Post by davecisar on Dec 6, 2008 8:40:28 GMT -6
Many coaches like Saban, Leach and even Johnson get accolades in the media for the great coaching jobs they did this year.
But what about the guys that take over bottom of the barrel programs? They may not be playing in huge Bowl games or be getting all the awards, but maybe what they did was equally as remarkeable just getting the programs to the point they are competing each week rather than getting blown out.
How about Turner Gill at Buffalo? Prior to him getting there, the program had 10 wins in 7 years. They were 1-10 the year before he got there. Now they are MAC champions after going a much improved 5-7 last year and 8-4 this year. Zero local recruiting base, horrible facilities, worst weather in US, and Gill with a salary of 190K in 2006. Hes got those kids believing and they love him. Amazing season. Ive watched 4 of his games on TV,< his kids compete. First Bowl game ever in DI.
Al Golden at Temple- Not a powerhouse at all, but not a patsy anymore either. Year Before he got there 1-10, this season his 3rd they are 5-7. Went from being outscored 107-498 before he got there to 197-315 last year. Seen em play, his kids dont quit and get blown out like they used to, they compete.
Art Briles at Baylor, 4 wins this year and much improved on both sides of the ball. Lots of close games (they lost most of them) But this team competes and isnt the Baylor of old. They are in a brutal Division, but they will compete with Briles there. Saw em play in person, his kids play hard.
My guess is all 3 get gobbled up by a program with more $$ and better facilities etc, But until then, an inspiration to coaches taking over bottom perennial dweller situations.
Any common thread with these 3 fellas ?
Even NUs Bo Pelini gets a solid B+ going from 5-7 to 8-4 so far in his first year and going from 110th defense to 65th etc ( still a very very long way to go)
But what about the guys that take over bottom of the barrel programs? They may not be playing in huge Bowl games or be getting all the awards, but maybe what they did was equally as remarkeable just getting the programs to the point they are competing each week rather than getting blown out.
How about Turner Gill at Buffalo? Prior to him getting there, the program had 10 wins in 7 years. They were 1-10 the year before he got there. Now they are MAC champions after going a much improved 5-7 last year and 8-4 this year. Zero local recruiting base, horrible facilities, worst weather in US, and Gill with a salary of 190K in 2006. Hes got those kids believing and they love him. Amazing season. Ive watched 4 of his games on TV,< his kids compete. First Bowl game ever in DI.
Al Golden at Temple- Not a powerhouse at all, but not a patsy anymore either. Year Before he got there 1-10, this season his 3rd they are 5-7. Went from being outscored 107-498 before he got there to 197-315 last year. Seen em play, his kids dont quit and get blown out like they used to, they compete.
Art Briles at Baylor, 4 wins this year and much improved on both sides of the ball. Lots of close games (they lost most of them) But this team competes and isnt the Baylor of old. They are in a brutal Division, but they will compete with Briles there. Saw em play in person, his kids play hard.
My guess is all 3 get gobbled up by a program with more $$ and better facilities etc, But until then, an inspiration to coaches taking over bottom perennial dweller situations.
Any common thread with these 3 fellas ?
Even NUs Bo Pelini gets a solid B+ going from 5-7 to 8-4 so far in his first year and going from 110th defense to 65th etc ( still a very very long way to go)
