🏈 Wow! Dabo is putting together an Alabama staff at Clemson..

[alagator]

IF, Steele ends up leaving, based on the staff we have now, it would be Kirby's defense.

The likely move would be to hire an inside linebackers coach.

The other possible move would be Lance Thompson takes over the entire group of LB'ers, and we bring in another secondary coach. Although, that's not something I would expect.

You know I am the LAST person to suggest someone be hired to coach (or be an administrator) at UA simply because he used to play there, but I would hope that Lorenzo Ward would be one Saban would reach out to as a replacement.

Good coach with exposure to the Secondary and LBer (I think) positions. Not to mentioned he tutored under Frank Beamer when Beamer's Special Teams were 'special' in a good way (the last year or two 'special' when applied to VA Tech's units has been more that other kind of special - but Ward has been gone during this time).

If not him, any other suggestions or names making the rounds?

 

[Guest]

I've always said to Clemson smack talkers, "you are the school Alabama built."

Frank Howard.
Hootie Ingram.
Danny Ford.
Charlie Pell.
Jess Neely was an assistant at Bama before taking the job.
In a manner of speaking, Tommy Bowden.

But this... :lol:

Well now we may have a ACC school to support now.

It's the University of Alabama-Clemson! :lol:

Interestingly, they borrowed heavily from Auburn too:

Orange, Purple and the Tiger — The first "colors" of Clemson can be seen in an early diploma displayed on campus. But to everyone's surprise, they're red and blue! The orange and purple began when Walter Merritt Riggs formed Clemson's first football team in 1896. Because Riggs had come from Agricultural and Mechanical College of Alabama (later renamed Auburn), he borrowed ideas from their team colors, orange and purple, and their mascot, the Tiger. Although the football team was known as the Tigers and often used "Eat 'Em Up, Tigers" as a slogan, it wasn't until 1954 that a Clemson student donned the mascot suit. In 1993, the Tiger was joined by the Tiger Cub.

http://www.clemson.edu/about/traditions_landmarks.html

 

[Crimson Hawk]

JMO, but if Steele leaves, we will take a bigger hit in recruiting than we will in coaching, although I'd love to see him stay because he's good at both.

 

[TerryP]

JMO, but if Steele leaves, we will take a bigger hit in recruiting than we will in coaching, although I'd love to see him stay because he's good at both.

I don't agree with that.

Don't get me wrong, Steele is a hell of a recruiter. But, what we have to take into account is how little he's been on the recruiting trail this season.

One of the adjustments with our staff at the end of last season on top of a few title changes was the amount of time Steele spent on the road. In an effort to keep this staff together for another year Saban reduced his role on the road to virtually nothing. Very, very little time spent on the road visiting and evaluating.

His on campus "closing skills" will be missed, but that has to be weighed against the guys we have here already.

And, considering how much of a premium Saban puts on his coaches ability to recruit combined with his track record of bring in someone as good, if not better, when he replaces staff members I don't see a drop off at all.

FWIW, in this years list of verbals, Quinton Dial is the only one that had Steele as his primary recruiter. And, that relationship was a continuation from last year. Quinton's committable offer was issued in the last week of February of 2008.

FWIW, even back in 2007, his primary area was in the middle of the state of AL. I mention that because it'll be easy for anyone to step in there...even if it is only temporarily to evaluate a kid or make a visit.

 

[bamabarney]

Terry,
If Steele does go, do you think any of our defensivecommits, may give Clemson a serious look or possibly decommit. How will it affect guys like Tanna and Dre's decision?

 

[TerryP]

Terry,
If Steele does go, do you think any of our defensivecommits, may give Clemson a serious look or possibly decommit. How will it affect guys like Tanna and Dre's decision?

I don't see any effect at all on our recruiting. It's Saban's defense and that's the draw.

FWIW, both Tana and Dre have Bobby Williams as their primary recruiter.

 

[Guest]

Lance Thompson takes over the LB's and Charlie Harbison returns to Alabama for the secondary. Good recruiter but a sub par coach, Coach Saban can pick up the slack in that area though.

He wasn't retained by MSU right? ;scr

 

[Crimson Hawk]

JMO, but if Steele leaves, we will take a bigger hit in recruiting than we will in coaching, although I'd love to see him stay because he's good at both.

I don't agree with that.

Don't get me wrong, Steele is a hell of a recruiter. But, what we have to take into account is how little he's been on the recruiting trail this season.

One of the adjustments with our staff at the end of last season on top of a few title changes was the amount of time Steele spent on the road. In an effort to keep this staff together for another year Saban reduced his role on the road to virtually nothing. Very, very little time spent on the road visiting and evaluating.

His on campus "closing skills" will be missed, but that has to be weighed against the guys we have here already.

And, considering how much of a premium Saban puts on his coaches ability to recruit combined with his track record of bring in someone as good, if not better, when he replaces staff members I don't see a drop off at all.

FWIW, in this years list of verbals, Quinton Dial is the only one that had Steele as his primary recruiter. And, that relationship was a continuation from last year. Quinton's committable offer was issued in the last week of February of 2008.

FWIW, even back in 2007, his primary area was in the middle of the state of AL. I mention that because it'll be easy for anyone to step in there...even if it is only temporarily to evaluate a kid or make a visit.

I had heard that CKS was doing a lot less on the recruiting front, but didn't know to what extent. The point of my post was which is he most skilled at: coaching, or recruiting?

 

[TiderSpectator]

Lance Thompson takes over the LB's and Charlie Harbison returns to Alabama for the secondary. Good recruiter but a sub par coach, Coach Saban can pick up the slack in that area though.

He wasn't retained by MSU right? ;scr

Harbison has been hired by Dabo.