Leaks could be coming soon...

If a deal has been reached, it is only a matter of time until leaks begin to filter out. Again, we expect the first reliable leaks to come from outside the state.

ALABAMA CRISIS: How Mike Shula got fired

A timeline of what some think were Mike Shula's final days as Alabama football coach

We've been saying for the last week the best information available indicated Dr. Witt and Mal Moore had decided to change leadership in the football program. We believe that is still the case. We've been working on constructing a timeline of how Shula got fired. Of course, while we've been doing that someone comes along and works out a very reasonable and we think informative scenario for how things played out this week. This was taken from a poster on the tidesports.com message boards (Et Tu, Robert?) and modified slightly with information from a story from bamamag.com and some other sources. NOTE: I'm not certain everything in this outline is correct, but several of its elements fit many of the facts as we know them.

Theory: On Saturday night Shula was told by Mal Moore that he and President Witt wanted a plan on what Mike Shula was going to do to return Alabama to the top of college football. At the Sunday teleconference, Shula said everything was under consideration, "and that means everything." Still, Mal Moore and President Witt wanted to hear specifics of what Mike Shula was going to do to change things. Mike Shula comes in on Monday and Mal Moore goes to see him and asks Mike what his plan is to return Alabama to the top. Mike Shula says the usual things he says in pre and post game press conferences, and Mal tells him at the end of the meeting, that what he has laid out is not good enough. He tells Mike to get a solid plan together, because we are meeting with President Witt and Chancellor Portera in the morning, and you had better have a great plan to turn around Alabama football.

Mike Shula shows up on Tuesday morning, and goes to a meeting with President Witt, Chancellor Portera and Mal Moore. ***There is no external verification that Dr. Witt or Portera were at the Tuesday meeting between Moore and Shula, but there is an indication that Dr. Witt was (at the very least) privy to the discussions***

All three men listen to Mike's plan, which is really nothing more than what he had told Mal the day before, which is NOTHING. He touches on making coaching changes, but he has no real plan to do anything, and he says he will work on a plan during bowl practice. (NOTE: Here is some information from another source BAMAMAG) Shula's lame plan for improving the team included: Shula giving up play calling, reassigning Ungerer to tight ends and offensive tackles, and giving David Turner special teams.

Mal asks Mike to leave the meeting and go back to work, and once Shula leaves, the three men look at each other and shake their hands and say, "...this guy does not have a clue to what he is doing. We have to make a change, or this could get real ugly in 2007."

There is not much argument that Shula must go, so that is why there is not a statement in support of Shula, and Shula goes home for the Holidays thinking he still has his job. He has heard from no one of what they think of his performance, but he knows that he might have blown it because he has no commitment from anyone by close of business Wednesday.

What Mike Shula did not know is that President Witt put into place a plan to contact head coaches representatives within an hour of the end of the loss to Auburn (possibly even before the game), and this process was proceeding as Mike Shula was attempting to explain why he should come back to Alabama and keep his job. Alabama probably contacted over 12 coaches representatives, and quickly settled on 3 to 4 different guys to choose from, in case they decided to fire Mike Shula.

On Wednesday, after Mike Shula's camp had released multiple unauthorized leaks to the media that Mike Shula would be back in 2007, President Witt and Mal Moore got very mad and put out a statement that did not mention Shula at all, on purpose, which countered the idea that Shula was on safe ground to keep his job in '07. By late on Wednesday Shula knew he was in deep trouble, and the Shula camp got together and tried to get a response from someone at Alabama, but were told we are still evaluating the situation, and the Shula's went to their Thanksgiving weekend not knowing if Mike will be back in 2007.

Alabama continued it's talks with head coaches' representatives over Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, and I would guess by this evening Alabama has a deal in principle to bring in a new head coach, and that they are ready to pull the trigger on Shula, fire him that is, unless something drastically changes.

Other things to consider in a timeline: Moore met with Shula prior to the LSU game and Shula's game plan against LSU was different and more aggressive than it was against other teams. Does this indicate Moore had already warned Shula a change was imminent unless things turned around? Also, Shula seemed more emotional with his players during Iron Bowl week and spent longer with them following the loss. This would indicate some knowledge prior to a post-Iron Bowl meeting. In any case, it helps to understand

Spurrier to Alabama: X-Files--The Truth Is Out There!

Since everyone else is speculating and making stuff up (see Kevin Scarbinsky's Wednesday column in the Birmingham News), I decided I should have some fun and develop my own conspiracy theory for why a coach would be coming to Alabama. So, since it is the eve of the South Carolina-Clemson rivalry game, I might as well have fun with Steve Spurrier!

Spurrier's name has surfaced repeatedly since rumors of the Alabama job began to percolate. Why? Let's apply an old axiom: Where there is smoke, there is fire! Someone connected with the football program (even if only remotely connected) said something to someone and BINGO you've got yourself a wildfire of gossip. I'm not suggesting Spurrier isn't coming. In fact there is a lot of evidence out there to suggest Alabama could be targeting him or Saban or Petrino or anyone of another 5-10 top-notch coaches. What I am trying to say is the Spurrier rumor has been a regular feature of talk even before the Auburn game. Thus, from a conspiracy theorists viewpoint, it could easily mean something is going on.

Then you take all those clandestine "airplane" trips around the south by the different jets and you've got yourself some interesting speculation! And I don't want to be left out of the speculation! So, here's my take on why Spurrier is headed to Alabama.

1. Trustees led by Paul W. Bryant, Jr. Flew two roundtrips to Stuttgart, Arkansas on Wed., Nov. 22. These clandestine trips were not for any other reason but a secret meeting! How do we know this? Because Stuttgart Municipal Airport also was the destination for a flight from (are you ready for this?) Columbia Metropolitan Airport. That's right, Columbia, South Carolina! http://flightaware.com/live/flight/N323P
   
2. An aircraft chartered from the Tuscaloosa Airport flew on Thanksgiving Day from Tuscaloosa to Oconee County Airport (the airport near Clemson). This aircraft is still sitting at the Oconee Airport. Don't you see?!?! This airplane will fly Spurrier out of Clemson after the big game. He'll be introduced in Tuscaloosa on Sunday or Monday! If there is nothing else our BoT does, it is plan ahead and this prepositioning aircraft is a master-stroke of logistical planning! Way to go Coach Moore and Dr. Witt! http://flightaware.com/live/flight/N10797
   
3. But there is MORE than just these airplane flights! If Paul Finebaum is such good friends with Steve Spurrier, why hasn't he called the coach and asked him about the Alabama rumors? Why? Because he already knows it is a done deal (through other sources) and doesn't want to mess it up. He called Saban's agent Jimmy Sexton on Wednesday as soon as the Saban rumor was printed in the Birmingham News. So, why won't he call Spurrier? Because he already knows!

When you consider these factors and combine them with the already known information regarding Alabama's flirtation with Spurrier, it is easy to see who the next head coach at the University will be! Of course, I've also heard a rumor that Bill Curry is coming back as head coach and that either Ray Perkins, Steve Sloan or Terry Bowden would be the next Athletic Director!

Seriously, I'm not ruling anyone out right now. The coaching hunt is the most difficult because so few people will know anything about what Coach Moore and Dr. Witt are thinking. It is frustrating because at least in Washington you get more leaks than this. I'm still optimistic that we'll hear something from an out-of-state leak soon.

ALABAMA CRISIS: Friday Morning Briefing

Hope everyone had a great holiday and gets to enjoy the football today. It looks like the holiday really shut down the flow of news (just like the University wanted). Also, perhaps some Shula-fatigue has begun to set in amongst the fan base and even the media. With football games going on, it should reignite attention post-Thanksgiving.

Here's what we know (...or at least think we know)

1. The Birmingham News actually provided some good information! Kevin Scarbinsky's column today included information about Shula's buyout and how the contract allows the payments to be structured. "Besides, it won't take nearly as much money as many people think to replace Alabama coach Mike Shula," Scarbinsky wrote. Will wonders never cease! The Birmingham News writing something NOT right out of the pro-Shula playbook.
2. Did the Huntsville Times reveal its source in today's column by John Pruett? Pruett's column deserves special attention since The Huntsville paper broke the story earlier in the week that Mike Shula would be retained. Pruett's column begins with a discussion of all the rumors out there, but quickly moves into why he considers the information from the Paul Gettis story valid:

   "Having conversed with the source ourselves, and taking into account his
   credentials and his relationships with all the principal parties, we believe
   this person's credibility is above reproach. If we hadn't believed it, we
   wouldn't have published a story on condition of anonymity...."

   The story goes on to say the source could be right today and wrong on Sunday, or the source could be wrong because he was blindsided by the decision makers. The clincher of the column is this final piece:

   But if any of that happens, nobody will be more surprised than Mike Shula, who expects to go recruiting Monday morning, and who also fully expects to begin bowl practice on Dec. 2.

   I believe this is a avery interesting indication of who or at least where the information came from. If this is an indication of where the information came from, shouldn't the newspaper reveal that type of information when it identifies its source? Who the source is, is valuable and an important piece of information; as much detail about the source should be included in the identification so the reader can judge the veracity of the report. If the source of the information was the Shula camp (as indicated here) then at the very least, the source should be identified as someone close to Coach Shula. To do anything less betrays the readers.
3. We believe, based on the best information available that nothing has changed in regards with Dr. Witt's decision to pursue leadership change in the football program. In fact, we feel the pro-Shula leaks and the subsequent Mal Moore statement indicate there is almost no chance Shula would return. The leaks are believed to have soured the mood of the administration.
4. WHAT TO WATCH FOR: We believe the news of a new head football coach will not come from Tuscaloosa. News of a coach coming to Tuscaloosa most likely will break from a reliable media source in another state. The reason? If Alabama goes after an established head football coach, then the competent media covering the program will pick up the scent of a story and report it. If the University decides on a coach, then word could leak from the incumbent coaches camp prior to an official announcement on Shula's status from the University. This is only an analysis, but based on the attention most football programs are under, it is increasingly difficult to keep matters a secret for extended periods of time.

What's wrong with the Birmingham News coverage of Alabama football?

The largest newspaper in the state is a joke when it comes to covering Alabama football. The newspaper has become the mouthpiece for the pro-Shula camp, with quotes obviously designed to mislead the public.

Earlier this month we pointed out the problems with a Birmingham News story by Ian Rapoport, which insisted that Mike Shula was safe at Alabama. the story also asserted that University officials anticipated a six-to-seven-year recovery period. The centerpiece quote from the story was: "Insiders believe he is safe. Nothing is certain, but it is unlikely Moore would fire Shula or order him to fire any assistants. More likely is that Moore would advise Shula at season's end that dismissing an assistant is painful but sometimes necessary. Moore and other decision-makers recognize the impact of NCAA sanctions and the resulting shallow recruiting classes. In fact, Shula was hired with the belief that it could take six or seven years to fully restore the program. Whatever Moore decides, the Board of Trustees likely will support him."

Since this column ran in the Birmingham News on Nov. 8, a host of other questionable stories were published by the state's largest newspaper. Yesterday, the News published a column by Kevin Scarbinsky that said Alabama had offered Nick Saban the job. Unfortunately, Scarbinsky is hardly credible since he said during a previous Alabama coaching search Bill Parcels wanted the job. And just like the Parcels rumor, Scarbinsky's column was quickly rebuked. This time, Jimmy Sexton, Saban's agent, said in the Tuscaloosa News that the story was untrue.

This morning, Ray Melick has written an attack piece straight out of the pro-Shula camp's playbook. Melick claims Mal Moore and Dr. Robert Witt are acting worse than Dennis Franchione. He goes on to use the scare-tactic coming from the pro-Shula camp over how bad this is hurting recruiting.

Somehow I think losing big games and losing the Iron Bowl has a greater impact on recruiting than all the speculation around Shula. Everyone knows Shula has to perform next season or he is gone (and that is IF he were retained; something impossible now thanks to the pro-Shula leaks) so you can't tell me that fact isn't already being used in the recruiting wars.

The Birmingham News has a responsibility to report the news. But during the entire Shula crisis, the newspaper has published questionable information under the guise of fact. The newspaper has been a major player in an attempt to subvert the administration of the University. The newspaper has published only one side of the Shula fiasco, and that is a major failure of its editorial controls.

The Birmingham News has failed to deliver for its readers. The newspaper should appoint an ombudsman to investigate the major journalistic failures of its sports reporting. The ombudsman should then report his findings not only to the newspaper leadership, but the general public.

ALABAMA CRISIS: Evening briefing

What we know (or think we know...)

1. The statement issued by Mal Moore was a restrained, but significant rebuke to the Shula camp. IF Shula had any hope of being retained before the leak fiasco began, it is finished now. Tempers most certainly were ignited over the leak to the Huntsville Times, etc. The pro-Shula people appear to have over-played their hand and sealed the deal with regards to Shula.
2. At this time, we do not believe there is any chance of Shula being retained. Even if the University were unable to find an acceptable (top-tier) coach, the mood has soured such that it would be difficult to keep Shula. The Thanksgiving break might cool tempers; however, most of the anger is not directed at Mike Shula, but rather his supporters.
3. Dr. Robert Witt wants the University to look good, but the leaks and innuendo have hurt this element of his plan. Dr. Witt could be the most intractable personality in any type of resolution which would allow Shula to stay at the University. These considerations make it almost impossible to see a way back for Shula.
4. As we cautioned this morning, the Birmingham News Kevin Scarbinsky column must be viewed with a skepticism. Scarbinsky was the one who wrote during a previous coaching search that Bill Parcels wanted to come to Alabama. Take everything coming from the Birmingham News and Huntsville Times with a grain of salt. For the paper of record involving the University of Alabama athletic programs, visit tidesports.com.
5. WHAT TO WATCH FOR: We believe the news of a new head football coach will not come from Tuscaloosa. News of a coach coming to Tuscaloosa most likely will break from a reliable media source in another state. The reason? If Alabama goes after an established head football coach, then the competent media covering the program will pick up the scent of a story and report it. If the University decides on a coach, then word could leak from the incumbent coaches camp prior to an official announcement on Shula's status from the University. This is only an analysis, but based on the attention most football programs are under, it is increasingly difficult to keep matters a secret for extended periods of time.

ALABAMA CRISIS: morning briefing

What we know (or at least think we know...)

1. When will this end? Is a common question right now. We've been saying for days that next Monday was a date we heard from reliable sources. The Tuscaloosa News report last night along with some other reports Tuesday morning validated that. We believe the University will announce something no sooner than Monday if it decides to retain Mike Shula. The most likely scenario now is that the longer this plays out the more likely Shula stays. That is the oppositiv of how it was just a few days ago. What changed? The coaching hunt. The longer it takes before a decision and word leaks the better the chances for Mike Shula. However, that makes Shula a lame duck and Alabama may have more options on the table than we previously thought.
2. The search started at the request of Dr. Witt is now the central part of this drama. We've felt for the last couple of days very strongly that Dr. Witt indicated a need for leadership change in the football program, provided it would benefit the University. To make a change, the University must have a solid, reliable and popular replacement. Otherwise, the "football experts" at the University would be furious as would the alumni and general fan base. According to this morning's Birmingham News, the University has contacted Nick Saban's agent and there is an offer on the table. "If Alabama is going to fire Shula a year after giving him a new contract with a hefty pay raise, the school wants to hit a home run. Saban would be a walk-off grand slam," the article said. Now, we should be careful in how we judge this. Remember, Scarbinsky was the one who wrote during a previous coaching search that Bill Parcels wanted to come to Alabama. I believe this is the hardest part of the entire process to judge. Why? Because there are fewer people who know about the targets, thus fewer leaks. Is Saban the target? Most credible information at the moment would indicate that he is. However, there is information available that leads us to believe Alabama has more than one target.
3. Unlike previous coaching searches, we feel Alabama has at least two fallback positions. Again, this is very difficult to verify, but we've heard it from multiple sources that Alabama has options within options. This type of strategy was required by Dr. Witt. He does not want to come off looking badly; however, there is believed to be a growing feeling of irritation in the administration that leaks have been designed to injure the president and the coaching search.
4. We must use care in evaluating all reports. There is a tendency from every "expert" with an agenda to become an anonymous source for newspapers, internet sites, etc. We'd offer some advice on judging sources. First, the Tuscaloosa News is the paper of record for the University of Alabama athletics. If it is real, you'll find it on tidesports.com because Cecil Hurt is the person closest to the story. All other newspapers have descending credibility. Keep in mind the Birmingham and Huntsville papers have been used by the pro-Shula faction to put stories out for the last month. (At some point following this saga, I'm going to write an essay going over the poor journalism from these newspapers.)
5. WHAT TO WATCH FOR: We believe the news of a new head football coach will not come from Tuscaloosa. News of a coach coming to Tuscaloosa most likely will break from a reliable media source in another state. The reason? If Alabama goes after an established head football coach, then the competent media covering the program will pick up the scent of a story and report it. If the University decides on a coach, then word could leak from the incumbent coaches camp prior to an official announcement on Shula's status from the University. This is only an analysis, but based on the attention most football programs are under, it is increasingly difficult to keep matters a secret for extended periods of time.

ALSO: For continued discussion, analysis and updates on the discussions regarding Spurrier visit Memphis Tider.

ALABAMA CRISIS: EVENING BRIEFING

What we know (or at least think we know...)

1. The Huntsville Times reported a knowledgable source said Shula would return as coach of Alabama next season. Knowledgable source raises some interesting questions similar to the sourcing issues we raised about a couple of Birmingham News stories earlier this month. This report is credible provided the source is accurate, but where does this source get his information? Is this a university insider? Is this the athletic director? Is this a trustee? The nature of the "knowledgable source" is very important to judging the veracity of the report.
2. Tidesports.com writer Cecil Hurt posted a story citing "sources close to the University athletics department This story repudiates the Huntsville Times posting. Shula did meet with athletics director Mal Moore on Tuesday afternoon, but one source said Tuesday that evaluation was “still ongoing.”
3. It was believed that Dr. Witt had decided to seek leadership change within the football program. We feel strongly this is accurate information. The president is believed to be concerned over the lack of discipline and the general malaise around the football program. This seems to be a strong repudiation of the Shula regime. The discipline issues on the team and bottle-throwing fan incident are believed to be heavy factors in the president's thinking.
4. The Tuscaloosa News report validates what we've believed as the timetable for the decision-making process. We've said something should happen by Monday (possibly sooner.) The Tuscaloosa News report says nothing until after the weekend.
5. We feel strongly the University is searching for a big-name football coach.
6. WHAT TO WATCH FOR: We believe the news of a new head football coach will not come from Tuscaloosa. News of a coach coming to Tuscaloosa most likely will break from a reliable media source in another state. The reason? If Alabama goes after an established head football coach, then the competent media covering the program will pick up the scent of a story and report it. If the University decides on a coach, then word could leak from the incumbent coaches camp prior to an official announcement on Shula's status from the University. This is only an analysis, but based on the attention most football programs are under, it is increasingly difficult to keep matters a secret for extended periods of time.

The time to save Alabama football is now! Let the powers that be know where you stand!
Chancellor Portera - Mportera@uasystem.ua.edu
President Witt - witt@pres.ua.edu
Mal Moore - mmoore@ia.ua.edu

Laughingstock? How Alabama could be at low tide

Let's assume the Huntsville Times report is correct and Shula returns. What does that mean for Alabama football?

It means Alabama football is truly a laughingstock. It is a laughingstock for many reasons:

1. The administration is leadership challenged. If Shula was the man for the job all along, then why did they let him twist in the wind for three days following the game?
2. Assuming the university was coach hunting, they embarrassed the University by courting other coaches and then failing (miserably) to land one. Alabama fans would have to endure the taunting of fans from around the south that we can't land a decent coach--that Mike Shula is the best we can do.
3. We are a laughingstock on and off the field. We have a real discipline problem with players. They do not represent the University very well. In addition, we have a (most likely intoxicated) fan throwing a bottle onto the field. The school is a shadow of what it once was.

The time to save Alabama football is now! Let the powers that be know where you stand!

Chancellor Portera - Mportera@uasystem.ua.edu

President Witt - witt@pres.ua.edu

Mal Moore - mmoore@ia.ua.edu

Huntsville Times: Shula to return?

Huntsville Times story says so.

Analysis: If this turns out to be correct (it probably is very well researched and sourced) then the fault rests not only with the administration, but with the fan base. We the fans should've taken the warnings more seriously from some people close to the program that urged us to email or fax the administration regarding our displeasure with the status quo. A large concern is the fact that Mal Moore did not show real leadership at all during this crisis.

ALABAMA CRISIS: Could $$$ allow Shula to stay?

Alabama's football program, awash in cash according to the annual statements filed with the NCAA, may be trying to hire a replacement coach for under market value. A growing fear among anti-Shula forces around the University is that Shula might be able to retain his job because of mismanagement of the behind-the-scenes coaching search.

This fear must be taken with a grain of salt, because most of the anti-Shula people around the program have the tendency to be happy one moment and inconsolable the next. However, there is serious concern amongst everyone (pro-Shula and anti-Shula) that Moore has misled them during the last few weeks regarding Shula's job security.

Supporters of Moore point to his leadership during coaching searches. They have said Moore did a good job in hiring Franchione (a hot commodity at the time). Moore is also praised for bringing in Mike Price. It was believed amongst many of the football "elite" around the University that Price would be a success because of his offensive philosophy. Moore supporters give him a free pass when it comes to the firing of Price for immoral conduct. Most of the criticism of the Price-era gets focused on Dr. Witt. Moore detractors are highly critical of the the entire Price situation. Critics point to the Price fiasco as proof Moore does not properly vet his coaching hires.

Now with what is considered Moore's willingness to tell people what they want to hear, a growing frustration has emerged. This frustration may be one reason the anti-Shula forces are pessimistic about Moore's ability to hire a new coach.

ALABAMA CRISIS: morning briefing on Shula

Here's what we know...(or at least think we know)

1. Dr. Robert Witt has agreed with the "football experts" to fire Mike Shula. The basis of the decision included poor performance (nothing worse than losing games in an expanded stadium), discipline problems on the team, and overall appearance that Shula has lost control of the football team. The president is believed to be concerned about the negative perceptions created by bottling-throwing incidents and other outgrowths of the currrent malaise around the football program.
2. Dr. Witt asked for a list of names. These names would be used to evaluate and plan a "contingency" for leadership change in the football program. The names were to be gathered by unofficial contact. If no "reasonable" replacement were found then Dr. Witt would stick with Shula. However, the longer the situation goes on, the more likely the "football experts" have found a viable candidate.
3. Mal Moore is telling everyone on every side of this situation what they want to hear. Is that a shock? That's alawys been Mal Moore's behavior. He is a politician and that's why he is good at raising money.
4. As posted several times, contrary to most reports, there has been a timetable to move through this as fast as possible for the benefit of Shula, his coaches and their families. Oh, and not to mention recruiting, something the "football experts" at the University feel is very important. Also, everyone involved wants to calm the fan base as soon as possible. We've thought Monday was the most likely time for something to happen, but whatever could unfold prior to that, especially if it looks like a suitable replacement for Shula can't be found.
5. If Shula is not fired this year, then he will have another chance to save his job next season; however, University officials have all but written-off next season if they are forced to retain Shula.

So, it all comes down to finding the replacement. Nothing's changed since yesterday. What has created so much confusion about the situation is Mal Moore. He tells everybody exactly what they want to hear. Thus, people report something and then get nervous when Mal appears to have changed his mind. What Mal Moore tells the president is most important and from all indications he has told the president a change is warranted.

The Mal Moore Factor

I just got about a dozen emails asking about Mal Moore's alleged equivocation on the Shula matter.

Relax. It may not be that bad. Mal Moore is telling everyone what they want to hear in this situation. In case you haven't noticed, that is how he always operates. The decision has been made to seek a replacement and Shula will only be retained if a suitable replacement isn't found, at least that is the most reliable information around.

EDITORIAL: Thank you Mike Shula!

With all but official word that Mike Shula is out at Alabama (the only thing holding up the announcement is hiring a replacement), it is time to thank Shula for his efforts over the last four years.

Shula came into a difficult position when he accepted the job as head football coach at the University. The NCAA sanctions were only part of it. Alabama was tarnished by the alleged sexual indiscretions of Mike Price. Shula came in after spring practice and did the best he could to right the listing ship.

While Shula's efforts were not enough to lift the team to a conference or national championship, he restored order to the chaos of the football program. Chaos created by the incompetence and corruption of the Mike Dubose, Dennis Franchione and Mike Price era.

Shula inherited a lot of problems and worked hard to set the school on the right path. It is sad that Shula did not succeed because if anyone deserved to win at Alabama it was Shula. He is a nice guy, a great family man, a descendant of the legendary NFL coach Don Shula and a winning quarterback at the University. You can't help but pull for the guy. We all hoped and prayed he would turn the corner, but it was not to be.

As Alabama ends this relationship with Shula, all of the fans should unite in saying a thank you to Shula. While it was not all that we wanted, Shula remains a part of our family and we wish him all the best.

LATEST RUMOR: MIKE SHULA FIRED

It is believed that Dr. Robert Witt has decided to remove Mike Shula from the head coaching position at the University. The decision is contingent upon finding a replacement. The president is said to respect and hold Shula in high regard, but strong lobbying efforts from the "football experts" may have convinced Dr. Witt to make a change despite hopes that Shula could salvage the season, the team and University prestige. Discipline issues on the team along with academic and other performance indicators are thought to have played a part in the rumored decision. The off-the-field arrests combined with the bottle-throwing fan incident may have played a part in the decision.

Alabama makes unofficial contact

UPDATE: Growing indications that an overture is underway to create a "contingency plan" for a leadership transition in the football program.

Rumor has it that university supporters were told by Dr. Witt to gather a list of potential replacements (via unofficial back-channel contact.) This list would be utilized in an analysis of the current Alabama situation and whether or not a change would benefit the school.

The University is moving swiftly in its decision making process and wants to tell the coaching staff and the University family something soon. The timetable, according to sources close to the university, is by next Monday-possibly sooner. As soon as possible, probably early next week (though it could happen this week) would be a public statement of support or the termination. Dr. Witt and Moore are anxious to avoid the "vote of confidence" fiasco, which created more speculation earlier this season. If Shula is retained, expect something beyond a vote of confidence, but short of a contract extension.

The reason for the short timetable is a belief from football experts within the University that some resolution must take place quickly for the fans, the coaches (and their families) and recruiting. It would not be fair to keep Shula and the other coaches in the dark for very long, a person close to the University said. In addition, if Shula and his staff are going to be out recruiting, football experts want Shula to be in a strong and definitive position, something harder since the fifth-consecutive Iron Bowl loss.

ALABAMA FOOTBALL CRISIS: WHAT WE KNOW...

(or at least think we know)

Mal Moore and President Robert Witt spent some hours of the weekend evaluating the status of the football program (it brings in over $65 million per year to the Unviersity and is a considered an important part of the overall institution.)

A faction of football supporters applied intense pressure to President Witt after the fifth-straight Iron Bowl loss to Auburn. The lobbying effort subsided for a time Sunday afternoon, which indicated some type of decision might have been made (possibily to retain Shula).

Late Sunday afternoon, some prominent Alabama football supporters appeared in despair and encouraged other fans to "rise up" and force a change. That also would seem to indicate either a decision or some type of support for Shula (it also indicates a belief that there is still time to influence the future of the program.)


The contact information for the three most important persons in the Shula decision are:
Chancellor Portera - Mportera@uasystem.ua.edu
President Witt - witt@pres.ua.edu
Mal Moore - mmoore@ia.ua.edu

ALSO: you can reach MAL MOORE by fax (205) 348-2196
you can reach Robert Witt by fax (205) 348-8377

In other news, Dennis Dodd, the cbs.sportsline.com columnist) who has defended Shula earlier in the season added this gem to his latest weblog: The end? Don't be surprised if Mike Shula is fired. The loss to Auburn was that bad.

Let Alabama know how you feel about Shula

TIME IS RUNNING OUT TO SAVE THE CRIMSON TIDE!

The time to save Alabama football is now! Let the powers that be know where you stand!

Chancellor Portera - Mportera@uasystem.ua.edu
President Witt - witt@pres.ua.edu
Mal Moore - mmoore@ia.ua.edu

UPDATE: And according to a poster on tidesports.com here is the email address for Mike Shula's biggest supporter on the board of trustees:
James W. Wilson III - j.wilson3@jwamalls.com

RUMOR: Alabama decision close?

According to the latest gossip floating in from multiple people around town, that lobbying efforts have ceased and what may be a consensus decision has been made concerning Shula's future.

Spurrier downplays Miami

Spurrier said he is 'not a candidate' for Miami job.

BREAKING NEWS: MORE ON SPURRIER & MIAMI

Sources within the Miami program say the would target Spurrier, according to ESPN.

If Spurrier is in play, there is no reason for the University not to approach Spurrier with an offer.

ALABAMA: The new Auburn?

After four years, Alabama fans know their team is close. The question is, to what? Being what they think Auburn used to be?

The pro-Shula supporters are few and far between on this day after the Iron Bowl. Ray Melick's column in the pro-Shula Pravda-like Birmingham News even raises the questions most fans are asking themselves.

Taken together, the Melick column and Cecil Hurt's column are major hits to the Shula regime. Assume for a moment that Witt is still making a decision, these columns deliver devestating body blows to any defense of Mike Shula.

BREAKING NEWS: Spurrier rumored ready to leave South Carolina

CSTV: Spurrier Could Be Next Miami Head Coach, Sources say coach ready to leave South Carolina

Sources say the old ball coach is ready to bolt from South Carolina. The question is where would he want to go.