Cutcliffe, Bielema and Jack Del Rio to Alabama? That's just stupid
I didn't address this before because it was a stupid rumor created by a stupid commentator, but with the boring lack of information, this rumor is picking up supporters. It's stupid not because David Cutcliffe is a bad coach. On the contrary, he's a good coach who shouldn't have been fired by Ole Miss. What makes the idea stupid is Ivan Maisel suggested it.
Here's a simple rule: anyone Maisel suggests hiring would really be bad for Alabama.
While that appears axiomatic, it is certainly highlighted in this case. Alabama doesn't need to hire Cutcliffe because there are plenty of other coaches who are younger or more successful still available for the University to hire.
But the fearful fans demand we cease our search and "hire someone, anyone" now to staunch the PR and recruiting problems. As I've said before, the recruiting fears are a consistent posting of a small, but vocal minority of Alabama fans. The worst thing Alabama could do would be hire a lower-tier coach just to keep this year's recruiting class safe. A solid hire will keep the class together. And judging on a conversation I had, most of the Alabama prospects haven't wavered in their commitments. There are some big name recruits at risk, but a good hire prevents their defection or could bring them back into the fold. A bad hire not only sets back this year's class, but could harm several seasons.
Cutcliffe was knocked at Ole Miss for his failure as a recruiter. Of course panicked fans would rush head first into a bad hire. Let's stay the course. The dead period is here, the bowl season and NFL season will be over soon.
Other names just as absurd
Mark Edwards wrote in the Decatur Daily that Navy's Paul Johnson, Wisconsin's Bret Bielema and the Jacksonville Jaguars' Jack Del Rio are considered back-ups to Nick Saban. I think it is safe to say it won't be Bielema or Del Rio. Those names are just ludicrous.
He also questions why waiting for Saban is worth it. "I'm having a hard time figuring out why he's worth so much. His history says that even if he comes to Alabama, he'll leave quickly  probably after four years or less, maybe when the next good NFL offer comes along," Edwards wrote.
I'm sorry. Saban is one of the best coaches around. Would it be better to hire a second-tier coach or a proven winner? The best bet is the winner. On a second note, the idea of Saban quickly leaving Alabama isn't a reason not to hire him. The problem is the analysis that Saban would leave based on history is afallaciouss assumption.
History can't be used to prove future performance. The reason is that in the past, Saban was working to get to his goal, the NFL. What happens when you realize your goal wasn't what you wanted?
How long was Bryant at Maryland, Kentucky and Texas A&M? Answer, Bryant was at Maryland one season, at Kentucky eight seasons and at Texas A&M four years.
My point? Good coaches job hop moving up the chain. And sometimes they make lateral or puzzling moves, but saying Saban doesn't stay a place long enough is a very bad reason not to hire him.
Hiring decisions should be about getting the best talent, not getting someone known more for loyalty than excellence. Hiring for loyalty is what got us stuck with Mal Moore as AD.
Here's a simple rule: anyone Maisel suggests hiring would really be bad for Alabama.
While that appears axiomatic, it is certainly highlighted in this case. Alabama doesn't need to hire Cutcliffe because there are plenty of other coaches who are younger or more successful still available for the University to hire.
But the fearful fans demand we cease our search and "hire someone, anyone" now to staunch the PR and recruiting problems. As I've said before, the recruiting fears are a consistent posting of a small, but vocal minority of Alabama fans. The worst thing Alabama could do would be hire a lower-tier coach just to keep this year's recruiting class safe. A solid hire will keep the class together. And judging on a conversation I had, most of the Alabama prospects haven't wavered in their commitments. There are some big name recruits at risk, but a good hire prevents their defection or could bring them back into the fold. A bad hire not only sets back this year's class, but could harm several seasons.
Cutcliffe was knocked at Ole Miss for his failure as a recruiter. Of course panicked fans would rush head first into a bad hire. Let's stay the course. The dead period is here, the bowl season and NFL season will be over soon.
Other names just as absurd
Mark Edwards wrote in the Decatur Daily that Navy's Paul Johnson, Wisconsin's Bret Bielema and the Jacksonville Jaguars' Jack Del Rio are considered back-ups to Nick Saban. I think it is safe to say it won't be Bielema or Del Rio. Those names are just ludicrous.
He also questions why waiting for Saban is worth it. "I'm having a hard time figuring out why he's worth so much. His history says that even if he comes to Alabama, he'll leave quickly  probably after four years or less, maybe when the next good NFL offer comes along," Edwards wrote.
I'm sorry. Saban is one of the best coaches around. Would it be better to hire a second-tier coach or a proven winner? The best bet is the winner. On a second note, the idea of Saban quickly leaving Alabama isn't a reason not to hire him. The problem is the analysis that Saban would leave based on history is afallaciouss assumption.
History can't be used to prove future performance. The reason is that in the past, Saban was working to get to his goal, the NFL. What happens when you realize your goal wasn't what you wanted?
How long was Bryant at Maryland, Kentucky and Texas A&M? Answer, Bryant was at Maryland one season, at Kentucky eight seasons and at Texas A&M four years.
My point? Good coaches job hop moving up the chain. And sometimes they make lateral or puzzling moves, but saying Saban doesn't stay a place long enough is a very bad reason not to hire him.
Hiring decisions should be about getting the best talent, not getting someone known more for loyalty than excellence. Hiring for loyalty is what got us stuck with Mal Moore as AD.
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