Insanity. Circus. S#!tfest.
All describe what’s been going on the past 72 hours and I’ll be honest; we’re just as much a part of it as everyone else, so let me start by stating what I do know:
I’ve been around ‘The U’ for a good sixteen years, so to say that “I know people” is a gross understatement. On the other hand, most of the people I know I consider friends, not ‘sources’.
When I have conversations with my friends, they tell me things and most of the time I use that information to be a better writer and radio host. I’m not in the business to ‘break stories’, though like anyone in this business I enjoy the chaos and adrenaline rush that comes along with the process. That said, I’d rather comment on it than be a part of it.
Because of that, I purposely don’t put my friends in awkward positions by calling them and asking them about what’s going on. There’s no ego that causes me to do that.
Over the past few days people have come to me with stuff and told me it was alright if I used it, so I have and as of know we do know – Jon Gruden is the top choice on UM’s “list” and that the search will take more than 72 hours.
Even IF both Miami and Gruden reached an understanding, it is absolutely in the best interest of athletic director Kirby Hocutt and the University of Miami to do their due diligence and conduct more than one interview.
You never want to be without a back up play and should there be some last-second glitch, you don’t want to be in a position where you only interviewed one person and lost precious time. That’d be disastrous.
Could there a press conference tomorrow to announce a new head coach? Sure. But that could just as easily be a week from now, too.
I was told at last night’s men’s basketball game (Miami beat Ole Miss, 86-73) that in all reality, maybe only a handful of people truly know the ins and outs of what’s going on. Probably only one or two people at Hecht, aside from Kirby, who know the specific details of this search.
Problem with this school and every other university out there is you have all these people – be it donors, Board of Trustees members, mid-level staffers or ‘friends of the program’ – who feel empowered when they share information.
Do they actually know something? Sure, sometimes. Maybe they know one little piece of the puzzle, but in all reality only a handful know the whole story, yet share news as if they do.
The other part of this; intentional misinformation.
Because we now live in a world where every thought is Tweeted before it’s processed, “sources” know they have the ability to shape a story every time they share something with someone.
I hate to say this, but I think a huge percentage of people are being used by their sources. Right now you have just as many people reporting that ‘Gruden to Miami’ is a done deal as you have people giving it a ‘zero percent chance’ of happening.
Somewhere in the middle you’ll find the truth, which to date probably hasn’t fully been reported yet.
How as fans and alum should we handle all this? It’s absolutely impossible to ignore, so start with the premise that you take everything with a grain of salt. Don’t allow yourself to get too high or too low. Until Gruden officially says, “thanks, but no thanks”, then he’s still in the mix, despite some of today’s doom and gloom reporting.
On the other end of the spectrum, until I get an email from UM telling me to be on campus for a press conference, nothing should be referred to as a ‘done deal’.
This has been crazy, but it will sort itself out. In the process, do remember that there will be members of the media whose credibility will go up in flames because of their handling of this story. My best advice from this point on, stay on the sidelines and watch the burning embers.
IN OTHER NEWS: Don’t forget, we have another special edition of allCanes Radio tonight at 7pm ET and we’ll be live from allCanes, in Coral Gables. Tweet us your questions as me special co-host for the night, Harry Rothwell and I will take ’em down one by one. We’re available via Twitter, Facebook or email. Fire away.
one recruit has already decommitted, how long you think we can go on without a HC?
First let me say I would love to have Gruden but I think we all need to move on. Gruden,baring some miracle, isn't coming. I think we need to go after Dan Mullen now because with our young RB's and with Morris ability to run and throw I think Mullen would have an unstoppable combination with his offensive scheme.
The one thing I do want to see is for our players too look alive on the field. I know the program was trying to change their image but come on. I live in Alabama and everyone around here is calling Auburn a bunch of thugs but the way I look at it is they are just playing with a chip on their shoulders and winning. No matter what we do when we get back on top people are still going to call us THUG U but I dont care as long as we are winning.
one recruit has already decommitted, how long you think we can go on without a HC?
Miami has been without a head coach for four days.
Signing Day is two months out.
People need to learn how to not overreact. Whoever is part of the new staff, they will re-recruit Albert Louis-Jean, any other decommit as well as any kids they were personally recruiting at their other school (if they come from the college ranks) and other kids who are into the new-look Miami.
Again, two months out and coach-less for four days. Fans need to have some perspective.
Keep up the great work guys! And don't change a thing, that is, don't worry if what your sources/FOAs tell you one day turns out to be untrue the next day.
I think most of us understand that this is the nature of coaching changes and rumor mills in general. It doesn't bother me one bit because even if you're just reporting what turns out to be rumors, the process is still all very exciting. Plus, even if we don't/didn't land Gruden, at least we're not moping around depressed like we would've been had Shannon not been fired. I mean, no one's even talking about the loss to USF, which is great!
And don't forget this: you guys were the FIRST to report that Gruden was our top choice, and this was even before Shannon was fired. So there definitely is some truth to your FOAs.
So what now? Someone needs to attach a tracking device to Hocutt's briefcase! LOL Or maybe take his secretary out for drinks, since she has access to his schedule.
Keep the info coming and keep up the great work!
GO CANES!!!!
I agree, keep the information coming… it might not all turn out 100% accurate, but it lets us follow the twists and turns of process as we wait to see who our next Head Coach will be.
As a fan, having 80% correct information from an "FOA" is better than 0% information and having no clue what is going on.
I think at this point we can completely cross Gruden off the list. I did want Gruden to come – that is, if we got a Gruden that was committed to the college game, and to the U and wasn't going to keep one eye on the NFL the whole time. Since it seems even now he is not ready to close the book on potential NFL openings, I would rather not have him as our coach.
Can't wait to learn more about the other coaches we are going to interview. Very excited about the potential of some of the other guys on "The List" including Harbaugh and Mullen. I want someone who is 100% committed to the U when he signs with the program, and I believe both of those guys would be that.
This is definitely a roller coaster, so enjoy the ride…
Go Canes!!!
BRYCED BROWNED AGAIN????? GRUDEN IS THE KNOCK OUT CHOICE WE NEED !!!! HIS NAME WILL HELP FAN BASE AND RECRUITING ALONE!!!! YET IM NOT MEASURING HIS COACHING IQ TO ANY CHOICE, I DO THINK HE CAN DELIVER HIS GAME PLAN TO ANY PLAYER…THE MONEY WE WILL SPEND TO GET HIM WOULD SURELY BE A GAMBLE!!!! IF HE FAILED AT THE U, WE MAY SEE OUR PROGRAM FALL INTO THE LAND OF AVERAGE FOOTBALL FOR A VERY LONG TIME…I ALSO SEE GRUDEN AS LOOKING OVER A GREAT CHANCE..THE MIAMI JOB IS JUST AS SEXY AS SOME NFL JOBS…IN FACT CHANCES OF BEING SUCESSFUL COULD BE BETTER AT MIAMI!!! HAS ANYONE THROUGHT ABOUT TONY DUNGY…DUNGY PROBALLY COULD GRASP THE WHOLE MIAMI PROGRAM AND FOWARD VIEW A LOT BETTER…..
Hey guys,
Just got a call from Kirby. He is flying in to interview me tomorrow. When I see him I am going to ask just one question:
"Where do I sign???"
Yours Truly,
Dan Mullen
canesinceday1 – No offense, but that is the mindset that gives Miami fans an awful rap.
Bryce Browned? You're comparing some punk-ass kid who played Miami and then UM stopped recruiting him to THIS situation?
UM fired Randy Shannon four freakin' days ago and has spent the past 72 hours attempting to court the biggest coaching name in the game — breaking out the checkbook and offering to pay MORE than this program has every paid anyone.
All we as fans can as is that UM's top brass does ALL it can to make this deal happen. From there, it's on Jon Gruden.
Also, while the deal is a long shot, you're talking like it's dead already – which it's not. Until JG comes out and say's he's out — which could happen, but hasn't — then why all the doom and gloom.
REGARDLESS if Gruden signs with Miami, UM has proven that they don't stand for 7-5 seasons and are willing to pay top dollar for the biggest name out there — again, PROVING that mediocrity isn't acceptable.
…. as for Tony Dungy, what about the little fact that he has no desire to coach – going as far as telling his alma mater Minnesota that he was unavailable, even BEFORE they offered him a job back in September and told the Vikings last week that he wanted no part of their gig either.
He'll turn down both of those, but he'll come to UM? C'mon now.
Relax and let's see what happens. Rejoice the fact that Miami cut ties with Shannon and is moving forward full steam ahead, with or without Chucky.
How are we supposed to rejoice we have no coach have basically lost the entire recruiting class and have nothin to offer recruits other than a interim coach?
Stop playing us for fools. Chucky is not coming.
Every other big name coach is not gonna leave where they are for miami. I told u a hire needed to be made or we would lose the farm and here it goes acrfe by acre
Sad thing is miami is not the sexy pick anymore it could be again but it is not right now. A hire has to be made by Friday or hello second rate team for atleast the next ten years.
Two names I'd to like to throw out.
Les Miles,good guy& good coach.Also coached at OSU,just like JJ.
George O'Leary,excellent coach.He has made UCF relevant !
IMO,these 2 are better than the short list we've seen.
Both would be "splash" hires.
Edsall is not a big name but he built a solid program from nothing. I think he best fits with our current roster if we want to win now.
It's clear that mullins was the guy behind the gators offensive success but it isn't clear if he is interested.
At first I was very much welcoming the Gruden "hire." At the same time, I was vehemently against Leach or any other "gimmicky" coach. However, after seeing how much he wants in and the opportunity to score in bunches, why not?
Seriously…I'm asking.
@allcanes.com……………..my last comment is what gives maimi fans a bad rap?..wow that was a over the top response… listen I have read your blogs for quite some time without ever commenting. I find your logic and throughts of the um football program very smart and on point for the most part. My comparison of Bryce Brown to this Gruden thing was made simply because they both flirted with our desparate need to send a message that the best are still intrested in um football……. and regardless of what Dungy said about returning, it was still nothing wrong with asking him!!! WE ARE THE U!!! Yet we both can agree we want what's best for the U and we will be a college fooball force again! Love your blog!
This is getting crazy but hopefully it will be worth it in the end! Can I pose a question for allcanes? Hocutt says he is not going after any coaches with baggage (ie: Leach) but what about all that is surrounding Miss State?
The more you read about Leach's bio the more he makes 100% sense!!! Simply look at his record against Texas and OU, then consider he had a third of the talent as both! Not to mention he would kill for the job, doesnt that count for anything! He coached at a place surrounded by Texas and OU (which kills recruiting, when you have to fight those two) and yet his last few yrs he dominated them!
Just a thought, but I think I am starting to buy into the self promotion of Leach, I truly believe he would win titles at the U
Anon – I don't really think this Cam Newton stuff falls on Dan Mullen.
As for Leach, sounds like he got a bit railroaded and again all the "no coach with baggage" stuff really came from BOT folks and not necessarily from Hocutt.
I would guess that after Gruden you have Mullen and maybe an Edsall-type on that list and after that if guys turn it down, I would assume Leach got a shot.
Who knows. After five days of this coaching nonsense I'm taking a wait-and-see approach. If Gruden isn't signed quickly – this thing will drag out as other candidates are approached and interviewed.
Someone posted a Craig's List ad getting people to vote for Shannon for coach of the year. Here is where I found it: navyandwhite.com
I just can't see Leach being the right fit to take the Canes to the title, even though he did a pretty good job keeping Texas Tech in the national focus. Too many questions about the shady way he and Tech broke up their relationship.
On the other hand, Edsall (and if dreams come true, Harbaugh) is a clean-cut guy who's building a basketball school into a solid football program as well. They fly under the radar, but you gotta respect that he's been able to take UConn this year and get them on the inside track to the Big East. He handled the Jasper Howard incident with class and dignity and he'd be a great consolation prize assuming Gruden and Harbaugh aren't coming, which seems likely.
I certainly wouldn't be disappointed with Edsall.
allcanes – Didnt Mullen recruit Newton out of JUCO?
I get the hype surround Mullen and what he can offer, but in your opinion, what is the hype surrounding Edsall all about? He coaches in a terrible Big East and is barely .500!
Has Peterson's name been mentioned by anyone other than us crazy cane fans for a possibility at the U?
Anyway, thanks for the updates
What do y'all think about Harbaugh or Chud? I personally would love to see Harbaugh bring his swagger and attitude to Miami and the enviroment at Stanford should be similar (both private schools) except Miami offers ten times the recruiting opportunities and ten times the tradition.
As for Chud, he's got both the chops in the NFL and in the college world—also three rings like Shannon. I know a lot of people would see the similarities between the two, but I like Chud's NFL experience and in general the type of offense he would bring to The U.
I'm just a little confounded as to why nobody has mentioned him though.
Stop mentioning Mike Leach, everyone. He will NEVER be at this university in a role greater than custodian. Hocutt and Shalala are classy individuals and will NOT hire a slug like Leach. You can go ahead and cross his name off the list.
I have been following this as close as anyone the past several days and I have to say that i belive this Gruden stuff is all smoke and mirrors. Gruden has all but said no. I believe that Miami is truly after him which would be an awesome hire but i don't believe Gruden has not once shown any SERIOUS interest at all beyond just a casual inquiry. I think Miami is just hoping to convience him to take it. If he really wanted the job, with all that is layed on the table, he would be the head coach already. So the search continues. One name I would strongly consider and I haven't seen mentioned except in relation to hiring Jon Gruden is JAY GRUDEN. He has been successful with every team he has coached. He helped Jon in Tampa, coached the arena league Predators to several good seasons, UFL's Tuskers to championship game 2 years straight as head coach and offensive coordinator. The guy has a good track record. Why wouldn't the U consider someone like him? Not the big household name as his brother but just as much football knowledge, just hasn't really been given a shot in the spotlight! Most importantly, Jay would WANT to be here!
how do you feel about mullen's offense??
Just hire Tommy Tuberville already.Safe & splash hire.
There is not finer writing in the sports world about the Miami Hurricanes Football program found anywhere other than here.
That's write, right, folks~!
As an alum [MFA Screenwriting] who's never met the author of this blog – I would say if this fellow had gone my route he'd be telling James Cameron [Titanic and the Blue-poeple thing of late] what to do.
Keep it up you BEAST~! Go CANES
TWStone Class of '92 []_[]
Does this mean that Gruden is pretty much OUT OF CONTENTION for the job?
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=5875848
Time to move on officially.
Manny Navarro linked everybody up to this article by an obviously hateful Greg Doyel. I say we all go over there and bombard him with equal hate on how absurd and idiotic he is as a person, and as a writer. How are so-called journalists allowed to spew crap like this? I'm sick of this hateful, lacking-integrity journalism, and I'm sick of dip-shits like this guy who only serve to spew crap all over the internet.
Go write him some hate mail: http://www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/story/14387018/ad-hocutt-cutting-up-miamis-chances-at-quality-coaches
Didnt Mullen recruit Newton out of JUCO?
Mullen didn't really need to 'recruit' Newton as Mullen was offensive coordinator when Newton was at Florida, prior to going the JUCO route.