I haven't commented on the state of UM since the ganking of Randy Shannon, until now.
1. The Gruden rumors seem a little far-fetched. Yet its continually reported (and by good sources), the timing is curious (NFL collective bargaining lockout), and the administration wants to spend the dough to get a good coach. $3 million a year? That's enough to have him at least listen. Based on the athletic director's comments, you better make a big splash... and there's no bigger splash than Gruden.
2. As for right now... We suck, but we have the talent not to suck. When you commit penalties and turnovers, you suck. When you don't play up to your potential, and down to other teams' talent, YOU SUCK. No, Miami wasn't more talented than Ohio State. But we certainly had more in the gun than South Florida, Virginia Tech, and freaking UVA (see why you don't lose to UVA here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RidU6ILUQNE and here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0zKxcXfKYgY&feature=related).
We're the 4th best team in the state of Florida. When, if ever, has that ever been said about Miami?
3. Randy Shannon needed the axe. He needed it after he lost to UVA, yet the administration gave him the chance to right the ship. Additional losses to Virginia Tech and South Florida doomed his career.
Randy Shannon is an excellent defensive coordinator, solid recruiter, and overall great dude. But he is ill-equipped to deal with the pressures of an attractive head coaching position. He was simply a better #2 than #1. Think Scottie Pippen.
There were signs before the UVA game, though. The lack of discipline and mental toughness were evident due to the outrageous penalties, continuous turnovers, and erratic motivation of the players.
Shannon also mishandled the media. He refused to come on Sid Rosenberg's show because he asked tough questions. If you can't handle honest queries, how can you handle the pressure of the UM alumni, boosters, and fanbase? In addition, he didn't allow his two quarterbacks to speak to the media after the continued turnovers. That sends a bad message. Morris still hasn't spoken. Banning Twitter didn't work, either.
The Shannon era produced zero bowl wins, a losing record against postseason top 25 teams, a .500 record in a mediocre ACC, and at least 4 losses every year. Not good.
I'll give props. Fantastic citizens, outstanding academic and graduation rates, and solid recruiting make Randy Shannon a good asset to a football team. Asset, not head coach. On paper, I'd have to be insane to think that 2010 wouldn't be another stepping stone given the talent. But, I was unfortunately wrong.
4. I'm really not excited about many of the candidates. Richt said no. Dan Mullen? Edsall? That's not a splash. Honestly, there aren't that many big name coaches to match the volume of Kirby Hocutt's desire to return to "revelance."
Jim Harbaugh is almost an impossibility. Bill Cowher is also a nutty choice. Butch Davis? Urban Meyer and Nick Saban's salaries are huge at established title contenders. I'm trying to think outside the box here. Tommy Tuberville seems like a weak choice, given the connotations of the need to make an impact.
The wait continues. Hope for Gruden, but there's probably a 10% shot that he'll be in Miami.
Better than none, right?
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