Is Alabama committed to success?

Someone asked me this question today, "Is Alabama committed to success?" I quickly wanted to answer the question, but I was interrupted with a follow-up question. "Has Alabama done anything in the last ten years to indicate it is committed to achieving success?"

My inclination was to blow this question out of the water. Of course Alabama is committed to success and would do what it took to achieve success.

Then reality set in.

Over the last decade the University has done nothing to indicate it wants to win.

My interlocutor, Socrates-like, took me through the last decade's malaise. First Mike Dubose. Then probation and Dennis Franchione followed by Mike Price and his lap-dance obsessions. Then Mike Shula. And we all know about Shula, as a three-week old corpse was more animated and more competent to be head coach in the SEC when compared to Mike Shula.

Of course the University's troubles do not end there. Travel back a bit further and you would see former president Andrew Sorensen and former athletic director Bob Bockrath running Gene Stallings out of Tuscaloosa. Should we go further and point out Joab Thomas hiring Bill Curry instead of Bobby Bowden?

In any analysis, Alabama doesn't look like it is capable of doing what it takes to win.

When you reach this conclusion, the next question must be, "What is the cause?"

In my opinion, there is a faction within the University administration, within the athletic dept. (bureaucracy) and within the board of trustees with the sole intention of self-aggrandizement; this faction's sole purpose is to exercise power over the football program--to control it as a fiefdom. It is this junta that has engineered the leaks and with a compliant press has scuttled the first phase of the coaching search. Just like this junta engineered leaks to keep Mike Shula's job safe.

Something must happen quickly to save the University from itself: a leader must stand up and force change. Dr. Witt must terminate the troublemakers. If the University ever hopes to achieve anything again, Dr. Witt must lead the University across Jordan.

Whatever Dr. Witt decides to do, the coaching search must continue. This coaching search is now a disaster, but it is in adversity that greatness can shine. This can be salvaged, but only through strong leadership and supreme effort.

We must not panic. There are good coaches available and the NFL season is still underway. A handful of good coaches should be candidates if Alabama can be open minded enough to pursue a path to victory. Forget the PR ramifications. This is already a nightmare. Nothing can change this from what it already is, but with patience we can change the game and become masters of our own fate. While being patient, the University must go into overdrive to make a deal happen. No more low-balling, no more negotiating. We must present a package that "Wow's" our candidate and leaves no room for anyone else to counter-offer.

If we do not seize the initiative, clean house in the athletic dept. and make wise choices in the coaching search then Alabama football could be consigned to the dustbin of history. We must not allow this to happen.

Capstone Chaos

Alabama’s coaching search shocker today has insiders and fans looking for someone or something to foot the blame. A large focus is on Mal Moore, but I’m told serious anger from within the administration for the leaks, which many view damaged this search process from the very beginning. The leaks were engineered to damage the coaching search.

No need to panic

If there is one thing Alabama fans can do is panic. Take a deep breath and hang out for word. Sure the Birmingham News, ESPN and other publications have done everything possible to sabotage this coaching search. Nonetheless, ignore the panic from talk radio and message boards and watch tidesports.com because they are the only accurate source of information amongst the major media outlets.

Have faith. Things usually have a way of working out for the best.

Coach Rod @ Alabama; a nobody at Miami

According to multiple media outlets today Coach Rich Rodriguez has or would accept the Alabama coaching job. (The Tuscaloosa News reported tonight almost everything was done and the Birmingham News reported it was a done deal.)

Listening to the media today was surreal. Whether it was Chris Fowler or another dumbass media blowhard somehow they found a way to criticize Alabama. They'd bash Alabama as being desperate or they'd bash Alabama fans for "unrealistic expectations." Even local sports reporters bash Alabama. Get any of the state's media together and you'll hear almost nothing good about Alabama. In fact you'll hear smartass cracks and a general condescending lecture about the "rednecks" associated with the University.

Since Mike Shula was fired, what have ESPN and other media outlets done?

They've ridiculed Alabama and said it was a job nobody wanted.

It looks like Alabama was a job lots of people wanted and one of the hottest names in coaching accepted. The other premiere job open this season was Miami. Guess what! It was the job nobody wanted. First one and then another turned the U down. Miami even contacted Rodriguez. But guess what, he'd rather have Alabama than the U.

Will we see ridicule heaped on Miami for their fourth-rate hire? Of course not! It is Miami. It is hip and cool. But if Alabama had been forced to hire an assistant, we'd never have heard the end of it.

Diversion? Conspiracy? Theories abound in Tide's coaching search

Several emails sent to me over the last week contained interesting speculation that Spurrier, Saban and now even Rodriguez were diversions from Alabama's true coaching candidate. These emails contained often extensive analysis of why so-and-so would be the next Tide coach. These missives also contained detailed theories of how people close to the University (and sometimes these other coaches) conspired together to make this diversion a reality.

Please.

Alabama couldn't keep a secret if its life depended on it. For such a conspiracy to work, more than a dozen individuals from within and outside the Alabama family would be required to not only keep hot gossip SECRET, but to undertake a willful misinformation campaign.

That isn't what is happening. What we are seeing isn't the product of willful misinformation, but the results of a tightly controlled information environment. So few people have a true picture of what is going on inside the corridors of power that they take the scraps of information they have and fill in the blanks. Thus, ordinarily reliable sources have become unreliable.

It isn't some grand scheme, but simply human nature that people usually in the know don't want to be seen as being outside like the rest of the Alabama nation.

Other tidbits: Based on today's Tuscaloosa News story, a decision was being made last night and in the early hours of this morning. Presumably, the decision would be a choice between waiting on Saban or hiring Rodriguez. This could mean we would know something as early as today. Watch Coach Rodriguez for clues. If he isn't the man, he'll reaffirm commitment to WVU soon; if he is the man then he'll probably be introduced soon. For an analysis of Coach Rodriguez and his offensive style click here.

No decision yet in Tide coaching search

The paper of record, The Tuscaloosa News, reported in Thursday morning editions, a decision would soon be made on the direction of the coaching search.

The presumed decision would be between waiting for Saban or hiring Rodriguez. The report in the Tuscaloosa News also said it could not confirm a report from Fox 10 of Mobile-Pensacola which said University officials were meeting with Saban about the job. Paul Finebaum reported on his radio program Jimmy Sexton, Saban's agent, denied the report.

The flight information is possible; however, it should be viewed with extreme caution. A source I know said the Fox story was preposterous, but then said Saban was still on the University's list. Take that for what it is worth.

Report: Alabama to interview Saban

Take it for what it's worth. TV station Fox 10 says Saban to talk with Alabama.

UPDATE: Finebaum talked with Saban's agent Jimmy Sexton around 6:30 p.m. Wed. evening. He reported on his radio program Sexton said "no truth to that report whatsoever...Saban is not talking to anyone."

Report: UA ready to offer Rodriguez

The Birmingham News is reporting UA will offer job to Rodriguez if he wants the job, citing three anonymous sources.

Alabama Football breaking news on al.com

ALSO: Tuscaloosa News reports Moore back in Tuscaloosa; Rodriguez in meeting with WVU AD.

Be sure to check out the comment section (or click here) for in depth discussion and analysis of the latest news related to this story.

For commentary on Rodriguez, his offense and analysis on the chances of success in the SEC click here.

Saban name won't die; Rodriguez meeting one aspect of search

The paper of record's take on the Rodriguez meeting and Saban's lingering candidacy for Alabama's head coach.

Be sure to check out the comment section (or click here) for in depth discussion and analysis of the latest news related to this story.

Is it Rodriguez? What about his offense?

With the 90-minute Tuesday afternoon meeting between Mal Moore and the Rodriguez family does this mean the deal is almost consummated?

A face-to-face meeting indicates a major change in the Alabama coaching search. It doesn't mean a deal is imminent; however, the meeting has escalated the stakes for all parties involved. If it is going to be Rodriguez then expect something to happen within the next 48-hours. It seems unlikely Rodriguez would have a meeting and then just sit around waiting on a telephone call for days or weeks.

Offensive question mark
While most Alabama fans are not upset with courting Rodriguez, there is an element of fans who dislike Rodriguez. Complaints range from:
He doesn't play defense
His offense isn't smashmouth
It isn't ball control

Each of these complaints is a perfect example of what's wrong with not only Alabama football but all sports--Fans who think they know something, but actually know nothing at all.

I'll be the first to say I hate the spread option. I'm not convinced it works with the speed of the SEC. Florida's offense has been horrible this year; I'd point out Florida's offense was more incompetent than Mike Shula's or a Gene Stallings-era offense (as an example take a look at the Auburn game.) A lot of luck and a good defense helped Florida this year. In a couple of years when Urban's system and players are all in place at Florida, expect worse results than his first season. This year was an aberration, not a vindication of the spread option attack in the SEC. Contrary to most opinions, I believe the SEC was substantially weak this season (I expect the SEC to win no more than 4 of its bowl games.) When you consider the weakness of this year's SEC teams and all the breaks Florida caught during the season, you cannot say the spread option helped Florida. If anything it hurt.

With that said, Rodriguez has impressive credentials. His offenses at Tulane, Clemson and West Virginia showed great skill at understanding how to attack defenses.

Whatever football is, it is a game of one-on-one matchups. Therefore, exploiting the one-on-one matchups which favor your team is the secret of success in any offensive or defensive scheme. Rodriguez has shown an ability to utilize his strengths and attack the opposition's weaknesses. I agree there are questions and Rodriguez would be smart to immediately address his offensive plans, if hired, but his history is good and without a doubt next season's offense under Rodriguez would be 1,000-times better than Mike Shula simply because Rodriguez understands discipline and fundamentals. Shula's teams were horrible because they weren't tough and weren't disciplined.

That won't happen under a coach like Rodriguez.

The criticism of many of today's coaches by some Alabama fans centers on the "smashmouth" problem. These fans say "This is Al-uhhh-bamm-uhhhh, we play smushmouth footbull here."

Do these people even understand football?

Bryant's teams in the 1960's (while tough players) relied on a pro-style passing attack and featured luminaries like Joe Namath and Ken Stabler. When Bryant transitioned to the wishbone in the 1970's, the wishbone/option-style offense is a very dangerous offense since the ball is regularly unsecured for long periods of time during each play. The option is often considered a smashmouth-type offense, but it is not. The option is a finesse style offense that uses execution, misdirection and options to overcome defenses. That's why smaller schools like the service academies utilize this offense.

One thing observers of football should understand is the game is cyclical. Offensive styles come in and out of favor. However, there are certain constants. First, you must be able to run the football (and it is very important to be able to run between the tackles.) Second in my opinion, you must throw the ball deep to stretch the defense vertically. This stretching the defense helps your running game and also helps the short and intermediate passing games. Of course the most important elements of an offense is the ability to pass protect and run block. If you can accomplish those two important points, any style offense will work in any league.

Rodriguez and Moore meet in NYC

Rodriguez has informal meeting with Mal Moore in NYC.

Moore to meet with Rodriguez; Saban name lingers; Grobe on list?

Moore to meet Rodriguez in NYC at some point today, sources said in this report.

Sorting out the search: No chance for Stoops & Nutt?

Disclaimer: This post includes the use of the word Source or Sources, as such it should be taken as seriously as anything written by a West Virginia publication or the Huntsville Times.


According to a source, Bob Stoops will not be the next coach at Alabama. In fact, Stoops name has not crossed anyone's desk. Why? Because nobody at the University thought Stoops would be interested. When pressed about some of the Internet rumors such as the NCAA troubles, these were all dismissed. So, Stoops doesn't seem to be a realistic choice at this time.

Another name mentioned in a few emails today was Houston Nutt. I'm told Nutt is "respected" in UA circles, but he is NOT under consideration for the Alabama job.

I hesitated to write the post on Stoops and Nutt because who knows what is going to happen and it would be easier to just say the situation is fluid and avoid responsibility for putting this information out into the discourse. However, I do feel the information on Stoops and Nutt is accurate--neither will be coaching Alabama.

As always hold anything a "source" says under intense scrutiny and take it with a grain of salt. Throughout 2006, sources within the Alabama program have pushed a personal agenda (saving Mike Shula, making the administration look bad for firing Shula, etc.). Unfortunately, most media organizations have failed to use journalistic discretion in judging the reliability of its sources.

Rise Up! Let's fight media bias

The anti-Alabama bias in media has been clear for many years; however, these last few weeks showcased the negative climate toward the state and the University's football program. Let's work together to expose the biggest anti-Alabama bias in the local media. Share your comments and let's identify who does a bad job and who is doing a good job (share examples please!).

Monday: Saban out and Rodriguez focus

The focus on Sunday switched to Nick Saban thanks to a Huntsville Times report, which said Saban would interview for the job. Of course, Saban doesn't seem as if he'd interview for anything. If someone at Alabama wanted him to interview that would be as stupid as asking Bobby Bowden to interview for the position in 1986. Therefore, the Huntsville Times report was fallacious. Just like most things coming from Newhouse newspapers this year.

Rodriguez reportedly has been contacted again about the Alabama job. This time by the headhunter helping Mal Moore, according to the Charleston, WV newspaper.

Likewise, don't expect Rodriguez to interview. At least that is one thing that makes sense from the Birmingham News story this morning.

With Mal Moore and others in New York City, expect a formal conversation to take place with Rodriguez and perhaps another candidate or two if things begin to unravel.

But the NYC trip indicates no coach would be named until Dec. 7 or 8, perhaps even as late as Dec. 11 or Dec. 12.

Other Alabama news: Tidesports.com tells us about the Independence Bowl, how to buy tickets and the status of Alabama's backup QB Jimmy Barnes. Barnes injured a knee during practice.

Candidate du jour: Nick Saban

Today all eyes will focus on the Miami Dolphins as speculation has shifted from Rich Rodriguez to Nick Saban.

Why? Several message boards are abuzz with rumors and of course when Cecil Hurt speculates in his column that Nick Saban of the Miami Dolphins, "either has or hasn’t removed himself, depending on who you believe. (I’m still leaning in the “hasn’t done so" direction.)" then you've got what some believe to be an indication of what insiders at the University may be thinking.

And of course you have a Huntsville Times story (picked up by Florida newspapers) saying Saban would interview for the Alabama job.

It is just speculation, but Hurt is the most informed journalist in the state and his words carry far more weight than any other journalist. Also, Saban's name has remained atop the wish list, according to just about every single person you talk with close to the administration (or just about any fan.) Combine that with what anonymous sources said and you've got the recipe for serious speculation this morning.

If Saban says following the game: "Hold the rope," we'll know something is up. (And if you can't figure it out, I'm joking about hold the rope!")