Why would either of the AL assistants be interested in leaving a top 5 program to take the same job at Clemson?

Posted by Garverick on December 10, 2008 at 09:36 AM EST #

Garverick - this doesn't make it clear, but only one of the two (Smart or Steele) or maybe neither (meaning Saban has control) have playcalling duties for the defense. The one who is lower on the totum pole could probably be had in the right situation.

Posted by Justwannaread on December 10, 2008 at 09:48 AM EST #

I would be happy with any of the above, including Hobby. From what I watched of Duke this year, Hobby maximizes his talent. Even though we beat them soundly, I thought they played good fundamental defense against us, were solid tacklers and didn't get caught out of position often. Also, I'm not promoting him above any of these guys, but is Charlie Harbison not getting any consideration?

Posted by CUTigerman28 on December 10, 2008 at 10:34 AM EST #

All of the above look good to me, but young blood may be what we need. All of the younger guys have good experience, and some have either played or coached at the NFL level. It definetly brings credibility to good young players. I was dissappointed that VK had to b@tch on his way out. I know his defenses have finished ranked in the top 25, but how much are those stats are against sub-par opponents? We have too much talent on defense to be playing zone defense. Great job of Dabo to have a different defensive philosophy!

Posted by El_Tigre95 on December 10, 2008 at 12:05 PM EST #

All of these guys seem like decent candidates, but I really hope Dabo hires a guy who plays an aggressive style of press man coverage. Since that is what we have heard Dabo prefers, I would be surprised to see us pick Chavis (who, from what I understand, plays a lot of zone coverage).

I think youth is good here. I would love to see what Kirby Smart could do as our DC. It would also be nice to get Marion Hobby back on the Clemson sideline.

Posted by Judge Keller on December 10, 2008 at 12:37 PM EST #

Judge_Keller,

Chavis is one of the founders of press man and very aggressive defenses in the college game. He has only used zone the past few years.

You have to adjust your defense to compensate for your offense. Reggie Herring can tell you about that. VK felt like he HAD to play zone because our offense has had as many 3-&-outs as anybody the past few years.

Offense & defense do not operate in a vacuum independent of each other. For a team to be successful they have to compliment each other!

There is a reason the old saying "the best defense is a great offense" has been around so long. Smash mouth football will ALWAYS be successful, it eats the clock, scores points, keeps the other teams' O on the bench, and wears down the other team so you can dominate the 4th qtr. It also allows the D to rest so they can be aggressive when they are on the field. Alabama says hello to those that say "Danny Ford ball" can't win today!!

Posted by flatiger66 on December 10, 2008 at 01:43 PM EST #

My favorite is Reggie Herring who is now with the Dallas Cowboys. Reggie had the fire in him like no one. Great choice. I know he still loves Clemson

Posted by mtiger2 on December 10, 2008 at 05:44 PM EST #

We've recruited very well the past few years and have some amazing talent already on campus in our secondary. we lose experience, but next year will probably be a talent upgrade there.

lol, yea, I'm sure Reggie hates seeing clemson struggle this year, but i bet he also chuckled when bowden resigned. he's human and i'd be very surprised if he didn't at least think "i told you so" at least once.

with dabo's commitment to a more traditional offense and his love of aggressive defense, it would be great seeing reggie light a danny ford style fire under some arses on our sideline again.

Posted by flatiger66 on December 10, 2008 at 09:15 PM EST #

VK simply loves the zone, which he and Dabo disagreed on, but VK sealed his fate the first three days after TB "resigned". He was upset and pissed TB was forced out, then even more upset HE didn't get to be interim HC. He was popping off in a big way publicly and showing his disappointment with both decisions in a VERY public way! That was dumb and classless. I can only imagine how big of an arse he must of been being around the AD offices. A lot of people knew he as history within only a few days of TB leaving. Even IF Dabo had asked him to stay her would of left.

Posted by flatiger66 on December 11, 2008 at 12:29 AM EST #

I agree with flagtiger66. Short of being the HC himself, I think VK would have ended up at his alma mater with Bill Snyder anyways. He is already assistant HC there and probably thinks he might end up with a Jimbo/Muschamp type deal if they have even moderate success.

Posted by CUTigerman28 on December 11, 2008 at 10:20 AM EST #

I hear that Charlie Harbison is a candidate for DC. His stats are very good.

Posted by kornbread on December 11, 2008 at 01:10 PM EST #