Frank Broyles' Comments on 1/18 at Dallas Alumni Event

[HogginIT]

Here is a very detailed account of the meeting....does this look correct?

http://woopig.net/board/index.php?topic=52589.0

[under_par]

Just got back from the Gala.  Wow, I actually thought Frank and this dude were about to come to blows.  The people that were there can back me up on that.  This guy said that that GM did not call all the plays, then Frank pointed at him and called him a liar and said that he did indeed call every play.  Frank said that Arkansas would never had a top notch headcoach.  FB said that a running type qb is the only way to win because the o-line has to "double block".  Makes a peson wonder why we recruited MM, Gus, and all those receives (and Casey Dick) if we needed a running qb.  It does not add up.

Frank discussed the S'dale parents meeting, and said they wanted to discuss their seats (said they were promised seats on the 40, and theirs were on the 10 yard line).  Said they also wanted to discuss tutors, and only one person wanted to discuss football.  He all but said that it was GM fault because he did not stop the players parents from coming to discuss things with FB.

[WilsonHog]

To summarize:

(1) Our 82-year old AD shook his finger in the face of one of our fans and called him a liar (twice);

(2) Admitted that the parent meeting was about things like curfew and tutoring;

(3) Said that he hoped Nutt would make a change on who would coach our special teams; and   

(4) Stated that Arkansas would never be able to attract a top-flight coach. 

We have officially entered the twilight zone. That all falls under the heading of, "Damn, I don't believe I would have said that." 

[CCCharlie]

JFB was invited months ago to be the featured and only speaker at this Alumni event. Note, this is not the Dallas Razorback Club but the alumni arm of the university.  IT WAS NOT SET UP FOR A QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSION WITH HIM.
He flew down today before the event on the university plane, and specifically for the event, with several other university reps. Nutt was not on that flight.

There were about 120 attendees at the event.  Before the event, many attendees openly discussed how JFB would handle his talk, what he would say and how he would say it.

Broyles spoke for about 30 minutes, probably a little more.

Before the speech, his people handed out a flyer that listed some 20 positives from this season. Included in those was the four losses to the top 5 teams in the country. JFB said he supplied the positives to Keven Trainor who had them typed up.

At the bottom of the flyer it states - in bold - "2 players and 1 coach decide to pursue their futures at other institutions."
"120 players and 9 coaches remain committed to the Razorback program and are excited about the future."
"Does that sound like a program that is in disarray to you?"

He also handed out a budget for all SEC schools that showed that Arkansas has the ninth smallest athletic budget in the SEC.  This supported his theme that Arkansas does more with less. Or better yet, how Arkansas should be excused for doing more since it has less.

The tone of his speech for the first 15 minutes was combative and defiant.
He spent that time unequivocally, unabashedly and unashamedly propping up Nutt.
He literally credited Nutt with all of the success, from not just this past year, but since 1998.
Nutt is responsible for a 400% increase in revenue for the athletic department.
He said Nutt is the most important reason why the stadium is filled now.  He credited him with setting the stage for the stadium expansion.

He repeated several times that Nutt wins the West, which he called the toughest conference in football, once every three years. To JFB, this was a huge positive.

The first part of his speech also focused on how 102% of the seating at the stadium is sold out.
To me, it was absolutely 100% clear that ALL he is concerned about is the seats in the stadium being filled and money. That was the focus of his talk, rather than building or winning national championships.

He said when the minority of fans criticized him as a coach, he came back even stronger with more supporters. He has shared this story with Nutt.

He ripped the Arkansas media a new one and said they report too many rumors. Rumors like him wanting to fire Nutt. He said that is unbelievable.
He was shocked about the ad in the newspaper that called for him to be fired.
He ripped the message boards. They are filled with too many false rumors as well.
He said there is a false letter with his signature floating around on Google that JFB allegedly wrote or typed. It states he said he wants to fire Nutt. He said he did not even know what Google is. He said Nutt called to ask him about the letter.

He said you cannot fire Nutt because he is SEC Coach of the year.

He talked about how the Univ. of Texas has always had a larger budget than we did and do.
He reminisced about how Arkansas could not stop UT's Wishbone attack in 1968.
He said we would not have been invited to the Big 12.

Broyles defiantly exclaimed that he was proud of his assistants leaving when he coached. He said there were about 13 of them in 15 years who did this. He did not name names, but named the schools where they went to coach like Tennessee, Ole Miss, Clemson and San Diego. He said he wanted his assistants to leave because new assistants bring new ideas. 10-15% of your game plan can come from new assistants, he said.  He was very proud about this.

He stated Gus was offered a 2-year contract for $200,000 a year.
He said Gus left because Gus wants to run his own offense.

He said Florida can run the spread because they have superior athletes. He outright implied that we simply have lesser athletes than Florida and other powers.

He knew the Springdale parents wanted to speak with him before they actually met with him. He told HDN to make sure this meeting did not happen.  He told Nutt to tell Gus to do something to prevent the parents from meeting with him. Broyles made clear that he held Gus responsible for the meeting because of Gus' previous relationship with the parents. He is the athletic director and does not have time for such meetings.

During the meeting with the parents, Broyles stated they complained about:
1. not having tickets on the 40 yard line, (when they had them on 10 yard line, I believe this is correct; another attendee said Broyles said they asked for 10 tickets on the 40 yard line),
2. lack of tutoring, and
3. trouble with the curfew.

He said only one parent even asked about football (he was very clear about this, which seemed odd).

He repeatedly said that losing 2 Springdale players does not mean the "world is coming to the end."
He said Gus was merely a high school coach last year.

He specifically mentioned the players' press conference and how great those players are for staying committed to the Hogs, which he emphasized is a family.

He said DMAC has really helped recruiting. He said DMAC was born to be a razorback. He said they will travel together to more awards ceremonies. He said he is the first sophomore to finish second in the Heisman voting. DMAC and Felix are close friends.

He said the game plan is set by the coaches during the week leading up to the game.

TO HIS CREDIT, BROYLES OPENED IT UP FOR QUESTIONS.
THIS WAS NOT A SCHEDULED PART OF THE EVENT.

An attendee (a great Hog fan) said that Nutt lied to them at a golf event in Dallas last year when Nutt pointed at Gus and told them that Gus would call all of the plays.  Broyles called the attendee a liar.
JFB repeatedly stated that Gus called "All" of the plays. There was no doubt about this. He called ALL of the plays.

Broyles stated that we could not get a top notch coach at Arkansas. An attendee said, well we had you.

An attendee commented that our special teams coach should be fired and Broyles responded I hope there are changes in special teams too. He clearly indicated that he agreed with the attendee.

Broyles said we just got a commitment from a Dallas recruit yesterday but that he could not say his name because it would be a recruiting violation.

In direct response to the question, who are the experts you spoke with about Gus' offense, he disclosed that "He" is the expert.  He then mentioned in passing that he spoke with SEC coaches too who said it would not work. It does not work because the QB gets the ball 6 yards behind the line and the plays take too long to develop.

After the speech, the attendees and other representatives of the university met and mingled for about 25 minutes. JFB did too for about 5 minutes. He spent nearly all of the rest of the time in a corner of the room on his cell phone talking excitedly.

I was told by a person flying back on the plane that Nutt was meeting up with JFB and his entourage to fly back to Fayetteville tonight even though he did not fly to the event earlier with them.

A conversation between an influential alumni and university rep. revealed that Alan B. Sugg told that alumni that there would be a firing in the football program during the upcoming week.

If anything here is inaccurate, please IM me.

[mykidsdad]

The firing will be Alex Wood. We can only have HDN's friends working here.

[KinkosHog]

their server has been down for a while now.

what gives?

[duckman]

their server has been down for a while now.

what gives?

JFB damage control, he had woopig blown up.....

[KinkosHog]

their server has been down for a while now.

what gives?

JFB damage control, he had woopig blown up.....

right before it went down someone posted some stuff about Lindsey and Nutt.

he wanted the mods to okay its posting.

then it was down.  probably just a coincidence.

[samske]

Thanks WilsonHog and guys...all in one place now.

As stated before, this was a lot of information to digest.  The Springdale parents will certainly have some vindication out of this.  Damian's reasons around education seem to have been confirmed.  Broyle's comments about not being able to attract a top coach at Arkansas should get some lively discussion.  I can't imagine how Coach Nutt, Coach Shibest and others can feel really great about now.  Then we have our AD calling a booster a liar to his face. 

I can't wait to hear the sports talk shows in Arkansas tomorrow!  What a night.  This needs stickied.

[CCCharlie]

Here it is from my perspective.

The interaction I would not describe as intense but uncomfortable and really entertaining.

Again, this was not intended to be a sports banquet and there was no scheduled Q&A.  There were two parts of the scheduled program that remained after JFB's talk.  JFB really infringed on them by opening it up for questions.

Only two people asked questions.
The second person who asked a question is who he called a liar. 
That person is as passionate a fan as you will find. He told JFB his blood was boiling about the football program.
That person stood up and mentioned the story about Nutt and said Nutt lied to them.
JFB responded you are a liar.
JFB, I think, quickly realized that comment sounded terrible and said respectfully to the person, well you are entitled to your opinion, even if it is wrong.
The person stated it was clear that our gameplan changed at the end of the LSU game.
Frank retiterated Gus called all of the plays.
The second person said (in response to a question from JFB) he was considering dropping his tickets.
JFB told the person to personally call him and talk before he did that.
As Frank returned to his seat, they had a friendly exchange.  They apparently have known each other for a LONG time.

Broyles has mastered the art of being long-winded.
When someone asks a question, you simply talk for 5 minutes without answering it.
He did this with about 4 short questions from the first person who questioned him, and a long question from the second person (about Nutt's lies).

Given the setting, it was not overtly risky for JFB to open the floor for questions.
There were no reporters there. He had many people from the university in attendance too, including his family.

[Hawgvillain]

well we know why we accept mediocrity here...the leader of our program doesn't think we can do any better

NEWSFLASH Frank
The superior athletes you speak of - take a look at MM, DW, and the lot of those guys...
As far as better Coach than HDN - take a look at the co-offensive coordinator at Tulsa...or, just throw a stone into a random crowd and see who you hit.

[KinkosHog]

The first person that asked questions was a member on Woopig.

[Hawg_Heaven]

Well, there needs to be two forced resignations in my opinion!

[KinkosHog]

Nice backhanded slap at saying Nutt wasn't a good coach.

[ImHogginIt]

CLEAN FRICKIN' HOUSE !!!!

[TransAmHawg]

Thank you.  We can only hope the long knives are out.

[Photog]

You know there hasn't been much coming out of the Lindsey camp lately. Or am I wrong?

[WilsonHog]

Keep the rumors out, fellas. There's enough to talk about on JFB's comments alone.

[Hawg_Heaven]

You know there hasn't ben much coming out of the Lindsey camp lately. Or am I wrong?
[/quote]

Well, there is his fixed reply from his email but can you blame him. He is probably getting more hits than a french whore! lol

[samske]

Wonder if any of this will tie into the story that Mike Irwin is sitting on.  He and Douglas said last evening that they're sitting on one that requires a certain level of decorum and timing due to sensitivities.

I guess we will find out soon enough.

[KinkosHog]

Wonder if any of this will tie into the story that Mike Irwin is sitting on.  He and Douglas said last evening that they're sitting on one that requires a certain level of decorum and timing due to sensitivities.

I guess we will find out soon enough.

i'd imagine they don't want to damage this recruiting weekend anymore than it has been.

[usnavyhogfan]

thats awesome that he publicly admitted nutt was not a top notch coach, vindicated the springdale parents and said that the special teams coach needed to go.

[heinekenhary]

As far as better Coach than HDN - take a look at the co-offensive coordinator at Tulsa...or, just throw a stone into a random crowd and see who you hit.

Last line made me chuckle out loud.

[CCCharlie]

Just got back from the Gala.  Wow, I actually thought Frank and this dude were about to come to blows. 

Totally untrue. Frank spoke on a podium. The person was some 50 feet away standing by his chair.
After their exchange, Frank returned to his seat at his table.  The other person's table was next to his.
They were never within spitting distance, much less punching distance.
On the way back to his seat, JFB realized that he knew the person and that person's family, and they laughed that JFB did not recognize him earlier.
There is no need to add hyperbole to the story.

[WilsonHog]

In light of our athletic director's comments tonight, as I fall off to sleep in a few minutes these are the questions that will be running through my head:

(1) I wonder if Broyles thinks UA can attract any top-flight assistant coaches?

(2) I wonder if Broyles thinks UA can attract any top-flight football players?

(3) I wonder if Broyles thinks UA can attract any top-flight professors?

(4) I wonder if Broyles thinks UA can attract any top-flight students?

(5) I wonder if Broyles thinks UA can attract any top-flight benefactors?

(6) I wonder if Broyles thinks UA can attract any top-flight anything?

[CCCharlie]

thats awesome that he publicly admitted nutt was not a top notch coach, vindicated the springdale parents and said that the special teams coach needed to go.

He sure did not intend to. And if he did admit that, it was not intentional.
Words cannot describe how pro-Nutt he was, esp. in the first part of his speech. Total love fest.
He also had no intention to vindicate the Springdale parents whom he clearly felt were meddlesome.

You are right, he did throw Shibest under the bus.

[dhornjr1]

Like the old saying goes, things just keep getting curiouser and curiouser.

[Uncle Ivan]

During the meeting with the parents, Broyles stated they complained about:
1. not having tickets on the 40 yard line, (when they had them on 10 yard line, I believe this is correct; another attendee said Broyles said they asked for 10 tickets on the 40 yard line),
2. lack of tutoring, and
3. trouble with the curfew.

He said only one parent even asked about football (he was very clear about this, which seemed odd).

All of you that have bashed the parents for meddling need to fricking apologize.

[ImHogginIt]

In light of our athletic director's comments tonight, as I fall off to sleep in a few minutes these are the questions that will be running through my head:

(1) I wonder if Broyles thinks UA can attract any top-flight assistant coaches?

(2) I wonder if Broyles thinks UA can attract any top-flight football players?

(3) I wonder if Broyles thinks UA can attract any top-flight professors?

(4) I wonder if Broyles thinks UA can attract any top-flight students?

(5) I wonder if Broyles thinks UA can attract any top-flight benefactors?

(6) I wonder if Broyles thinks UA can attract any top-flight anything?

Frank is part of the old guard. The Good Ole Boy system that has always wanted to keep Arkansas down so they could control everything in this state.

[ImHogginIt]

During the meeting with the parents, Broyles stated they complained about:
1. not having tickets on the 40 yard line, (when they had them on 10 yard line, I believe this is correct; another attendee said Broyles said they asked for 10 tickets on the 40 yard line),
2. lack of tutoring, and
3. trouble with the curfew.

He said only one parent even asked about football (he was very clear about this, which seemed odd).

All of you that have bashed the parents for meddling need to fricking apologize.

Damn Straight !

[Hawgvillain]

In light of our athletic director's comments tonight, as I fall off to sleep in a few minutes these are the questions that will be running through my head:

(1) I wonder if Broyles thinks UA can attract any top-flight assistant coaches?

(2) I wonder if Broyles thinks UA can attract any top-flight football players?

(3) I wonder if Broyles thinks UA can attract any top-flight professors?

(4) I wonder if Broyles thinks UA can attract any top-flight students?

(5) I wonder if Broyles thinks UA can attract any top-flight benefactors?

(6) I wonder if Broyles thinks UA can attract any top-flight anything?

Frank is part of the old guard. The Good Ole Boy system that has always wanted to keep Arkansas down so they could control everything in this state.

This has to anger the boosters...I bet Frank didn't tell them "we can't attract the best" when he got them to contribute millions to the athletic program.

[Brer Hog]

I'm convinced.  Sounds like he was mostly ticked that a fan group would have the audacity to call for his resignation in a state-wide paper.  Did anyone else key on that?

He's an 84- frickin' year old public figure!  Its time to infuse the University with new blood, someone who's heard of Google, Frank.

Brer Hog

[TULAWHOG]

Frank sure was sensitive about Gus calling the plays...to lose it and call someone a liar.  Frank knew that it was semantics, Gus called the plays...technically but they were not what he wanted to call and likely not out of the formation he wanted or the tempo he wanted.  All things he was promised.  Frank got called out and got defensive which is typically what happens when one runs from the truth.

[CCCharlie]

Frank sure was sensitive about Gus calling the plays...to lose it and call someone a liar.  Frank knew that it was semantics, Gus called the plays...technically but they were not what he wanted to call and likely not out of the formation he wanted or the tempo he wanted.  All things he was promised.  Frank got called out and got defensive which is typically what happens when one runs from the truth.

I though the exact same thing.
He is clearly parsing the truth.
David Lee's commens support that.

[yraciv]

What I get from that is Broyles thinks we're a mediocre football program not capable of greatness.  We can't get athletes, we can't get a top level coach....MONEY, and if WV can find athletes how can we not. 

[Brer Hog]

Another thing - Broyles said he told Nutt not to let the parent meeting happen.  Yet he holds Malzahn accountable.  How about frickin' Nutt, Frank!

[Tejano Jawg]

Keep the rumors out, fellas. There's enough to talk about on JFB's comments alone.

And after Broyles finished, he pulled out a Duncan Yo-Yo and said "want to see some tricks?" (Sorry...)

[Brer Hog]

What I get from that is Broyles thinks we're a mediocre football program not capable of greatness.  We can't get athletes, we can't get a top level coach....MONEY, and if WV can find athletes how can we not. 

I think he inadvertently exposed to the fanbase the motherlode of the problem.  JFB!!!!

[TULAWHOG]

Frank sure was sensitive about Gus calling the plays...to lose it and call someone a liar.  Frank knew that it was semantics, Gus called the plays...technically but they were not what he wanted to call and likely not out of the formation he wanted or the tempo he wanted.  All things he was promised.  Frank got called out and got defensive which is typically what happens when one runs from the truth.

I though the exact same thing.
He is clearly parsing the truth.
David Lee's commens support that.

Frank knows there is no rational reason for what has transpired on the hill.  He's trying to deflect the issue and do damage control but the fans aren't buying the BS this time.  This kind of stuff would only happen at Arkansas. Is there any other program that a Ath. Director tries to cover up why a Off. Coordinator of the year leaves for a lesser job and two All SEC Freshmen blue chip recruits leave within a 30 day period?
NO FRANK--We call your bluff

[THROWITDEEP]

Ya know, if I woke up with my head sewn to the carpet, I wouldnt be any more surprised than I am right at this moment.   

[Tusker-N-Hooch]

In light of our athletic director's comments tonight, as I fall off to sleep in a few minutes these are the questions that will be running through my head:

(1) I wonder if Broyles thinks UA can attract any top-flight assistant coaches?

(2) I wonder if Broyles thinks UA can attract any top-flight football players?

(3) I wonder if Broyles thinks UA can attract any top-flight professors?

(4) I wonder if Broyles thinks UA can attract any top-flight students?

(5) I wonder if Broyles thinks UA can attract any top-flight benefactors?

(6) I wonder if Broyles thinks UA can attract any top-flight anything?

Frank is part of the old guard. The Good Ole Boy system that has always wanted to keep Arkansas down so they could control everything in this state.

This has to anger the boosters...I bet Frank didn't tell them "we can't attract the best" when he got them to contribute millions to the athletic program.

I wonder if the donor's consulted with "experts" before donating? EXCELLENT POST! Short, yet VERY attention-grabbing.

[TMc]

That is exactly what I have read from 2 other boards.., also this recruit that committed is supposed to be a big time recruit that doesn't want to come out with it .. again supposedly.  We will see.  Good job

[R300069]

well we know why we accept mediocrity here...the leader of our program doesn't think we can do any better

NEWSFLASH Frank
The superior athletes you speak of - take a look at MM, DW, and the lot of those guys...
As far as better Coach than HDN - take a look at the co-offensive coordinator at Tulsa...or, just throw a stone into a random crowd and see who you hit.

By the numbers those were not superior performers in the SEC.  Specifically mm and dw who made more mistakes than good plays.  They didn't look any better than any other player on our team and were outplayed at their positions by the majority of our opponents without exception. 

Malzahn called the plays and accepted OC of the year.  If he didn't call the plays he should return the award.  He should have given an interview, he should now, to clear things up.  Mustain should do his own talking for himself, like a big boy.  So should Malzahn.  You must be s springdale HS fan, so tell me when Central beat them did you see that game?  They were definitely not the superior athletes, they had a good HS offensive system.  If Malzahn's offense was so great and innovative and he wrote a book about it, why isn't it used anywhere other than Tulsa next year??  Why would he write a book about it?  Is that smart to give folks your playbook and philosophy?  Just curious.

Good for Frank.  If you fans know who called the plays please tell me how??  because I saw stuff that was different than just HDN stuff.  I don't know any more than yall, why would you imagine you know more than the AD?  Malzahn is the only one you would trust huh?  If he says i called the plays are you going to disbelieve him to prove your point?

2 players and one coach and darksiders take out an ad and try to ruin recruiting. Way to go!!  way to help the team!!!  That isn't too smart is it?  NICE.  You don't realize what you do do you?

A Vandy Grad, Hogfan, and non hugger or darksider, just a realist.

I hate Moron fans.

[R300069]

CLEAN FRICKIN' HOUSE !!!!

The cleaning caused my apathy in BBall.   Nolan, wacky as he was getting deserved a pass.  Time for his meds to work.  He was a great champion and a winner.  Current B-ball situation is bleak.

I can't see firing anybody over springdalers quitting.  There was a lack of control there would have been others, lots of others.  This is isolated to springdalers.

[R300069]

...and dark siders, who hate nutt more than they love the hogs.  At least by their actions like that stupid ad.  What? Was that supposed to help the team's recruiting?