🏈 Editorial: Reflecting on Kevin Steele (move to Clemson)

[CRIMSONTUSKS.COM BLOG]

By all indications, Alabama Coach Kevin Steele will be announced as the new defensive coordinator for Clemson. The announcement could come as soon as this weekend.

Staff member and writer TerryP takes a look at the story around Coach Steele's time at Alabama, his future and what he's looking for, and why this could be a good move for the Alabama football program.

Read the Editorial "Reflecting on Kevin Steele" here

 

[Argo]

Great article Terry. If Steele decides Clemson is the route for him, I wish him the best of luck. He'll be a great hire for Dabo, who will need someone to be a head coach type of coordinator on defense.

 

[DIXIEDARLING]

KEVIN STEELE

I still can't understand as to why he thinks Clemson is a great place for him to be at this point in his career.(outside of Family proximity). In my business mind it seems to be a 1 year opportunity to make a statement as you are ready to Head Coach, he'd better have a very good plan, because I don't believe he will have more than a short term opportunity to make the point with DABO. Dabo is our own, I don't eat my own, but CLEMSON out of all places doesn't make smart sense, if you are the bread winner of your family and especially if there is concern over if you like recruiting that takes you away from your Family. How can you Head Coach without a few years of Gone and Grind to be apart of the road march. And, as an AD for head coaching opportunity that is my concern over is he the right person for my program.
The other thing, I am sure if Saban wanted him to stay he would mandate for MAL to make it happen. And, we all know MONEY TALKS.

 

[UAgrad93]

I think Steele fulfilled his wish of having worked for Saban. He wanted to work for the best in the business and he has done just that. It maybe that 2 years there at Clemson and he gets another shot as a HC who is running "his" defense. Good Luck Coach Steele.

 

[ExiledTidefan]

I just don't understand his mentality. To me, the only reason to go go Clemson is the chance to take Dabo's place when the Clemson folks turn on him. I wish all the success in the world to Swinney, and I'd love to see Clemson win and win big. But it might be a struggle, what with the competition the ACC has. And before anyone says "What competition?", let me remind you of their 6-6 record this past year. Anyway, I just think Steele believes he would be the guy up there at CU if Swinney either gets run off or decides to go elsewhere.

Let's face it: If being a HC at a big time program is your short-term goal, then being an assistant at Alabama isn't necessarily the best approach. Saban isn't going anywhere for at least 5-6 years.

 

[Guest]

Just a question..How come Steele was not in the discussion of the TN job?

Also, when we win our next NC wouldn't all assistants become hot commodities. I would think that Steeles value would greatly improve with at least one more year of great defense. I do understand him wanting a bigger role for a team though.

 

[jdpas29]

any ideas on who replaces Steele?

 

[Guest]

Just a question..How come Steele was not in the discussion of the TN job?

Also, when we win our next NC wouldn't all assistants become hot commodities. I would think that Steeles value would greatly improve with at least one more year of great defense. I do understand him wanting a bigger role for a team though.

Steele played at UT and that made him attractive to the viles. His resume as an assistant is impressive, but he did have that four year stint as Baylor's head coach, and his W/L was a Chizik like 9-36. It wouldn't surprise me if the UT inner circle considered him and dropped him just for that reason, unlike their counterparts at Auburn.

 

[TerryP]

Just a question..How come Steele was not in the discussion of the TN job?

Also, when we win our next NC wouldn't all assistants become hot commodities. I would think that Steeles value would greatly improve with at least one more year of great defense. I do understand him wanting a bigger role for a team though.

Steele played at UT and that made him attractive to the viles. His resume as an assistant is impressive, but he did have that four year stint as Baylor's head coach, and his W/L was a Chizik like 9-36. It wouldn't surprise me if the UT inner circle considered him and dropped him just for that reason, unlike their counterparts at Auburn.

If he's talking about as UT's DC, Lane wanted his father in that position. I doubt, seriously, given that situation Steele's name ever came up in discussions.

 

[TerryP]

any ideas on who replaces Steele?

A few interesting names have come up in the last couple of weeks discussing this.

Travis Jones and Geoff Collins both caught my attention. There's also the possibility of one of our staff members to get promoted to an on the field (game) position...Martin, Roach, Pruitt...

 

[BigAl]

football scoop.com is reporting Appalachian State linebackers coach Dale Jones and Iowa linebackers coach Erik Johnson are candidates to replace Kevin Steele.

http://www.footballscoop.com/?cat=24

 

[TerryP]

Latest word...is split.

A good number around the program tend to feel this position is going to be filled before the signing day, but are quick to point out they see no effect on the class at all.

(No, Steele isn't recruiting any kids from our class to Clemson that weren't already being recruited.)

Others, and I'm included in this category, don't see it as something that is heavily on the mind of Coach Saban right now. If the right person is available, we might see a hire before NSD. If he waits...

I'm happy either way.

More as the story develops...