Here we go again!

The national media will now have another reason to pick on "Alabama" during the hiring of the next head coach. The Black Coaches Association (BCA) is asking from the university their target list for their next hire. As you recall, UA was severely criticized by up-tight, so-called black leaders (such as Jesse Jackson) as to how they selected Mike Shula over Sylvester Croom (current MSU Coach). I do not believe it is the right of any internal or external organization to question the process and candidate selection for any school. Otherwise, I should have access to the list as being a TidePride contributor.

Is the BCA crazy? Do they really think that UA is going to just fax THE LIST of candidates to the BCA? This would not only hinder the hiring process but more than likely stop the deal with potential candidates.

These things are very sensitive: Coaches and their relationships with their present employers, Coach preparing for conference championship games and bowl games, coaches and their relationships to recruits, etc... These negotiations will never happen if an "official" candidate is leaked prior to the proper channels are notified (University, President, AD, etc...).

Regardless, you know where this is going. Bama will be hit with a black eye as they more than likely will not be interested in a black head coach. I am sorry to use this word - black - as I don't care about this stuff. However, the aforementioned so-called black leaders do care. Bear Bryant wanted to integrate the university years before it actually happened. However, he knew that he could not defeat George Wallace (a pro-segregation governor) in this fight. Later once Bama had a few black players, a reporter asked "what do you think about your black players this year?" Bear replied, "I don't have any black players! I don't have any white players. I have football players!"

My advise to the university is to send the BCA a list of every NFL and NCAA; head and assistant coach in the nation!

al.com article link (click here).

PS: I have and will continue to be a Sylvester Croom fan as he is a good man and a good coach. However, a good coach doesn't get it at the capstone - if it did we would probably still have Shula. The Bama program desperately desires a winner! Time will tell the story on the Croom vs. Shula hire! Note that Shula has a much better winning record than Croom in the college ranks!

Bios for the Potential Coaches

This webpage can be found at the following link (click here). Alabama coaching candidates Candidates are presented in alphabetical order. Name - Barry Alvarez Age - 59 Current position - Athletic Director Wisconsin Overall record - 118-73-4 Career highlights - 3 Rose bowl wins Name - Frank Beamer Age - 60 Current position - Virgina Tech 1987-present Overall record - 146-79-2 Career highlights - 9 coach of the year awards / 4 conf titles Name - Jim Grobe Age - 54 Current position - Wake Forest 2001-present Overall record - 34-33 Career highlights - 1 acc title game Name - Paul Johnson Age - 49 Current position - Navy 2002-present Overall record - 28-21 Career highlights - 3 bowl games / coach of the year Name - Steve Kragthorpe Age - 41 Current position - Tulsa 2002-present Overall record - 21-17 Career highlights - 2 bowl games / 1 conf USA title Name - Jim Leavitt Age - 50 Current position - USF 1995-present Overall record - 61-39 Career highlights - First USF football coach / led team to D-I status Name - Houston Nutt Age - 49 Current position - Arkansas 1998-present Overall record - 63-47 Career highlights - 1998 coach of the year / 6 bowl games / 2 sec divison titles Name - Bobby Petrino Age - 45 Current position - Louisville 2003-present Overall record - 39-9 Career highlights - 1 bowl win / Conference USA title / highest ranking in school history Name - Rich Rodriguez Age - 43 Current position - West Virgina 2001-present Overall record - 45-22 Career highlights - 3 shares of Big East title / BCS bowl / Highest rank in school history Name - Nick Saban Age - 55 Current position - Miami Dolphins 2005-present Overall record (college) 91-40-1 Career highlights - 9 bowls / 1 national title Name - Greg Schiano Age - 40 Current position - Rutgers 2000-present Overall record - 19-39 Career highlights - 1 bowl game / Highest rank in school history Name - Mike Sherman Age - 52 Current position - Houston Texans 2006-present Overall record - 53-27 Career highlights - Led Packers to 3 division titles Name - Steve Spurrier Age - 61 Current position - South Carolina 2005-present Overall record - 156-52-2 Career highlights - 1 national title / 7 conf titles Name - Jeff Tedford Age - 45 Current position - California 2002-present Overall record - 33-17 Career highlights - 3 bowl games / pac 10 coach of the year

Darth Visor in Crimson?

Although everyone in the Crimson Nation (or at least everyone) has been hoping, maybe praying, for Steve Spurrier to come to the capstone. Others are tracking flight plans to determine where/when the university's plane are within a certain mile radius of Columbia, SC. Numerous posts indicate that he was seen playing golf in the Tuscaloosa county metro this week! Ha! Within most every rumor there is an ounce of gold in a ton of dirt! What we do know is that Spurrier was out recruiting in Florida this week.

After listening to Finebaum yesterday, it appears that those who know Spurrier well are indicating that he is staying in Gamecock country.

Interviews from Pat Dooley, Bob Gillespie, & Tom Luginbill.

What are your feelings on this matter?

I have always respected his offensive plan. However, I have never liked the fact that he really never had a reliable running game in his scheme. During the times when they were winning SEC championships and won the National Championship ('96), he had a great defensive under Bob Stoops. During his early tenure at Florida I would have loved to have him as my coach but I wouldn't want my kid to play for him. After his mistake in the NFL, I have seen a more gentler, kinder, and calmer visor on the sidelines. With that said I would not mind him coming to the capstone, but I doubt that he will come...

So who's the next Coach?

Who's Next?

So who do you think is the next man?

• Steve Spurrier
• Paul Johnson
• Rich Rodriguez
• Jim Grobe
• Bobby Petrino
• Jim Leavitt

We have heard all of these names before. Some have said "I'm flattered, but happy here" (which really means I have to keep my current job; but I didn't say NO), "I am looking forward to coaching our bowl" (didn't say NO), and "NO" (which means no). However, sometimes NO doesn't mean NO - remember the quote from Tommy Tuberville (a.k.a. WingNut) when asked if he was interested in the Auburn job while at OleMiss - he flat out said that "I am happy here at OleMiss, I have not talked with OleMiss, I am looking forward to the future here" after he had already talked with Auburn and had a deal done with AU. Can you say LIAR!!!

RECENT NEWS: from the people who really have their finger on the pulse of what is going on at the capstone www.tidesports.com. A former NFL head coach - click here for more!

So voice your opinion, who is the next coach?

The Root at UA!

If you have a weak stomach please read no further. However, if you want to get sick please read...

As an engineer, I know that 90% to solving any problem is identifying the root of the problem. Mike Shula's biggest problem with the fans this year is that he never acknowledged that there was a problem. The bigger problem lies at the top within the university!

"The UA facility currently known as the Football Building has been named the Mal M. Moore Athletic Facility as a permanent tribute to Moore’s lifetime contributions to the University. " I believe that his legacy will be more than mortar and bricks on the capstone. The one who upgraded the facilities yet has run the program in the ground. However, his friend (pictured to the right below = Paul Bryant Jr.) has donated so much money to the university that Mal was protected. Can you say the golden rule? Who ever has the Gold, Rules!!!

http://www.rolltide.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=39089&SPID=3435&DB_OEM_ID=8000&ATCLID=682951

UA Athletic Facility Named in Honor of Mal Moore
Release 11/10/06

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The Board of Trustees of The University of Alabama has recognized UA Director of Athletics Mal M. Moore for his outstanding achievements and distinguished service to the University by naming a major athletic facility in his honor.

The UA facility currently known as the Football Building has been named the Mal M. Moore Athletic Facility as a permanent tribute to Moore’s lifetime contributions to the University.

The Board of Trustees passed a resolution commending Moore “whose vision of elevating the athletic facilities at the Capstone to premier status has resulted in a remarkable outcome that is a source of great pride to the University, the State of Alabama and the nation.”

The resolution noted that Moore established the Crimson Tradition Fund to secure the financial resources needed to renovate and refurbish existing athletic facilities as well as undertaking the recent expansion of Bryant-Denny Stadium.

“Mal Moore’s leadership in building our athletic programs and facilities has been exemplary. This recognition is richly deserved,” said UA President Robert E. Witt.

Moore’s long and distinguished record of service to UA began almost 50 years ago when he joined the Crimson Tide football squad as a scholarship player in 1958. A native of Dozier, Moore played for Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant from 1958-1962. He earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology in 1963 and a master’s in secondary education in 1962.

Moore has the distinction of earning seven national championship rings during his career as a player and coach, the first as a member of the Crimson Tide’s 1961 national championship team.

During his coaching tenure, Moore served as Coach Bryant’s graduate assistant in 1964, then as defensive backfield coach for five years beginning in 1965 before becoming quarterbacks coach from 1971-1982, and taking on additional responsibility as the Tide’s first offensive coordinator in 1975. He is the only individual connected with the Alabama coaching staffs, both past and present, to be a part of seven national championships (1961, 1964, 1965, 1973, 1978, 1979, and 1992).

After coaching stops at Montana State, Notre Dame and the NFL’s St. Louis and Phoenix Cardinals, Moore returned to Alabama, and was named assistant athletics director in 1993 and associate director for external affairs in 1994. He was named director of athletics on Nov. 23, 1999.

Winners and Losers...

During the aftermath of, sad to say, the most exciting day during this Alabama Football season; we must all reflect on who Won and who Lost in this time for CHANGE at the Capstone.


Mal Moore - A+ Loser
The root of all problems related to the ALL of the problems that have plagued this university since Gene Stallings was the head coach. Officially becoming the AD (served as assistant AD since 1993) during the end of the Mike Dubose Administration (Nov. 1999), he really showed courage dealing with Dubose's total collapse of the entire team yet letting him have one more chance since of course Dubose found God. Then comes Franchionie, who in my opinion was a good coach but left in a poor manner dealing with the players yet for good reasons which we will learn about one day. Then the Mike Price fiasco! Whoa! Thank goodness that Dr. Witt made a stand and told Mike Price to Go! Then of course Mike Shula. Time will tell if he had the program moving the right direction. Yet, hiring an assistant NFL coach who has never head coached a game in the NCAA was DUMB - no matter who it was. This was an experiment in the development of a young, good-looking, & good blood lined coach that has failed miserably.

During his tenure, or direction, in the athletic department we have seen:

• NCAA probation for lack of institutional control during the Dubose regime. The poorest defense of a NCAA ruling that has probably ever been given in the history of NCAA sanctions.
  
• 4 Coaches in 6 years! What else is there to say?
  
• Allowing Boosters to be too intimate within the athletic department (see rulings from the NCAA penalties for the details).
  

To be fair to Mal, he has done a great job of raising funds and upgrading the facilities to being some of the best in the nation, including one beautiful renovated stadium. However, an AD is essentially a CEO of a moderate sized corporation. The UA fiscal budget for 2005 was in the $66 million dollar range (this may not be accurate, however, this is what I remember). We need an AD who knows how to run a business including holding it's subordinates accountable to what his goals are. I am not sure that Mal ever clearly defined where Mike Shula should have the program by this season's end. Poor Leadership starts at the top!

Signing a huge contract extension with Mike after one good season to "show our dedication to him as our head football coach", yet fire him the next season and have to pay $4million to buy him out! As a TidePride member, I along with others that I know are ready for the silent majority to rise up and call for his head! Any other CEO would have been fired by the board as soon as the decision was made!

However, his dealing with our boys as he fired Mike was just flat out sorry! I can not believe that he allowed Mike to conduct a scheduled team meeting at 9:15PM (for team bowl preparations) then fired him after this meeting. Shula was evidently not allowed to say goodbye to the team. It is sad for the players to learn as they went in for their morning workout from the press. Just SORRY!

How he handles this next coaching search will make or break his tenure! Hopefully break it!

One more time, for the record... MAL MUST GO!!!

Mike Shula - Slight Winner
Yeah he just got fired and probably wasn't the best coach in Alabama history, but would you like the deal he's got - ~$67,000/month until 2012. He left in the most classy manner in which he could (note previous post). The only thing that he lost in this deal is his pride, and possibly the opportunity to coach again for sometime. I wish him the best as he is a good person, just not a good head football coach.

Dr. Witt - Neutral (change this to Negative)
Haven't heard anything from this man! He was so vocal in the firing of Mike Price yet has supported Mal's decision on this matter. Wait a minute, he allows Mal to remain as the AD. Change that to a NEGATIVE!!!

Joe Kines - Winner
If you didn't hear what he had to say, you must listen! If Mike had a little of the intensity and focus during his press conferences like Joe, he might have won more of the average football fan. Joe really sounded like a leader and one who cares for the players as men not position players. He will be successful wherever he ends up after this is done.

The 2006 Alabama Football Team - Loser
Unfortunately, this is the icing on the cake for a very disappointing season for these players. Some were underutilized. Other's were allowed to get away for things that they should have served long term suspensions (i.e. MARA-Juwan-A Simpson). Marc Gullion leaving since he was tired of "preferential treatment." We were O-So-Close on several games! Next year we should be a very good team!

The University of Alabama - Loser
The national press is calling the job an impossible job. 4 coaches in 6 years, firing the head coach after a 10 win Cotton Bowl Champion year, working with an inadequate AD in the shadow of Bear Bryant; who would want to go there. There are arguments to explain these issues (except the poor AD); yet, the university has yet another black eye! This one unlike others is self-inflicted!

Auburn & Tommy Tubberville - Loser
Obviously, they have been winning where it counts! But now with a new direction, they will have to guess what we will do next year. It was rumored that Tommy Tubberville (a.k.a. WingNut) started the www.keeepmikeshula.com website.

Sylvester Croom - Winner
Don't you think that he is grinning like a mule who had been eating in the briar patch. MSU is becoming a Coach Killer Team! They lose most all of their games but win 1 big game where someone gets fired at the end of the season - note Ron Zook and now Mike Shula.

Cecil Hurt & Paul Finebaum - Winner
If these guys were owners of a publically traded corporation, their stock would have had the biggest jump in the history of the stock market.

Shula Leaves with Class!

Regardless of what you think of Mike Shula as a head coach, he demonstrated CLASS in his statement regarding his resignation. I wish him the best! What do you think?

Statement of Mike Shula
Release: 11/27/2006

RE: Dismissal as Head Football Coach, University of Alabama

I am deeply disappointed to be fired as the Head Football Coach at the University of Alabama. From my very first day on this job, I had a single mission: To return the Crimson Tide to its place among the elite programs in college football. Although I maintain that we were moving steadily in that direction, I regret sincerely that I will not be given the opportunity to finish the job I was hired to do.

I am forever grateful to my loyal coaching staff, who worked so tirelessly to help us overcome the difficulties we faced during these past four years. Despite inherited restrictions, including probation and scholarship limits, our teams played with integrity and commanded respect. Our 10-2 record in 2005 was no fluke; it was evidence of a program on the rise. Although the past season was not as fulfilling, it was nevertheless a season that witnessed the emergence of several young players who will help the Crimson Tide win big in the years to come.

I want to thank our players and their families for committing to our mission. I am sorry that our record this past year did not reflect your passion and commitment to winning. When we met Sunday night, I fully believed that I was going to remain the head coach at the University. I apologize that you did not learn about my firing from me. Do not let the circumstances of my firing allow you to lose your focus. Do not let this transition rob you of your potential for greatness. Together with the talented recruits who have committed to join the Tide next year, I am fully confident that the pieces are in place for you to accomplish great things.

Finally, I want to acknowledge and thank those of you who made our four-year stay at Alabama a rewarding experience. Your kindness toward me, Shari and our family will be remembered fondly.

In closing, I leave Alabama proud that the football program is a better place than the one I inherited four years ago. Although time will ultimately gauge the depth of our progress, I am confident that the return on our efforts will be realized by the University and its football community.

As a former player and a graduate of this great University, I wish the program great success in the years ahead. Roll Tide.

The Dust is Stilling Settling!!!

ROLLTIDE.COM Media Clips

Mal Moore Press Release: http://www.rolltide.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPID=3011&SPSID=37423&DB_OEM_ID=8000&ATCLID=696432

Dr. Witt's Press Release: http://www.rolltide.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPID=3011&SPSID=37423&DB_OEM_ID=8000&ATCLID=696576

Mike Shula's Press Release: http://www.rolltide.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPID=3011&SPSID=37423&DB_OEM_ID=8000&ATCLID=696556

Mal Moore Press Conference Quotes: http://www.rolltide.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPID=3011&SPSID=37423&DB_OEM_ID=8000&ATCLID=696660

Player Press Conference Quotes: http://www.rolltide.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPID=3011&SPSID=37423&DB_OEM_ID=8000&ATCLID=696664

Finebaum Media Clips

You have to go to www.finebaum.com to hear all of the press conference comments including interviews with various personalities. Check out what Brother Bill Oliver said about today events and the FUTURE! What do you think? Post your comments.

The Best Coach on Campus

Mark Gottfried!

Have you paid any attention to the basketball team this year! They are not just good, they are very, very good! With an experienced guard, forward, and center you would expect them to be good; however, they have the best bench that I believe we have seen from Mark's group. He is arguably the best coach on the capstone right now!

Keep your eye on these guys as they will be ranked high and if they keep it going could be a deep team in the NCAA dance!

ROLL TIDE!!!

The Decision is Made! SHULA IS OUT

As I have mentioned already, I have no major opinion towards the future of Mike Shula; thankfully people who make more money than I decide these things. The Decision has been made! Shula is Out at the Capstone. I regret it for the man Mike Shula, as we (the majority of fans who I know) have wanted him to succeed. However, to little too late for Mikey!

His downfall was his micromanagement of the offense, not holding his players accountable for their actions, and his poor leadership (or appearance of leadership). His indecisiveness from every aspect of the program may be the one thing that has prematurely killed his career at the university. I was at the Iron Bowl with my lovely bride of 10 years, and we left so disgusted as we could have - should have won the game with some different coaching. Yes players didn't make plays and we were O So Close on 2 long touchdown throws. However, not addressing the right guard position after being WHIPPED by Mississippi State is intolerable. I watced the recorded game yesterday (CBS televised) and noticed numberous stats that tell the story of Shulas career in 4 seasons:

• 0-18 when trailing in the 4th Quarter
• 1 win against LSU, Tennessee, and Auburn
• 2 wins against LSU, Tennessee, Auburn, and Arkansas
• 0-4 vs Auburn (no one has ever lost that many in a row to Auburn)
• 0-5 vs Auburn in Bryant-Denny Stadium
• 35 points total scored against Auburn in Bryant-Denny Stadium

Let's look at a few of the positives that Mike Shula provided the Bama Nation during his tenure -as we need to be "fair and balanced"

• He stabilized a program that needed it worse than any program in the history of the NCAA. After the Dennis Franchione departure and the Mike Price escapade, coming into a program with like 40 days of exposure to the team prior to the season (didn't go through spring practice his first year); He did a good job!
• He was a great recruiter. He did a very good job getting impact talented players in the program. This may lend to the fact that we were getting scholarships back from NCAA sanctions and the players we signed would start very early in their career. Whoever takes over the program should be able to win immediately next season (favorable schedule and more experienced team).
• For the ladies, they loved him as he was cute (that's what I hear). I read that he ranked as the cutestest coach in the SEC.

Don't feel bad for Mike Shula or his lovely wife and children as the expected payoff for him is approximately $63,000 per MONTH until 2012! Don't think he will be eating Beany-Weinies or Ramen Noodle Soup mixes.

The Biggest thing that makes me upset about this situation is our AD. He is the only person who MUST BE FIRED! What CEO of any corporation would give their VP of Operations a huge raise and in less than one year fire him. Can you say - Poor Judge of Quality! The board of this corporation would be calling for the CEO's head first and justifiably so.

MAL MUST GO!!!

So the Debate goes on:
Did UA Make the correct decision?
Does UA need to make a change at the top?
Who is the Next Coach?

Give me your feedback!!!

STOP THE INSANITY - Mike Shula!

I have had it!!! It is beyond time that I start speaking my mind about the state of Alabama Football. Like many of you Bama Fan's I am frustrated yet optimistic because CHANGE is coming! Regardless if all of the rumors are true about Dr. Witt and Mal Moore already talking with Board of Trustee members about getting him out, Mike has already promised drastic change. After this season, we need change.

The Bama Nation season can be summed up in one word - INSANITY!!! Doing the same thing (since the Hawai'i game) throughout the entire season and expecting the results to change. We have had the same scheme since Mike has been there! No creativity whatsoever - as shown in two dysfunctional 2-point conversion try's in the Iron Bowl. Change is warranted and needed; however, not just the head coach, but at the top.

Remember this Chant!

MAL MUST GO!!!
MAL MUST GO!!!
MAL MUST GO!!!

I remember just like yesterday participating in this chant back in 1993 when Mal Moore was the offensive coordinator for Stallings. His departure was warranted then and needed now. Regardless of the Shula situation we have poor leadership at the top (which may explain why leadership is poor at the head coach's desk). Note that the majority of our NCAA Sanctions were a consequence of the University not controlling "boosters" (of which Mal is/were buddies with). Who is accountable for controlling booster's -- the athletic director???

MAL MUST GO!!!
MAL MUST GO!!!

Last Thursday night prior to the Iron Bowl, ABC33 (Birmingham) had an Iron bowl special with live interview's with the coaches. Tommy Tubberville was on for Auburn and as explained by Mike Raita, Mike Shula declined to participate but Mal Moore was on for Bama. Why? We all know that Mike (God Bless Him) isn't the most intelligent sounding in front of the microphone. However, Mike Raita asked him direct questions about the pressures he faces (from fans) as to whether to keep or fire Shula. He stammered and stuttered and would not answer the question. Didn't say anything that was a DEFINATE ENDORSEMENT OF SHULA.

As mentioned above: Mal Moore really needs to retire! He looked like a corpse on the TV interview...

I like Shula and have been pulling for him during his tenure. However, enough is enough! It appears that we are satisfied with an incompetent coach. We have a problem and it is time for CHANGE - maybe at the top!

ROLL TIDE ALWAYS!!!