SMU at Memphis

[Paul]

I heard he had a bad gambling problem. Owes the casinos in Tunica money, allegedly.

that rumor was debunked early on in the search by Memphis sources as coming from OM boards. Jerry Jones made the decision to hire Morris .

[Inhogswetrust]

Exactly. They claim I have no proof or source but they think it's perfectly fine that they either don't have one themselves or won't reveal one. The claim that Norvell failed the background check is mere unproven speculation as well.

Maybe others did but I never said he failed any background check. I also don't believe he was ever offered either. I do believe some conversations between his people and the UA's representatives or the company that was doing the vetting  might have happened but I claim nothing of this whole thing as fact as you have.

[oldhawg]

No I'm not trolling. It's no coincidence that Norvell signed his extension at Memphis the day word leaked out that Morris was going to be hired at Arkansas. Norvell was waiting on the Arkansas job. It's no secret that Norvell turned Ole Miss down and told both Tennessee and Arizona State not to bother offering.

If Norville turned down interviews for other opportunities because he was waiting on the Arkansas job, then someone must have led him to believe that he was going to get the Arkansas job.  Who would that someone be?

[Inhogswetrust]

that rumor was debunked early on in the search by Memphis sources as coming from OM boards. Jerry Jones made the decision to hire Morris .

Jones did NOT hire Morris. He might have told UA people that he liked him and would welcome his hiring but that isn't the same thing. I bet quite a few boosters let it be known who they liked and I bet they all weren't in agreement just like regular fans never are.

[Paul]

Jones did NOT hire Morris. He might have told UA people that he liked him and would welcome his hiring but that isn't the same thing. I bet quite a few boosters let it be known who they liked and I bet they all weren't in agreement just like regular fans never are.

I think it was more emphatic than that & believe the offer to his grandson was involved since Morris didn't offer the kid a blue shirt, greyshirt or preferred walkon at SMU

[Science Fiction Greg]

I think Chad Morris was the best candidate for the job, the search and interview process probably showed this clearly, and the University hired him for this reason alone.  I think it had nothing to do with a blessing from Malzahn, the fact that he runs a similar offense to Malzahn (the claim that he is a "Malzahn clone" is laughably stupid -- just because you learn from someone doesn't make you a clone of them -- simply comparing their run game tendencies should demonstrate clearly that they are quite dissimilar), nor any other contrived conspiracy theory.

There was clearly an attempt to hire Gus, first, but after that, the best candidate was hired.  Simple as that.

I'm not an 'insider' and don't claim inside knowledge.  But neither are most of the people in this thread.  I just admit mine is guesswork.

[Dr. Starcs]

I would have stayed away from anybody Saint Gus recommended but that's just me.

CCM has hit the ground running though and I'm hoping for the best.

[Pig in the Pokey]

We didn't miss. Norvell's past missed on us. Both sides wanted him to be the coach here, in an ideal world.

tell em. they still think i made it up.

[Styflin]

He ran the "I formation" in his early years of High School coaching and almost got fired because he wasn't winning. In desperation he went to Gus while Gus was at Springdale HS and Gus taught him his HUNH Spread offense that was being run at Springdale. When Morris implemented the offense at his own high school, his program took off and he won some state titles.

Morris won over 80% of his high school games and coached in 6 state titles over 16 years. Pretty sure some of that success was before he became a "clone."

Tons of coaches reached out to Gus about the hurry up offense (including Chip Kelly), does that make them clones as well?

Norvell learned from Gus and runs a similar system. Is he a clone as well?

[Justagp]

That is wrong. Pruitt at Tenn was hired after we hired Morris. As for the others, still not true as he was out at Arkansas the Monday after CBB was fired. That said, I can't prove this and you can hold on this delusion all you want. There were at least 5 extremely reputable posters who stated this. But you can continue to live in your dream.

Guv, you are delusional. I almost feel like you are trolling us.

Norvell signed his extension at Memphis the day Arkansas announced Morris as HC. He was off the market when TN hired Pruitt.

[Pig in the Pokey]

If Norville turned down interviews for other opportunities because he was waiting on the Arkansas job, then someone must have led him to believe that he was going to get the Arkansas job.  Who would that someone be?

somebody most certainly did

[ChitownHawg]

I think Chad Morris was the best candidate for the job, the search and interview process probably showed this clearly, and the University hired him for this reason alone.  I think it had nothing to do with a blessing from Malzahn, the fact that he runs a similar offense to Malzahn (the claim that he is a "Malzahn clone" is laughably stupid -- just because you learn from someone doesn't make you a clone of them -- simply comparing their run game tendencies should demonstrate clearly that they are quite dissimilar), nor any other contrived conspiracy theory.

There was clearly an attempt to hire Gus, first, but after that, the best candidate was hired.  Simple as that.

I'm not an 'insider' and don't claim inside knowledge.  But neither are most of the people in this thread.  I just admit mine is guesswork.

Now this I can support.

I could also support that these conspiracies about the coach selection happens every time we hire a coach. Everybody knows somebody, yet it seems everybody is consistently wrong on who the next coach is.

[jvanhorn]

Good to know, so who hired Norvell again?

I think the key word there was "alleged".  LOL, this country is so screwed up that now you are presumed gullty until proven innocent. 

[Piggie]

Takeaways are fun, and they win specific games. Creating them is great. Relying on them as a strategy / philosophy is generally not a good idea. Turnovers are uncommon, even if you lead the nation in them, and you just can't count on creating them on a regular basis.

Now it makes sense why the Hogs were called Uncommon. We were 74th in turnover margin this year.

[Hawginj]

This is a fun thread wish I would have read sooner. Guv has some really good points, yall ought to step back and take a look. Its no secret that some big $$$ is and was always behind ole booger picker they went hard for him luckily for Arkansas he stuck to what he is and stayed. I have no doubts the powers that be wanted a Gus like offense here and with the help of cousin Jerry they got it. CM will do very good things here imo, its true he molded his philosophy after Malzahns, lucky for us CM threw a few more things into his, he can devlop qbs, he has a relavent passing game, his adaptation works with moblie or pocket qb. He has ties and relationships in our recruiting territory Gus can only dream about. Arkansas is going to be ok. We would have ended up with Norvell  if Jerry had not stepped in thats obvious and that would have very good as well Norvell is a rockstar in the making and when he moves on from Memphis some team will benefit from it. 

[Danimal]

This is a fun thread wish I would have read sooner. Guv has some really good points, yall ought to step back and take a look. Its no secret that some big $$$ is and was always behind ole booger picker they went hard for him luckily for Arkansas he stuck to what he is and stayed. I have no doubts the powers that be wanted a Gus like offense here and with the help of cousin Jerry they got it. CM will do very good things here imo, its true he molded his philosophy after Malzahns, lucky for us CM threw a few more things into his, he can devlop qbs, he has a relavent passing game, his adaptation works with moblie or pocket qb. He has ties and relationships in our recruiting territory Gus can only dream about. Arkansas is going to be ok. We would have ended up with Norvell  if Jerry had not stepped in thats obvious and that would have very good as well Norvell is a rockstar in the making and when he moves on from Memphis some team will benefit from it.

Well said.

[Augustus]

This is not true. The reason Norvell didn't get the job had nothing to do with his past. He didn't get the job because he isn't a Gus Malzahn clone. I like Morris and I believe he is a good hire but the only reason he got the job is because he's a Gus clone.

The Malzahnites on the hill controlled the search from the git-go and were determined to pull out all stops to get Malzahn or get his clone. They got what they wanted.

If that had been a truly honest, unbiased, legit coaching search, Norvell would have been hired the day after Gus turned it down.

Would you consider Dan Mullen a Malzahn clone? Because Mullen was told the job was his if he wanted it, shortly after Jeff Long was fired and before Malzahn was ever offered.  Malzahn was the 2nd choice.

[rtr]

Just because he worked with Gus and uses a similar offense does' automatically make him a Gus clone.

By the way Guv here's some breaking news. The moon landing was faked and there was a shooter on the grassy knoll.

There is a strong probability that at least one of those theories is true.

[mhsbc59]

I have stated I also believe passing on Norvell is just like us passing on Jimmy Johnson all over again.

[PonderinHog]

If Norville turned down interviews for other opportunities because he was waiting on the Arkansas job, then someone must have led him to believe that he was going to get the Arkansas job.  Who would that someone be?

Guv

[Jimbob111]

No, I'm saying that the Malzahnites and the Springdale Mafia controlled the coaching search to make sure that the next coach would be either Gus or a Gus clone.

So in other words, those who controlled the search wanted the opposite of what led to the worst season in Razorback history, the worst defense in team history, the most sacks allowed in the SEC, the most blowouts, the most conference losses in a row, multiple losses to inferior teams: Texas Tech, NIU, ULL, Toledo, Rutgers TWICE, and a couple more.

They wanted a "Gus clone"...you mean the opposite of Bielema. That's what I wanted. And I can't abide the sight or sound of Gus. But Bielema-ball is old man football and even it's most famous proponent, Nick Saban, has changed his play style to accommodate it.

Yep, I guess you're right. A lot of people wanted the opposite of Bielema. In your words, a "Gus clone".

[Paul]

I have stated I also believe passing on Norvell is just like us passing on Jimmy Johnson all over again.

yeah. Me too

[Science Fiction Greg]

So in other words, those who controlled the search wanted the opposite of what led to the worst season in Razorback history, the worst defense in team history, the most sacks allowed in the SEC, the most blowouts, the most conference losses in a row, multiple losses to inferior teams: Texas Tech, NIU, ULL, Toledo, Rutgers TWICE, and a couple more.

They wanted a "Gus clone"...you mean the opposite of Bielema. That's what I wanted. And I can't abide the sight or sound of Gus. But Bielema-ball is old man football and even it's most famous proponent, Nick Saban, has changed his play style to accommodate it.

Yep, I guess you're right. A lot of people wanted the opposite of Bielema. In your words, a "Gus clone".

NIU?

[lakecityhog]

It is simply amazing to me that so many have "inside" knowledge and most of it is conflicting. I tend to believe that most of the "inside dope" is just made up for the poster's own entertainment value.

The movie Conspiracy Theory ain't got jack on Hogville!

The only real downside to all of this is the easy way that some of you go about destroying a man's character. The "rumors" and suggestions of "worse" things hidden in Norvell's past is totally sickening.
I wonder how many of you would feel if someone on Facebook posted "rumors" of your infidelity?? Or maybe that you have a gambling problem?? And maybe finished by implying that you have worse skeletons buried??And posting this stuff without 1 ounce of credible evidence!

I swear that some of you people simply cannot have a conscience!

[HoggyCat]

Jones did NOT hire Morris. He might have told UA people that he liked him and would welcome his hiring but that isn't the same thing. I bet quite a few boosters let it be known who they liked and I bet they all weren't in agreement just like regular fans never are.

Or Jerra said "hire this guy and I'll pay bert & Jeffi.... oh, and another stipulation, offer my grandson a schollie".

[oldhawg]

Or Jerra said "hire this guy and I'll pay bert & Jeffi.... oh, and another stipulation, offer my grandson a schollie".

Probably a good deal for Arkansas.

[Jim Harris]

We didn't miss. Norvell's past missed on us. Both sides wanted him to be the coach here, in an ideal world.

Then this should be the same said about Jimmy Johnson. Jimmy's past led Frank to go with Ken. Jimmy nearly got UA on probation for recruiting HS quarterback Rod Gerald in Dallas. NCAA looked at a few schools on this one (ironically, SMU turned other teams in on this). And, for coincidentally, Rod Gerald ended up going from Dallas to Ohio State while Arkansas signed Ron Calcagni for quarterback in the same class out of Youngstown, Ohio.
Frank never said this on the record, but he did tell close acquaintances he had concerns that JJ could land UA on probation if he were head coach. He left Okie State before any trouble hit there, but it did eventually hit there.

[Jim Harris]

So in other words, those who controlled the search wanted the opposite of what led to the worst season in Razorback history, the worst defense in team history, the most sacks allowed in the SEC, the most blowouts, the most conference losses in a row, multiple losses to inferior teams: Texas Tech, NIU, ULL, Toledo, Rutgers TWICE, and a couple more.

Arkansas did not lose to NIU or to Louisiana-Lafayette.

[Shorttimer]

So . . . what we are saying here is that UA officials had a #1 picked out who eventually chose to stay where he was?  Then there were two viable candidates remaining who each had the support of some influential decision makers?  In the end, for whatever reason, one viable candidate won out over the other and all of the influential decision makers seem to be on board with the new hire?

Sounds basically like every coaching hire at every respectable school in the history of ever.

Stupid stuff like past issues, gambling problems, Gus clone . . . all speculative, unverified and ultimately irrelevant. Just because you repeat them ad nauseam doesn't make them any more true.

[southeasthog]

Arkansas did not lose to NIU or to Louisiana-Lafayette.

Also the first Rutgers loss was to Smile. People love to make up facts to support their arguments on here.

[Science Fiction Greg]

I'm in awe of him thinking we lost to NIU.  We thunder-slammed them.  I remember that game vividly.

[majp51]

I recorded this game and am watching it as I type.... Morris is a good coach, but, I think we missed out on the best coach.... SMITE AWAY!!!!!! #JimmyJohnsonMiss0.2

I keep hearing you guys say this, but I don't follow. If Norvell was such a "cannot miss" coach, how come he isn't at Florida, or Tennessee or FSU, or Ole Miss, or MSU, or ASU or Oregon or Oregon State?

No, Morris was hired because he is a Gus Malzahn clone. Norvell ISN"T a Gus Malzahn clone and that is why he didn't get offered the job.

OK Guv, then how come Mike Norvell is still at Memphis. If he's this super coach with zero baggage, why is he not at any of the schools above.

[hog of steele]

Takeaways are fun, and they win specific games. Creating them is great. Relying on them as a strategy / philosophy is generally not a good idea. Turnovers are uncommon, even if you lead the nation in them, and you just can't count on creating them on a regular basis.

If your strategy is to score a lot of points, the high risk reward defense might be the right idea. If you are pushing up possessions by 30% you are creating more drives for possible turnovers.

I was thinking about that and working on being a specialist in the red zone. Basically, you go for turnovers until the redzone then you slow them down and try to force a field goal. If they are kicking field goals while you are scoring TD's you will win most games.

[GuvHog]

I keep hearing you guys say this, but I don't follow. If Norvell was such a "cannot miss" coach, how come he isn't at Florida, or Tennessee or FSU, or Ole Miss, or MSU, or ASU or Oregon or Oregon State?

OK Guv, then how come Mike Norvell is still at Memphis. If he's this super coach with zero baggage, why is he not at any of the schools above.

As I stated earlier, Norvell turned Ole Miss down and told both Tennessee and Arizona State not to bother offering. He was waiting on the Arkansas job. It's no coincidence that Norvell signed his extension with Memphis the day it was leaked out that Morris was going to be hired by Arkansas.

Mike Irwin stated that there was a number of people involved in the search that badly wanted Norvell but the Malzahnites and the Springdale Mafia had them out numbered.

[southeasthog]

As I stated earlier, Norvell turned Ole Miss down and told both Tennessee and Arizona State not to bother offering. He was waiting on the Arkansas job. It's no coincidence that Norvell signed his extension with Memphis the day it was leaked out that Morris was going to be hired by Arkansas.

Mike Irwin stated that there was a number of people involved in the search that badly wanted Norvell but the Malzahnites and the Springdale Mafia had them out numbered.

Please provide a link where Mike Irwin called anyone a "Malzahnite" or referred to them as the Springdale Mafia.

Thanks in advance.

[Hawginj]

Please provide a link where Mike Irwin called anyone a "Malzahnite" or referred to them as the Springdale Mafia.

Thanks in advance.
[/quote Thats what they are commonly known as Irwin doesn't have to name them its implied. Its the same folks that paid his way into college coaching and the ones that blindly follow him into the abyss.

[GuvHog]

Please provide a link where Mike Irwin called anyone a “Malzahnite” or referred to them as the Springdale Mafia.

Thanks in advance.

He didn't He stated that there were a good number of people involved in the coaching search that wanted Norvell badly but were out numbered by those who wanted Coach Morris. I referred to those involved in the search that wanted Coach Morris as Malzahnites and Springdale Mafia because they are the ones that wanted Gus and Coach Morris is a Gus clone.

Now I have no problem with Coach Morris being a Gus clone, mind you, because I strongly believe he is a winner and I just want the Hogs to win.

[southeasthog]

He didn't He stated that there were a good number of people involved in the coaching search that wanted Norvell badly but were out numbered by those who wanted Coach Morris. I referred to those involved in the search that wanted Coach Morris as Malzahnites and Springdale Mafia because they are the ones that wanted Gus and Coach Morris is a Gus clone.

Now I have no problem with Coach Morris being a Gus clone, mind you, because I strongly believe he is a winner and I just want the Hogs to win.

Here is what he said.  It also lists 3 reasons for the Morris hire and not just a "Gus Clone."

I wouldn't call it a conspiracy but it's not a coincidence. Morris was hired because of his offensive ties to Malzahn, what he did at Clemson as OC and because of his recruiting ties in Texas. He was plan B all along. A few of the heavy hitters wanted Norvell but they were outnumbered.

[GuvHog]

Here is what he said.  It also lists 3 reasons for the Morris hire and not just a “Gus Clone.”

I never said there weren't other reasons that Coach Morris was hired but it's obvious that his being a Gus clone was the biggest one.

The guy is a winner, plain and simple, and I just want the Hogs to win.

[southeasthog]

I never said there weren't other reasons that Coach Morris was hired but it's obvious that his being a Gus clone was the biggest one.

The guy is a winner, plain and simple, and I just want the Hogs to win.

You should really remember stuff you post.

I like Morris and I believe he is a good hire but the only reason he got the job is because he's a Gus clone.

[East Clintwood]

I have stated I also believe passing on Norvell is just like us passing on Jimmy Johnson all over again.

I agree.   

Morris was 3rd on my list so I'm fine with him being the coach.

But I think we're going to regret not hiring Norvell for many, many years to come.

[cjack]

I agree.   

Morris was 3rd on my list so I'm fine with him being the coach.

But I think we're going to regret not hiring Norvell for many, many years to come.

Ditto

[southeasthog]

I agree.   

Morris was 3rd on my list so I'm fine with him being the coach.

But I think we're going to regret not hiring Norvell for many, many years to come.

If you are fine with him being Coach then you must expect him to succeed. Why will we regret not hiring someone else if our coach wins?

[hog of steele]

If you are fine with him being Coach then you must expect him to succeed. Why will we regret not hiring someone else if our coach wins?

Success is at levels right? We may succeed and be happy and still feel like we could have done even better if Norvel ends up at LSU and wins big. (I say LSU because I don't expect their coach to last very long)

[southeasthog]

Success is at levels right? We may succeed and be happy and still feel like we could have done even better if Norvel ends up at LSU and wins big. (I say LSU because I don't expect their coach to last very long)

Time will tell. I wasn't happy about Morris but have warmed. I hope he can get a good DC. I am not interested in any 55-53 games.

[East Clintwood]

If you are fine with him being Coach then you must expect him to succeed. Why will we regret not hiring someone else if our coach wins?

A couple of reasons.

For one, I don't expect Morris to be here very long.  He'll move on to another program in 4 or 5 years, where I think Norvell would be much less apt to move on.

Also, there are different levels of success and I think both coaches would have success here, I just expect Norvell to have a higher potential than Morris.

[Jek Tono Porkins]

So let me get this straight, Morris is a Gus Malzahn clone? I've read all three pages of this thread and I think it's still a little ambiguous.

[hog of steele]

I am not interested in any 55-53 games.

I think this is what we can expect though. I hope we win several in the 45-21 range but if we win and its not a blowout, I think we have to learn to accept that your defense can give up 35 and still call it a good night.

[texhog22]

It isn't a theory, it's true. Take your blinders off.

WHAT IS YOUR FREAKING POINT?? I don't care if he is a clone of "Jar Jar Binks " as long as he wins football games.

[upperdeck_hawg]

I have stated I also believe passing on Norvell is just like us passing on Jimmy Johnson all over again.

I agree with this. We passed on an innovator and rising star for someone who is a copy cat of Gus.