So lets say its Gruden. Theres no way we can wait till after Christmas to have him recruiting. IMO, if its him, it HAS to be in the next 7-10 days. Or, does his name alone save this class? I dont know he wouldnt be distracted or a distraction on MNF.
I think if the deal has truly been agreed upon, they'll want a little distance between Butch being fired and Gruden being announced. They will try and squash the appearance that they were working on a deal while Butch was still coaching.
The longer we wait, the less likely it is to be who we all want. Longer wait time = we're going after someone who's already coaching and we're letting them finish out their season to "avoid distractions". Honestly, the biggest news to come out today has gone largely overlooked and has been laughed at: The reports that Currie offered to let Butch coach the final two games.
I (and others) don't believe Butch would've been offered the opportunity to coach the final two games unless there was already a plan in motion. Realistically, there are really only 3 possibilities (all of these are in reference to offering Butch the opportunity to coach the final 2 games):
1. AD already has who he wants and a specific date was agreed upon; it's just smooth sailing until then.
2. AD doesn't have plan in motion and will evaluate available talents following the conclusion of the season.
3. AD literally has no idea what he's doing and thinks it's a good idea to fire the coach without a contingency plan in place YET STILL afford him the opportunity to coach.
I don't think 3 is much of an option, and 2 just seems like a silly idea (to fire the coach but allow him to keep coaching).
For the guys all over Grudens sack.
Question:
1) he hasnt coached in 10 years, what makes you think he can come in and start winning
2) who would he bring in as assistants?
3) will the same people be calling for his head after he goes 5-6 the 1st year?
An observation or three:
Eschewing a search committee or search firm is a pretty bold move. Inserting others into the process gives an AD a degree of shielding. Without one, it's 100% Currie's decision.
So he's clearly a very confident person. That's the first observation.
But he also has to believe he can come up with a new coach the community will applaud. Because, self-confident or not, his destiny is attached at the hip to this hire and that's a big rock in the ruck sack.
So he's got at least one big name already in his pocket. Bigger than Mullen, I'd say, bigger than Frost. If not JG, at least a Patterson level option. Proven winner who has already said he wants to come to Tennessee.
And that's comforting to know. Not as comforting as him walking into a press conference tomorrow to say the words Jon F'ing Gruden, but still comforting.
I think if the deal has truly been agreed upon, they'll want a little distance between Butch being fired and Gruden being announced. They will try and squash the appearance that they were working on a deal while Butch was still coaching.
