Like every other decision Mal makes, this one is the easy and safe choice - and the WRONG one.
Moore, in my opinion, made this decision - or approved the decision of someone else - to instill Roberts in this spot in an effort to more easily allow his long-time friend and golfing buddy Stabler slide back into the job in 2009 (if Stabler somehow clears his name from a THIRD DUI and only carries the stigma of TWO DUI convictions - like that is really any better). If Moore put someone like Shultz, or Barker, or Chris Stewart into the job and they did a good or great job, then Moore would have a much harder time justifying removing the new guy (and going back to the tired old past - or tradition, of filling every job with someone once touched by Coach Bryant).
There is a reason Roberts was fired from the job as color analyst for the basketball broadcast team - and that is Roberts is more dull than paint drying or grass growing.
Mal Moore is slowly killing our athletic department. Yes, he raised a lot of money (at a time might I remind you when the economy was flourishing and contributions to all programs were flowing freely) and built some impressive buildings. But, PEOPLE lead and inspire and win things, not bricks-and-motar or concrete-and-steel. Moore's track record on hiring people is just downright pathetic (Saban the exception, but Saban is the FOURTH head football coach Moore has had to hire in roughly ten years - not a good record to use as a defense). This hire is far below most coaching hires, but it is indicative of Moore's lack of vision and ability to recognize our true needs.
Mal Moore is really driving me away from following Alabama football and athletics - and the university in general (if Moore's retention and promotion is an example of how broader departmental heads are managed). And as a result, my children are losing interest in pursuing any interest in attending UA or competing on an athletic team there. I can follow and support a program that does not win as frequently as I desire, but I have a hard time supporting a program lead by incompetence but refuses to address the lack of leadership and make the necessary changes. If they don't care, why should I?
Does not mean I love my alma mater less, I just cannot justify pouring my money or emotions down a black hole.
