🏈 Sark - Coach in Waiting?

[Tidestalker]

I think most have read the reports today of him turning down an interview at Auburn, to potentially restructure another contract at UA. Whether or not that is fully true, who knows, but it's exciting to think he could be back on the sidelines at UA with Bryce and the crew next season.

It also brings up a legit question - Could this be a "Coach in Waiting" type of situation? While Auburn isn't a great fit for him on a number of levels, it does represent the fact that he's now a top tier candidate. He's turned down jobs before and it begs the question, what is exactly is he waiting for?

His stock can't get much higher as an assistant after this season. In fact, it can probably only go down. I personally hope this is a C.I.W. type of situation, simply because I can't think of anyone else I'd want more than him. The idea of a specialized defensive minded coach doesn't sound all that enticing, and Sark is probably wired in on everything Alabama from recruiting to fundraising. And most importantly, the dude is kicking ass.

Whether or not he and CNS have had that convo I have no idea, but it would seem that it's pretty reasonable to believe it's come up. I thought CNS would be done in the next year or two, a year or two ago , but I actually think Sark has helped him immensely to continue enjoying this Coaching thing... He looked as happy as ever following the SECCG. Would it not be a perfect situation to have Sark on board until CNS finishes up (whether that's 1,2,3,4,5 or however many years), and hand the reins over for a smooth transition? I do.

RTR

 

[OldPlayer]

I like Sark, but don't believe he has the qualifications to be the next head coach at Alabama. In his previous years as a HC, what did he win? Alabama needs a proven HC. Who is that today? I couldn't tell you. We don't need the Alabama pedigree, Saban showed that. But, we do need someone who at least has won conference championships.

Sark will land a good HC role within the next few years. Thankfully, CNS has no plans to retire anytime soon.

 

[Tidestalker]

I like Sark, but don't believe he has the qualifications to be the next head coach at Alabama. In his previous years as a HC, what did he win? Alabama needs a proven HC. Who is that today? I couldn't tell you. We don't need the Alabama pedigree, Saban showed that. But, we do need someone who at least has won conference championships.

Sark will land a good HC role within the next few years. Thankfully, CNS has no plans to retire anytime soon.

Valid points.

Which conf championship or better coach do you suggest then, @OldPlayer ?

 

[ColAngus]

Just say no to Dabo.

 

[tide92]

I think Sark is a great offensive mind, and it may be best for him to stay in that role. If he became a head coach again, then he may have a hard time handing over the offense to someone else. Being an offensive coordinator and head coach at the same time can be tough - just ask Gus.

 

[Tidestalker]

I think Sark is a great offensive mind, and it may be best for him to stay in that role. If he became a head coach again, then he may have a hard time handing over the offense to someone else. Being an offensive coordinator and head coach at the same time can be tough - just ask Gus.

Fair enough!

Suggestions for a better option?

 

[Rolltide24]

Good points. I believe his stock CAN get higher. If he puts on 2 more great game plans and helps land a title. I feel he didn’t call his best game the last time he coached us in the playoffs. An atonement and NC would put his stock in the clouds.

 

[bamascw]

I don't like the "coach in waiting" tag. Look at the past few coaches as various schools that were in "waiting". Generally does not work out that way. Whom ever takes over after Coach Saban leaves has such a tough road ahead, how do you follow up a run like we have had?

I like Sark, I think he has a great offensive mind, and we all make dumb ass mistakes. Learning from them is what show intelligence and who better to mentor under than Saban? That being said, I would have turned down Auburn as well if I were him. Who wants to take over that while Saban is still coaching? I think we all know Sark will get a shot at a major program every year if he wants to take it.

I am sure Coach Saban will leave before he turns 96 but in the meantime, I am enjoying the run.

 

[Brandon Van de Graaff]

If, God forbid, someone had to take over for Saban after this season, I'd actually feel pretty comfortable with Sark. I don't believe that any secret formal or informal agreements have been made for him to be coach-in-waiting, but I do believe that Saban has a ton of trust in him. There are some very close to the program who feel that Sark has a good chance of following Saban, and that it is more than understood that there is interest. But, Saban has also told people within the program (before this season) that his plan is to coach until 2025 and then re-evaluate. That may not seem like a long time, but in football years, there's a lot that will happen between now and then. And, will Saban even want to name his successor? I'm not totally sure he would, unless Byrne gives him the option (which he may well do).

If I had my choice, my pick as of now would be Matt Rhule. Maybe by then he's tired of the NFL? But, lots can and will change by the time Saban walks out of that office for the last time... There could be a guy out there right now that none of us have even heard of that will end up being the new Dabo 5 years from now. The good news is, someone is going to be walking into a situation that is hard to screw up (better than Day inherited at Ohio State and better than Riley inherited at OU). There will be no lack of interest in the job.

 

[Tidestalker]

Good points. I believe his stock CAN get higher. If he puts on 2 more great game plans and helps land a title. I feel he didn’t call his best game the last time he coached us in the playoffs. An atonement and NC would put his stock in the clouds.

For what job though?! There isn't a better job available than Auburn, at least this year.

Could you see USC bringing him back next year?

Texas, maybe? But it sounds like they don't want to pay the. buyout for anyone not named Meyer.

 

[Tidestalker]

If, God forbid, someone had to take over for Saban after this season, I'd actually feel pretty comfortable with Sark. I don't believe that any secret formal or informal agreements have been made for him to be coach-in-waiting, but I do believe that Saban has a ton of trust in him. There are some very close to the program who feel that Sark has a good chance of following Saban, and that it is more than understood that there is interest. But, Saban has also told people within the program (before this season) that his plan is to coach until 2025 and then re-evaluate. That may not seem like a long time, but in football years, there's a lot that will happen between now and then. And, will Saban even want to name his successor? I'm not totally sure he would, unless Byrne gives him the option (which he may well do).

If I had my choice, my pick as of now would be Matt Rhule. Maybe by then he's tired of the NFL? But, lots can and will change by the time Saban walks out of that office for the last time... There could be a guy out there right now that none of us have even heard of that will end up being the new Dabo 5 years from now. The good news is, someone is going to be walking into a situation that is hard to screw up (better than Day inherited at Ohio State and better than Riley inherited at OU). There will be no lack of interest in the job.

Great observations! I agree Rhule would be a tremendous candidate.

And I should clarify I don't think there is any type of formal agreement, but I can't imagine a scenario where Sark and CNS haven't at least discussed the future and/or informally kicked around some ideas. There's just too much at stake not to.

I also think there is something special about keeping a guy who helped build the program. There is skin in the game. It more meaningful to him and the program!

 

[TideatMileHigh]

My fear with Sarkisian is that he is too much of a nice guy. That is a recipe for disaster at a school like Alabama that has big ego boosters and alumni. You need to have a commanding and assertive presence to be a good head coach at the big time schools.

 

[ElephantStomp]

I like Sark and hope he gets the Bama job when Saban calls it quits. I think Sark will be invested in the Bama program and will have learned lots from Saban.

 

[It Takes Eleven]

For what job though?! There isn't a better job available than Auburn, at least this year.

Could you see USC bringing him back next year?

Texas, maybe? But it sounds like they don't want to pay the. buyout for anyone not named Meyer.

Sunbelt and C-USA guys are turning down the aubrun job, not sure it's the best available. When you look at some objective statistics (19th in all-time wins, 6th in SEC Championships, considered the 10th most valuable college football operation), I think it appears to be in the top 15 or so jobs in the nation. However, the aubrun sites are blowing up with multiple sources saying they are requiring their candidates to keep Steele and Garner. That makes it a sh!tty job where the coach will not have the control over his program that he needs for accountability and success. The jock-sniffing boosters down there just can't help themselves.

College Football’s Most Valuable Teams: Reigning Champion Clemson Tigers Claw Into Top 25

Clemson’s on-field dominance has been paying off—the No. 1 team in the country now generates nearly $80 million per year in revenue, ranking the Tigers among the sport’s most valuable teams for the first time.

www.forbes.com

 

[NickelDoubleDog]

I think people underestimate how much Sark has learned and grown under Saban. He is not the same coach he was when he was HC at Washington and USC, just as Saban learned and grew from his time at Michigan State.

 

[mando]

Being an offensive coordinator and head coach at the same time can be tough - just ask Gus.

Comparing Malzhan and Sark is like comparing hotdogs to steak or whatever mismatched analogy you want to make. Malzahn was always in over his head once teams adjusted to what he was doing and had as good or better athletes than him. He had NO counter moves once his gimmicky offense was exposed.

 

[50+yeartidefan]

Comparing Malzhan and Sark is like comparing hotdogs to steak or whatever mismatched analogy you want to make. Malzahn was always in over his head once teams adjusted to what he was doing and had as good or better athletes than him. He had NO counter moves once his gimmicky offense was exposed.

Sark must be satisfied at Bama...you know he should be in demand...

what i cant figureisthe DC at Clemson...he should be in demand ...doneheck of a job

 

[Rolltide24]

For what job though?! There isn't a better job available than Auburn, at least this year.

Could you see USC bringing him back next year?

Texas, maybe? But it sounds like they don't want to pay the. buyout for anyone not named Meyer.

I wasn’t speaking to his stock going up for a specific job/school, just stating that I think his stock still has a little room to climb. These next 2 games could do it. Or not... there’s some struggling B1G schools and Big 12 schools that might be looking sooner than later. Who knows, he may wait one more year and even better gigs may open. Seems like there’s a surprise or 2 each season. He’s given us 2 incredible years of offense, no doubt about that. Of our 2 losses these past 2 years, it wasn’t because of offense (he couldn’t help Mac’s two Pick 6’s against Barn). But a championship would be another level. At least in my opinion.

 

[50+yeartidefan]

I wasn’t speaking to his stock going up for a specific job/school, just stating that I think his stock still has a little room to climb. These next 2 games could do it. Or not... there’s some struggling B1G schools and Big 12 schools that might be looking sooner than later. Who knows, he may wait one more year and even better gigs may open. Seems like there’s a surprise or 2 each season. He’s given us 2 incredible years of offense, no doubt about that. Of our 2 losses these past 2 years, it wasn’t because of offense (he couldn’t help Mac’s two Pick 6’s against Barn). But a championship would be another level. At least in my opinion.

sure seems he is-big 12 type.... glad he is staying through playoffs

 

[bamafan4ever]

I will leave it to those whose pay grade is well above mine but I wouldn't whine if Alabama offered him the HC when it becomes available, hopefully years down the road but my opinion is based on this snapshot in time. Opinions will change over a few years and who knows? We may all agree by then that he should be "the guy".

Here is a good read written before the SEC Championship. Regardless of what happens with him, I will pull for him personally....

The perseverance of Steve Sarkisian. How this coach and former BYU quarterback fought his way back

The onetime Cougar reached the pinnacle of college football, fell from it, and has gotten to the top again

www.deseret.com