docterjaws
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Jan 18, 2019
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I was thinking about the Steele situation and how it will likely be handled. I thought of something that makes a lot of sense.
Heupel is interviewing DC candidates, so it seems pretty clear that he wants to go in a different direction than Steele for that position. And Tennessee is on the hook for $950K if they let Steele go...for just a few weeks of work, no less. But most of us seem to be thinking that if Steele stays, it will be as the DC. That's not necessarily the case. Remember, he wasn't hired as the DC. He was hired as a "defensive assistant" while Ansley was still DC, so that was the only expectation at the time of his hiring.
Reading the tea leaves, I think Heupel may be planning to hire his own DC (which makes sense), while keeping Steele on staff as a defensive assistant. Have him coach a position like LBs, be a solid recruiting gun, and be a guy who is familiar with the SEC, be involved in game-planning for SEC offenses with which he is familiar. This way, you get an experienced defensive mind who knows the SEC, recruits the territory well, and you avoid that buyout. And you're offering a position for which he was hired in the first place and you still get to hire your own DC. Worst case, Steele says no, walks away, and you don't pay him anything more than the few weeks he worked. I don't think he would, though.
I can easily start with a fresh slate but steele has had some very good defenses over the years - knows the sec - recruits very well and i am not sure you can find anyone better for a DC in this environment. At the end of the day - do you know anyone better or better qualified to take on our defensive C position. Teams like UCF - memphis etc have horrible defenses playing against inferior teams. So I am all for Heupel for offensive reasons but UCF defenses under his rein have been terrible - steele might be better than anyone elso out there