Tale of the Tape -- Holtz or Waters

[DiamondM]

You may prefer Waters, or you may prefer Holtz. Both are good candidates with pros and cons. Get a hold of yourself if you think either one is the sure fire bet and hiring the other one would be disasterous and grounds for (A) firing Copeland, or ( withdrawing (even further) your financial and moral support of this program. That is just plain stupid. Either way (and maybe even in the event of a third 'dark horse') we are making a step in the right direction and you should support SMU. Let's examine the tale of the tape (without the Nick Bakay cheekiness).

Name recognition (among recruits, casual fans, general public): Despite what the native Dallisites and Cowboy fans screaming for Waters are saying, I think the true name recognition here goes to Holtz, certainly nationally.

Experience: I actually think that this is pretty even as far as amount of experience goes, despite what some of the Holtz champions are saying. I mean 5 years head coach at UConn (Div. IAA until very recently) and a couple years coordinator under Daddy? This does not say 'WOW' for me. Holtz's college coaching experience is more recent, but Waters has at least some experience on a number of different levels: college and pro, not to mention as a player at both levels, which may or may not translate into good coaching.

Media appeal: In Dallas, Charlie Waters is clearly the winner here. I like anyone who can bring back the Dallas media into our corner. But Forrest Gregg had good media appeal, and that didn't help without winning.

Dedication to Dallas and SMU: It appears that right now Charlie has the clear edge here. It is pretty predictable that if Holtz actually does turn this train around, he would be gone faster than a prom dress. Charlie says he wants to stay in Dallas, and I believe he is telling the truth. But if, in 4 years, we have really turned around and bigger boys come knocking, will he still say the same thing? I don't know, and neither do any of you. MOreover, maybe we shouldn't be worried about becoming a stepping stone coaching position. Look what it has done for Tulsa basketball.

Butts in seats: I really don't think there is a clear advantage here, but the scales probably tip in Waters' favor, in part because the people who have already hitched their wagons to Charlie appear to be ready to disappear if they don't get their guy. Yes, Waters may bring out a few extra Cowboys-olden-days fans. But it is winning that puts buts in seats (not to mention our much improved OOC home schedule next year), not how attractive the coach is. The fickle Dallas fans can turn on anyone quick.

Advantage: Waters by a nose, and such a short nose that the hiring of Holtz shouldn't scare anybody off. If whoever is chosen does not succeed, no doubt hindsight will be 20/20, but that doesn't mean that either would be the wrong choice NOW.

[BUS]

With your comment the nose grows longer for charlie with the following information. His wife was an SMU cheerleader and he is a Dallas man. Family and friends and don't ask me why but, I think he will put his heart of hearts into this position.

Can not make a big enough point about positive attention from Dallas media.

Nice to read your post - Diamond M

[PK]

Reading between the lines, things must be hot and heavy over on the other board. They are always screaming that they are going to pull their support/contributions, blah, blah, blah. Copeland is in the hot seat right now and I'm glad it is not me. It would be nice to have a GOOD coach willing to stick around forever like Hayden Fry up in Iowa. Unfortunately no one has a crystal ball as to the future fortunes of anyone we choose. Ultimately Copeland has to make the decision and luckily for him at least he is getting interest from some good people. In the end it doesn't matter what we armchair AD's think....it's Copeland's baby. Get us a GOOD one Big Jim!!!!!

[Horseshoe]

I hear little Skippy is nothing like his annoying father, and is thought of as a very solid coach. But the fact that he's not like his father just bumped him up on my list.

[Mac]

I thought everyone would like to see this. It doesn't look good if good old dad knows what he is talking about.

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