New Focus on Defense

[feelthehorsepower]

I say SMU should start a new focus on recruiting defense, and get a solid Defensive Coordinator as its head coach.

[RGV Pony]

Like maybe the defensive coordinator from a current bcs top ten school ?

Oh, we already did that

[SMU 86]

If we get a coordinator I believe an offense coordinator would be the way to go this time.

[PerunaPunch]

Say what you want about June, but Mason is one of the best in the business. We're lucky to have him.

June will always grab more than his share of recruits on offense. That's just the way it is. Mason's group has always played well above their talent level IMHO, and Mason recruits.

Where were you guys last year when Mason's D shut down Fresno? Give him a break. We graduated his entire starting D line, two NFL-calibre LBs and a pretty damn good safety in Ryan Smith.

[SMU 86]

IMHO

You and JasonB are starting to sound alike. Right Stallion.

[PerunaPunch]

Case in point... Anyone else feel that P Line might be better suited at one of the inside LB spots? The kid is freakishly strong, was a terrific @ LB in HS, and would actually be pretty quick for an inside LB.

Next year, we might really need another badass inside linebacker, whereas we have Prescott, Traylon and KC all competing at RB next year.

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I would be curious to know what Stallion thinks about Mason. You do remember the fact that the anti-June faction was trying to promote Mason to HC last year, don't you? We were collectively crapping our pants when he was a finalist for the Fresno HC job.

[redpony]

Mason is also not one of jj's 'boys'. IIRC he was third or fourth choice for DC when jj was trying to build a staff. I think he is a good DC, not sure he is HC material. I also think that he might have been hindered somewhat by jj and his priority of getting recruits for the O and not so much for the D.

[Rebel10]

Case in point... Anyone else feel that P Line might be better suited at one of the inside LB spots? The kid is freakishly strong, was a terrific @ LB in HS, and would actually be pretty quick for an inside LB.

Next year, we might really need another badass inside linebacker, whereas we have Prescott, Traylon and KC all competing at RB next year.

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I would be curious to know what Stallion thinks about Mason. You do remember the fact that the anti-June faction was trying to promote Mason to HC last year, don't you? We were collectively crapping our pants when he was a finalist for the Fresno HC job.

You and the hardcore JJ supports were probably collectively nervous about Mason going to Nevada but no one else was. I find it interesting that we want to hire a coach that his own college did not want to hire. But I believe JJ is pushing for Mason to get the SMU job so it makes since that the hardcore JJ supporters would push for Mason as well. Hey, just think if Mason were hire and keep the same staff Ponyfans.com would still have all their relationships still in place to get individual interviews. Here we come pistol offense.

[PerunaPunch]

IMHO

You and JasonB are starting to sound alike. Right Stallion.

I'll take that as a compliment. JasonB is much smarter than me. At least about football.

But seriously... Why all the animosity against Mason? He's a very, very good coach. He's put a lot of kids nobody ever heard of into the NFL. And again, he recruits.

I can see why people bag on June. People have been bagging on June style since his NFL days. But Mason is solid.

[PerunaPunch]

I find it interesting that we want to hire a coach that his own college did not want to hire.

He was a finalist for a GOOD coaching gig, so obviously he's held in high regard there.

But I believe JJ is pushing for Mason to get the SMU job so it makes since that the hardcore JJ supporters would push for Mason as well.

First I've heard of that. I would have assumed Mumme. But that's all pure speculation on my part. I'd be very happy with Mason if and when June decides to retire or move on.

I think all your bashing is a complete waste of time. Until June retires or moves on, no decent coach in his right mind would ever come to SMU if we fire a coach who's taken us to 4 straight bowls and won 3 of them (Coach candidate, "If that guy doesn't have job security at SMU, they'll fire me whenever the wind changes direction."). Plus you're making a huge assumption that the CoC is willing to up their investment. What kind of crazy money would it take to get any sort of "name" coach here if you fire June?

Hey, just think if Mason were hire and keep the same staff Ponyfans.com would still have all their relationships still in place to get individual interviews.

I don't think the PonyFans guys are nearly as tight with this group of coaches as they were with Bennett's crew or Cavan's. June doesn't like websites, and he lumps PonyFans in with all the rest.

[Rebel10]

I never said they would fire June but some type of pre-arranged so called retirement might happen. That way both sides save face. Some CoC members are already hearing from BCS coaches regarding the SMU job. Apparently as some have said that we are in a better position than we were several years ago to hire a coach. Mason's public politicizing did not even help him at his own college. I hope Hart has not already made up his mind on the issue and would listen to other candidates if JJ does not come back.

[malonish]

Case in point... Anyone else feel that P Line might be better suited at one of the inside LB spots? The kid is freakishly strong, was a terrific @ LB in HS, and would actually be pretty quick for an inside LB.

It's Line, P.

[JasonB]

If CoC decides to let June go after this season, we aren't going to hire internally to replace him.

Now Rebel is ripping on PonyFans because they can get interviews? Something new every day. Amazing how after a loss, everything is quiet, but after a win, the board is up in arms around everything.

I like Mason personally, but I don't think he is head coach material here. I've said before we need a rock star to come in and be able to navigate politics like LB has.

[PSCA]

Just a few thoughts/comments.

1) Anytime time anyone has something positive to say about the program or the staff … you are automatically a JJ to the death supporter … don’t get that, but OK. I didn’t vote for Obama … either time, but I don’t hate 100% of everything about his Presidency. But, I’m not a supporter and still would not vote for him. So I guess it’s all or nothing for some.

2) I said this before; Mason deserves the opportunity to be considered … not that he necessarily should be the HC. But, he should have the opportunity to lay out his game plan and vision. For those of you who think the staff would be status quo … think again. After 30+ years, he is connected and could put a quality staff together … and he understands recruiting. The “D” right now is not getting it done as well as last year and certainly not two years ago when we finished 26th in total “D” in the nation. But, Mason took a 120th rank “D”, and has done well since then IMO.

3) Not sure where some folks are getting the notion that Mason was somehow passed over, or whatever at Nevada. He was at the top of the list, and they flew out to meet with him. But, they had certain restrictions (or demands) for the incoming coach and Mason felt they were a hindrance, and he said no thanks. Understand that Nevada is far from big budget, and buying out contracts and other items is not always going to be an option. If he said yes would he have been offered … don’t know for sure, but he said no thanks at the meeting. The fact that he showed or even lobbied ... OK. Until you hear the pitch, you don’t know what you have to work with. But again, the idea that his home school somehow was not hot on his trail is not accurate. Now whether or not you think he is a good DC, that’s your/my opinion … I think he is. He currently deals with certain handcuffs and makes the most of it. Again, he has earned consideration IMO, not necessarily should be the HC.

4) Is JJ pushing for Mason .. or Mumme, possibly and I would lean towards Mumme if JJ is pushing internally. There are still some CoC that support JJ and like Mason.

[gostangs]

We need new blood. No mumme or mason as HC. It would be nice to keep mason as DC if new guy needs him.

We need a new staff that is younger, more African American, works their tail off on recruiting trail, embraces the great aspects of our university, knows how to work the system on admissions and keep them in school, runs a spread with power set variations and lots of inventive offensive sets, and knows every TX high school coach on first name basis.