The College Football Live crew got live earlier, talking about Miami football and the Randy Shannon contract situation. Here it is early May and things continue getting dragged out – to the point where ESPN, a station that loves taking shots at the Canes, is actually getting the coach’s back. For those who missed the piece, a few highlights:
>>> Joe Schad talked to UM folk who said the deal is ‘very, very close’ to being done. Details need to be finalized… which has been the ongoing story for weeks now. Money remains the issue, with the current deal said to be a four-year contract in the $1.3M range – still well below the ACC median of $1.75M per year for conference coaches.
>>> Donna Shalala supposedly loves the fact that Shannon “is Miami” and has kept kids out of trouble. His recruiting efforts were also applauded, with Schad showing a graphic of the best average ranking of the last four recruiting classes nationally. Miami was ranked sixth, behind Florida, Texas, Southern Cal, Alabama and LSU.
>>> Kirby Hocutt told Schad that Shannon is “a good man who will be a great head coach”.
>>> Jon Beason was interview and applauded Shannon’s ability to evaluate talent, recruiting a specific type of “attitude” necessary for playing at UM. “If you’re gonna win a national championship, the first thing you have to do is bring in the talent,” said Beason.
Beason believes Shannon will get the Canes over the hump, returning the program to that elite status. He also stated that Shannon performs best under pressure and that while the lack of a contract could slightly impact recruiting, Shannon will rise to the occasion.
>>> Rod Gilmore feels Shannon should wait on signing any contract, as he expects the 2010 Canes to “blow up” this season. Says the biggest issue with the Canes is an inability to take care of the football. Jacory Harris had 17 interceptions in 2009 – most in the ACC, eight coming in Miami’s four losses (seven total against Clemson and North Carolina). Gilmore says UM is “loaded” entering this season.
>>> Craig James also backs Shannon not signing a contract for $1.3M, saying there’s no risk. James feels the pressure is on Miami to get Shannon signed as a good ’10 season will force their hand regarding paying bigger money next season.
James did state that Miami’s biggest issue, in his opinion, is a lack of consistency. Mentioned ESPN showing UM on fire one week and in the toilet a few weeks later. That said, James likes Shannon as Miami’s guy and is with him regarding the contract issues.
>>> John Saunders played devil’s advocate, asking what “if” Miami falls apart this year, instead of blowing up. Gilmore feels the Canes are too seasoned and talented for any such collapse. He stated that Harris is experienced and should have a banner year, while James applauded Shannon’s coaching staff, but pointed out that the schedule is brutal out the gate.
If Harris delivers and Miami stays out of turnover trouble, James said the Canes can win any game on the schedule this year.
>>> Regarding Harris missing spring practice, James pointed out that Harris needed the rest and the Canes needed to find a suitable back up, so their number one guy sitting out actually benefited UM.