State    Linebackers
1992-95        Kansas State    Co-Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers
1996-2009   South Florida   Head Coach
2011-14        San Francisco (NFL)   Linebackers
2015-            Colorado      Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers

http://www.cubuffs.com/coaches.aspx?rc=1065&path=football

One thing about it, if Leavitt were our DC/LBs Coach, we would tackle well and play hard.  Leavitt does not tolerate mediocre tackling and lack of effort.

CBB would not touch Leavitt with a 10-foot pole.  He got fired from South Florida for abusing his players.  That does not jibe with Bret's approach.

[BigE_23]

Somebody who will play an attacking style of defense

This...our defensive scheme sucks. No pass rush...no aggression. Painful to watch

[Dwight_K_Shrute]

Derrick Mason or Ed O as DC next year. Whatever We do please do not bring in Chris Ash. I'd take Randy Shannon as Dc over Chris.

I hope Smith gets it figured out.  I'd much rather keep him if he can get it turned around, but

if you held a banana to my head I say Mason as DC and Ed O as D-Line/Recruiting coordinator.  I'm not anti Segrest per se but if you have a chance to get Ed O you get him. 

[Cinco de Hogo]

Break the bank for a coach worth breaking the bank for!  That's all!

Cords are worth a million plus these days if they are worth a cent.

I would love to have Leavitt for a day or a year.  Add Ed O to that staff for cruiting!

[Locutus_of_Boar]

Strong is not a bad option if he gets fired from Texas. To be fair, I don't think Texas is a good fit for Charlie. I bet he is a better D-coordinator than a head coach.

Charlie Strong would be a good choice in the short run because he can recruit Texas and Florida which is critical and he's proven he can build a program at Louisville.  Whether he'd want to stay a DC long term is another question but he would probably be happy as a DC at Arkansas so he might well consider it if he's job hunting in another month.

[Pork Twain]

Paul Rhoads is my top choice and a move I think we will make before the season is over.

Charlie Strong is a Gruden-type pipe dream as he is a good HC, that has cleaned up two crappy programs.  Texass will just not give him enough time to finish the job.

[GoHogs1091]

CBB would not touch Leavitt with a 10-foot pole.  He got fired from South Florida for abusing his players.  That does not jibe with Bret's approach.

South Florida was in the wrong.  From the following article.

"Fired South Florida football coach Jim Leavitt filed suit against his former school Monday and is seeking to recoup the more than $7 million left on his contract."

"According to a statement released by Leavitt's attorney, Will Florin, the lawsuit claims that the investigation was "biased, flawed and legally unsupportable" and represented a breach of the seven-year contract Leavitt signed in March 2008."

"The statement also says that South Florida "materially misrepresented statements given by multiple player witnesses, two law enforcement officers and Coach Leavitt himself. That cannot be said to be 'fair.' USF failed entirely to interview several eyewitnesses favorable to Coach Leavitt. That cannot be said to be 'thorough.' "

"The suit also alleges that the school has repeatedly refused to provide copies of witness statements given during the investigation. Florin's statement adds that the school is "either hiding evidence favorable to Coach Leavitt or has destroyed that evidence to avoid being confronted with it."

http://www.espn.com/college-football/news/story?id=4996720

From the following article.

"One year and three days after Jim Leavitt was fired, USF reached a settlement with its former football coach, paying him $2.75 million to resolve the wrongful termination suit he filed after his run as the Bulls' only head coach abruptly ended."

http://www.tampabay.com/sports/college/usf-settles-ex-coach-jim-leavitts-lawsuit-for-275-million/1144945

Besides having to pay Leavitt for wrongful termination, South Florida's football program has not been relevant since they fired Leavitt.

[(notOM)Rebel123]

Ed orgeron or Charlie Strong.

Well, with Ed, JL would already have his interim coach in place. 

(Just kidding, folks)

[longtimeHogfan]

Well, with Ed, JL would already have his interim coach in place. 

(Just kidding, folks)

I confess, that made me smile.   

[longtimeHogfan]

Hiring coaches for any position is a crap shoot.  They can have excellent backgrounds, good recruits, big name mentors, interview well and have good credentials.  But until they've been in the trenches for a couple of years you really don't know what to expect.  I thought Smith had what we needed.  Meh.....I'm not sure. 

[Mike_e]

I don't really know how good a coach Charlie is but if I'm a guy with a good looking wife I'm not going to hire a guy I keep tripping over every time I turn around.

It takes two to tango (and I don't think Mrs. B would be doing any dancing) but it only takes one to foul the air.

[RedyorNot]

Id love Mason or Stoops. Stoops buyout including assistants is $18M though, so Kentucky may let him ride it out.