Thanksgiving eve tidbits

[Tweeter]

I don't buy that.

Beggers cant be choosers

[Großer Kriegschwein]

Gus isn't worth paying 6.5 Million a year to get.

That's good, Auburn isn't paying him that.

They are paying him $4.725 million a year IAW his contract extension of 2016.

[HognotinMemphis]

You're probably down into Charlie Strong and Skip Holtz territory.

Yeesh. Not good for Arkansas if this is accurate. Fine time to be in this predicament.

[HognotinMemphis]

I won't lie. I think he's an incredible offensive mind and will probably win anywhere he goes. With that said, I don't want him simply because I can't stand the thought of cheering for a team that does the prairie dog every play.

Why do you say, "I won't lie." Do you usually lie when you say something?

[ricepig]

I don't buy that.

Me neither, money talks.

[JaketheSnake]

I have yet to hear a rational response about why someone dislikes Gus so much.

Bc he has been winning 7-8 games the last few seasons and IMO underachieving at Auburn, which makes me believe we should not expect anything more than 7 wins per season with him here. I'm not sure the upside is there with Gus.  If he can replicate what he has done at Aub (an apparent real run st the SEC every couple years) then I'd take him... just not sold he could do that here.  Can he get a staff of heavy hittin recruiters to come to UOfA?

[theFlyingHog]

I have yet to hear a rational response about why someone dislikes Gus so much.

Well the problem there is that you get to decide what is rational.

[GuvHog]

That’s good, Auburn isn’t paying him that.

They are paying him $4.725 million a year IAW his contract extension of 2016.

They'll likely boost it to above 5 Million a year and give him a hefty buyout if Auburn beats Bama Saturday. He still isn't woth 6.5 Million a year some want to pay him to come to the U of A.

[Steef]

Well the problem there is that you get to decide what is rational.

I was gonna say "because you dont have ears to hear".

But yours is pretty good, too.

[SooieGeneris]

 I have several concerns about Gus myself:

1. The recruiting cesspool that is Auburn. The Barners have made a tradition of cheating.

2. The failure to develop a QB. Newton and Stidham are the only good SEC caliber ones he's had, both were transfers.

3. The sheer hatred that much of the fan base has for him. Yes, it may be irrational in some cases, maybe it's because he rang up 70 points on their HS team years ago, but it DOES exist.

4.In years 2-4, Gus had a record of 23-16, 11-13 in the SEC to Bert's 22-17 and 10-14.

Exactly ONE game better.

I give him credit for getting his defense fixed unlike Bert and having a chance this late in the season to have a special year, but this has to be a concern to all but the most ardent Gus Bussers.

5. Like so many coaches we have had over the years, the longer Gus has been on the SEC scene, the more conservative his offense seems to get.

Of course, Bert went the other way without really being committed to it, so we see what we've been seeing.

Gus had a 5,000 yard passer his first year at Tulsa, it sometimes seems like he hasn't had that in all the year combined since if you take out his 2nd year at TU.

I will support him if he is the guy, but not unconditionally if we come up with a QB like Sean White and throw 10-12 times a game like he did last year.

[Großer Kriegschwein]

They'll likely boost it to above 5 Million a year and give him a hefty buyout if Auburn beats Bama Saturday. He still isn't woth 6.5 Million a year some want to pay him to come to the U of A.

I refuse to be sucked into your dimension on Thanksgiving.

Go drink some wine and eat some turkey.

[oldhawg]

By the numbers:

Gus Malzahn (if he comes to Arkansas next year):
6 years as a head coach.
53 - 23 overall record (including this year so far).
1 - 3 bowl record (left Arkansas State before its bowl game in his one year there, so not included here).

Bret Bielema (before he came to Arkansas).
7 years as a head coach.
68 - 24 overall record.
2 - 5 in bowl games.

IMO, if Malzahn comes to Arkansas next year and is no more successful than, say, Houston Nutt, then it will be harder to terminate his employment than it was Nutt's tenure.  Not sure I want another ten years or so of Nutt-like leadership of the Razorback team. 

Again, IMO, I would prefer a younger, hungry for success, coach that would quietly take the state like a brewing storm and build his own reputation.  Urban Meyer had two years at Bowling Green and two years at Utah before going to Florida; James Franklin had three years at Vanderbilt before walking into a mess at Penn State and righting that ship; Dabo Swinney's first head coaching job was at Clemson (so far 99-29 in ten years); Mark Richt's first head coaching job was Georgia; Bob Stoops first head coaching job was Oklahoma; Gary Patterson's first head coacing job was TCU; Chris Peteron's first head coaching job was Boise State;  And I could go on and on.

I do not understand this insistence on someone with several years of Power Five head coaching experience from the South.  Once more, IMO, Arkansas needs to find someone much like it found Frank Broyles in 1958 who had vision, fire in his belly, and a willingness to work tirelessly.

In spite of mistakes like Jack Crowe, Arkansas's greatest successes have been with coaches with less history and more character such as:
Frank Broyles - 70.8% wins at Arkansas following 1 year head coaching experience at Missouri.
Lou Holtz - 73.5% wins following stints at William and Mary, N.C. State, and the Jets.
Ken Hatfield - 76% wins after five years at the Air Force Academy.
Bobby Petrino - 66.7% wins after four year at Louisville (although Petrino's fire may have been a little lower than his belly, and some would question his character.)

Although ultimately I will be a fan of whomever is hired (at least initially), there are several outstanding young coaches out there that are worth taking a chance on.  No more stale bread.


   

[JoeyCapital]

Why do you say, "I won't lie." Do you usually lie when you say something?

Never. I always tell the truth on message boards. Since I'm 6'4" 225 with a 6-pack, a plus handicap, a model wife, and a high 6 figure salary I don't ever have to lie.

[ChicoHog]

I can think of maybe 3 schools with a boatload of 5*s.

Unfortunately, Auburn ain't one of them.

Ohio st, Bama, Clemson and UGA.  Auburn is in the next tier with USC, LSU, UF, Michigan, Texas and a few more.  Find a great recruiter and you will have a pretty darn good coach. 

[Großer Kriegschwein]

Never. I always tell the truth on message boards. Since I'm 6'4" 225 with a 6-pack, a plus handicap, a model wife, and a high 6 figure salary I don't ever have to lie.

[HognotinMemphis]

Never. I always tell the truth on message boards. Since I'm 6'4" 225 with a 6-pack, a plus handicap, a model wife, and a high 6 figure salary I don't ever have to lie.

I can envision your 6 pack, under that pony keg of a beer gut.

[Großer Kriegschwein]

Ohio st, Bama, Clemson and UGA.  Auburn is in the next tier with USC, LSU, UF, Michigan, Texas and a few more.  Find a great recruiter and you will have a pretty darn good coach.

Prior to Bielema, Arkansas was one game below .500 against Auburn.

[Paul]

That is not true.  Their rankings according to 247:

2018: 75
2017: 56
2016: 61
2015: 77

Norvell recruited classes 2016 & 2017 which were the highest ranked in Memphis history. Not 40 spots higher tho

[Ragnar Hogbrok]

You will still watch.
I agree it would be difficult to move on from Gus if it didn't work out, but you don't NOT hire the best coach on your board because it might be hard to fire him.

I certainly wouldn't be thinking about how to fire him before he even coaches a game. I would be focused on how to help him be successful.

Well, I'm a Razorback fan and not a coach fan. I'll cheer for the Hogs regardless. I just disagree that Gus is the best option and I think he has a very low ceiling outside of auburn or another easily recruited school.

[Hog Pharm]

Norvell recruited classes 2016 & 2017 which were the highest ranked in Memphis history. Not 40 spots higher tho

The 2016 class was Fuentes. Not to say Norvell isn't a really good recruiter because I'm sure he is, but let's not act like he's solely responsible for the uptick the past two years. Plus, this year's is back to where they usually are so far.

[Oklahawg]

PS. Not sure NWA and the U of A are ready for Kristy Malzahn unless Gus has figured out a way to muzzle her over the past 5 years.

I think this is a bigger factor (but not an issue) than many consider. Part of the allure of a coach is the excitement of the unknown. Christmas morning as a kid, so to speak. With Malzahn, we already know (or hear rumors) of the weaknesses and problems. Anything short of a historic run of SEC success and we'll sour on Gus quickly. He would have a shorter honeymoon than a complete stranger would enjoy.

Or, am I seeing this the wrong way?

[Oklahawg]

The 2016 class was Fuentes. Not to say Norvell isn't a really good recruiter because I'm sure he is, but let's not act like he's solely responsible for the uptick the past two years. Plus, this year's is back to where they usually are so far.

Not a Norvell apologist here, but I suspect that Memphis does a lot of its recruiting in December and January once they know who the P5 schools are signing.

[Hog Pharm]

Not a Norvell apologist here, but I suspect that Memphis does a lot of its recruiting in December and January once they know who the P5 schools are signing.

Probably so. This year's class very well may end up ranked higher. I'm more concerned that Fuentes built that program and Norvell is simply maintaining.

[BR]

If Gus get's the job, so be it.... Not my Choice...  Will never sell my Hog Gear, will have to Support our School's Leaderships choice..  Hopefully whatever they decide we can go back to being a consistent football team.. Every team we play will know they were in a dog fight, I am fan that 8 wins every year is a great thing... Hopefully some 9-10, but anything is better than being last in this SEC West..  I just don't trust Gus, no reason why. Just a feeling he/Jimmy Sexton are playing us. Whoever we pick 100% of the fan base is not going to be happy about..   Wish their was a Coach who had Chad Morris's recruiting of Texas, Mike Leach's offense, Brent Venables "D", and Lane Kiffin's attitude on Life.....  Not sure that person is out there.

[Hugo Bezdek]

I think this is a bigger factor (but not an issue) than many consider. Part of the allure of a coach is the excitement of the unknown. Christmas morning as a kid, so to speak. With Malzahn, we already know (or hear rumors) of the weaknesses and problems. Anything short of a historic run of SEC success and we'll sour on Gus quickly. He would have a shorter honeymoon than a complete stranger would enjoy.

Or, am I seeing this the wrong way?

Malzahn will have a very short leash with one segment of the fanbase and an extremely long one from another. As you say, we already know what we're getting with Gus. There won't be a whole lot of lets-wait-and-see. People have already decided, and since its not entirely about on the field results, winning and losing is only part of the equation.

[Tusks]

8-4, 8-4, 11-1, 8-4, 8-4, 8-4, 11-1 .....

I'm ok with this.

[grayhawg]

Malzahn will have a very short leash with one segment of the fanbase and an extremely long one from another. As you say, we already know what we're getting with Gus. There won't be a whole lot of lets-wait-and-see. People have already decided, and since its not entirely about on the field results, winning and losing is only part of the equation.

After the last 5 years of losing, winning will help heal differences.

[WilsonHog]

Malzahn will have a very short leash with one segment of the fanbase and an extremely long one from another. As you say, we already know what we're getting with Gus. There won't be a whole lot of lets-wait-and-see. People have already decided, and since its not entirely about on the field results, winning and losing is only part of the equation.

And that likely will be true with Norvell as well.

[ricepig]

And that likely will be true with Norvell as well.

Or Saban............well, maybe not him, but we all agree, the honeymoon will be short for those whose guy isn't chosen.

[Hogs-n-Roses]

I think this is a bigger factor (but not an issue) than many consider. Part of the allure of a coach is the excitement of the unknown. Christmas morning as a kid, so to speak. With Malzahn, we already know (or hear rumors) of the weaknesses and problems. Anything short of a historic run of SEC success and we'll sour on Gus quickly. He would have a shorter honeymoon than a complete stranger would enjoy.

Or, am I seeing this the wrong way?

I just wonder where all the1) takes time to rebuild,wait till he has all his players in here, stepping into a trainwreck, cupboard was bare,is bare, no proven SEC QB, Did you see the pic of the stands last Sat.........
2) would Gus,Norvell,Leach.....not deserve the same grace. IE Many on here told us all we needed to shut up til year 5-6 as any coach taking over a dumpster fire deserves that.
3)Jeff Long has left us in more of a dumpster fire than any coach ever did. That Pic of our crowd last Sat. proved that.How long before most folks sour on this guy. Hopefully that propaganda machine has been terminated also.

[Paul]

The 2016 class was Fuentes. Not to say Norvell isn't a really good recruiter because I'm sure he is, but let's not act like he's solely responsible for the uptick the past two years. Plus, this year's is back to where they usually are so far.

incorrect. Google Mike Norvell on 2016 recruiting class & you'll find links to Memphis Business Journal & GoTigersGo article of him discussing particulars of his recruiting his 1ST Class.

[Paul]

And that likely will be true with Norvell as well.

i disagree:  if Gus comes having taken a team to the N.C. game before & being paid $6 mil or more some will want results fast & be less patient. If Norvell or another up & comer comes in at 1/2 to 2/3 Gus's salary, the fan base will likely be much more patient.

[JoeyCapital]

I can envision your 6 pack, under that pony keg of a beer gut.

Ask your wife about it. Or your daughter, if you're an old fart.

[WilsonHog]

i disagree:  if Gus comes having taken a team to the N.C. game before & being paid $6 mil or more some will want results fast & be less patient. If Norvell or another up & comer comes in at 1/2 to 2/3 Gus's salary, the fan base will likely be much more patient.

Having come this close, those who want Gus will not.

[JaketheSnake]

i disagree:  if Gus comes having taken a team to the N.C. game before & being paid $6 mil or more some will want results fast & be less patient. If Norvell or another up & comer comes in at 1/2 to 2/3 Gus's salary, the fan base will likely be much more patient.

The fan base will not be very patient no matter the coach. 

[Hawg Life]

Norvell recruited classes 2016 & 2017 which were the highest ranked in Memphis history. Not 40 spots higher tho

Which recruiting service did you use?

[Hawg Life]

8-4, 8-4, 11-1, 8-4, 8-4, 8-4, 11-1 .....

I'm ok with this.

With 5 top ten recruiting classes and a $180k QB.. I think he's underachieved.

[ricepig]

Scanlon is still a candidate for AD, his wife hasn't/isn't stopping him from acceptance, if he is offered the position.

[jgphillips3]

I can envision your 6 pack, under that pony keg of a beer gut.

He's just a bit off on the measurements but he does have a pretty wife, no beer gut and I have seen him carrying a 6 Pack or four.

[cjack]

Scanlon is still a candidate for AD, his wife hasn't/isn't stopping him from acceptance, if he is offered the position.

Thanks for the Thanksgiving update rice. We were just wondering about that at our Thanksgiving gripe session.

[Hugo Bezdek]

Scanlon is still a candidate for AD, his wife hasn't/isn't stopping him from acceptance, if he is offered the position.

I sense a smoke screen.

[huntindoc]

Never. I always tell the truth on message boards. Since I'm 6'4" 225 with a 6-pack, a plus handicap, a model wife, and a high 6 figure salary I don't ever have to lie.

I was believing every word until the plus handicap.  😁

[Großer Kriegschwein]

I was believing every word until the plus handicap.  😁

Bruh,

That was funny

I still wanna play a round of golf with Irwin. Match grandpa's version of things to his.

[Paul]

Which recruiting service did you use?

it was a Commercial Aapeal article which I linked in another thread.  I seem to remember they were using 247 Sports

[Hawg Life]

it was a Commercial Aapeal article which I linked in another thread.  I seem to remember they were using 247 Sports

I don't remember which service I used, but they had Fuente's last class @ 90 and Norvel's @ 50. If I get a chance later I'll provide a link.

[bphi11ips]

I think this is a bigger factor (but not an issue) than many consider. Part of the allure of a coach is the excitement of the unknown. Christmas morning as a kid, so to speak. With Malzahn, we already know (or hear rumors) of the weaknesses and problems. Anything short of a historic run of SEC success and we'll sour on Gus quickly. He would have a shorter honeymoon than a complete stranger would enjoy.

Or, am I seeing this the wrong way?

You're seeing this the wrong way. This is why we didn't hire Malzahn when we should have.

I doubt he'll come anyway. 

[seasonhog]

The fan base will not be very patient no matter the coach.

To many of our fan base sure was patient with Bielema.....who has destroyed our program..

[bphi11ips]

I was believing every word until the plus handicap.  😁

Yep. Too big to repeat a plus swing.

[Smashmouth2004]

If the day comes that we hire Mike Leach as our HC I will officially turn in my Razorback stuff!! We don't need another clown who does and says strange things. If they are set on hiring Gus or Norvell then fine although in my 60+ years of experience the best hire to give our program a shot in the arm would be Kiffin.

[ricepig]

Yep. Too big to repeat a plus swing.

Daly does it......