Let me say this before I go into anything else. I really hope Jacory Harris is alright. That was a brutal hit and you’re always breathing a sigh of relief when you see a player walk off the field, instead of being carted off. But all that said, Harris’ injury has nothing to do with most of what I saw wrong yesterday. Anyone that uses the loss of No. 12 as an excuse for this recent showing is blind.
I’ve been through a lot of bad days with this team. I was there in Tallahassee when we got blown out 47-0 in 1997.
I was in Blacksburg two years later when Clinton Portis fumbled a dozen times, Kenny Kelly was knocked out of the game and Miami was ransacked by Virginia Tech, 43-10.
I was front and center in Seattle when Miami was overmatched by Washington. I was there in Tempe when Terry Porter threw that infamous flag.
I was on hand for the Tennessee loss, where Kellen Winslow II proclaimed that he was a f’n soldier. I was in Chapel Hill when the Canes fell to the Heels on Connor Barth’s kick.
I was there when Louisville upended Miami on the road and I was in the Orange Bowl when it shut down after that 48-0 shellacking.
I’ve been there for some good times, but also my share of bad ones, obviously. As bad as I felt after all those games, I survived believing there were better days ahead.
As I sit here today, I can’t say I feel the same way. Right now I’m as disheartened today as I’ve ever been since following this team.
I’m so disoriented I don’t even know where to start. I’ve read all the other columns and it seems like we’re all in the same boat. No one can pinpoint what the issue is.
It’s too easy to say that Randy Shannon needs to be fired. For starters, it’s not going to happen unless Miami loses two or three more games – and even THEN, I’m not sure it’d happen.
Second, who are the Canes going to get … and please don’t say Mike Leach. Leach is never going to coach at Miami. He failed miserably in his final interview and he’ll never be the head coach here. Period.
We all know that the University of Miami is not going to pay someone several million dollars to come in here and coach. THat wouldn’t even include the monster salaries that a coach of that caliber would require for his staff.
Third, coaches aren’t coming to Coral Gables if they feel the expectations are too high and the fan base is going to call for his head every year they’re not in contention for a national championship.
While I don’t believe Shannon should be fired (as of today), he desperately needs to make changes. Starting with:
– No more practicing at 6am. This team looks tired when they get to games and waking up at 4:30am as a college student is akin to asking AC/DC to play disco. Bad call.
– Settle on an offensive identity and stick with it. It’s one thing for a NFL team to be able to change its schemes week to week, depending on an opponent’s defense, but this team has show it can’t adapt like that week in, week out.
Feed Damien Berry, Lamar Miller, Mike James and Graig Cooper the rock and go from there. Yes, take some chances downfield, but if you don’t have something to hang your hat on, your offense isn’t going to work.
– Changes absolutely have to be made on defense. If you have to sit some seniors, then sit them. This is not an overcomplicated scheme. If guys are still out of place and missing tackles two thirds of the way through the season, maybe they need to watch the game from the sideline.
Shannon has been criticized in the past for playing favorites. I don’t know whether he does or doesn’t, but whatever he’s doing, it’s not working.
There is no excuse in the world that Virginia’s offense walked all over Miami’s defense and that has zero to do with J-Harris getting knocked out.
– Someone needs to get inside the head of Matt Bosher and figure out what’s going on. You cannot miss extra points. Unacceptable for a Lou Groza Award candidate. Put fliers up on campus and pull in some students who can kick extra points if Bosh can’t. These misses are getting ridiculous.
– Lastly – and this is a big one, so I’ll say it as delicately as I can – Randy needs to change his attitude. I love the man and he’s always been great with me, but I’m hearing more and more that he’s rubbing people the wrong way. Boosters. Former players. People in the general public who’ve met him.
For a long time I thought that Coach Shannon’s attitude issues were simply directed at the media. To those who don’t know, Randy was burned badly by a reporter a while back and since then he’s not had the most respect for the media. However, more and more you realize it’s not just us that write or speak for a living who feel the wrath of Randy.
Sadly Coach doesn’t realize that MOST of us out here would have his back through thick and thin if he just helped us help him. The majority of the people who cover the Canes honestly root for this program to do well. It’s so much more fun to do our job when this team wins.
Randy refuses to help himself. When asked by one of his closets friends (Don Bailey Jr.) postgame, about Jacory’s injury, Randy responded with “we don’t know”. WE DON’T KNOW??
Coach, no offense but I’m not going to buy that some member of the medical staff didn’t update you on Harris’ condition at some point. It’s one thing to protect your quarterback, but it’s another to say “we don’t know”.
I can’t tell you how many texts, emails, tweets and Facebook messages I got yesterday from concerned fans who simply wanted to ensure one of their own was alright.
As head coach, sometimes you have to understand that the reason you are on the radio after the game is to TALK to your fan base. You know, the same people who buy tickets, merchandise and donate money to this program.
Some believe the media owes us – media and fans – nothing in terms of communication. That’s bull. If it weren’t for the fans, why would you play the game?
Communication isn’t one of Randy’s strengths but if he doesn’t realize he needs to open up more (let more players / coaches speak, improve his attitude, etc.) there is no way we in the media can help him.
I’ll even take it a step further. If Randy wants to be in a spot where he doesn’t have to deal with the media, boosters, season ticket holders and all the other hoopla that comes with being a college head coach – head to the NFL and coach up the linebackers. Those guys lead anonymous lives and can sit in their office all day, breaking down film.
The job of head coach is a combination of CEO and politician. Shake hands. Kiss babies. Rally the troops at CanesFest. And on top of all that, run the football program. There are a lot of requirements for the job, but that is all part of the territory.
I regret having to be so harsh and writing this doesn’t make me feel good at all. In fact, it’s actually pretty painful.
No one wants Randy to succeed more than me. Somewhere in my mind there’s a vision of a movie about Shannon and the job he’s done – from a life of turmoil to championship caliber coach. The type of piece you can picture on 60 Minutes and an awards ceremony where Denzel Washington is thanking Shannon after accepting an Oscar for his portrayal in the film.
I picture all that and because of that, I wake up everyday hoping that Coach Shannon succeeds. A few years back I’d have gone to Vegas and put money on it, but right now I’m not so sure that’d be a wise investment.
Changes have to be made and I’m hoping Randy is ready for the challenge.
More to come on Tuesday on Twitter / Facebook from our weekly media gaggle …
Changes have to be made, they need to start with randy shannon… We paid coker 2 mil a year but we can't pay gary patterson or chris peterson 2 mil a year? BS. you're one of the people that keep pushing that ludicrous agenda….
It's time to bring in a real coach. Randy did his job, brought in some talent and kept them out of trouble.Now let's bring in someone who knows wtf they're doing.
Here are some people we can pay more than they are currently making that we should go after (maybe it'll put a stop to this "WHO CAN WE AFFORD" nonsense)
Gary Patterson (1.3 – 1.8 mil) i've read differing reports.. his incentives can make it up to 2.3-2.5 mil
Chris Peterson (1.6 mil)
KC Keeler (300k)
Kyle Whittingham (700k)
Al Golden (575k)
etc.etc.etc.. there are plenty of upgrades that we could get that we could at least offer COKER money to.. and several that we could offer what we're paying shannon now. it's time to do something, before the program goes further in the dumps.
Anonymous – A key component you leave out, which Beast touched on, is WHY any of those guys would come to Miami. A place with such high expectations and where the reward doesn't outweigh the risk.
Why in the world would Gary Patterson leave what he has at TCU to come to Miami? Why would Chris Petersen leave Boise for Coral Gables? Both coaches make good money and have kush jobs — with lower expectations, rabid fan bases, in lesser conferences, playing nobody and having a clear cut path to the BCS.
Again, Greg Schiano told Miami to f-off for TWO MILLION DOLLARS a year and NOBODY outside of Mike Leach, who tanked in his interview, wanted any part of the Canes head coaching gig.
Miami proved to be a great place for coaches with NFL dreams in the 80s and 90s. Keep the machine humming, get a title, move on, plug somebody else in.
Those days are LONG GONE and the landscape has changed BIG TIME.
That's not to say there's not an answer out there … but stop with all the pipe dreams of these flavor of the year coaches who want no part of coming here.
Last year people wanted Brian Kelly. Before that, fans had hard ons for Steve Kragthorpe. Would either have been the answer here? Probably not.
Patterson is locked up at TCU through 2016 and is happy and Petersen absolutely knows he has a gem in Boise. Both would be idiots to leave their comfy little gigs for the pressure cooker job at UM.
Well things might be changing real fast, tomorrows practice has been changed to 2:30 and an entire team meeting will happen at 7:30 am. Players, coaches, and support staff, heads will roll from somebody.
Com on Allcanes! Schiano is going to get the Penn State job when Joe Pa leaves! Randy has done a good job of recruiting and NOW MIAMI has talent and depth, UM is a good JOB again! Last time around it was not. I like Randy as a man keep him on board, but not as the head coach. 4 years and we are having unacceptable loses to BAD teams. 3-1 at best over the next 4 games. Fans are DONE with this coach. Sad but TRUE!
Also, Randy is not going to make the U the big dollars via ticket sales and big bowl games. Losing must hurt your sales too! Right? Why won't you call for a new coach??? Chit, we are not good after 4 YEARS with this guy! Time for a NEW COACH.
Randy Shannon = Ron Zook without the emotion! Why are you still backing him??
Am I missing something??
If those guys are the coaches we think they are, they will have the desire to win a national title, they both know (or should know) that they will always get passed up by any other undefeated team in the polls and that people are constantly finding ways to put 1 loss teams above them… you only mention peterson and patterson .. whittingham, golden, keeler would all be getting significant upgrades in $$$$ and Talent.. don't kid yourself. people can see that this team, with some solid coaching, could go a long way.
Schiano will take the PSU gig, but when? He could've spent 2007 through whenever at UM instead of Rutgers, but chose to stay in New Jersey. He wanted no part of coming back to Miami, no matter how big the brand.
UM is a better job today than it was a few years back, but coaches still know Miami is a tough city that will run you out quick as expectations are high. There are MUCH better gigs out there. Bigger money. Better facilities. Win there and you can get to the next level.
You don't HAVE to do it at a Miami anymore to succeed. You think a Petersen or Patterson couldn't command a better gig if they wanted, simply based on what they've already done at smaller schools?
Bring a big name guy in and if he doesn't get it done in two years, his head will be called for. Everyone knows that.
Jack, you are missing the point. I don't "back" Randy Shannon or ANY coach. I back the program and university.
I said that Shannon had 4-5 years to get it done and needed to improve every year. If Miami doesn't improve in 2010 and takes a step back from 2009, that is a huge strike against him – and right now that's what looks to be happening.
I'm a realist and I refuse to waste time sitting here "calling for a coach's head" when that's not going to change anything. Let's focus on what IS doable right now instead of some pipe dream that Randy will be gone before 2011. Ain't gonna happen.
As a former Cane player and assistant, sure, I want to see Randy Shannon succeed — but I've also said COUNTLESS times on this blog that if he didn't have things turned around by 2010-2011, I'd absolutely agree that it was time for change.
We'll see where this team is entering December. If things continue getting worse, I'll discuss change then.
Right now I'm rooting for these kids to grow up, get it together and to take care of business. That IS in Miami's control and CAN happen whereas a coaching change is nothing more than a pipe dream right now.
Why can't we fire shannon before the bowl?? Why is that a pipe dream? Seems to me that's the easiest part
Only way Shannon is gone before the bowl is IF the Canes lose out.
You're thinking and speaking like a fan – not someone in position to hire / fire.
The administration isn't going to let Shannon go before 2011 unless the wheels completely come off. Even with that, he still might get one more year to right the ship.
They're committed to this year and next before change happens.
Randy took a giant step back this year and that hurts his cause big time, but he's not going to get fired at this point, so why keep wasting your breath with the 'fire Randy' rants?
If you don't support the guy, quit going to games and quit watching on TV. Wait for him to get canned and then come back to the program if you feel so strongly … but to keep on with the same old rant every week when nothing's gonna change? I don't get that.
Here are the major obstacles to UM competing on the national stage in this new age of 100 million dollar alumni funds, in addition to having a rookie head coach who has a verbal communication handicap:
1.) No 100 million or corporate yearly alumni fund (as Oregon w/Nike) to pay salaries of a competitive coaching staff
2.) A president who will not allow an athletic dorm necessary to lock down, monitor and police the caliber of athletes ( as in every other BCS school)
3) A small private school with 10K students in South FLA and a 45K yearly tuition competing with five major in state programs with 2500/year tuition
4.) No home stadium and average 15K attendance
5.) An inflexible acedemic standard that eliminates many athletes, especially from SoFLA poor quality high schools
We all can wish and wish but this is the reality, and UM can't do what it did 20yrs ago before the internet and cell phones and five in state D1 football programs. I really feel we should jump to D2, dump the ACC and enjoy winning national championships while keeping the university acedemic standards.
I'll go on record as saying that I'm not a fan of Randy Shannon as head coach of my university. I support his as a former player and applaud his efforts, but don't believe he's the man for the job.
After saying that, I tend to agree with the author of this blog in the sense that Shannon will not be fired going into next year, so why waste any breath calling for his head?
Shannon will be given through 2011, so if you're against the guy, save your venom for this time next year.
All the ranting and raving isn't going to do a thing. Randy has one more year, so change your tune folks.
Really appreciate the levelheaded take you have on all this as a fan. Here's another suggestion I would make if I had Randy in front of me. Whipple is overextended. Whipple ball is awesome and people who have claimed they think he is anything like Nix weren't actually watching the games back then. Whipple is OC/Asst. Head Coach/QB coach. Something has got to give. QBs seem to need a little more personal attention. Jacory is a great Miami guy, but if it takes someone sitting with him the whole time and pointing out reads on film for hours and hours and hours, then so be it. While Morris played great all things considered, did Whipple really need to throw that often in the beginning of the 3rd quarter when Morris hasn't felt the tempo of any game in a year? There is a reason most OCs hang out in the box. It gives them a better perspective of the game. Maybe Berry, Miller, Johnson, and James get a few more carries in those situations if he takes a step back and focuses on the whole offense and not just the QBs.
Anyhow, maybe all that is moot. I agree with you – defense lost that game. Most of the INTs were pretty deep in VA territory and no reason they should have scored on them. McCarthy (at least I'm most sure it was him) missed coverage on the VA TE during the first TD pass. Where was Cain after his monster game a couple weeks ago? Given how poorly the defense played that last half, how could Randy not have considered another on-side kick? Watching the game from home I didn't see anything in the D that said "we plan on showing up in the last 3 min."
Where was Asante Cleaveland on the offense doing his clutch thing? Instead we throw up to Richard Gordon? Really? He may be a good blocker, but hasn't made a key catch all season. Why didn't Lamar Miller get back on kickoffs? Clemente's redshirt is burned for that when we have so many other fast guys?
It is all just frustrating. The cool thing about football is that the prep the week before the game is just as important for setting up the match as the game itself. Sometimes it feels with this coaching staff that they start us 10 point back by sticking with things that maybe worked in practice but more than half way through the season have not worked in a game. The things that have worked (some because of injury necessitating new personnel) they won't stick with when the original player recovers. Where is the idea that people who are injured have to come back and earn their spot if the replacement is on a roll?
Ok, done now. Thanks again for the blog.
I have no idea how anyone can continue to support Randy or this coaching staff.
We have regressed this year. Randy has older kids and a lot of supposed talent.
It's not working. Why? Randy and staff don't know how to develop players. We can have the #1 class year in and year out and it wouldn't matter. Talent isn't talent unless you can develop it.
I was hoping Randy could take us back to the top. But it's obvious he can't.
He needs to step aside.
Couple of issues not being discussed:
* The present AD did not hire this coach. The present AD while still an unknown in his resolve and swiftness of action has played his hand a bit in his dealings with the Womens head B-Ball coach. She got the pick slip after some futility even though they knew it was a battle to move forward.
* Live in Georgia and the handwriting is on the wall for Mark Richt up here with a similiarly new EX-GATOR AD, while he should have been the FSU head coach by now. He is the F'ing ONLY D1 coach with an out clause specifically for Miami and with the way it is for him now he might not need it….
So please Do not so easily discount a young ambitious AD with your premonitions. I believe someone on here said last week that maybe this was the beginning of a run…and we know how that one turned out.
So..Just let it lay as maybe…..I need a thread to hang onto however tiny it may be
So totally agree with everything you said. Here's my additional wish list since we are definitely keeping Randy. Interested to see what others think.
1) Can Whipple please focus on being OC, get in a booth, and get a QB coach to focus on Jacory/Stephen/Alonzo/Spencer and breaking down film all day and all night? Personally, I'd want Ken Dorsey since he was a master at that, but really anyone that can focus on them would do.
2) Where were Cain, Cleaveland, and Miller (on kickoffs)? McCarthy blew coverage on the first TD (and looks a little slow). Gordon and Ford haven't made a key catch all year yet are still ahead in the depth chart. I miss seeing our Special Teams gain yards.
Agree, whatever the coaching approach is, it ain't working. I'll probably watch ESPN for 5 hours next Sat to see 5minutes about the U. In other words we are once again impertinent on the college scene. Next we will loose most of our good commits. This team and coaching staff are broken. They all look completely uninspired. Maybe Shannon can turn it around. We will know soon enough. If Whipple take a statistics course at The U maybe he will realize the low success rate of those long routes. When you are located in the most talent rich area in the country for high school football players the product should be better than what we produce. The NFL clearly understands this i.e. Sam Shields and many others. The problem is clearly at the coaching level and the effect trickles down to the players. Whether coach Shannon makes it or not is
up to him. I believe the fan base is or at least was solidly behind him. Let's see a more open and communicative approach for the fan base. Also, someone could mention to Whipple that you get a whole new set of downs if you get 10 yards. You can try for 50 at a time but very low percent and for our team that often means interception. Finally, best wishes for speedy recovery for Jacory. Cmon Canes let's get it together.
Been talking to Golden Canes, BOT Members and others in the muckity muck group over the last 48 hours. Here's what I've learned. This is Kirby's call. Donna does like Randy and his off the field leadership, but Kirby runs the department. She will listen to him.
There are more than a few donors who have expressed willingness to stop donating money if things don't get on track on the field
Mike Leach will not coach at UM as long as Shalala is here. For some reason she loathes him.
agree with this article though for the most part. In order for Randy to succeed he must adapt.
That's it for now
Who burned Randy? Which media outlet?
Randy Shannon has to go.
This blog should acknowledge that fact, which is growing more clear each down that is played.
The U is a special place, and any Coach worth his salt who cares about being a CHAMPION will love to have an opportunity to come here and win a CHAMPIONSHIP with us. In case anyone forgot, we have won more of those since 1983 than anyone else.
A great coach will load this team and have us back competing for NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS faster than you can say "It's all about the U".
Just do it!
This team has talent. There's no question about that.
However, the team's play is highly inconsistent, the offense has no clear identity, and the team has underachieved as a result.
The consistency of play has been horrible. After two nice road wins at Pitt and Clemson the team came out and played (and looked) lifeless against FSU. Forget that this was a game against our rival at home! I still don't know how the players weren't motivated for that game. Nevertheless, a couple more wins against Duke and UNC had the team looking like it might have turned the corner. Nope. We get man-handled by a team with 1 FBS win this year (against E. Michigan, a team that has gone 1-20 in the past 2 years). Unbelievable.
We're 3/4 of the way through the season and the offense still hasn't established an identity–unless you want to call it "throw it up and hope our WRs come down with it." It's no secret that we have some very talented running backs. Berry is on pace for a great year (drawing comparisons to some Cane legends), Miller has shown enough flashes of his speed and big play ability that he should be getting at least 10 carries a game. James has impressed in spots too.
On the flipside, our passing offense–if that's what you want to call it–has been a source of frustration all season. Hankerson and Benjamin have been good, but Byrd has been disappointing. I'm pretty sure Aldarius Johnson has retired from college football because he hasn't shown up all year. I'll not even go into the interceptions. We all know whats up with that–it's simply a function of a QB being asked to make throws and plays that he's not capable of doing. Sorry folks, but that's the truth.
What does all of this add up to? It's simple: poor coaching.
It's the coaches job to motivate and prepare the team to play and win each week. No one can say this team has been motivated or prepared each week (See FSU beatdown '10).
It's also the coaches job to figure out what the teams strengths and weaknesses are, to gameplan according to those traits, and to create and forge the team's identity according to those traits. Instead of making the adjustment and going to a running identity, we've been stubbornly trying to force the passing game.
Coaching. That's the problem. What's the solution? Get a new coach. I like coach Shannon. He's a good man. A Cane. But he's shown that he's not a good head coach. It's time to make a change, before FSU and UF gain more traction against us in the recruiting battles. This year alone FSU has been killing us–are we going to wait until we're the 4th best program in the state?
Well written Beast. I too am one of those that would love nothing more than to see Randy Shannon win a championship at UM. A Hollywood screen writer couldn't script it better.
I am still going to cheer for these kids to win the final 4 games and somehow make it to the ACC championship. I think it's important they learn how to win and experience a championship game. It can only help us in the future. Those of you hoping we'll lose every remaining game this year are not thinking of next year.
I do have one bone to pick with you Beast and AllCanes Blog. I do not believe…I DO NOT BELIEVE, that good coaches will not come here b/c the expectations are too high and the fan base is to rabid. Yeah right! You ask, "why would anyone would come to Miami? " For the same reason they would come to USC, OU, UT, Nebraska, OSU, Michigan, FSU or any SEC school. Because they want to be the best. Do you really think it's any easier here than any of those schools? Do you really think it's easier in Seattle or Pullman or Eugene or Corvallis or Los Angeles or Tucson or Stillwater or Lubbock or Boulder or Manhattan or Lafayette or East Lansing or Madison or Iowa City or Minnesota or Morgantown or Blacksburg or South Bend than Coral Gables? It's not. Every fan base is demanding, every school presents its own unique set of circumstances. And guess what guys? We're not that bad. Houston Nutt had his phone tapped while at Arkansas. Gene Chizik was met by protestors who were asking him to leave b/c they preferred Patrick Nix…PATRICK NIX! How many crazy Phil Fulmer stories should I reiterate? It's no different here than any other place that loves it's program.
Even though I think it's pointless to make a list, you know as well as I do there are plenty of good coaches out there. Mark Richt (although I don't think we would take a pay cut); Al Golden (although I think he's holding out for the Penn State job). One name I can't believe no one has mentioned is Rob Chudzinski. Makes a lot of sense if you ask me. Even if he was just the OC, he'd be worth every penny.
Best of luck to all and go canes
-aes
(Continued from previous post)
I do have one bone to pick with you Beast and AllCanes Blog. I do not believe…I DO NOT BELIEVE, that good coaches will not come here b/c the expectations are too high and the fan base is to rabid. Yeah right! You ask, "why would anyone would come to Miami? " For the same reason they would come to USC, OU, UT, Nebraska, OSU, Michigan, FSU or any SEC school. Because they want to be the best. Do you really think it's any easier here than any of those schools? Do you really think it's easier in Seattle or Pullman or Eugene or Corvallis or Los Angeles or Tucson or Stillwater or Lubbock or Boulder or Manhattan or Lafayette or East Lansing or Madison or Iowa City or Minnesota or Morgantown or Blacksburg or South Bend than Coral Gables? It's not. Every fan base is demanding, every school presents its own unique set of circumstances. And guess what guys? We're not that bad. Houston Nutt had his phone tapped while at Arkansas. Gene Chizik was met by protestors who were asking him to leave b/c they preferred Patrick Nix…PATRICK NIX! How many crazy Phil Fulmer stories should I reiterate? It's no different here than any other place that loves it's program.
Even though I think it's pointless to make a list, you know as well as I do there are plenty of good coaches out there. Mark Richt (although I don't think we would take a pay cut); Al Golden (although I think he's holding out for the Penn State job). One name I can't believe no one has mentioned is Rob Chudzinski. Makes a lot of sense if you ask me. Even if he was just the OC, he'd be worth every penny.
Best of luck to all and go canes
-aes
Something I've been thinking about in regards to Whipple, this offense (or lack thereof) and J12. In watching the games and from what I've read this is a timing based offense where the receivers are supposed to be in certain spots at certain times for them to be in position to be thrown to. A majority of J12s passes seem to hang up in the air and it looks like the receivers are having to wait on them. Thus no big gains after the catch. Notice when Morris got in the game (and especially the pass to Benjamin) that TB caught the ball 10 yards in front of the DB and had room to work. To me it looked like Morris gunned it in there and TB knew he could go to work and not have the defender draped all over him as soon as he caught it. I think (and have read) that Whipple personally wanted Morris more than any other QB in last years class and I have to wonder if J12 just isn't in the right offense. (I know he ran the shotgun spread in high school). I love J12 but am really excited to see what Morris can do playing in a full game. He clearly is athletic and has good pocket presence. Before I annoint him though I want to see a full game! Thoughts?
I do have one bone to pick with you Beast and AllCanes Blog. I do not believe…I DO NOT BELIEVE, that good coaches will not come here b/c the expectations are too high and the fan base is to rabid. Yeah right! You ask, "why would anyone would come to Miami? " For the same reason they would come to USC, OU, UT, Nebraska, OSU, Michigan, FSU or any SEC school. Because they want to be the best. Do you really think it's any easier here than any of those schools? Do you really think it's easier in Seattle or Pullman or Eugene or Corvallis or Los Angeles or Tucson or Stillwater or Lubbock or Boulder or Manhattan or Lafayette or East Lansing or Madison or Iowa City or Minnesota or Morgantown or Blacksburg or South Bend than Coral Gables? It's not. Every fan base is demanding, every school presents its own unique set of circumstances. And guess what guys? We're not that bad. Houston Nutt had his phone tapped while at Arkansas. Gene Chizik was met by protestors who were asking him to leave b/c they preferred Patrick Nix…PATRICK NIX! How many crazy Phil Fulmer stories should I reiterate? It's no different here than any other place that loves it's program.
AES – The notion isn't that a good coach wouldn't come to Miami. The notion is that the 'flavor of the year' coaches who have ALREADY MADE IT aren't coming to Miami.
Go on the message board and check out the wish lists.
Chris Petersen. Gary Patterson. Jim Harbaugh. Some were even calling for Jon Gruden a few days back.
Not one name on that list would leave their current post to take the Miami job. No. Way. In. Hell.
Can the Canes get an up and comer? Sure. Good place to cut your teeth … but you're not getting a proven entity to come to Coral Gables – you're getting an up and comer before he's a household name.
That's what Jimmy was. That's what Dennis was. That's what Butch was.
alright so after reading all these responses i have come to one conclusion most of you are full it and are throwing things at the wall and hoping it sticks. here are miamis issues,
1. whipples- someone has to pull in the reins on him. i agree he probably needs to be up in the booth so he can see the whole field and the fact that everyone is putting a safety over the top of hank when they go deep same with benjamin. Secondly enough with the travis benjamin experiment on the outside. he is a slot receiver not an outside one. he is maybe five nine he is too small to be outside. Let hank and byrd and johnson be the outside guys they have the size to be out there not benjamin. Also use the running game the bulk of the carries should be given to coop and berry. U have the stable use them. Also look at the film from last year and what works in the passing game its crossing routes not these deep balls over and over again. Use the crossing routes use your speed and move the ball.
2. Shannon needs to retake over the defense. Zone coverage on third down? no no the U uses man always has always will. Press man thats how u play defense on third down.
3. u fair weather fans need to shut up and support our team. The U they play for us and how many of those guys do you think wanna play for fans who bash them every chance they get win or lose? U can't get fired up if you know no matter what you do the fans wont back you.
4. Shannon is not going anywhere like it or not he isn't.
Thank you for your response Allcanes!
My question is more general than Cane specific.
What make a fan a fan? Meaning, why are you a fan of one team and not another?
I became a Canes fan when I was a little kid. I didn't know football. I was a local and I liked the local team. As an adult, do I pick and choose my teams by where they are located or by the way they preform? I admire greatness! Not fair, alright, ok or good, GREATNESS, not all teams or athletes have or even know greatness.
The Canes were great, knew about GREATNESS,and the sacrifices it takes to be great,
That was lost,
sadly
allCanes.com said, "Can the Canes get an up and comer? Sure. Good place to cut your teeth … but you're not getting a proven entity to come to Coral Gables – you're getting an up and comer before he's a household name.
That's what Jimmy was. That's what Dennis was. That's what Butch was."
Alright, fair enough. I agree with that.
-aes
Just one more comment. As you stated I don't think they will cut randy loose, but I want to throw a name in the mix for the next coach. How about Bud Foster from V-Tech. This guy seems like a real no-nonsense coach, who has intimate knowledge of our hated rival and the ACC. Plus he never got his shot at the big chair
Thanks for some logic, AES.
I'm not against getting rid of Randy and getting someone else in there.
I'm just tired of all the pipe dream nonsense. Seems every time something is wrong with 'The U' fans start screaming about the biggest names in the game coming south to resurrect UM.
Petersen and Patterson this year. A year ago people were screaming about Brian Kelly. Before that fans wanted Steve Kragthorpe.
Miami needs to get a guy before he becomes 'the guy'.
Just one more comment. As you stated I don't think they will cut randy loose, but I want to throw a name in the mix for the next coach. How about Bud Foster from V-Tech. This guy seems like a real no-nonsense coach, who has intimate knowledge of our hated rival and the ACC. Plus he never got his shot at the big chair
Foster has been at Virginia Tech for 24 years. That says two things: (1) That he's a perennial assistant and (2) if he IS going to take a head coaching job, it's the Hokies gig when Frank Beamer finally steps down.
Lots of schools have come at Foster over the years and he's stuck it out in Blacksburg for a reason.
Safe bet that the way Miami was Shannon's dream job, the Tech gig is the one Foster is waiting on.
Everybody's an expert on blogs!
Everybody's an expert on blogs!
… and on message boards.
… and when commenting on Herald articles.
… and in the stands.
… and from their couch while watching the game.
Everybody thinks they have the answers, brother. Welcome to being a sports fan.
Good, then let's get an up and comer who is going to go places.
Fact is, I don't want a coach who values money (needs to be payed more then everyone else), comfort, security, etc. more than WINNING.
I want a coach who wants to be a champion and can lead these men to get it done on the field and in the classroom.
Shannon needs to go.
I live in Hokie country and I can tell you that Bud Foster will NEVER leave Vagina Tech!
Carl,
Great point. Of all the "pipe dream" coaches, I would think Jim Harbaugh is the guy. Obviously there's no way he would come here–Michigan is his next stop.
I'm on board with finding a legit coordinator who can coach, much in the way that Nebraska has Bo Pelini.
I heard some where that the Miami Herald quoted a Miami trustee as saying that 6 and 5 won't do it, but if Randy wins 8 games a year and keeps the graduation up and his players out of trouble that Donna will be fine with that. Did you hear that? Did Portis, Andre, Irvin, Dorsey etc. come to Miami to win 8 games?
I heard some where that the Miami Herald quoted a Miami trustee as saying that 6 and 5 won't do it, but if Randy wins 8 games a year and keeps the graduation up and his players out of trouble that Donna will be fine with that. Did you hear that? Did Portis, Andre, Irvin, Dorsey etc. come to Miami to win 8 games?
That was written by fire-starter Barry Jackson. The same guy who 'broke' the story on the Ponzi scheme crook who was going to write a 'tell all' book on UM — even though no other reputable writers picked up the story.
This recent piece is speculation and really makes no sense.
Like or dislike Donna Shalala, she knows that eight-win seasons aren't going to fly with this fan base.
This fan base buys tickets, merchandise and donates money and any idiot knows that when the Canes aren't in the hunt, asses aren't in seats, gear isn't selling and donations dry up.
Even IF Shalala felt that way, it wouldn't be publicized.
Sounds like second-hand junk from a frustrated BOT member trying to start some shit.