Carson Field Football Board

Scott makes some pretty good points and so do others. I would not be opposed. I think for me, its the former and current players suggesting it that has me saying maybe we should give him the job. We know he can recruit, has connections, etc. If he can get excellent coordinators to join him. Hue with Coombs as a coordinator or vice versa? I am impressed with the players asking for him though. They know much more than we do whether he can coach and knows his stuff. Whit maybe its worth s chance? Binns and Barwin even saying it. Hmmmm.

I think if we are going to hire Kerry as a HC, the window is narrow. He is 51. If the next coach stays longer than 3-4 years, then he might be too old.

It might be now or never, unless we hired somone like Tressel who would only be around maybe 3 years (Tressel is 60). Hiring Coombs as a coordinator under Tressel might be the only way it would work.

nm

That's not entirely true. BK promoted Coombs to be his special teams coordinator in their third year together, and Coombs continued on in that title under Butch.

True, that's not the same as holding one of the two main coordinator titles, but it was an escalation of duties and, given the high priority that both BK and Butch put on special teams performance, it was not an insignificant gesture of faith.

So a guy who has already left UC for the same job at a "bigger" program would never leave UC for a head coach job at a "bigger" program?

Ok.

Coombs is a great motivator and what the players have said is interesting. But no way is he the first choice IMO.

Thanks to another post, just looked up a little on Chuck Martin, I think I could be good with that. A lot of this depends on things we don't know about, but strictly speaking football credentials he looks interesting. Still prefer Campbell

We seem to be married to the same narrow-minded formula that everyone insists on following. As for other openings, perhaps that applies. As for THIS opening, he absolutely can do it. If you're just a casual observer from B-Dubs, the arguments are predictable. It's "the book". "The book" says you must pull your starter in the 6th, use two set-up guys and your closer regardless of the situation. "The book" says at the end of the game, you play "prevent" and allow small gains (which only gives the opponent more confidence with each play to eventually make the play that beats you). "The book" says 4th and 1 behind the 50=punt. "The book" says thou shalt be a coordinator, then. HC in the MAC before being deemed worthy by those that were soiling their diapers when this guy was coaching, organizing and leading. I don't think being head coach at a large DI dominating high school is that inferior to Ferris State, Grand Valley State or any other proving ground. Kerry's son went from Miami and works with the Bengals. Dd he jump a step? How many of you knew without a doubt you could perform a job in life, but were passéd over because someone else had an extra degree or had been blessed by DNA to have another position that was assumed to be more valuable? If he's applying for a large, out of state job, I get it. HERE is now and is completely different. He is no less a gamble than anyone on the board in my opinion. Of course, many of you disagree and that's fine. I'm honored to be among passionate fans. If you have no passion, pack it up and go home. If you're not going to Charlotte, excuse yourself. Unless you're physically unable, your argument on what the Bearcats should do falls short. I understand the gut reaction on Coombs, but my thoughts are based on in person observations and countless practices and gatherings and conversations. If you think I'm nuts for trying to think without blinders on, please reach out to Connor Barwin and the other proven field warriors that feel the same way. God bless you for your support or non-support. Just support the kids who battle and get shafted by those that don't want to play all four quarters and finish the game. (Yeah, that last coffee went straight to the brain...I'll calm down shortly)

Scott, very good, well thought out piece here. There is so much, I'll respond one at a time:

"You can take it all as a compliment, or you can take it as UC becoming the 'Carousel of Coaches'.

Folks, I'm here to tell you it's time to pull the plug on the merry-go-round. I find it not so merry."

> Depends on how you look at it. We're winning. Much better having a coach leave than a coach fired every three years.

"For those of you that still look at him as Colerain's coach, he was part of a makeshift staff in 2006 that stepped in and coached Mark Dantonio's team to an International Bowl win, with Dantonio's players and Dantonio's plays.

To whip together a team in 15 practices using someone else's language and with a mix-and-match staff was incredible."

> He also ran the practices leading up to the Sugar Bowl.

"Kerry then was instrumental in getting Brian out to each and every function in town. Kerry knew the areas, gave Brian some tips and BK would take over the room. I know as much, because I introduced them both at a booster function in Anderson Township."

> I guess I see this as a plus. You certainly want someone who could energize a community with the "buzz factor", and KC would certainly do that.

"All Coombs did was exactly what Mick Cronin did. He left the known of Cincinnati, for some experience under a nationally-recognized coach in Rick Pitino who had a track record of assistants moving on to better jobs.

Ditto for Kerry Coombs. Urban Meyer was the most sought-after coach last year and in previous years. Plus, like it or not, Ohio State has much money and influence as anyone in college sports. Though a Bearcat through and through, I thought Kerry did the right thing."

> Although the direct comparison to Faust is not applicable, I certainly don't see the direct comparison to Cronin. First, Cronin was a head coach for three years after Pitino. On top of that, football is a more complex game than basketball, and the head coach has much more on his plate. I don't see his HS head coaching experience as translating to being a college HC, and I certainly don't see only his experience as a position coach and STs coordinator as well-rounded enough to be HC material.

"Some will complain about his secondaries and quote numbers. To those, I tell you the coordinator calls the defense and if his secondary is in that defense, it is not necessarily the fault of the DB coach if a player is burned. Likewise, if the coverage is soft, it's not necessarily the call of the DB coach. Someone else makes those calls."

So why hasn't he even been moved up to defensive coordinator yet?

"My impression of Coombs as a DB coach is seeing him work his group relentlessly, simultaneously praising and criticizing. He's a dynamo on the field. After most practices, he's hoarse and has worked up a sweat.

This is based on watching countless practices at Nippert, the Sheakley Athletic Complex, or Higher Ground. The man LIVES for practice."

> Completely agree with this one. He'll never conduct a bad practice.

"When Brian Kelly left, players lobbied for Coombs. When Jones chose to mingle about the dance floor, I'm told players lobbied for Coombs and were planning an appeal to Whit Babcock. On Twitter, former Bearcats Connor Barwin and Armon Binns of the NFL supported Coombs. Even a Xavier guy, Pat Kelsey, now head basketball coach at Winthrop tweeted support for Coombs."

> When you have players lobbying for a coach, you end up with Bill Stewart.

"You don't think there was some strategy involved in Meyer hiring him out of Cincinnati? You don't think Meyer knows a thing or two about football?"

> It's obvious to most of us that Urban wanted to improve OSU's recruiting in Cincinnati. That is certainly one thing I would be please with about KC. But, again, as long as he's still a position coach, it's not like Urban has complete faith in him yet, in terms of running the show.

"I have to think with his connections that Coombs could find the talent to come up with such an animal (exciting spread offense). The downside is you may have to switch coordinators if it's successful. For the record, I'd much rather play musical coordinators than musical coaches."

> Perhaps... this will be a very important question that Whit ends up throwing at him. If KC proves he can build a staff here, it may well be half the battle.

But, one thing you left out - what about in-game coaching? How do we know KC even has a clue about what adjustments to make, and what key momentum-changing decisions througout the coarse of the game he needs to make? Basic game-management. These things can make or break a coach.

Not sold, but you have presented an excellent case. If the decision is for KC, you have made me far less uncomfortable. Kudos Scott

Thanks to all. Now we support Mr. Tuberville. Happy with the choice. Still a Kerry fan though.

Kerry is a a great coach and yes he knows how to make in game adjustments ive seen him do it. i played for him for three years. he is a perfectionist.

it doesnt matter now i am extremely pleased with our new hire Tuberville. if coombs wants to comeback and be dc or recruiting coordinator i am fine with it. i didnt realize tuberville was in play i would have picked him over kerry based on experience in college football also.
its a great day to be a bearcat fan

x2 EJ.