re: LSU Offensive Coordinator Candidates...

Mark Helfrich may have bombed as a HC at Oregon, but the guy is a really good OC.

I think everyone agrees that when O was hired, it was expected that LSU make an ELITE (Splash) hire for Offensive Coordinator... so....

ELITE Hire Making a SPLASH:
Lane Kiffin
- don't care for him, but can't argue his success as a coordinator.
Lincoln Riley
- Hottest Name Fast Riser

*** I don't understand why either of those two would make a lateral move to LSU, besides the Lane and Coach O connection.

* Risks that are ELITE

Sarkisian
- Head Coach Experience. Coach O connection. Development of players. But obviously in some dark couple of years with the drinking and divorce. But don't be so quick to judge.

Art Briles
- brilliant offensive mind. You might even get his son with him. But how does his offense do in the SEC? Also, can he work under O.... He seems like a his way or the highway kinda guy.



Great Hire TIER 2:
Sterlin Gilbert
- performed well in a Hostile coaching situation at Texas. Almost snuck his RB in the final Heisman discussions. Probably recruits Texas well. He's available.

Sonny Cumbie
- Mike Leach Air Raid guy. Gary Patterson paid this guy 1.4 million to keep TEXAS from hiring him last year. Stats seem good but AGAIN, how does Texas Tech style offense translate in SEC?

Mark Helfrich
- I don't consider this guy to be elite. Chip called the plays. When Chip left, they did well at first, but I believe the success is credited to the diamond in the rough coach, Scott Frost. Without Chip and Frost, the wheels fell off. Melt on me if you want... just telling the truth.

Matt OHHHH Canada
- I actually believe this guy's philosophy and play calling fits LSU pretty dang good. I think he'd do well at LSU, but I'm not sure I see this happening.

*Risks on Tier 2:

Kevin Wilson
- Geez, what the heck did this guy do to get FIRED? Seems to be a really good offensive mind with proven success. Won the Broyles award for Top Assistant coach at Oklahoma as Offensive Coordinator. If you're Saban, you can probably make this hire... even Stoops if Lincoln Riley were to leave. But I can't see Orgeron making this hire.

Tier 3:

Dan Enos
- nice safe hire. Wouldn't be thrilled.

Kendall Briles
- could be a home run guy. But in my opinion, he's not a proven guy yet. And would probably bring JUCO QB Stidham with him, but do we actually want that drama? But most importantly, if you are COACH O, are you putting your dream job's offense in this kids hands? NOPE!

Tee Martin
- USC connection w/ Coach O. Phenomenal recruiter. But Helton is in charge of the offense. Tee gets Helton the players and gives his input, but ultimately, HELTON is the OC. I'm not saying TEE wouldn't be or isn't a good capable option... but it's not a home run COACHING hire, it's a home run RECRUITING hire.

Tier 4:

Steve Ensminger
- thank you for your service.
- stay on staff
- but no.

quote:

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Shannon Dawson. Former WV OC, currently OC at Southern Miss.

Can recruit Louisiana and Miss well (grew up in Clinton LA)

Runs a modified version of the Air Raid. Hurry up, spread style offense.

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His name came up this year when we thought Cam might not be back because Hanagriff said he didn't think he would return.

Not a big fan of Dawson though and would rather get someone who coaches a power running game.

quote:

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Not a big fan of Dawson though and would rather get someone who coaches a power running game.

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To his credit, he's never really had a great running back to work with, except for maybe Boo Williams while he was at UK. But let's be honest, he was given 1 year at Kentucky to turn around a struggling offense. He's a coach not a miracle worker. And to top that off, Stoops was on the hot seat and had to make a change to save his job. Shannon was the scapegoat. He is a bright young offensive mind. I guarantee someone will pick him up soon and he'll be putting up numbers like he was while he was at WV.

I wish it would be Briles so bad

He's head and shoulders above all the other possible options IMO

Make Monken tell you no. And then make him tell you no again.

I almost wish we had hired Monken as HC, definitely would be a great OC hire IMO

Still
Wish we'd go all out for Briles

quote:

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Is there an NFL guy we aren't considering?

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Mike Shula.

My choices in order:
1} BRILES
2} CANADA
3} SARKISIAN
Surprisingly neither Alleva nor Coach O
has asked me for my opinion.

"Most of the evidence" does not support Briles being the scapegoat. Two of his former players are serving time in prison for rape & another 5 are charged with a gang rape for starters. A coincidence that he knew nothing about either rape? The investigation is not complete by any means & as far as giving him a second chance, he has not even admitted anything beyond "I made a few mistakes" and " I think a few good group hugs are in order and we can all move on". Check out the 60 Minutes tv show on what he allowed to happen under his watch.