I know Jimmy does not have the best of reputations with the LSU homers, but he calls it like he sees it. Ott was the first one to run with the hiring of Les Miles in Baton Rouge and he was the 1st to run with the Nick Saban hire
The only way the hiring of Miles compares to the hiring of Zook is that both were done quickly. Foley talked to Mike Shanahan, Bob Stoops, then went straight to New Orleans to hire Zook. Zook got the job because he was Jeremy's friend and because Foley knew he could recruit and he would work hard. Gator fans never believed he could coach. I supported him with the hope he would bring in great assistants to coach and not micro manage them, and supply top talent year in and year out. Zook had no head coaching experience. He had been demoted by Spurrier during his tenure in Gainesville. The only reason he was kept by Spurrier was because he could recruit. Les Miles has head coaching experience. He may not have any championships, but if he did, he may not have been interested in another job. What Skip had to do was tougher than what some many of you think. Many Gators thought Foley could have hired any big name coach he wanted. Gators bitched after the Zook hiring that Gruden was interested. Gators were also pretty mad and blamed Foley for Spurrier leaving in the first place. Spurrier left without warning though and I have to believe, LSU must have known Saban wasn't going to be there long.
And many here were clammering for NFL assistants to be interviewed. I'm not saying I'm against it but I don't understand the desire to hire just anyone from the NFL. That's where Florida found Zook - a well respected NFL assistant. Miles has had success at a BCS conference school. LSU gives Miles even more potential for success. I'm giving him the benefit of the doubt and I think Tiger fans will be pleased with our offense next year.
These are all posts before he was actually announced as our HC, I support him now... I just want him to put together a decent defensive staff.. his Offense should be great.
