re: Kiffin offer has been sent and accepted

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Imagine torpedoing a 5-10 year program-defining decision because you don’t want to risk losing 5% of 18 year olds in 1 recruiting class.

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Exactly. A HC’s recruiting prowess matters less today than ever. Our recruits are committing to Austin Thomas, his staff, and the amount of money they have been promised/already paid (we’re paying NIL to commits while in high school now in states where it’s legal, like Louisiana). I’m sure we would sign a great class even if we don’t hire a coach until after the NCG. If they don’t like him, they can always hit the portal after their freshman seasons. Most are more likely to hit the portal as be key contributors anyway. Even if they love the coach.

But just to underscore your point, I wouldn’t have rushed to hire the “wrong”/“not best” coach even during the height of the importance of a HC’s recruiting ability. Whenever that was. It’s just such a crucial hire for the football program, the athletic department, and the entire university.

Jayden Daniels is probably the 2nd best player to ever don the purple and gold at by far the most important position on the team, and we still lost 7 games in his 2 seasons here. And he was a 4th and 5th year player.

The HC is WAY more valuable. For both short term and long term success. Look at the revolving door of coaches at Florida post Urban. At Auburn post Chizik/Gus. At USC post Carrol. At Bama post Stallings until Saban. It’s easy to get in the loop of chasing if you make just 1 bad hire. And there’s too much money at stake to not do your due diligence and vet and hire the best guy. And even then, there’s no guarantee.