This is obviously a big blow for the University of Miami. Not because Young is irreplaceable, but because of the timing. Head coach Randy Shannon is already knee-deep in his hunt for a new offensive coordinator, while trying to lock down another top-flight recruiting class.
While the OC search is rumored to be over (word is a new coach will be announced Wednesday morning) a new search begins. Where will Shannon turn regarding his replacement for Young? Some are conveniently pointing to Georgia’s Willie Martinez, as he has UM ties. Others say former Auburn head coach Tommy Tuberville will on some level offer his services to the Canes, citing his friendship with Shannon. Whether either holds water, we’ll see. Both sound like nothing more than Internet rumors.
Regarding Young, on one level the move is understandable. It’s also a head-scratcher, as well. The desire to head back home makes sense, though it doesn’t necessarily mesh with Young’s comments when taking the Miami job last year this time.
The then 61-year old talked about retirement and riding into the sunset with his wife in South Florida. He also cited a desire to win a national championship and coach high profile athletes like those Shannon is bringing to Coral Gables.
Money is obviously a factor, with Young reportedly clocking in somewhere around the $700,000 range. Whether that’s true or false, with T. Boone Pickens writing the checks one have to assume it was a healthy pay bump for the veteran coordinator.
As frustrating as the timing is the fact that Young never got to plant his feet and truly have an impact on Miami’s defense. His one-year tenure was watered down as the Canes lacked the necessary overall defensive talent to implement Young’s system. 2009 looked to be a year where change would be a bit more obvious as Miami will suit up more talent in the secondary and linebacking corps.
At this point it truly is hard to tell how much of a loss this is for the Canes. Young’s run defense was eaten alive down the stretch and the secondary struggled to create turnovers. Miami’s D looked great at Florida, but definitely showed some chinks in the armor as the season went on. How much of that was due to talent versus coaching, it is unknown and with Young gone next year, there’s no way to gauge any improvement.
Unfortunately this situation gives more ammunition to the Shannon haters, even though it shouldn’t. This opportunity was simply the perfect storm for Young. Big money. Alma mater. A chance to go back home. At 62 years old and no head coaching experience, Young is a perennial number two guy. Miami was a good opportunity, but for the OSU alum this is truly his dream scenario and perfect job.
This has nothing to do with Shannon or what Miami was willing to pay. The U broke open the bank last year to lure in Young and he was fairly compensated. As unfair as it seems, this is simply another stroke of bad luck for a program that’s had its fair share the past few seasons.
The announcement of the offensive coordinator will now bittersweet on some level as the job is only half done. Shannon will have to get on the case and lure in a solid defensive mind to take over where Young left off.
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I'm not gonna lose sleep over this. I hope we get Tuberville.
- GO CANES...!!!
Great article as always..IMO I dont see filling this position being all that tough..we have all kind of young studs on D that are aggresive and willing to do what it takes to be the best..the O is a problem because its been a mess for a few years now..but as for the D with all the young talent and what we have on the way alot of DC`s will want to be here(of course money will play some factor)..DAU
Miami will be able to put some political spin on this. Hire the OC tomorrow morning (or whenever), and just brush Young leaving out the door. Direct any questions regarding it to another time, for this is a time to celebrate this new shiny OC we just hired, etc, etc. Regardless, a defense is much easier to run than an offense. As you've said before All Canes, Randy subscribes to the "The best players will win the most games" theory, and that holds true the strongest on the defensive side of the ball. I'm not worried in the slightest.
You aint lyin!! I would love to have Tuberville
GO CANES...!!!!
well it sounds like there are some high profile names floating around out there for a replacement, but do you think this is gonna affect our recruiting class?
The move wasn't about money. The $700k figure was greatly exaggerated.
what about Barrow? yes he wet behind the ears but seems to be motivated to the challenge. the U needs to focus on back to the basic of the defense: cover 2 "D"! promote from within keep it simple and we be fine...GO Canes!
I think Bill Young leaving is unfortunate, but not the end of the world. Bottom line is a lack of loyalty to the program. Who we get for offensive coordinator is more important in my mind. Coach Shannon is a defensive guy and we will end up fine on defense. I've always preferred coordinators and coaches with a history with the U as either player or coach. Tuberville would be great and there is good history there.
As long as we keep our verbal commits(I think we will) we will keep moving upward. Loyalty is tough to come by, lets find a
DC who believes its all about the U.
315k is not 700k.. and tuberville isn't going to come here and be a a coordinator when he's more qualified to be head coach than the head coach is..
Good article AllCanes. well. goodbye Coach Young. Hopefully Coach Shannon will find somebody better that can coach against that triple option..cause the guy from Georgia you said?? he couldnt do that. Well. as for the offensive coordinator. well. some say Ron Prince. Or Chuck Long. Or Rip Scherer the Cleavland Browns QB's coach...or Mark Whipple from the Eagles...