I think it's unfortunate for the kids already in the program.... who signed up for 4 years with the HBC and not some interim coach. But every kid who signs takes a chance it could happen. Obviously some kids bought in to Sark at USC and Muschamp at UF etc etc. but it doesn't always work out. For recruiting a new coach and keeping the SouCar program going in the right direction Spurrier's timing is very good.... and the right thing to do. It also gives his assistants plenty of time to line up new jobs. I watched several segments on Spurrier on Inside College Football and SEC Now this morning and I applaud how he did it.... and he seems comfortable with the timing and has solid reasons for it.
Problem is MCG that when you reach Spurriers age recruiting becomes more of a problem just because of what you said, many of the better prospects feel or know the coach will not be around until they finish.
I guess it's sort of like firing Ron Zook after a couple of games. It gave Foley time to work on Urban Meyer, when nobody else was doing it...esp ND. As far as recruiting, it's sort of a wash. Kids will hold off till they know who their HC is going to be and who their position coach is going to be. That is why most new HC have smaller classes their first year. I can't think of a new HC in recent memory who was able to overcome that in his first recruiting class after taking over even in early Dec. He usually doesn't even have a full staff till after the bowls. I think it's interesting that Spurrier won't say he's giving up on coaching, he doesn't know what he's going to do. I don't believe him though when he says he might even coach HS. I can however see him doing TV.
So if he does coach again does he give them the ******** "winners never quit and quitters never win?"
Who would hire him after he bailed on his team? How could he guarantee that it wouldn't happen again? I understand that he has many, many admirers, justifiably so, who excuse what he's done and rationalize it on the basis of his many years of coaching and on his epic personality. I come down on the other side. I consider it a selfish move. A smarter and more considerate way to do it would have been to announce his retirement/resignation effective at the end of the season. Now if there's an undisclosed health issue that forced him to walk away, I would completely support the move. That's a whole different story.
I am not at all sure about that Sid. Once the players knew he was leaving they could very possibly turn off to him. This way the new guy is clearly in charge and has his chance to make an impression and perhaps get the job. I also get the feeling that this is compatible with the S. Carolina administration. But everyone is entitled to an opinion.
Bobby Bowden and JoePa..... two legends tarnished by how long they stuck around.... especially Bowden whose teams were mediocre at best for several years at the end. Spurrier's mistake here was going for another season.... like they did time after time. But I would imagine that is very hard to make a decision on when you are a living coaching legend.
If he's the coach he's reputed to be, the announcement would have the opposite effect. Bill, it's obvious you are on his side, and I understand that. We can agree to disagree. For me it's a non-issue except for the opinion I expressed.
I think Lou Holtz made up his mind to step down at ND about midseason in '96, but he didn't actually resign till the last game at home. I thought that was the way to do it. I don't think anybody was shocked that he was hanging it up even though it wasn't for good. I think that's the way Spurrier should have done it. But it doesn't really matter, he's been a great coach and this will not tarnish his legacy one bit.
So we agree to disagree Sid. My opinion is that every situation is different and should be judged on it's own merit. There are no doubt others that hold the same opinion you hold and I would agree that normally that would be the case. However I also believe that people like Spurrier have earned the right to go out on their own teams. If we hear about the S. Carolina administration having a problem with it my opinion might change.