Best and Worst SEC Jobs

[PeachtreeCat]

By TONY BARNHART / tbarnhart@ajc.com (mailto:tbarnhart@ajc.com)
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 12/13/06


Rich Rodriguez decided to stay at West Virginia. Steve Spurrier took a pass. And Nick
Saban wanted no part of trying on Bear Bryant's famous houndstooth hat.

As Alabama enters the third week of what's been a humbling search for a new football (http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/shared-blogs/ajc/sportstalk/entries/2006/12/12/the_best_and_worst_sec_jobs.html) coach, critics have suggested the job, once considered a plum, isn't so attractive any more.

That got us to thinking: In today's climate, where coaches can make more than $2 million annually (Tennessee's Phil Fulmer) but be fired a year after a 10-win season ('Bama's Mike Shula), what constitutes a good job?

The Journal-Constitution reached out to 10 former SEC head coaches and asked them to break down the best — and worst — jobs in the conference, taking into account fan support, recruiting base, financial resources, athletic facilities, expectations and backing from administration when things get tough — as they inevitably will.

10. Kentucky

The "basketball school" label isn't the only obstacle a coach has to overcome in Lexington.

First of all, Kentucky isn't known for shelling out big bucks, with Rich Brooks the SEC's lowest-paid head coach ($729,000). Second, with Steve Spurrier now at South Carolina, Kentucky will find it tough to be better than fifth in the SEC East.

"Anytime you look at a job, you have to assess where your place is in the league and how long it will take for you to improve on it," said Donnan, who considered the UK job in 2003 but decided to remain out of coaching.

The good news: The UK football fan base is totally different than the basketball fan base, and they'll turn out if the team is competitive.

"There is an opportunity to win at Kentucky if you schedule correctly and recruit hard," said Bill Curry, who went to one bowl in seven seasons as UK's coach. "The people at Kentucky were very supportive. They gave us a chance to win. Despite what others may say, they really care about football."

http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/stories/2006/12/12/1213secjobs.html


What do you think of these ratings?

[Brian McCat]

PeachtreeCat wrote: By TONY BARNHART / tbarnhart@ajc.com (mailto:tbarnhart@ajc.com)
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 12/13/06


First of all, Kentucky isn't known for shelling out big bucks, with Rich Brooks the SEC's lowest-paid head coach ($729,000). Second, with Steve Spurrier now at South Carolina, Kentucky will find it tough to be better than fifth in the SEC East.
Somebody tell that clown to do his homework. We finished 3rd this year, 2 slots above his precious lord and king, Coach Spurrier.

I would rate the UK job much higher, personally.

[I. Melvin]

Well, I can't argue too much with his ranking - but I'm convinced that it's based on aged data.

Just like our fanbase was down this year based on the previous years' struggles, Tony Barnhart has failed to (imo) adequately recognize our improvement.

I think the randy appetite for Music City Bowl tickets shows that our performance against UT convinced those still on the fence that we're a pretty damn good team.

And ours is about to become a pretty damn good job. The money will be there in the future. The facilities are there. The fanbase has bounced off the bottom and is roaring back.

Totally against my thinking, Coach Brooks has done the job he was hired to do. I think this will be a good job for him or whomever takes over for him.

And once Spurrier retires, South Carolina will be South Carolina again.

[trublue4life]

I did not realize Brooks was lowest paid SEC coach. To hear some of the Brooks critics on here you would think Barnhart was giving him the freakin' deed to the university. If we continue in the direction he has us going than I would say we are getting a bargain.

[Mountain Cat]

Brian McCat wrote: PeachtreeCat wrote: By TONY BARNHART / tbarnhart@ajc.com (mailto:tbarnhart@ajc.com)
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 12/13/06


First of all, Kentucky isn't known for shelling out big bucks, with Rich Brooks the SEC's lowest-paid head coach ($729,000). Second, with Steve Spurrier now at South Carolina, Kentucky will find it tough to be better than fifth in the SEC East.
Somebody tell that clown to do his homework. We finished 3rd this year, 2 slots above his precious lord and king, Coach Spurrier.

I would rate the UK job much higher, personally.


I think he means going forward. Outside of this forum, the overwhelming majority of folks think Spurrier is an elite coach who will lead USC to the top tier of the SEC, which makes the SEC East a pretty tough place to be for UK.

[Brian McCat]

Mountain Cat wrote: I think he means going forward. Outside of this forum, the overwhelming majority of folks think Spurrier is an elite coach who will lead USC to the top tier of the SEC, which makes the SEC East a pretty tough place to be for UK.

With all respect, I disagree. I try to keep a pulse on what fans of the other teams think and feel (in general), and the conclusion that I keep coming to is that, outside the state of South Carolina, His Superiority isn't considered what he used to be .

I'm not saying he's not a good coach. I'm just going on what I hear when I talk to fans of other teams.

[NotFrank]

Recruiting in the state of Florida versus recruiting in the state of South Carolina will prove to be an equalizer for SS. I have a ton of clients that are USC fans. They all believe that he is a good coach, some say great, but that are not irrational in their thoughts that SS leap frogs them over UT,UF,UGA every year.

[PeachtreeCat]

Brian McCat wrote: Mountain Cat wrote: I think he means going forward. Outside of this forum, the overwhelming majority of folks think Spurrier is an elite coach who will lead USC to the top tier of the SEC, which makes the SEC East a pretty tough place to be for UK.

With all respect, I disagree. I try to keep a pulse on what fans of the other teams think and feel (in general), and the conclusion that I keep coming to is that, outside the state of South Carolina, His Superiority isn't considered what he used to be .

I'm not saying he's not a good coach. I'm just going on what I hear when I talk to fans of other teams.




From what I hear, almost everyone thinks that Spurrier is an elite field coach, and can get the most from his players. I think his downfall at South Carolina will be recruiting. If you check the top 25 recruits for 2007 on the Rivals board, only 3 have committed to USC, while 9 (including the top one) have committed to Clemson. UK even has 2 of top 25. He will not consistently win if he can't get the best players from his own state.

Also, I think UGA was over-rated in the poll (#2). See how safe that job is if they finish 4th in the SEC East again next year with losses to UK and Vandy!

[Mountain Cat]

PeachtreeCat wrote: Brian McCat wrote: Mountain Cat wrote: I think he means going forward. Outside of this forum, the overwhelming majority of folks think Spurrier is an elite coach who will lead USC to the top tier of the SEC, which makes the SEC East a pretty tough place to be for UK.

With all respect, I disagree. I try to keep a pulse on what fans of the other teams think and feel (in general), and the conclusion that I keep coming to is that, outside the state of South Carolina, His Superiority isn't considered what he used to be .

I'm not saying he's not a good coach. I'm just going on what I hear when I talk to fans of other teams.




From what I hear, almost everyone thinks that Spurrier is an elite field coach, and can get the most from his players. I think his downfall at South Carolina will be recruiting. If you check the top 25 recruits for 2007 on the Rivals board, only 3 have committed to USC, while 9 (including the top one) have committed to Clemson. UK even has 2 of top 25. He will not consistently win if he can't get the best players from his own state.

Also, I think UGA was over-rated in the poll (#2). See how safe that job is if they finish 4th in the SEC East again next year with losses to UK and Vandy!


In fairness he did get 2 of the top 5, more than any other school in SC. He also got 3 of the top 9 in SC (#4, #5 and #9 are all 4-star players), and he is even money on the two undecided top 9 players left. The #3 man (4-stars)in SC shows UL and USC tied in interest level, the #7 man (4-stars) shows no fav between seven teams including USC.

UK got #24 and #25, both are 2-star players.

I agree that he will need to get the best from his state, and I think his main rival for that will be Clamson. Clemson has a great school, and they have a strong tradition as well. They picked up the #1 QB in the country....who is from SC. I was actually a little surprised that a QB would not want to play for SS, even if it means going to USC instead of Clemson. In time I think SS will turn that around. He will own Clemson like he did UGA. He is already in their heads in year two having just beaten them in an upset.

[bleedbluelady]

"Anytime you look at a job, you have to assess where your place is in the league and how long it will take for you to improve on it," said Donnan, who considered the UK job in 2003 but decided to remain out of coaching.

Wasn't Brooks hired in 2002? :?

[PeachtreeCat]

bleedbluelady wrote: "Anytime you look at a job, you have to assess where your place is in the league and how long it will take for you to improve on it," said Donnan, who considered the UK job in 2003 but decided to remain out of coaching.

Wasn't Brooks hired in 2002? :?


Yes, Brooks was hired on Dec. 30, 2002. The AJC has never worried about details.:tongue

[NotFrank]

PeachtreeCat wrote: bleedbluelady wrote: "Anytime you look at a job, you have to assess where your place is in the league and how long it will take for you to improve on it," said Donnan, who considered the UK job in 2003 but decided to remain out of coaching.

Wasn't Brooks hired in 2002? :?


Yes, Brooks was hired on Dec. 30, 2002. The AJC has never worried about details.:tongue
In their defense, the job would have began in 2003. Anyway, we'll see how genius SS is. And MC, you're wrong on about 2/3 of the guys you have listed above. I listen to USC/Clempson recruiting almost daily on my travels.

[Mountain Cat]

NotFrank wrote: PeachtreeCat wrote: bleedbluelady wrote: "Anytime you look at a job, you have to assess where your place is in the league and how long it will take for you to improve on it," said Donnan, who considered the UK job in 2003 but decided to remain out of coaching.

Wasn't Brooks hired in 2002? :?


Yes, Brooks was hired on Dec. 30, 2002. The AJC has never worried about details.:tongue
In their defense, the job would have began in 2003. Anyway, we'll see how genius SS is. And MC, you're wrong on about 2/3 of the guys you have listed above. I listen to USC/Clempson recruiting almost daily on my travels.
Here is a link that show MC is right on all accounts.....I think:cool:

http://rivals100.rivals.com/viewrank.asp?ra_key=1534&Year=2007

[BlueBloodCatFan]

trublue4life wrote: To hear some of the Brooks critics on here you would think Barnhart was giving him the freakin' deed to the university.



to hear some people talk.....you'dthink we gave that to Tubby ;)....

[NotFrank]

I could care less what that link says. Was it updated as of 4:30 this afternoon? Did you listen to USC's version of JDRUM on the radio today? USC isn't sitting as pretty as everyone thinks on the recruitng front. Back to the thread. The UK job and USC jobs are about the same. Big difference:SS gets a membership at Augusta National.

[Mountain Cat]

NotFrank wrote: I could care less what that link says. Was it updated as of 4:30 this afternoon? Did you listen to USC's version of JDRUM on the radio today? USC isn't sitting as pretty as everyone thinks on the recruitng front. Back to the thread. The UK job and USC jobs are about the same. Big difference:SS gets a membership at Augusta National.
I hate to upset you there Frank but it was updated and Spurrier's group added another player and has jumped up to #11 from #13. I guess the players don't know that Steve is supposed to struggle with recruiting at USC?

[NotFrank]

Mountain Cat wrote: NotFrank wrote: I could care less what that link says. Was it updated as of 4:30 this afternoon? Did you listen to USC's version of JDRUM on the radio today? USC isn't sitting as pretty as everyone thinks on the recruitng front. Back to the thread. The UK job and USC jobs are about the same. Big difference:SS gets a membership at Augusta National.
I hate to upset you there Frank but it was updated and Spurrier's group added another player and has jumped up to #11 from #13. I guess the players don't know that Steve is supposed to struggle with recruiting at USC?

Not upsetting me at all.What you read and what some of us hear and see here contradict...something you know well. From 13 to 11 nationally? Please... he'll be at seventh in the SEC when it's done. Let's see, then there's Texas, ND, USC, Oklahoma, etc...off the top of my head.

Go back and read your infamous recruiting thread. You are so contradictory.

Back to this thread, Miss State is my worst coaching job in the SEC. Starkvegas says it all.

[Mountain Cat]

NotFrank wrote: Mountain Cat wrote: NotFrank wrote: I could care less what that link says. Was it updated as of 4:30 this afternoon? Did you listen to USC's version of JDRUM on the radio today? USC isn't sitting as pretty as everyone thinks on the recruitng front. Back to the thread. The UK job and USC jobs are about the same. Big difference:SS gets a membership at Augusta National.
I hate to upset you there Frank but it was updated and Spurrier's group added another player and has jumped up to #11 from #13. I guess the players don't know that Steve is supposed to struggle with recruiting at USC?

Not upsetting me at all.What you read and what some of us hear and see here contradict...something you know well. From 13 to 11 nationally? Please... he'll be at seventh in the SEC when it's done. Let's see, then there's Texas, ND, USC, Oklahoma, etc...off the top of my head.

Go back and read your infamous recruiting thread. You are so contradictory.

Back to this thread, Miss State is my worst coaching job in the SEC. Starkvegas says it all.





How am I contradictory?

[UedK]

Mountain Cat wrote: Brian McCat wrote: PeachtreeCat wrote: By TONY BARNHART / tbarnhart@ajc.com (mailto:tbarnhart@ajc.com)
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 12/13/06


First of all, Kentucky isn't known for shelling out big bucks, with Rich Brooks the SEC's lowest-paid head coach ($729,000). Second, with Steve Spurrier now at South Carolina, Kentucky will find it tough to be better than fifth in the SEC East.
Somebody tell that clown to do his homework. We finished 3rd this year, 2 slots above his precious lord and king, Coach Spurrier.

I would rate the UK job much higher, personally.


I think he means going forward. Outside of this forum, the overwhelming majority of folks think Spurrier is an elite coach who will lead USC to the top tier of the SEC, which makes the SEC East a pretty tough place to be for UK.


Spurrier just may end up like Pitino. Rich beyond need, Old, Frustrated and maybe thinking about hanging it up sooner than later.

I'm another on this forum that believes he will never supplant FL, UT and GAin the top tier in the SEC east. Replacing these three is like trying to replace the IRS, they make the rules and have all the ammo. Asshown this year, he will be fighting for fourth and sometimes third place along w/ UK; usually when one of the others stumble.

And other than the SC people I don't know amany if anywho believe Spurrier will replace FL, GA or UT at the top; "overwhelming majority' may be a little strong. Maybe that thought was prevalent when he first took the job, but now that the daily grind has set in I believe the initial euphoria has subsided.

As far as the original thread question. I think the TB has is just about right. Other than a couple of place shift for a coupleof years that is the hierarchy. Any of the teams from seven to ten can become more competitive and knock off the biggies but to take their place in that order will/would be a very difficult task.

[Gunsmoke]

I may be crazy..and there are plenty of people with plenty of evidence to support the theory..but in the long run i see UK as a better SEC team than S. Carolina. Just a feeling I have..hope it isn't indigestion. And as far as Bill Curry goes, I will ALWAYS believe him to be a man of honor, class, and dignity..even if he didn't get the job done here and no matter how frustrating it was to watch his offenses perform. I respect the man, period.

[Mountain Cat]

Gunsmoke wrote: I may be crazy..and there are plenty of people with plenty of evidence to support the theory..but in the long run i see UK as a better SEC team than S. Carolina. Just a feeling I have..hope it isn't indigestion. And as far as Bill Curry goes, I will ALWAYS believe him to be a man of honor, class, and dignity..even if he didn't get the job done here and no matter how frustrating it was to watch his offenses perform. I respect the man, period.
He was always good for a 7yrd pass play on 3-8 too. :lol: