How we got to this point.

Oct 23, 2023, 8:18 AM

Success is the reason our Tigers are at the point where they are today!

For years Dabo could do no wrong. Winning became constant and losing was the exception. Everything Dabo did was successful, and there are 2 trophies added in the last decade that prove this Tiger program can achieve the ultimate success.

However, through all that success, Dabo figured he could also do no wrong and that his "Midas touch" would work on everything including staff hires. This coaching staff that has been put together is the product of that way of thinking, and it is the #1 issue that has to be corrected this offseason.

Dabo's hires from outside the program have been good. Morris, Venables, and I do believe Riley have all been really good hires. The assistants have been hired to replace proven coaches have not been good.

Thomas Austin taking over for Robbie Caldwell has been a disaster IMO. Seems like we are recruiting about the same level of players for the O-line, but Caldwell simply did a better job with what he had. Austin needs to get his walking papers first. Not going to be fooled by some clown suggesting this is a top 20 O-line unit. This group got owned Saturday night after having 2 weeks to get ready.

Tyler Grisham taking over for Jeff Scott has been equally as bad. #2 in line to get his walking papers and hopefully get Jeff Scott to return sooner rather than later.

I like Mike Reed, but not as special teams coordinator. Special teams need an upgrade and there are guys out there that can bring that experience to the coaching staff.

CJ Spiller is one of my all-time favorite Tigers, but does not mean he is a great coach. Seems to struggle on the recruiting trail and his best RBs and failing this team right now.

The defense is not immune to criticism either. My jury is still out on Goodwin, but getting very close to a decision. Hard to believe that Miami absolutely dominated the line of scrimmage on us Saturday and ran for over 200 yards. We knew the QB for Miami was going to be limited in passing, and they still ran for 200 yards. That is pitiful with the talent we have on defense. Ask yourself the question - would a Brent Venables defense have allowed the ball to be shoved down its throat in the 2nd half of a game like we saw against Miami?

Are Nick Eason and Lemanski Hall equal to Dan Brooks and Marion Hobby? Despite the experience of Eason and Hall, I am starting to wonder. Our D-lines used to completely take over games.

The other problem with success is sometimes you get so sure of yourself that you openly criticize other ideas or ways of doing things because you have not had to employ those strategies. Dabo has openly criticized the portal to the highest degree, and now he is likely to have to start using it a lot to fix this roster in the offseason. The media is going to have a field day with Dabo, but at the end of the day Dabo brought it on himself.

I appreciate Dabo's loyalty to his players and coaches, but as with any other critical, high paying jobs, the people in those positions must perform at a high level. If Will Shipley cannot carry the ball from the 1 yard line without fumbling he should not be starting. Cade cannot follow instructions and yet Dabo says to the media that he is sticking with Cade. No!!! Cade should feel the heat. Cade needs to believe that he can be replaced and that he is NOT safe.

It is going to be an uncomfortable offseason for Dabo, but one that I hope will reignite the competitive spirit that helped the program achieve such great success in the past.

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Re: How we got to this point.

Lol. You have no clue what youre talking about.

Re: Lol. You have no clue what youre talking about.

Thumbs up. Great post.

Re: How we got to this point.

I agree with most of what you said but a couple things… I agree and am actually fine hiring ex players as coaches once they have a little experience , we were too elite to be a coaching developmental program and just seeing how guys work out. We could have I hired proven guys. With that said Dabo earned the opportunity to do it his way but it failed … it’s time to admit it and make it right. I agree on most of the assistants and except spiller. I think he’s capable of being a good one and I wanna give him time to actually have a chance to recruit … he’s not fumbling and it’s not like we aren’t teaching it. Also don’t agree with the Venables comments … I can name a handful of game where his defenses got blasted and looked completely lost and outmatched and some against inferior teams, it happens

How we got to this point.

Re: How we got to this point.

Lol. You have no clue what youre talking about.

Re: Lol. You have no clue what youre talking about.

Thumbs up. Great post.

Cool story bro. That morning coffee is working!***

Re: How we got to this point.

I agree with 84.3% of that***

Re: How we got to this point.

Re: Trust Me...It Doesn't Have To Be An Escalade***

Re: How we got to this point.

Brooks and Hobbybwere the best tandem in the country in my

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