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[jkflamebo]

barnett would be a good hire. the year he got fired was a weird one. he won the big 12 north, then got walloped by the texas team who beat usc. i would be excited if he got the smu job

[Phxfan]

I'm just trying to look through the schools eye. For the very reasons you mentioned they may hedge on this.

I think you are still hung up on the Methodist Church's role in selecting the coach. Let me clarify, it doesn't have one.

Nope, I think any school or most schools want to stay away from "problems". SMU is a case unto itself. I do think this hire is also going to be a statement hire and will probably get quite abit of national press. I think Barnett would be fine for even ND, Baylor etc. However given SMU's past, it might be questionable PR.

[ThadFilms]

Plus, the issue he had with the female kicker should never become an issue at SMU or anywhere else. There is no place for a girl on a guys football team!

I saw Mia Hamm hit a 50-plus FG. If someone has her leg strength and wants to kick, there's no reason she shouldn't. Barnett's comments about Hnida were a lot worse than "regrettable."

Hence my "His comments on Kate Hnida were more than regrettable."

Gary Barnett on Hnida - "Not only is she a girl, she's terrible."

[Stallion]

These three exceprts caught my eye:

1) Won the NCAA Award for Highest Graduation Rate(100%)-79% Cumulative over his career

2)Coach Barnett is a member of a very select group of head coaches who have twice coached the NCAA Most Improved Team. Several years after arriving at Colorado, in 2001, he tied for the top spot (also a plus-6), joining him with three coaching legends who have also accomplished the feat on two occasions (Paul “Bearâ€

[Stallion]

Larry Coker wouldn't make my Top 20 List

[mustangxc]

I'm just trying to look through the schools eye. For the very reasons you mentioned they may hedge on this.

I think you are still hung up on the Methodist Church's role in selecting the coach. Let me clarify, it doesn't have one.

Nope, I think any school or most schools want to stay away from "problems". SMU is a case unto itself. I do think this hire is also going to be a statement hire and will probably get quite abit of national press. I think Barnett would be fine for even ND, Baylor etc. However given SMU's past, it might be questionable PR.

I think that based on the severity of our punishment and the longevity of our suffering we would get a pass on hiring Gary Barnett. Plus they are merely allegations. Haven't you ever been accused of something you had nothing to do with and that was inaccurate?

[J.T.supporta]

ugh, I don't like that choice at all.

how can you not like that choice?

hes a PROVEN winner. Did a great job at Northwestern and has took his team to a BCS bowl game/win. and coached the upset of the year that year they won the big 12.

sure he didnt handle the sex scandel well but every coach out there has some type of scandal baggage on him.

he IS the best coach with the BEST resume out there. and if he says hes interested...lets sign him 1 minute after our final game.

[mustangxc]

Larry Coker wouldn't make my Top 20 List

Agreed, he may have been a good hire for Tulsa last season based on there competitive status. Unfortunately I don't see him turning around a program, especially not SMU. Gary Barnett is looking more and more promising. Hopefully Orsini likes him.

[couch 'em]

I saw Mia Hamm hit a 50-plus FG. If someone has her leg strength and wants to kick, there's no reason she shouldn't. Barnett's comments about Hnida were a lot worse than "regrettable."

It takes a special female to handle and embrace the environment of a football team. Otherwise the all-male group gets more watered down and soft (which can't happen on a football team) or there is major problems. Too risky.

[Stallion]

another point-Barnett was the Offensive Coordinator of a National Champion at Colorado.

[ThadFilms]

another point-Barnett was the Offensive Coordinator of a National Champion at Colorado.

Now THAT was a crazy season for the Buffs. Lot's o' fun that year.

[J.T.supporta]

If Barnett can recruit a guy by the name of Colt Breenen, just think of who else he could recruit here

[Insane_Pony_Posse]

might not be my first choice
but this guy is a long way from coach phil
he has coached at the highest level
and is not some coordinator or coach from Valdosta State
yes, we could live with Gary Barnett

[mrydel]

Larry Coker wouldn't make my Top 20 List

In line with that, I would not want any of the ones that are dead either.

[Water Pony]

Living in Chicagoland, everyone was pretty excited about the turn around at Northwestern under Barnett. When he beat Michigan and Notre Dame, the earth shook in this town. The Wildcats had recently one of the longest losing streaks in college FB history. The academics were blamed and he had to recruit his guys, who would buy into his commitment to excellence.

At the end of his tenure, he was antsy and wanted the Texas job before Mack Brown got it. Colorado was a natural move, since he was there before and he could recruit with all the benefits of a state school.

Reality is that I don't think a prominent BCS school with ever give him a chance. He wants to do it big one more time and SMU may be the challenge that coaches like him could not resist.

So far he is one of the better name mentioned here. I would take Turner Gill, but there is risk in losing him quickly to Nebraska, if not before. Bowden is fine, but Barnett strikes me as a Orsini type: rejected, but anxious to prove the world wrong.