With all the negative press about the Miami coaching vacancy, it’s nice to see someone in the mainstream sticking up for the program.
Jimmy Johnson went on record recently as saying he’s been in touch with Miami pres Donna Shalala and that he’d do anything in his power to help The U in their search for a new head coach. Johnson almost seems out to “prove” that the Miami gig hasn’t lost any appeal and wants to remind the college football community that the Canes won’t have to do much to get back in the title hunt.
“They’re very close,” said Johnson. “With all the adversity and distractions, they could have very easily won three or four more games, which would have been a decent season. Without question, this is a great job. UM will always attract talent, and the administration and president Shalala are fully committed to getting back on the right track. There are good, young players there. Someone will come in and make an immediate impact.'”
Thanks for the ringing endorsement, J.J. No one knows this situation better than you. The Miami program made Johnson a household name. Before that, he was just a guy from Oklahoma State who was taking a cush job many wanted to see handed over to former assistant, Tom Olivodatti.
Johnson left Miami a champion and went on to win two Super Bowl rings with the Dallas Cowboys a few years later.
He and Shalala have spoken twice recently and his message is simple; he wants to help in any way, shape or form. J.J. has oft expressed his love for the University of Miami and still gets choked up when talking about what a special time that was in his life and career.
Johnson has no desire to coach again, but stated he does have contacts and would like to help. It’s now on Miami’s top brass to decide if they want Johnson’s input, or not.
If the decision-makers listen to ANYONE, they should listen to Coach Johnson. You don’t have to do what he says, but at least take his input and know that he would tell you what he thought was the best route to take.
WHATEVER U DO…DONT GO WITH SCHIANO!
As much good as I can see of Schiano’s return to Miami, I dont think the U should waste our time, money or reputation with a speculative coach! First and foremost, I am a strong believer that the Big East Conference is by far the weakest conference–yes, more than the PAC 10–in college football. Miami, Va. Tech and BC were the major heavy weights and the current contenders (W. Va., Louisville and Rutgers) are simply our replacements. All of the Big East schools dont even field fully competent defenses–though Rutger’s defense is ranked nationally thanks to its great wins against Howard, UNC and Ohio.
Buying Schiano out will simply be too much money for nothing great. Im sure he is a great coach, but he is not a proven leader. The win against Louisville was great but can we really believe that Louisville had a good defense this year (though we were the only team that made their defense look half-way decent)? I think Mike Shula is a sure bet since he comes from the toughest conference in football and has already pieced together a 10 win season in spite of the numerous NCAA sanctions.
Lastly, UM should protect its ego by not giving into to the much anticipated media let-down that is sure to happen when Schiano turns down our offer. He is content at Rutgers, he has a new house, his wife loves it and most importantly, he is under no pressure to keep winning! In an atmosphere of little or no pressure, any coach (with good resources) can orchaestrate a 10 win season. If I were him, I would stay put and just continue to craft the amazing product Rutger’s football is becomming in America’s number one media market–New York City!
If i were UM, I’d take what little dignity we have left from this year of embarassment and start rebuilding the prestige of Miami Hurricanes football! Go With Shula or Go with Shannon, Just dont go with SCHIANO!
This is big pimpin from myspace …….I have a feeling that the person above me is really a Rutgers booster trying to dissuade us from wanting Schiano, LOL !!!
thats cute “big pimpin” for you to think that, but Im a canes fan to the core. If you really think that Schiano is the man for the job, then you are certainly entitled to your opinion. I just think the best option may be elsewhere! As canes fans, you should know as well as I that we are fair weather and tend to jump on bandwagons rather than think things thru. And if you actually sit down and think things thru, thats all!
Schiano had a couple of good years at RU, but the level of competition at RU and the level of competition at THE U are two different animals altogether. He wouldn’t be congratulated for 10 wins at Miami, he would be couseled.