Hold the rope?

What a choice of words for Coach Rodriguez following WVU's win over Rutgers.

Want to know Alabama's next coach? Well, don't ask the media

Friday was a bad day for journalism. Alright, this whole week was bad for journalism.

Throughout the entire week, and for that matter most of the football season, newspapers and television stations have been getting the Shula story wrong.

But why?

There are many factors.

Take a look at tonight's disaster from West Virginia. Early this afternoon, The West Virginia MetroNews broke a story declaring Rich Rodriguez and Alabama were getting close to a deal. The basis of the story were their own sources within the University of WV and a Pat Forde report on ESPN radio. You can listen to Paul Finebaum's interview with the writer Greg Hunter.

The only problem with the story? Forde didn't report what Hunter thought.

The problem here is simple enough (or at least easy to theorize about.) Hunter's sources within UWV indicated Rodriguez wants the Alabama job. So, Hunter knows on his end the deal could be done. All that was missing were facts from the Alabama side. He or his staff heard what they wanted to hear from Forde and, presto, a story was born.

The big problem here was the MetroNews based its report on someone else's report.

As if that were not enough to give West Virginia journalists a bad reputation along comes the State Journal. It reported a deal was close between Alabama and Rodriguez.

This report was based on a source close to Alabama. Unfortunately for the writer, he was also interviewed by Paul Finebaum.

The interview with Gannon was painful. Finebaum exposed several problems with the story, but none were as glaring as Gannon's admission the story was based on a single-source.

Why would the news organization allow such an important story out without additional sourcing?

I'm going to suggest an answer. Inexperience.

Being a weekly newspaper the staff probably deals with what most weekly newspapers report: the largest tomato at the county fair, the quilting bee and the chamber of commerce parade.

A single source will do when writing about the Christmas parade, but when it is something important like a coaching search, you would be better off getting some confirmation.

But why wouldn't the journalist seek confirmation? Isn't that common sense?

Perhaps, but there are significant problems with journalists, which impair their ability to do their jobs.

First, a post on the media critic blog at National Review from November hints at how the role of the reporter changed post-Watergate. The post explains how the decline of journalism coincided with the rise of college training. This blog entry posits, liberal excesses of academia created much of the problems in reporting: "The reporting jobs were taken from blue-collar types just trying to do a job and given to college-educated idealists on a mission."

I'm not sure this observation is completely accurate; however, the 'idealist' part is right, but only partially. Most journalism graduates are obnoxious know-it-alls who denigrate anyone who does not agree with them or their interpretation of the facts (on everything from politics, to restaurants, to the weather.) Good reporters are able to filter through the information, tell both sides of the story and always remember the truth is the most important element of the story.

But to be a good reporter, a young journalism student must be willing to learn--to soak in the knowledge and experience of those around them.

Today's young journalists come to newspapers filled with arrogance and are unwilling to learn from the senior staff. These graduates believe they learned everything in college. They studied Quark and learned how to use a camera; therefore, they know all they need to know.

This hubris handicaps young reporters. They lock into one interpretation on a story and then look for evidence to support that interpretation, rather than exploring the depth of the story. An article today is less a journey into truth and more an essay supporting the writer's preconceived notions. In other words, most newspaper articles today are merely commentary or analysis masquerading as news.

Second, writers are lazy.

Give a writer a 1,000-word assignment due in one-month and you'll get it in one month. Give that same writer the same assignment for a 1,000-word story due in one-week and you'll get almost exactly the same story with very little extra work done in the longer timespan.

That is not to say writing isn't hard. It is. I struggle with it.

But the mindset of many writers is to find the easiest way to get the story done. Some of that deals with deadline pressures. Some of it deals with bad morale in media organizations. But a large part of it deals with how writers are serious procrastinators. Naturally, quality suffers when writers aren't focused on doing a good job.

Good reporters are able to do their job without taking shortcuts. Unfortunately, there are fewer and fewer good reporters out there.

And some wonder why nobody trusts the media...

Listening in to Finebaum's show this afternoon was enough to make anyone want to cry about the reliability of today's journalists. Wow. West Virginia media outlets have about as much credibility as the Birmingham News.

UPDATE: MAL MOORE RELEASES STATEMENT

TUSCALOOSA–University of Alabama Director of Athletics Mal Moore released this afternoon the following statement regarding the status of the search for a new head football coach:
“While I remain committed to not engaging in a lengthy public dialogue on the progress of our search for a new head football coach, I want all of our fans and supporters to know that we appreciate and understand the tremendous interest in this process.
“I am very pleased with where we are in this search. I know there have been many rumors speculating about candidates and timelines and, while I won’t get into specifics of who we are interested in, I want everyone to understand that we have not contacted any college coaches who have not yet completed their regular seasons.
“While I do recognize the need to get a head football coach hired soon, I am less concerned with following a timeline than I am about making sure we hire the right person for the job.”

Alabama near deal for new coach?

According to this story in the West Virginia Metro News, Alabama is close to a deal with Rich Rodriguez. Also, there is an alleged Sunday 10 a.m. mandatory team meeting for the Mountaineers. Take these reports with big doses of salt.

UPDATE: PAT FORDE repudiates report in WV Metro News on Finebaum show.

A second West Virginia story on the situation.

However, one major element in support of this story was our earlier dictum which said expect reports to filter from outside Tuscaloosa in the prospective coach's camp. One element of this story, which is important for readers was this paragraph:

several sources within the West Virginia athletic department have indicated that Rodriguez has said he is ready to accept the Alabama job, if offered, and that he’s already talking to members of his staff about accompanying him to Tuscaloosa.

A bump on the road to a new coach? Alabama officials feel search is on track

UPDATE: The unreliable Birmingham News has posted this update which indicates Spurrier is interested in the job and the University would continue to pursue the deal. I'd urge you to remember the source.

While there may be no deadline, there is a roadmap to a new coach, according to sources close to the Alabama search.

But what makes any source so sure?

The best sources and indicators told us a big deal was at hand with Steve Spurrier, but now everyone has soured on that potential deal.

We've cautioned for over a week that "sources" (even high placed) would be less reliable due to the compartmentalized nature of the search. Essentially, Mal Moore is about the only one who knows from moment-to-moment what is happening and even he doesn't know that much.

Many "sources" are already breaking out their talking points to discredit the Spurrier-Alabama flirtation. One presentation through various "sources" in the Alabama family says Spurrier was never Alabama's first choice and not seriously pursued. This seems highly unlikely and stretches credulity. The best information available from a variety of sources and news organizations indicated Alabama presented a serious offer to Spurrier. All persons following the coaching search should remember the lessons from the Shula firing. Lots of individuals were putting out false information through media outlets. All information should be filtered through the BS-detector.

An interesting story being presented Thursday morning by the paper of record, The Tuscaloosa News, was the idea this search had no deadline. Other "sources" were putting out information Thursday afternoon and evening the search could take two-weeks or longer to reach fruition. It could be an indication the University is talking with an NFL coach (as some have said, throughout the process.) However, and Alabama fans should keep this in mind with the parties involved, this could be part of a Cover Your Ass strategy. Such a strategy would lower expectations of a quick resolution so that if a deal is wrapped-up next week then administration officials could claim victory.

One of the big problems for media outlets and "inside sources" in this search is Mal Moore's tendency to tell everyone what they want to hear. It was the same situation during the Shula firing. Moore would listen to the pitch then agree with it. It seems the same type of situation is underway in that Moore gives conflicting information to subordinates and others close to the situation. It has substantially hindered the reporting of this story, and shows little sign of change.

Does that mean there is not legitimate information floating around? No. Certainly, there are plenty of facts which have leaked, but as always keep watching tidesports.com for the best information in regards to what is happening inside the coaching search.

If you believe the Birmingham News...

...then you are a fool.

At what point this season has anything written in that paper been correct about Alabama's coaching situation?

First, Shula has at least two more years. Then Shula would make staff changes. Then Shula is going to survive. Then the Dewey defeats Truman moment on Monday morning, when a real newspaper, The Tuscaloosa News, had Shula's firing front and center and the Birmingham News was saying Shula ready to press forward as coach.

And now the story saying Spurrier won't be here. Don't make me laugh. Are these the same reliable sources the News utilized through this season? If so, I'll take what the deputy athletic director's third-cousin's, sister's hairdresser's, TV repairman said. I know it'll be more plausible and more reliable.

The News story might be accurate. Very accurate. However, there is nothing in the track record of the Birmingham News this football season that should give anything it says about Alabama footall any more weight than something coming out of Tommy Tuberville's office.

Take for a moment an analysis of what we know this morning based on other media outlets.

1. Alabama has asked permission to speak with Steve Spurrier, according to the Mobile Press-Register. So far, the Press-Register is the only reliable Newhouse publication in the state.
2. Alabama has presented Spurrier an offer, according to WAKA of Montgomery last night. Now the Press-Register says no offer has been presented. It is our opinion that both stories are correct. Spurrier was given only a preliminary outline including expected salary, contract length and other powers.
3. One good element from the Birmingham News was Wednesday's column by Kevin Scarbinsky. "If you believe the statements from both Saban and Spurrier denying interest in the Alabama job are necessarily the last words on the subject, I believe you've never paid close attention to a coaching change before." That is an important thing to remember. What coaches say usually never corresponds to what coaches do.

As we've cautioned all week, an offer does not equate to a deal. I've had no feeling or what I'd consider reliable information on our chances with Spurrier. But unlike others, we've pointed out Spurrier was a target--just like we pointed out about a week before others we had information indiciating Dr. Witt had decided to move in a new direction with the football program. The Birmingham News story might be correct, and it should be used as an antidote to an irrational exuberance among fans. But I wouldn't believe it.

FLASH: FOX6 Birmingham reporting Spurrier-Moore to have face-to-face meeting; Bamamag backing off 2p.m. presser

UPDATE: Tidesports.com has a blog entry on the Spurrier rumors.

UPDATE: WAKA Montgomery reporting contract offered. For those wanting a link, here is a link to a story from a television station saying Spurrier is offered from "multiple confirmed sources."

UPDATE: Karle on Fox 6 @ 10 p.m. said a source said Moore wants a face-to-face meeting because if Spurrier is going to say no then it needs to be face-to-face. Fox 6's Dubberly reported Spurrier's brother said Spurrier would not be leaving South Carolina. ANALYSIS: That is Karle covering his ass in case the report of a face-to-face meeting is wrong. No AD would try for a face-to-face unless he felt he had a great chance at success. If Karle's source is accurate then a meeting would indicate some type of deal. Also, Bamamag apparently has modified its report on a press conference tomorrow. No idea if this would be revised at a later time.

Spurrier mulls Alabama offer

Alabama has contacted Spurrier on at least two occasions following the termination of Mike Shula, according to sources familiar with the negotiations. These two contacts between intermediaries led to what some have called a "critical" phase of the negotiations.

Alabama is in a holding pattern pending Spurrier's consideration of a multi-million dollar offer. There is no expected timetable; however, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Tony Barnhart said in his Blog the next 48-hours would be critical. This could indicate South Carolina (and its Chancellor former University of Alabama president Andrew Sorensen) are preparing a counter-offer in an attempt to prevent Spurrier from leaving. Despite a brave face, South Carolina officials and fans are now taking seriously Alabama's interest in Spurrier. The reports out of the Gamecock camp are eerily similar to the reports during the exodus of Dennis Franchione from Alabama.

Reports have varied on the extent of Alabama's offer. We reported last night Alabama would offer Spurrier a 7-year contract with $4.28 million per year. Today, Scott Moore of Southern Sports Tonight (a radio show in Ft. Walton Beach, FL.) reported a $3.3 million per year 7-year contract with a $5 million signing bonus was offered to Spurrier.

The offer is viewed by persons close to the University administration as being a signal that Alabama is not going to make a mistake this time. Spurrier is being pitched unlike any previous Alabama coaching search in the post-Bryant era. On tonight's radio program, Paul Finebaum said the Alabama attitude represented a "paradigm" shift in thinking at the University.

While the Spurrier option is being hotly pursued by the University, additional options have also been outlined by Athletic Director Mal Moore in accord with the administration's desire to have a successful coaching search.

As we cautioned last night, an offer does not equate to a deal; however, the situation is fundamentally different from the situation when Bobby Bowden was told he must follow the interview process to become coach at Alabama. Alabama is presenting its case in a positive way despite the critical reports in national, regional and some local media outlets.

Fighting Irrational Exuberance: The Spurrier Bubble

While there is substantial (and credible) evidence in circulation at the moment that Steve Spurrier is Mal Moore’s target, we caution that even if Spurrier is the target then there are hundreds of things which could impede the deal.

Furthermore, there is always the possibility the information is incorrect.

It would be unwise to presuppose an offer equated to a deal. Such irrational exuberance is indicative of a need within the Alabama program for a great coach. While it appears there is something good on the horizon, caution should be exercised in viewing these rumors and other “reports” on the Internet.

For the most reliable information on Alabama athletics look to tidesports.com. They broke the news on Shula’s termination and are the paper of record for the University.

RUMOR: Spurrier contacted; offer pending

Officials with Alabama made contact today with Steve Spurrier, according to the best information available. The preliminary conversation was a prelude to where Spurrier would be presented an offer. The offer could be presented to him as early as tonight with a $4.28 million per year contract for seven years.

Post-Shula Briefing

It is sad when everyone from online sites like blogs, discussions boards and the Tuscaloosa News beat larger publications like the Birmingham News and the Huntsville Times to a story. The Birmingham News has a serious problem in its operation and should seriously consider appointing an ombudsman to investigate its editorial operations. While such a post would not need to be permanent like the position at the Washington Post, there should be some mechanism appointed to assure the public the News would strive to be a fair, accurate and timely source of news.

We were right and feel vindicated in our report last week that Dr. Witt had abandoned the Shula camp and decided to fire the football coach. Also, while we have taken shots at Bama Online (yes, we called them Pravda on a couple of occasions), they should be commended for trying to report Shula's firing last week. Unlike the Birmingham News, that publication at least saw the handwriting on the wall and tried to report the story. While the early report was wrong in many respects and the website took criticism on talk radio shows, the organization was doing what it should be doing, trying to uncover the truth. The Birmingham News and Huntsville Times were the voices of propaganda throughout the Shula fiasco. And the Dewey defeats Truman moment of reading this morning's Birmingham paper was something disturbing.

On to the briefing, What we know (...or at least think we know)

1. Informal contact began last week before the Thanksgiving holidays. When Mal Moore said today he had not talked to a coach, it might be technically true, but it is not accurate.
   From the best information available, we do not believe Alabama has concluded a deal with any coach.
   
2. We believe Alabama has one primary candidate. We believe Dr. Witt insisted a plan be in place before firing Shula. The plan outlined contingencies and while there is a primary candidate, the University has other options prepared. This coaching search should be more organized than the previous debacle.
   
3. We believe a substantial offer is on the table. It is very hard to cut through all the rumor, because even people who should know are getting polluted with gossip. In our opinion, we believe an offer was made to a coach for seven years at $4.28 million. It seems the financial incentives give a strong clue toward the direction the search has taken as only a handful of names would warrant that type of money. Of course, the information on this is sketchy, but at this point it seems reliable.
4. As always, the place to watch for Alabama football breaking news is the Tuscaloosa News available online at tidesports.com. We've repeated this in other briefings but it always serves as a good reminder for fans. Information coming from "sources" during a coaching search are highly unreliable due to many factors. The key factor being so few people are included in coaching search discussions. 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.

SHULA OUT AT CAPSTONE

"He who learns must suffer. And even in our sleep, pain that cannot forget falls drop by drop upon the heart. And in our own despair, and against our will, comes Wisdom by the awful Grace of God". -Aeschylus

May this difficult time for Mike be profitable for him. May he learn some important lessons that would benefit him in his next business venture. We all wish him the best and know his faith will sustain him during a difficult time.

Shula out at the Capstone

Mr. Moore, Dr. Witt, Time has run out

The Jeopardy theme has concluded. The fourth-quarter clock has expired. There is no time left for University leaders.

This is it. Like Ernest & Julio, it's time--time for a decision.

I won't recite the reasons why we all like Mike Shula or why Mike Shula should be fired.

Whatever side of the argument a Tide fan falls on, we are all in agreement that this must stop.

The delay is not fair to Mike, his coaching staff or the fans. People want to know what is going to happen to something they cherish and University officials must give them the answer on Monday morning.

With usual indifference to the rest of the world, University administrators went on holiday, while everyone else was forced to wonder about the course being chartered for Alabama football. Fans tracked airplanes, speculated on message boards, posted on blogs and have called every person remotely connected with the University because they were a potential "source" of inside information.

For whatever the reason, officials have failed to say anything. But the silence has spoken loudly. It has proclaimed: "We are not leaders." Or at the very least they have no sense of how important time is. Time is a precious commodity. And with each moment that Shula hangs in limbo the University, Mike Shula and the football program are damaged.

It seems whatever guides the University's decisions, it is as non-functional as the Legion Field clock of so long ago. And just like that clock, everything is frozen.

Perhaps the University doesn't know what to say or how to say it. Perhaps the school doesn't want to appear ungrateful to Mike for all he has given and done for the University. That is understandable. It is reasonable to admire Mike for all he tried to accomplish. But it is now time to say goodbye.

University officials should keep in mind a line from Shakespeare, "Action is eloquence!" Administrators would be wise to memorize that quote.

Team meeting...

We've all been waiting for the team meeting set for tonight at 9 p.m. The team meeting is for the purpose of check-in, schedules and possibly more. The media is supposed to have reporters there to try to see if anything leaks from the meeting.

IF Shula was told today he has been fired, then tonight would be a perfect time to talk with the team. Nothing is certain in this situation (come on, the University simply MUST say something soon!), but we still believe the best information indicated Dr. Witt reached a decision last week to terminate Shula. If Shula was informed today (following the administration's return from holiday vacation) then the team would get the information tonight and perhaps the press would get the information tomorrow since many media members would be there anyway for the basketball press conference.

We hope to have at least official word on Shula's fate SOON.

UPDATE: Memphis Tider along with Fox 6 and other media outlets report no news from tonight's meeting.

BamaMag post might be of interest to you guys interested in the next football coach at the University.

But I'm not going to hold my breath. This holiday weekend may have been something positive for the administration, but it has been horrible for the fans. The University has a responsibility to act in the best interest of the fans, players and coaching staff. I do not think this limbo was very good for Shula or his assistants. Bad news is best delivered fast and frankly.

A twist to the Spurrier rumor: UA jet visits Kentucky

For people reading the tea leaves on who the next coach will be at Alabama, a trustee jet is in Kentucky.

Of course, this could be an air ambulance by its designation, but don't let it stop the speculation.