Not quite accurate, but close. Butch Davis had an agreement with our AD that he would take the job. In fact, we posted an article on Tidefans talking about it, but the University contacted us and asked us to take it down. That agreement lasted about a week and then Davis called and said he was going to the Browns. After that, we had serious talks with Beamer (currently has two former Bama players on his staff) and there was a deal in the works there. The only thing Beamer asked was that the University not say "he was our second choice" after Davis. That wasn't a problem until Davis said he had "turned down the Alabama job" and Beamer withdrew his name. That left a list of 5 coaches. Riley, Leavitt, Croom, Williamson and Shula. The first two were talked with, Riley wishing to stay on the West coast (more like his wife and kids did) and Leavitt was real close to getting an offer but he didn't sit well with Pres. Witt. Witt interviewed the last three, and chose Shula. Moore wanted Williamson, Croom just simply blew his interview and Shula aced it. And there's the rest of the story... I consider myself fortunate to have established some friendships with a couple of sports agents groups. Based partly on what they are saying right now and based partly on contacts that have been made with the University this season I have no doubt a "big name coach" is very much in the realm of possibility. Fact is, like it's been mentioned, the money is no problem. Secondly, if you ask any Div 1 coach they'll tell you the Alabama program is a program someone could step in to right now and win immediately. In fact, they've gone as far as to say this is going to be a good off-season for picking up talent on the sidelines. I've already mentioned CNS's people have been in contact with UA already...fact is, there is another "big named coach" out there, currently employed by a national power program, that has put feelers out also. The question isn't whether Alabama could get that caliber of a coach, the question is whether or not Pres. Witt pulls the trigger. Right now, I'd say there is better than (only slightly, mind you) 50-50 chance Shula is given one more year. (which will be much to my dismay, believe you me...even if he pulls out wins in the next two games it won't change my opinion of the state of the program)
It probably is an ego thing...being "first choice" may have made his exit from Va Tech easier. FWIW, this was the second time there were talks between Beamer and UA about the position...his name was there before fRan also.
I don't really know if it was name recognition but I definitely agree that last year was a mirage for bama and proves nothing about Shula's abilities. I can certainly see why Terry would question the coaching staff based on what they have really accomplished. But they will play us tough tonight.
If Shula is so terrible, a 10-2 season shouldn't earn him a huge raise and a contract extension. Imagine if SabanFan were BryantFan....
Mirage I won't concede...there is no doubt that was a great defense...without it, those 10 wins would have been more along the lines of 7, maybe 8
Terry-- I am pretty sure we discussed how good the 2005 Bama team was right before our game last year. I was making pretty much the same mirage case and you were on the complete opposite side of things at the time. Funny thing was that I didn't realize you were a Bama fan at the time. Thought it was odd that a LSU fan was so optimistic about the Tide. But I will somewhat agree on your defense from last year, I thought the defense was good. I won't concede 'great' Can't wish you luck tonight but good luck the rest of the season.
That was a spirited discussion last season. I remember being absolutely amazed at some of the prognostications of a 3-4 touchdown victory by some of the folks here. This year's defense isn't of that caliber; no doubt. We've got the bodies, just not the experience.
Lsu has got to get solid on pass defense . It is the weakness , bam i do not think will win this game but they will make it a fun game to watch . The young players are good players , and they do not like losing , anymore than our players .A LSU Chat Room
