The Bodda Getta

One of Scarbinsky's better articles. There are quite a few questions that come out of this, many of which are uncomfortable to ask and maybe more so to answer. It's pretty clear that Malzahn was the backup to the backup to the backup plan. Once the Fishers and a few other coaches preferred to stay where they were, it raised Qs about how attractive this job really was...with the reputational hits from 2010, the Memphis stuff, the Saban effect, and the very tough SEC West. You couldn't bring your lil boy pants to this job. Kudos for Malzahn on that front, and that provides a glimmer of light because he knows better than anyone what he's getting himself into. However, the next stage pushed the remaining targets to curb as Petrino had more skeletons and Smart was overly demanding (read arrogant), the picture was clarified. It HAD to be clear to pick Malzahn. There was no one else left. While Phillip said that interviewing Morris was a courtesy or a "favor", I disagree. I think it was a viable option as another backup plan. Who else was left?

This makes a bit more sense to me now. Because I initially thought you can't really agree to Malzahn without a clear and probable choice for DC lined up. It's just too important to success of the program. Because without a high quality D coordinator that understands how to run a D opposite Malzahn's O, it won't lead to many wins. But they had little choice it seems.

This doesn't mean that Malzahn won't be a good choice in the long run. Personally I remain dubious, more because this is a giant mess, and Malzahn has no experience at all in building a program; in fact, many of the signs from his first tenure don't paint a picture of success from a programming or organizational perspective. HOwever, he is very intelligent and a tireless worker; If he is open-minded that could lead to an evolution in his ability to handle the program. It's a risk. A big one. And one that will take time for him to learn, and for me, I believe therefore that it is critical to get a new, fresh and strong AD in here to help him.

I will be straightforward. If you hired a Fisher, Stoops, or even Petrino--someone with experience with rebuidling programs, it wouldn't be as much of a concern. However, with the hire of Malzahn, it's absolutely critical we get someone on the AD side to assist in this program rebulid. Malzahn can't do it alone without any experience to do so. I think it's a major mistake to keep JJ on in this role (even if only for 6 months), particularly since it is evident that he is handcuffed from the start (having a committee essentially do his job). I agree with Gogue's approach to the hire, just not in keeping a lameduck AD on board. It's a mistake, and now I think a big one with a VERY inexperience person overseeing one giant and deep mess.

This first 6 months is critical to the foundation of the program, and Malzahn needs help today, someone with a fresh perspective and analytic insight to be able to understand the problems in the program and help devise a new trajectory. It is clear that JJ cannot do that--whether a lack of capacity or lack of confidence from those around him. So, while the committee and decision-makers may not have had a choice in hiring a HC, they do on the AD side, one that is essential for this program to move forward.

Who cares if he wanted to coach the BCS championship game? It's not like he would be neglecting any coaching oppourtunities at Auburn. And why not reveal any NCAA issues if you don't have anything to hide? Just shows how stupid the administration running the Auburn program is. Whether or not Smart was offered the job, his request were completely in line with what any other coach in his position would want. That's why Auburn wound up with Malzahn.
BCS championship game vrs GoDaddy.com bowl.