The Bodda Getta

Thanks BM!

Bryan, any idea on what Smarts relationship is like with Carl Lawson? Thanks.

So in your opinion Bryan, if we hire KS, do we hold on to Lawson? Thanks.

BM if Auburn goes with the Gus Bus will he believe he can fix Frazier, and would he be happy with the current QB commits?

Much more concerning to me and of critical importance to recruiting are the systems each would choose to run and the coordinators they would be able to recruit. In light of recent history it seems each would be smart enough to pick the best coordinator they could hire for the opposite side of the ball from their strength.

Malzahn would no doubt choose to run the offense he has developed and run over the years. I don't know if he would have a preference for which defensive philosophy he would choose. His preference may lean toward a particular coach, leaving the DC to decide which defensive system and philosophy to employ. But he knows from experience which style of defense is the toughest for him to play against.

Smart may be a little different situation. He might be married to the defense they currently employ at al but he might also decide based on current personnel to choose a DC based on finding someone similar to himself in terms of system and philosophy. As to the offense, this is the biggest unknown of either of these potential HCs. Would Smart decide to run an offense similar to what al runs now? Or would he make the decision based on personnel but also on which offense he feels is most potent and the most difficult to defend. In his case, I hope he would choose the latter and then find the best person available to run it.

After the last two years, we all know too well how it feels to have our team helpless to defend against or to score upon our major rivals. Both of these coaches have many qualities in common. Each has the knowledge and has shown the ability to put a very effective team on the field on one side of the ball. Each also has extensive experience in how to effectively attack a number of different styles on the other side of the ball, which ones are the toughest to handle and which assistants are the most difficult to go against.

Whichever coach becomes our HC, I hope they use all they've learned over the years to decide which styles they'll run and who to choose to teach and run them. Also, how to lead, stay involved and contribute but also allow the coordinators and assistants the room to do their jobs as best they can. Leadership, direction, motivation, final decisions, public relations, inspiration and being the face of the program - that's a full time job. Do those things well, treat your coaches as professionals and your players with respect and as young adults who need guidance, direction, discipline, motivation, development, teaching and inspiration and you will develop and lead a team all in the Auburn Family will be proud of and feared and respected by our foes.

Whatever happens, the most urgent thing for our new coach to do is recruit and sign a JC QB before the end of Dec. if they hope to compete effectively in the Fall of 2013.

Does Lawson stay now that Gus has been hired?