How far have we come?

[alamocitystang]

We need a splash hire. We are not TCU and the landscape has changed dramatically since they hired GP. Problem is I'm not sure who would come here. Most splash hires now want to go to P5 teams. Should have gotten Dykes while we had the chance. Oh well. We'll see what the rest of the season brings. I'm still pretty happy to see our offense work against FBS talent. I'm excited to see what we can do against an overrated frog squad and in the AAC. Not even sure the Aggies D will be able to slow it down. But they will destroy our tired defense in the second half as usual. No sunshine or apocalypses just yet for me. But bright spots with whatever Hal Mumme has added.

[78pony]

I think couch 'em laid down the facts pretty clearly as to why June Jones does not deserve to be fired. June Jones worst season (following the first year which was an anomally) is better than Phil Bennett's best season at SMU. While we may not be going to top tier bowl games, going bowling is sure better than the alternative. I think the biggest difference between the June Jones supporters and the haters is patience. I am with all the haters in that I want to see us become a fixture in the top 25 and going to BCS bowls. However, I believe I am more reasonable in that I realize it takes time. I am enjoying the journey and sincerely believe tht June Jones will be ready to retire sooner than later. Patience is a virtue that will serve us well in attracting a top notch coach who will see that it is possible to win at SMU and that we have an administration and a fan base committed to winning that is grateful and has reasonable expectations. We were a doormat for 20+ years enjoy being good for a few years and then when June moves on look forward to being great.

Time is a luxury we do not, repeat, do not have. He has had 6 and I would contend that in this amount of time we should be seeing clear and significant upward trending in wins, caliber of recruits, etc. But to the point, to think that we have 4,5,6 years to play around and hopefully find the right magic is naive. If we aren't making big moves right now, I am willing to bet the farm we are left out of the big dance forever.

It is already too late for the current phase of realignment, thinking that we will somehow be invited to a P5 conference in the next few seasons is extremely naive. I would argue that by the time we hired June Jones it was already too late. Acting now is simply reactionary. This is June's sixth season so we have 5 seasons of results, not 6. There will always be a way in and a way out if you play your cards right.

I think too many things have ALREADY been decided, and over the past 20+ years we have played our way out. I hope I'm wrong but...

[StallionsModelT]

Agreed regarding the offense. We looked way more in sync and guys were actually creating separation. If Gilbert can get better as we begin to work in the freshmen WR's then this offense could be quite good by midseason.

[East Coast Mustang]

What is June's current contract status? Is he signed through 2014 as of right now?

[SMU 86]

What is June's current contract status? Is he signed through 2014 as of right now?

Yes.

[East Coast Mustang]

But I agree with the sentiment that keeping Mason on as HC if June departs would be a terrible mistake. We absolutely need some kind of hire that will generate buzz; similar to what June did when he was hired back in 2008. Mason is a good DC for us, but he's nothing special.

[East Coast Mustang]

What is June's current contract status? Is he signed through 2014 as of right now?

Yes.

Well, I think he's here until then unless we go 2-10 this year or something.

[bubba pony]

What is June's current contract status? Is he signed through 2014 as of right now?

Yes.

Well, I think he's here until then unless we go 2-10 this year or something.

unless JJ has a big improvement on his win record, say 7 or more (unlikely). And a mid level bowl, not the bottom feeder in rakings (unlikely). no need to extend his contract and get the same old stuff.

[PSCA]

I think Mason would be an excellent HC candidate, and deserves a shot. Players/recruits really like him; he relates well to them, and the parents also. The guy has been in the business 30+ years, he understands the game and that he is only as good as his coaches (recruiting, game prep, and game day adjustments), and he wants to be a HC. Based on conversation, I have no doubt he would make changes in the staff … certainly some would stay, but many would not IMO. With his 30+ years and contacts, don’t underestimate his ability to bring some quality guys in. The comment that Mason is not special as a DC … guess that depends on your definition … but he is damn good. We were what 125th in total “D” when he got here, and after the 2011-12 season we were 26th overall in total “D” … not bad, plus some nice things we did last year. Mason still has a lot of energy and passion for the game … and did I mention that players really like and respect him.

As far as what “O” he would run, I guess that depends to some extent on his OC hire. But, I know he says that the pistol is the hardest “O” to prepare for … and would add variations to that. Splash hire … short of NS and a short list of others … not sure it really matters. I think SMU (JJ) have the program on the map and in the conversation enough to give someone like Mason a shot … this is just all MO, plus a little conversation.

[CalallenStang]

What is June's current contract status? Is he signed through 2014 as of right now?

Yes.

Well, I think he's here until then unless we go 2-10 this year or something.

Just say no to a lame duck year. Either he earns an extension this year or he needs to go

[CalallenStang]

I think Mason would be an excellent HC candidate, and deserves a shot. Players/recruits really like him; he relates well to them, and the parents also. The guy has been in the business 30+ years, he understands the game and that he is only as good as his coaches (recruiting, game prep, and game day adjustments), and he wants to be a HC. Based on conversation, I have no doubt he would make changes in the staff … certainly some would stay, but many would not IMO. With his 30+ years and contacts, don’t underestimate his ability to bring some quality guys in. The comment that Mason is not special as a DC … guess that depends on your definition … but he is damn good. We were what 125th in total “D” when he got here, and after the 2011-12 season we were 26th overall in total “D” … not bad, plus some nice things we did last year. Mason still has a lot of energy and passion for the game … and did I mention that players really like and respect him.

As far as what “O” he would run, I guess that depends to some extent on his OC hire. But, I know he says that the pistol is the hardest “O” to prepare for … and would add variations to that. Splash hire … short of NS and a short list of others … not sure it really matters. I think SMU (JJ) have the program on the map and in the conversation enough to give someone like Mason a shot … this is just all MO, plus a little conversation.

If only he could stop the hurry-up.

[PonyTime]

Great analysis, PonyTime, but what is the formula for deriving those enjoyment numbers?

It's a pretty simple formula:

(# of Competitive Games * Opponent Rivalry Factor) + # of away TV games I get / total Away games
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ave. # of Beverages on Blvd *(Pom squad hotness factor / Ave. Temp at KO) + # of live animals on field

[LA_Mustang]

What a disheartening thread. Here we make a national splash hire in bball, and see the wonderful results, and you want to promote a midgrade DC who cant stop the no huddle and keep most of a non-recruiting staff that has plateaued as an almost-champ of a mid major level conference. Do any of you want to actually win big?

+1

[Rebel10]

What is June's current contract status? Is he signed through 2014 as of right now?

Yes.

Well, I think he's here until then unless we go 2-10 this year or something.

I don't think he would go even if he went 2-10. I don't think they want spend the money to buyout the last year of his contract. I think he wins enough to go to a bowl game this year.

[PSCA]

A lot of “D”s and DC’s struggle with the Hurry up … and SMU no doubt has had its struggles with it. Not sure you can ever (on a consistent basis) stop the hurry up … Only hope to slow it down. That’s why so many teams in the college and now the pro’s are moving to it, or a variation of it. Also why IMO, NS has been vocal about it … masked in his safety for the players montage … vs. NS not liking it and the challenge/stress it puts on a “D”… again MO. Not suggesting NS is afraid of the R&S/spread up-tempo, nor a great enough coach to deal with it and recruit for it. It is what it is …. A challenge, and if an “O” is good at it, you won’t shut them down. SMU has gotten better overall in dealing with it IMO; need to get much better for sure.

Some of you guys are making an assumption that Mason would not make changes, that he does not have some serious thoughts, ideas and a game plan that would make a difference ... he is not the guy in charge right now ... and he goes accordingly.