Van’s new job

[PonySnob]

Looks like Van is headed to Starkville:

[DanFreibergerForHeisman]

Points will be rolling up in Starkville!

[mrydel]

I liked Van. He was out of his element as a DC. The kids seemed to like him and he had a great personality. I think there is a place for him somewhere where he can excel if he can find it. I wish him the best.

[One Trick Pony]

I liked Van. He was out of his element as a DC. The kids seemed to like him and he had a great personality. I think there is a place for him somewhere where he can excel if he can find it. I wish him the best.

And he looked great in sunglasses!

[AustinPerson]

Isn't a defensive analyst pretty much a graduate assistant? For those who have season season four of Last Chance U, I picture Frank Diaz the QB coach.

[mrydel]

Well our head coach was a grad assistant last year then.

[No Quarter]

Someone please remind me, please. Are there restrictions on the number of assistant coaches? I would agree that Van was "out of his element" as a coordinator but is a "defensive analyst " a way of
getting another assistant?

[JasonB]

Assistants can't coach on the field I think. It is more of a strategy role, so it might help him out with being a better coordinator in the future.

[mtrout]

You mean analysts can't coach on the field? If that's the case...seems like a bad gig for Malone. He seemed like a people person not some egghead analyst.

[ponypatrick]

I liked Van. He was out of his element as a DC. The kids seemed to like him and he had a great personality. I think there is a place for him somewhere where he can excel if he can find it. I wish him the best.

Ditto..........seemed like a nice guy to me. Sat next to his wife at one of the games, and found her to
to be a very pleasant lady with an infectious smile !

[JasonB]

You mean analysts can't coach on the field? If that's the case...seems like a bad gig for Malone. He seemed like a people person not some egghead analyst.

Yeah, I meant analysts. I agree - his strong point is relationships, recruiting, and he is a decent position coach. But if he wants to try and be a better coordinator, this is a good position to get that figured out.

[SMU Pom Mom]

Someone please remind me, please. Are there restrictions on the number of assistant coaches? I would agree that Van was "out of his element" as a coordinator but is a "defensive analyst " a way of
getting another assistant?

It used to be nine but the NCAA recently increased it to ten. I know this because my alma mater had to hire two coaches, one for the increase and one for a retirement, after not having any staff changes for seven years.

[Nacho]

the worst defense in smu history was under van.
so long and good luck

[leopold]

This would have been the telling year for Vans defensive coordinator acumen: fourth year, eight returning starters and a couple of key transfers stepping in. I would have been curious to see how it all played out.

[Nacho]

thank goodness we don't have to find out.