So Saban goes to Bama, here's my question:

[RGV Pony]

Naturally the LSU folks are pretty offput that Saban would go to such a hated rival. I'm trying to put that sentiment in an SMU perspective.

Let's say (hypothetical of course) SMU wanted to make a splash and right the ship. Let's also say Patterson from TCU went to the NFL or some other NCAA job and had mediocre success. How would it sit with us at that point to bring Patterson on? Or had Franchione petered out at atm this year, and been chased away by casa de Aggie, how would it have set to bring him to the Hilltop?

Of course, the above scenario is far-fetched. My point is that I don't think SMU would ever do such a thing, not because they/we have such conviction about our 'rivals,' but because of intangible factors that keep us from competing anyway. For instance, had Ron Meyer not gone NFL and SMU continued beating Texas, I could have seen the Longhorns giving him a fat check. I couldn't see the reverse happening, though.

[NavyCrimson]

As for Meyer, I think it was in his contract that he couldn't go to 'another' SWC school. I think? Good question though.

[Mexmustang]

I think we need to believe that we would. If it was deemed the right person, why not? After twenty years of self-administered failure and the breakup of the SWC and exclusion from the BCS why would we feel it necessary to take "the high road"? Who do we owe? A continued dedication to failure?

[NavyCrimson]

So true Mex!

[RGV Pony]

I think we need to believe that we would. If it was deemed the right person, why not? After twenty years of self-administered failure and the breakup of the SWC and exclusion from the BCS why would we feel it necessary to take "the high road"? Who do we owe? A continued dedication to failure?

I think you hit the nail on the head as to what I was trying to intimate

[EastStang]

SMU doesn't get BCS money. So, if you can write a $38 Million check, be my guest. Otherwise, don't sit and spend money that SMU doesn't have.

[Mexmustang]

The issue wasn't about money, simply a rhetorical question, would we attempt to hire a rivals ex-coach?
But, now that the issue comes up, what business does a state institution have paying these salaries? If football is now so profitable, maybe Alabama should consider lowering tuition or raising its academic profile? Maybe the BSC system should be challenged in court. Certainly Alabama has put it right in the open, the BCS has put so much money in the hands of so few that college football is playing with the same budgets some NFL teams are playing with!
Or,on the otherhand, maybe SMU should reconsider its budget and hire someone that could reap the rewards Boise State is now reaping. In additon to the BCS $'s, I bet there is a whole new world of HS seniors at least looking into the school.
Just my thoughts on a grey day, when everyone is suffering from post holiday blues!

[mrydel]

I was serious when it looked like Bennett would not be back that we go after Todd Graham. I think we could have put together a better package than Rice and Lord knows he can recruit Dallas.

[EastStang]

Money is an object. Franchione is probably thinking, jeez why didn't I stay if they were willing to be this stupid with their money. He left Alabama for more money at A&M. He left TCU for more money at Alabama. He left NM for more money at TCU. We obviously don't seem to have a problem with hiring from a rival as in Orsini. UCF hired one of our assistant soccer coaches to be their head coach. The problem that many of these coaches have is that they don't want to make a lateral move generally. Graham would be a lateral move to SMU. Patterson would be a lateral move. Just because SMU might pay better doesn't mean it is a step up. That's why Alabama had a tough time getting someone. No one wanted to move laterally to that job. In the end they had to pay a king's ransom to get a name coach. Otherwise they were looking at hiring someone from a smaller program which would have been doomed before it began given their alumni.

[PonyPride]

How about Wayne Heizenga (sp) basically asking for input from the media and everyone else at the press conference on who should be the next coach of the Dolphins and the direction of the franchise? If I'm a Dolphins fan, that scares the hell out of me.

[Mountain Mustang]

Pat Forde's just a bit fired up here. Check out the article.

--And that was pretty scary stuff about taking input from the media.

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/columns/ ... id=2718798

[J.T.supporta]

WOW pretty intense and great article by Forde with so many great points in it.

2 members not in the Liars Club are the guys that KEPT their word, Rich Rodriguez and Greg Schiano.

Everyone knows when it comes to a job its ALL bout $$$. After $, then comes job happiness.

Who would be dumb enough to pass up $4milion a year, not to mention all those incentives he has added on to that contract. I'm sure if he gets them to a winning record and wins a bowl game this year he gets another $250,000.

[Stallion]

Big Whoop- Ti-Do. People get so worked up about what is simply a personal employment decision. Gee he took the 40 Million. Shocking! That Bastard. Players who commit to a school because of a Coach deserve what they get. Obviously, Alabama was waiting until the end of Miami's season in order not to be accused of tortious interference with contract during their season.

[EastStang]

Sort of reminds me of the old joke. A guy goes up to this girl and says would you sleep with me for $40 million. She says sure. Okay how about a dollar. She says what do you think I am. He says "we've already established that, now we're just negotiating the price."

[Mountain Mustang]

I like that, and you're right it really applies here.