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ESPN Gameday lists PB as #1 to replace Snyder

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Postby BRStang » Wed Nov 23, 2005 12:12 pm

SMU Football Blog wrote:

You are kind of illustrating my point. As bizaare as it sounds, I would look at Bennett leaving as an opportunity to be taken advantage of. I still think this team has real problems. In four years, Bennett's offense has ranked no better than 90th and is currently sitting at 109th. The defense is statistically average, though I think it is better than that. In four years, I have learned Bennett can coach defense; IMO, the jury is still out on everything else. I won't shed too many tears if he leaves and will still be optimistic next year, possibly moreso.


I don't see how I am illustrating your point. If you're of the opinion that Bennett is not really that great of a coach, and you think him leaving may be good for SMU, OK, you are certainly entitled to your opinion. But, for one, I think Bennett has shown improvement this year in this coaching ability and his ability to start turning the corner. I think he deserves another year, and I'm quite hopeful that he may put together a winning season with our 2006 schedule. Two, my point earlier is that if we lose him, especially in late Dec. or January, Copeland will probably be forced to name someone like Burns HC for next year. Maybe not--I could be wrong--maybe we could get a quality HC in Dec. or Jan. for next year--but I happen to doubt it.
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Postby BrianTinBigD » Wed Nov 23, 2005 1:03 pm

Still can't see why anyone would really want the K-State job. This was close to the worst job in college football before Snyder showed up. Kansas, Rice, and Rutgers were in the same neighborhood. Snyder was able to win using JUCOs, transfers, and an outstanding collection of coaches.

However, the rules have changed and the Texas recruiting crops that were once available to K-State are forever gone. JUCOs are being recruited by everyone now as well.

Manhattan is in the middle of nowhere. In fact, I can't think of a major BCS school that is more isolated than K-State except Mississippi State. Neither school has had much success over the long haul. Kansas is a small state with very little D1 talent. Throw in the fact that recruits have to fly to Kansas City and drive 2 hours to get to the school and you have a less than diserable situation.

This job will go to a D-1AA or non-BCS coach that does not have better prospects. PB might take the job but I would not count on it. My 2 local K-State supporters are praying they don't get PB but he may be all that this left in the end and I don't picture him turning the job down if Snyder asks.
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Postby SMU Football Blog » Wed Nov 23, 2005 1:05 pm

We seem to be miscommunicating here. The scenario as you describe it would indeed be a disaster. The differnce between you and me is that you seem to think this is likely how it may play out and I consider it remote. I think we will know K-State's level of interest within a couple of days after the UTEP game and the matter will resolve itself one way or the other a week after that. I don't see it lingering for a month.

If it did come down to some late scramble for a hire, I can't imagine Burns getting the job under any circumstances. I have been firmly in the anti-Burns camp for a full year. The guy's offense is 109th in the country. There seems to be an assumption that given the opportunity, SMU will always make the worst possible choice

I wouldn't fire Bennett either. That being said, nothing I have seen leads me to believe he is the next Bear Bryant. I won't be crying "Woe is us!" if he bolts.
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Postby dcpony » Wed Nov 23, 2005 1:26 pm

BrianTinBigD wrote:Still can't see why anyone would really want the K-State job. This was close to the worst job in college football before Snyder showed up. Kansas, Rice, and Rutgers were in the same neighborhood.


You forgot to throw in SMU with that bunch. I think Temple and Buffalo can be included as well. Bennett has made the 4 wins I predicted. The only way he leaves is if he thinks he can't coach this team to a bowl next year. That would mean the cupboard is bare and SMU will be rebuilding again.
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Postby BRStang » Wed Nov 23, 2005 2:04 pm

1. As many of you have acknowledged, K-State is not exactly Notre Dame as far as coaching interest is concerned. So, perhaps Bennett may wind up at the top of the heap to coach in Manhattan.

2. Don't you think, though, that if Bennett did somehow get the chance to bolt for K-State, he would jump at it in a heartbeat??? The alternative is staying at SMU with all the pressure in the world of having a winning season next year. He goes 4-8 or worse next year, and he'll probably be fired from SMU. Where does he go from there? DC somewhere else?

3. On the other hand, at K-State he'd probably get at least a 3-year deal (if not more) for more money at a BCS school AND he was a very good recruiter at K-State when he was there. Besides K-State has proven that it CAN be turned around.

I think he'd be crazy not to take the K-State job from a pure "Phil Bennett longevity" standpoint if he gets the nod.
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Postby EastStang » Wed Nov 23, 2005 2:05 pm

On the timing issue, part of it depends on the K-State hiring "process". They are a state institution. Do they have to advertize the vacancy by law? Interview at least x number of minorities prior to making an offer? Not conduct interviews until the period stated in the advertisement has passed? If there are such requirements, it could take awhile.
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Postby Ponymon » Wed Nov 23, 2005 2:16 pm

I remember being in Manhattan, Kansas, when I was a kid. My parents auto had blown an engine so we visited the campus while waiting for the mechanic to put a new engine in the car. I still remember the fragrant smell of the cattle feedlot floating over the stadium. Boy was that IMPRESSIVE! :shock: Needless to say, K State was not a college that I considered attending.
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Postby SMU Football Blog » Wed Nov 23, 2005 2:37 pm

BRStang wrote:1. As many of you have acknowledged, K-State is not exactly Notre Dame as far as coaching interest is concerned. So, perhaps Bennett may wind up at the top of the heap to coach in Manhattan.

2. Don't you think, though, that if Bennett did somehow get the chance to bolt for K-State, he would jump at it in a heartbeat??? The alternative is staying at SMU with all the pressure in the world of having a winning season next year. He goes 4-8 or worse next year, and he'll probably be fired from SMU. Where does he go from there? DC somewhere else?

3. On the other hand, at K-State he'd probably get at least a 3-year deal (if not more) for more money at a BCS school AND he was a very good recruiter at K-State when he was there. Besides K-State has proven that it CAN be turned around.

I think he'd be crazy not to take the K-State job from a pure "Phil Bennett longevity" standpoint if he gets the nod.


Those are pretty much the issues.
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Postby BRStang » Wed Nov 23, 2005 2:59 pm

Well, forgive me Blog, but it appears that not everyone is willing to acknowledge the "issues" that I plainly stated them. Some people think there's no way Bennett even gets an interview at K-State. Some people think Bennett won't get the job even if he gets an interview (you included). Some people also think Bennett would turn down the job even if he got it.

I am trying to point out that, based on the recent buzz from people far more "in the know" than I, it is not so far fetched an idea that Bennett is gone after the season. And, hopefully, people like Copeland will start considering that so we don't get kicked in the @ss trying to find someone to come in here and coach at the last minute.

Just curious, Blog, let's say Bennett resigns in Mid-December. Who do you think we could convince to come to SMU at that point to coach for next year? What if he resigns in Late Dec. or January? (Keep in mind that you may have 15 or so coaching openings from other schools, too.)
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Postby SMU Football Blog » Wed Nov 23, 2005 3:24 pm

I looked this up and posted it somewhere, but last year there was an above-average amount of movement. Right now there are 5 openings, plus another two almost sure things. Only two of those-KSU and Wisconsin are likely to garner interest in the existing HC's. Add a couple of more openings, Arkansas and Clemson, for example. There are probably going to be 10-15 openings, tops. They won't all be open at the same time. On top of that, some will be internal hires (If Jo Pa quits, one of his assistants will probably get the job). Some will be unique hires-for example, KSU might hire Bennett when no other school would; another example, Ohio State hired Tressel and he wasn't going to get an offer anywhere else other than an Ohio school.

Point is, there will really only be a handful of schools with openings for a broad range of applicants. I have been formulating a list for months. I have about 20 names on it and most I think would be very interested. Not much point in disclosing the list right now, but I think my top candidate will still be out there and will be if and when we need him.
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Postby EastStang » Wed Nov 23, 2005 3:34 pm

The other aspect is Bennett's children. I know that one is in college. Obviously, they lost their mother to Manhatten, Kansas weather. They may not want to move back there. As far as I can tell, the man is very devoted to his children and they may have a big voice in this decision. There are plenty of variables in all of this.
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Postby MrMustang1965 » Wed Nov 23, 2005 5:11 pm

BRStang wrote:And, hopefully, people like Copeland will start considering that so we don't get kicked in the @ss trying to find someone to come in here and coach at the last minute.

Just curious, Blog, let's say Bennett resigns in Mid-December. Who do you think we could convince to come to SMU at that point to coach for next year? What if he resigns in Late Dec. or January? (Keep in mind that you may have 15 or so coaching openings from other schools, too.)
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Postby gostangs » Wed Nov 23, 2005 5:16 pm

Look folks - he gets a probably double in salary and a BC coaching slot - he is gone if they offer. Personally I think amongst their top school officials and influential alums that they think they can grab a more proven coach resluts wise - this happened one yr to early for PB - ideally he would like his son to be out of hs - but it does not always happen as you wish it would.

I doubt they offer - if they do we can start shopping.
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Postby HorsePower » Wed Nov 23, 2005 5:37 pm

EastStang wrote:The other aspect is Bennett's children. I know that one is in college. Obviously, they lost their mother to Manhatten, Kansas weather. They may not want to move back there. As far as I can tell, the man is very devoted to his children and they may have a big voice in this decision. There are plenty of variables in all of this.
Actually, his son is a senior in high school, and his daughter is a freshman or sophomore. Given how his kids are by far his top priority in his life, I'd be stunned if he left before she graduates high school. After that, who knows.
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Postby feelan » Wed Nov 23, 2005 5:55 pm

gostangs wrote:Look folks - he gets a probably double in salary and a BC coaching slot - he is gone if they offer. Personally I think amongst their top school officials and influential alums that they think they can grab a more proven coach resluts wise - this happened one yr to early for PB - ideally he would like his son to be out of hs - but it does not always happen as you wish it would.

I doubt they offer - if they do we can start shopping.


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