Warming up to Kelvin Sheppard

First, I want to just clarify that Sheppard is not the first choice. Obviously the first calls are to Kiffin, Lanning, etc. But if they don't work out for whatever reason, Sheppard is among the top contenders for a number of reasons.

1. Culture fit. As an alum and Louisiana native, he would have the deep appreciation for the school and state that was missing under Kelly. Retaining/hiring the right coaches like Raymond and Wilson, having alumni around the building, recruiting and retaining in-state players.

2. Because he came up under Dan Campbell in Detroit, he likely will bring that same philosophy of grit, toughness, and physicality that we've been missing. Would focus on building from the trenches and get back to the tough mean nasty teams of the late 2000s.

3. Getting a young coach on the rise makes things far easier financially. Landing Kiffin or Lanning would put you in the same situation you were just in with Kelly. While I'm confident that both of those would work out better, you're going to have to give them a fully guaranteed $100m+ contract and marry yourself financially to them for the next decade. I'll say again, if you can go get the big fish do it, but understand that it'll have massive financial implications and at some point boosters won't want to keep paying these massive buyouts.

4. Along those same lines, Sheppard will get NFL head coach offers soon if he stays on this same trajectory. If you can get him now, he'll never leave for another job. You'll have found your Kirby Smart or Brent Key.