Major Applewhite Could Be Leading Texas OC Candidate
by Wescott Eberts (GoBR) on Dec 8, 2010 3:16 PM CST
in Texas Longhorns Football
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PrintIn 2008, Major Applewhite's return to Austin was treated like that of the prodigal son. Revered as a hero after his playing days as a quarterback, Applewhite was a graduate assistant at Texas for three years before departing for Syracuse to become the quarterbacks coach under Greg Robinson in 2005. The following year, Todd Graham lured him to Rice to take over the offensive coordinator position there. A year later, Applewhite was in Tuscaloosa working for Nick Saban, but the relationship quickly soured as Saban limited his control over the offense.
As a result, Applewhite took the job as running backs coach at Texas to fill in for the departed Ken Rucker. Before the announcement of Will Muschamp as the eventual replacement to Mack Brown, there was speculation about whether Applewhite would end up as the next Longhorn head coach.
That isn't likely to happen unless Muschamp leaves for another head coaching position (fingers crossed), but the path is now open for Applewhite to take control of the Texas offense. Only a day after the name of Bryan Harson, the Boise State offensive coordinator, was on the tip of every tongue discussing the open job, the rumor mill is now spitting out Applewhite's name.
It began with Kirk Bohls on Monday evening, who cited sources close to the program when declaring Applewhite "the clear front-runner." Then, Recruitocosm weighed in this afternoon without really confirming or denying the rumors, rather pointing out the oddity of Applewhite emerging as the choice after being overruled by Brown on several recruiting evaluations over the last several years, most notably Brandon Williams. ESPN is reporting (scroll down) that HookEm247 has heard those rumors as well, but Bobby Burton has been unable to confirm or deny them, while Orangebloods is echoing Bohls' report that Applewhite is the front-runner.
Longhorn fans all have a soft spot in their heart for Applewhite and there's no question that his rise through the coaching ranks has been spectacularly fast.
However, there are several concerns. The obvious is his lack of experience calling plays -- he did so for one year at Rice with some success, where he helped the team led by Chase Clement, Jarrett Dillard, and Quenton Smith to a rare bowl games. Secondly, while Rice did run a spread offense, it's still not clear what exactly Applewhite's true philosophy is as a coordinator.
The second concern leads to another. The attempted switch to a power-running game was an absolute disaster during the off-season and it bears the marks of Mack Brown more than Greg Davis. If Applewhite becomes the offensive coodinator, will Brown try to meddle with the same type of outdated thinking that led to his choice of Chris Whaley over Christine Michael? If he did, would Applewhite give in to another unimaginative offense? Brown seems about 40 years behind the curve in his offensive philosophy and there are no guarantees that Applewhite has a developed enough offensive philosophy to install a comprehensive system. He certainly didn't learn such a system from Greg Davis.
If the entire offensive culture surrounding the team is a corrupt as it appears to be at times, despite all his energy, Applewhite may not be able to enact a seismic shift in the mentality of this team. Clearing out much of the offensive staff should help inject new energy, of course, but Applewhite feels like almost a complete unknown and he's not necessarily the new voice that this team might need. As the offensive coordinator, his voice would become much more important and perhaps different outside of the shadow of Greg Davis, but would that be enough to enact major short-term improvements?
What say you, Longhorn fans?
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A co-OC would be fine but this would make me very nervous. After last season, I want someone with OC experience.
What we have here is a failure to execute.
by dimecoverage on Dec 8, 2010 3:28 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
I do, too.
"I'm not playing favorites. All my favorites have graduated." - A. Lemons
by Paleface Horn on Dec 8, 2010 3:29 PM CST up reply actions
me three
I would prefer Harsin or a proven OC and let MA have RB and QB for a few more years. I think he is still too green. If we could get a Harsin we would expect him to leave in a few years for a HC job anyway, and by then maybe MA would be ready.
So when will MA be exactly ready?
If Harsin is our next OC and does well and then decides to leave to coach elsewhere in 2 years…what will make us think Applewhite is ready then? Bc he won’t have OC experience then either. But we’re Texas, we can go get the next hotshot recruiter right?
"Football's so important in Texas. On the West Coast, it's a social. On the East Coast, it's a culture. Here, it's a religion."
-- Major Applewhite
if a lateral hire gets the O show on the right track
transitioning to MA will be much easier. and come to think of it, if the lateral hire does a crap job, transitioning to MA will be much easier, too.
"I'm not playing favorites. All my favorites have graduated." - A. Lemons
by Paleface Horn on Dec 8, 2010 4:57 PM CST up reply actions
The ultimate irony
GD’s replacement most likely should be a lateral hire
If you're so sure of what it ain't, how about telling us what it am!
by circa1015 on Dec 8, 2010 5:06 PM CST up reply actions 8 recs
excellent
"I'm not playing favorites. All my favorites have graduated." - A. Lemons
by Paleface Horn on Dec 8, 2010 7:02 PM CST up reply actions
Okay, someone explain this to me....
cause it’s making me feel dumb.
I don't want NO PART of yo' tired ass country club, YA FREAK BITCH!
Oh, Jesus, of course.
I was only thinking of it as an extension on Palefaces comment rather than thinking of its own inherent irony.
For another hilarious GD play call joke I refer you to rtklaw’s joke in my fan post. Just the joke, I’m not plugging my fanpost. That would be shameless.
I don't want NO PART of yo' tired ass country club, YA FREAK BITCH!
Don't feel bad.
It took me a little while, too. That’s what makes it so good.
"I'm not playing favorites. All my favorites have graduated." - A. Lemons
by Paleface Horn on Dec 9, 2010 6:34 AM CST up reply actions
Now that I've been brainslapped into thinking about this in the right context...
and actually get it… WELL DONE, SIR
I don't want NO PART of yo' tired ass country club, YA FREAK BITCH!
Happy to oblige
I’d like to think I’ve carved out my niche here at BON as being able to offer short bursts of wit, if not much else.
If you're so sure of what it ain't, how about telling us what it am!
I was just thinking that he should be QB and RB coach first
My understanding is that GD GD was QB coach so he had tied MA’s hands a bit. It probably drove MA crazy to be stepping on his boss’s toes when he knew there were QB things that he could improve.
If Muschamp is on board with MA and MB thinks he is ready, then who the heck am I too question that. But, if MB is going to tie MA’s hands because he doesn’t really think he is 100% ready then it is a bad deal for everyone and it will be exposed like things went this year.
Wrangler..you should get your facts straight before you post
I wonder how much my skeptisicm of MA as the OC is because I still think of him as a “recent” UT Grad. He is only 32, but after looking into his post grad resume’ I think maybe he is ready. Per Wikipedia:
Major Lee Applewhite (born July 26, 1978) served as offensive coordinator at Rice University under Todd Graham in 2006, and at the University of Alabama under Nick Saban in 2007. He was the youngest offensive coordinator among Division I-A schools at that time.
Applewhite was previously the quarterbacks coach at Syracuse University in 2005.
Yes, I’m talking to myself. I think I am pulling a Farve/Meyer. MA is probably a good hire at OC.
I think he might be perfect.
He’s a hard worker and big on film study so he can implement wrinkles from other innovators’ offenses without needing to be their direct understudies. Plus he probably has enough of a creative mind to take other coordinators’ good ideas and add in his own wrinkles to create his own offensive identity. And since he is young and hasn’t already made a name for himself as a coordinator, he won’t get burnt out, won’t be looking forward to his next gig, and won’t be leaving in a couple of years. All of that seems to me to set him up for a good chance of success, as well as continuity, which I think will be important for the program and future recruiting.
I don't want NO PART of yo' tired ass country club, YA FREAK BITCH!
When?
That’s easy, Texas needs the best man for the job. Dontcha just think that would be someone with OC experience? Building on success is how winners are made. MA has plenty of time to make the move. If it comes too soon it could be the end of what sould be a brilliant career. If he has a chance to work under a like minded OC heavy weight that’s a win/win. So far that opportunity has not been there for MA (did not mesh with Nick Saban). So, when? If Texas can bring in a suitible caliber OC this man will no doubt be moving to HC somewhere soon. Of course, that won’t be at Texas. Meanwhile, a seasoned MA will be ready to take the OC reigns.
Theirs not to make reply,
Theirs not to reason why,
Theirs but to do & die,
Into the valley of Death
Rode the six hundred.
Fail no matter what
I love Major Applewhite. I wanted to name my last child Major. However, when the wife saw a daughter, she said. Still…
Applewhite as OC would be a terrible move. He has not shown that he is ready to make play calling decisions. Plus, he will never get the respect from Brown that an outside OC would.
If Brown hires as co-OC and names Applewhite the co-OC too, then I am fine with that scenario.
he made tons of play calling decisions while he was quarterback
I’ve heard up to 80% of plays he ran, he changed the play call on the spot.
I don't want NO PART of yo' tired ass country club, YA FREAK BITCH!
Major would have made a pretty good name for a girl, too.
There are two novels that can change a bookish fourteen-year old's life: The Lord of the Rings and Atlas Shrugged. One is a childish fantasy that often engenders a lifelong obsession with its unbelievable heroes, leading to an emotionally stunted, socially crippled adulthood, unable to deal with the real world. The other, of course, involves orcs.
by burntorangehorn on Dec 9, 2010 9:56 AM CST up reply actions
Or "Majorette"
"Only angry people win football games." --DKR
I'm sure you've heard all kinds of names in your line of work.
Ever see a Majorette? Was she born with a silver baton in her mouth?
There are two novels that can change a bookish fourteen-year old's life: The Lord of the Rings and Atlas Shrugged. One is a childish fantasy that often engenders a lifelong obsession with its unbelievable heroes, leading to an emotionally stunted, socially crippled adulthood, unable to deal with the real world. The other, of course, involves orcs.
by burntorangehorn on Dec 10, 2010 2:28 PM CST up reply actions
No "Majorette"
the last one was named “Stormie Night”
"Only angry people win football games." --DKR
I taught swimming lessons at a daycare for kids in foster homes, and encountered some weird ones
The center typically had about 40 kids in my swimming program each summer, and the first day I met not one, not two, but three girls named Porsha. Not Portia nor Porsche. Porsha.
There are two novels that can change a bookish fourteen-year old's life: The Lord of the Rings and Atlas Shrugged. One is a childish fantasy that often engenders a lifelong obsession with its unbelievable heroes, leading to an emotionally stunted, socially crippled adulthood, unable to deal with the real world. The other, of course, involves orcs.
by burntorangehorn on Dec 10, 2010 8:48 PM CST up reply actions
He shouldn't take the job,
if Mack doesn’t commit to letting him run the offense.
"I'm not playing favorites. All my favorites have graduated." - A. Lemons
And if MA is made OC and his plays look alot like GD's...
then at least we know GD was merely calling Mack’s plays. I like Major but agree that we need an experienced OC who will be strong and assertive enough to resist pressure to follow Mack’s “playing not to lose” philosophy.
"Only angry people win football games." --DKR
makes sense
"I'm not playing favorites. All my favorites have graduated." - A. Lemons
by Paleface Horn on Dec 10, 2010 9:47 AM CST up reply actions
I agree that we need a proven OC at this time with proven accomplishments.
Having back to back 5-7 seasons is not an option and taking a chance on Major has a 50/50 chance of just that. There are too many unknowns with Major.
ATX
Let's Not and Say We Did
On resume alone, Major has done little to deserve this position. While he helped take Rice to a bowl game (a minor miracle, I’ll grant), he was mediocre at best with what surely must’ve been better talent at Alabama. Obviously, nobody here, myself included, can know to what extent Major has truly impacted the teams he’s worked with but going off the most basic information we have, surely he isn’t fit to take the reigns to a real big-time program’s offense. Alabama was his audition and he didn’t excel. I’m not saying he can’t be great; I’m saying that, as of right now, he doesn’t deserve the role.
Besides that, though, and this is the most important part: this could be a political disaster. We potentially weld ourselves to Major’s back for the next five years or however long it takes us to truly admit to ourselves that Major isn’t our offensive savior. If he’s amazing, then great. Nobody wants that more than I do. If he’s mediocre, though, how long is it going to take to convince the higher-ups to get rid of him?
Putting Major in the OC role right now seems tantamount to a giving an unproven-but-heralded ballplayer an albatross long-term contract. The risk/reward alone may seem worth it but the inherent attachment could be too dangerous in the long-term.
I hope he’s awesome, though.
This could be a political disaster. If he’s mediocre, how long is it going to take to convince the higher-ups to get rid of him?
I would add that my biggest concern is an eventual souring of the relationship between Major and the University. The guy is so beloved right now; I’d hate in two years to see fans viciously and venomously blaming him for failure.
by BrooklynHorn on Dec 8, 2010 3:36 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
I don't think it'd happen
I’d hate in two years to see fans viciously and venomously blaming him for failure.
Someone else would be the public’s punching bag. I don’t think it’d ever be Major.
Don't click here. I might be promoting myself with frequently-changing photos from my portfolio. Or I might be linking to my favorite photos of Mark Mangino. You never know.
I'd be satisfied with Major
I don’t think he’s shown the ability to produce at the big-time level, but I think he’d be worth a shot. If I were in the business of crafting wish lists, he’d be on it, but definitely not at the top. However, there are factors that make him far more realistic a hire than some others, namely rumors of Holgorsen’s personal behavior, Malzahn’s potential involvement in scandals, etc.
On the whole, I’d feel a lot more comfortable with Major as OC if there were an OL/RB/rushing game guru brought in from a place like Wisconsin or Iowa.
There are two novels that can change a bookish fourteen-year old's life: The Lord of the Rings and Atlas Shrugged. One is a childish fantasy that often engenders a lifelong obsession with its unbelievable heroes, leading to an emotionally stunted, socially crippled adulthood, unable to deal with the real world. The other, of course, involves orcs.
Sentimental Disagreement
I don’t think he’s shown the ability to produce at the big-time level, but I think he’d be worth a shot.
I couldn’t disagree with your sentiment more. This season was terribleawfulgarbagetrashy but we are not an habitual 5-7 team right now. We have no reason to be rolling the dice on somebody we think might be great but is relatively unproven. I don’t mind being aggressive with our hires but aggression to that level morphs into foolhardiness.
Let me be clear:
I think there are much better options out there at this point.
There are two novels that can change a bookish fourteen-year old's life: The Lord of the Rings and Atlas Shrugged. One is a childish fantasy that often engenders a lifelong obsession with its unbelievable heroes, leading to an emotionally stunted, socially crippled adulthood, unable to deal with the real world. The other, of course, involves orcs.
by burntorangehorn on Dec 8, 2010 3:57 PM CST up reply actions
Maybe Muschamp is pushing for Major.
Does anybody know if this is the case?
"I'm not playing favorites. All my favorites have graduated." - A. Lemons
Should that turn out to be true
then I suggest that might bode well for chemistry among staff, which I see as one of the most substantial concerns here.
tru dat
I agree with so much of what you say, BH.
"I'm not playing favorites. All my favorites have graduated." - A. Lemons
by Paleface Horn on Dec 8, 2010 3:40 PM CST up reply actions
Thanks
I’m wondering if, when the details regarding the 2010 season are made public, we won’t find that staff disagreements and in-fighting turn out to be the greatest culprit. To me that makes more sense than assessing our talent-supply as being sub-par.
I suppose a complete turnaround with the same players
would suggest that it was the in-fighting.
"I'm not playing favorites. All my favorites have graduated." - A. Lemons
by Paleface Horn on Dec 8, 2010 4:08 PM CST up reply actions
even if Muschamp is pushing for Major...
couldn’t Mack just state his case for Bohls or whoever to come in here and “train” Major for the role of OC after he retires…this also would protect Major in case these next few seasons turn out bad? Mack could just retire and then Muschamp could promote Major to OC?
Just read on the recruitocosm post linked in the above article
that Major is Will’s hire. Well, Major’s results should at least tell us something not only about whether Major is OC material, but also about whether Will is HC material.
"I'm not playing favorites. All my favorites have graduated." - A. Lemons
by Paleface Horn on Dec 8, 2010 3:39 PM CST up reply actions
True story
It might be somewhat of a gamble, but if Muschamp is so confident in Major, maybe its not a gamble at all…we shall see…
If Will and Major are buddying up
My cautious concern could easily evolve into optimistic excitement.
but also about whether Will is HC material.
Because Mack Brown hasn’t made poor coaching personnel decisions?
I never said MB was HC material.
He’s got the politics down (which includes recruiting who he wants and money-making), but I’ve questioned his talent evaluation (coaches and players) and gameday savvy. If Will hires Major, and Major proves to be a disaster, I think it is fair to suggest that hiring Major would reflect on Will’s talent evaluation at the coaching positions.
"I'm not playing favorites. All my favorites have graduated." - A. Lemons
by Paleface Horn on Dec 8, 2010 4:12 PM CST up reply actions
What if...
Major, while inexperienced, is promoted largely on Muschamp’s recommendation, and doesn’t perform well, while a year or so from now Muschamp gets tired of waiting for Mack to retire and leaves? I know that is alot of “what if’s” but its possible. This “head coach in waiting” thing complicates matters. How much imput should he have in new staff if we do not have a guarantee he will stay himself? This year’s defense has removed a little of the shine from Muschamp’s halo. What if the defense doesn’t look any better next year? Do we still want Muschamp as HC? I think Mack should announce a retirement “date certain,” and Muschamp should re-commit himself to waiting for that date. Only then should he be able to promote “his man.” And yes, I know that’s alot of conjective, but ideas to consider.
"Only angry people win football games." --DKR
Unless he's a bone-fide prodigy, I think it's a mistake
This is a career making opening for some extremely talented OC out there. Get some guy in with a bunch of skins on his wall and give him a fat two-year contract that he can use to win a national title and then head out to a HC job somewhere.
Now is not really the time to think about anything but results.
Let Major watch whoever it is turn the team around, and maybe give it to him after that once things have stabilized. But we need an A-List hire right now, and Major’s not an A-List guy. At least he isn’t yet.
That roughly sums up my preference
I would say Major isn’t quite ready yet. Grab a big-name guy to finish Mack’s career, and then have Major take over the offense in 2 or 3 years.
Still, I won’t be terribly disappointed if this comes to pass. Major, Mack, and Will might get along beautifully, and it sets up a better cohesion for when Will takes over.
I think Major could be a great OC if
we bring in somebody with the OL/running game coordinator title. Could make a monster of an offense.
My thoughts exactly
I am not sure that a temporary hire like this is something that I would expect from MB but I think that it could be really beneficial. It would be much easier for Major to become OC after a 2 year scab as opposed to immediately taking over for a long timer like GD
thats where im at
reading my mind and besides promoting the running backs coach inst exactly a big splash,borrow boise states system if Coach Harsin would come here.then promote…then again I wouldnt be mad or anything if major was the guy
Build it and they will come
This doesnt excite me at all
I want a proven OC, we can’t roll the dice on this one. Too much competition in the state to be down again. OSU, Baylor, aTm, and TCU are all rising while we are not even in a bowl. We need to make a splash here, to get the attention of the recruits and also make an immediate change on the field. If we fall behind in recruiting we are screwed. Lets get a guy who will probably be gone in a few years, let Major learn some more on the job and anoint him the successor.
I have always been a huge fan, but now Andre Johnson is my favorite non-Longhorn player in the NFL. Although I don't condone viloence.......a good ol' fashioned ass whippin is sometimes deserved and required.
Major to OC wouldn't be a bad move for recruiting
All signs point to him being a tireless recruiter and a players coach. The name will also jump out to the Texas fan recruits out there. Given, if he gets the job, he’ll have to succeed to keep the good recruiting going.
Isn't he also a film-addict?
I feel he would more tirelessly pursue potential weaknesses in opponents than Davis.
That's part of his MO
I was watching college football live and they re-aired a piece from the beginning of the season where they talked to Urban Meyer about how much time he commits to coaching. I see some similarities between Major and Urban as far as work ethic goes, both seem like tireless workers.
Random question (with no implications about his abilities)
Was Major the OC the year we held Rice on that 11 play goal line stand?
If you're so sure of what it ain't, how about telling us what it am!
No
If I remember right “the stand” was in ’08, he was the OC at Rice in ’06
by LonghorninRaiderland on Dec 8, 2010 4:04 PM CST up reply actions
yeah I think that's right
I just remember Rice was still running the spread at that point. The Stand is one of the great random moments in Longhorn history.
If you're so sure of what it ain't, how about telling us what it am!
I remember it...
being frustrating and awesome at the same time.
by LonghorninRaiderland on Dec 8, 2010 4:28 PM CST up reply actions
I think that they were purposefully getting penalized just to further assert their dominance
If you're so sure of what it ain't, how about telling us what it am!
Well, I say
let him have the keys to the kingdom and build the damn Shelby GT kit car we all desire. Truth of the matter is he is the closest thing we have on staff that knows the “system”. He damn well ran it and has picked up many positive nuanced enhancements since. And, Major is a UT orange blood. He can navigate all the power brokers and other players involved. Plus, these are his “kids”. He will certainly have the support of Longhorn faithful (convince me otherwise). I say he is more than capable….and more than ready.
what system?
"I'm not playing favorites. All my favorites have graduated." - A. Lemons
by Paleface Horn on Dec 8, 2010 4:13 PM CST up reply actions
Major ...
… learned offense originally from GD and has been under no other offensive gurus since then. So, when you say,
“Truth of the matter is he is the closest thing we have on staff that knows the "system”."are you going to be happy with an offense birthed from Greg Davis’ mind? I’m okay with Major being the OC at Texas but, if everyone starts realizing that little tidbit, I don’t think many are going to be happy about it.
You, sir, are making an assumption
Do you honestly think for one minute that Will Muschamp would ba aligning his future success with a coach who did not bring innovative thinking to the table? Trust me, the hot rod is in the trailer waiting to be uncovered.
Hey, I'm okay with Major as OC & I NEVER said he wasn't innovative ...
… but where in the world do you (& so many others) get this factual “insider’s information” that Will Muschamp is aligning his future success with Major? There is so much random guessing going on around here that is trying to be passed off as fact.
1 – Muschamp may think the world of Major as a position coach but being the OC is a very different animal entirely. You have NO idea of Coach Boom’s opinion in this matter.
2 – Muschamp is NOT the decision-maker here. Mack is. Mack will value Muschamp’s (& many others’) opinion highly but, ultimately, Mack will decide if Major’s skills are enough.
You, sir, are certainly making MUCH more of an assumption than I ever did. Mine was based out of the knowledge of all of Major’s coaching stops. Yours was based solely from rumors & guessing.
Not MUCH more than anyone else regarding the Will / Major alignment
Where there is smoke, there is typically fire. So the odds of my postulating Will and Major are aligned are pretty good as many would probably agree. Further, my statement was not to say that Major knows GD’s system, rather to say that Major knows the “system” we need. Major has been around the football block long enough to have grasped the duties.
Well, let's hope that's true.
I love major & Iove a sensible productive offensive system. I hope you’re right.
Even if not Major
I really do believe that the changeover is a healthy cleansing from a players standpoint. We can all agree that anything new is exciting when you’re a kid. Our players will be motivated to impress and perform if nothing else. That’s 180 degrees from what they were this past season.
I would bet that MA and WM talked offensive game plan and strategy every week – before and after games. WM likely got a good glimpse of what MA would have done and weighed that against what GD actually did. The question I have is did GD or MB care to listen? Did WM petition that MA get a chance to do the play calling or plan the game-day strategy? How deep was the rift between coaches? Was MA and WM ignored by GD?
I just think there's so much speculation that will never be verified.
I think there’s more to this ‘rift’ stuff that people are making it out to be. However, I think a Mack Brown-led coaching shake-up will nothing but good things for UT football. He has earned my complete confidence through his success.
There's no where to go but up and that worries me.
Whoever we hire will undoubtedly improve the offense from what we had this season. So whoever we hire, we’re probably stuck with for a while unless they move on to a HC position elsewhere. There’s just no way we’ll regress further under whoever is calling the plays.
I’d rather that person be someone more proven that we know is the right guy for the job, not someone we adore and hope is a perfect fit. I’d hate to see us improve a little, but not greatly, and then being stuck with another coordinator who is serviceable, but not elite.
But if Muschamp is pushing hard for him
then I am all for it, for cohesion in the next couple of years, and then stability over the next 10 years, assuming Muschamp does in fact take over for Mack.
It's hard to know whether Muschamp really is the best person to ask
I absolutely think his input is valuable, since he’s the HCIW, but does he really know much about how Major’s going to function as a coordinator? He faced him in the 2007 Iron Bowl, as I recall, which I guess could have given the two of them a chance to discuss how Major would’ve wanted to attack WM’s defense if he had been allowed to control the offense with greater autonomy than Saban allowed.
There are two novels that can change a bookish fourteen-year old's life: The Lord of the Rings and Atlas Shrugged. One is a childish fantasy that often engenders a lifelong obsession with its unbelievable heroes, leading to an emotionally stunted, socially crippled adulthood, unable to deal with the real world. The other, of course, involves orcs.
by burntorangehorn on Dec 8, 2010 4:02 PM CST up reply actions
I'd imagine they have spent more than enough time together
for Will to evaluate Major’s offensive philosophy and pick his brain. Reports say that Muschamp thinks Major is the future. Now it comes down to seeing whether or not he’s right.
idea
How about we hire someone that Mack Brown hates that way it will not be hard to fire him for doing a sub-par job. Give me the pirate!!!
not no
but hell no
"I'm not playing favorites. All my favorites have graduated." - A. Lemons
by Paleface Horn on Dec 8, 2010 4:14 PM CST up reply actions
It would be exciting.
But so was the sinking of the Titanic.
"I'm not playing favorites. All my favorites have graduated." - A. Lemons
by Paleface Horn on Dec 8, 2010 4:17 PM CST up reply actions
Texas OC
Like the head coaching position, the Texas program is at the level where they should be able to choose from the most qualified canidates and top coordinators who have proven himself. Mack’s record at North Carolina was his resume to the Texas program. I like Applewhite, but I would rather he have a solid resume as an OC the be hired at Texas the let him have it and hope he is sucessful. If I remember correctly, he only has a few years experience as OC at Houston. I’m sure there are more diserving canidates available who will come in and make the most out of the talent that’s currently here.
by Ryan2907 on Dec 8, 2010 4:00 PM CST via mobile reply actions
was Applewhite at Rice or Houston, can’t remember. Houston was the first Houston school that came to mind.
by Ryan2907 on Dec 8, 2010 4:02 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Rice...in Houston ;)
Also, before that he coached QBs at Syracuse. It wasn’t pretty, though—they had their worst points production in recent history, IIRC.
There are two novels that can change a bookish fourteen-year old's life: The Lord of the Rings and Atlas Shrugged. One is a childish fantasy that often engenders a lifelong obsession with its unbelievable heroes, leading to an emotionally stunted, socially crippled adulthood, unable to deal with the real world. The other, of course, involves orcs.
by burntorangehorn on Dec 8, 2010 4:03 PM CST up reply actions
Syracuse was at a low ebb at that time.
And were horrible the next several years.
They dropped off about 10 points per game average from the previous year
That’s clear regression.
There are two novels that can change a bookish fourteen-year old's life: The Lord of the Rings and Atlas Shrugged. One is a childish fantasy that often engenders a lifelong obsession with its unbelievable heroes, leading to an emotionally stunted, socially crippled adulthood, unable to deal with the real world. The other, of course, involves orcs.
by burntorangehorn on Dec 9, 2010 8:43 AM CST up reply actions
I'm cool with this.
I’ve always wanted to see Major running our offense. Now is his chance. I don’t see the problem.
Major may have been the smartest college quarterback
I ever saw. His brain, weak arm & consistent audibles overcame even Greg Davis. He’ll probably be a great OC but if Mack is determining our offense & vetoing the OC’s recruiting choices it won’t matter if it’s Major or Bill Walsh. Whoever is the new OC needs to have enough juice to be able to run his own schemes & have the freedom to succeed. Would prefer Major to spend another couple of years under someone proven & brilliant & then take over,
as I said above
If MB won’t agree to let MA run the O show, MA should turn down the offer.
"I'm not playing favorites. All my favorites have graduated." - A. Lemons
by Paleface Horn on Dec 8, 2010 4:16 PM CST up reply actions
I'll trust one of the best DCs to pick a OC.
Muschamp knows his stuff and I’m sure he’s talked to Major and believes Major knows his stuff. I’m okay with this because one of the best defensive minds would not pick an OC he didn’t believe could do the job.
"Football's so important in Texas. On the West Coast, it's a social. On the East Coast, it's a culture. Here, it's a religion."
-- Major Applewhite
by Sunkist on Dec 8, 2010 4:21 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
Major's past may have brought him back to Texas
but the move here was about his future. He could have headed out in other directions. The powers here wanted him in the stable…and they will use him. He will have to sink or swim on his own merit…but that will always be true in a position of responsibility. He spent 10 years learning college systems because his goal is greater than the OC.
In ‘66 DKR hired a young coach for the LBs. Then he moved him up to OC. Then he asked him to devise a new offense. The coach’s experience: high school, three state championships. The offense: the wishbone. If you realize anything about this program, they really don’t go out of state unless they have to, an act of desperation.
At high school levels, coaches deal with about as much innovation as anyone, because they can afford to. Any OC’s plan at the college level that has already been used is already being deconstructed; it happens that quickly, nano-speed. Each and every offense has its own set of dead ends. Increasing talents keeps them alive, decreasing talents bodes the end (see OU, Bradford to now). Hell’s Bells, Bob Shipley, Jordan’s dad, could come in here and set up a dynamic offense…I just don’t see that much difference out there once you strip away the current season’s hype. Next year there will be a new batch just as shiny…same thing every damn year.
The comments I see about a MNC coming soon are really funny. Next year is about reconstructing this team from the ground up regardless of who comes on board and may not be as pretty as many might want to think. To get a real OL in sync will take a whole year at the absolute minimum. To get DL talent trained and set will take that long as well. To get faster safeties and new dbs, about the same. There is no easy way.
I liked the kit analogy mentioned, because it’s an apt metaphor about the state of the program. Rebuilding confidence, state of mind and team culture will be as important as rebuilding the individual elements of the offense, defense and special teams.
I agree with you Sunkist…didn’t mean to rant so much. We need spirit and WM and MA have it.
He's a Chris Simms look-alike,
except that he’s actually showing some fire.
"I'm not playing favorites. All my favorites have graduated." - A. Lemons
by Paleface Horn on Dec 8, 2010 4:58 PM CST up reply actions
I would think the fact that Mack has overruled some of Major's talent evaluations . . .
. . . and been proven wrong in doing so time and time again is a reason to hire Major, not a reason not to. Young guns Muschamp and Applewhite are not only closer to the game than coaches Mack’s age but they’re closer to culture of the generation playing it.
Speaking of that, the gangsta element on our ‘05 team made Mack a bit gun shy in going after those types of players. For all the talk about the play list on Mack’s ipod, the fact remains that Mack doesn’t understand urban culture and is uncomfortable with it. No amount of listening to Fiddy or Lil Wayne is going to change that.
But back to Major.
Major would be an excellent OC beginning next year at Texas for several reasons:
- He’s a football junkie who knows more about offensive football already than most Texas fans seem to realize.
- He’s excellent at evaluating talent and is a decent enough recruiter.
- Nobody not named Will Muschamp is going to outwork him.
- He’ll have Malcolm Brown (and Brandon Williams!?!?) in the backfield.
- The Texas offense will regress toward the mean next year no matter who coaches it.
regressing toward the mean
7-5?
Before you criticize someone, walk a mile in their shoes. If they get mad, you're a mile away AND you have their shoes.
I would prefer
Holgorsen because he has proven himself by making Tech’s offense into one of the best, and in one year over in UH he helped turn them in to the the # 1 overall offense and in one year in stillwater he turned them into an offensive monster. There would be some problems with Holgorsen though, such as im pretty sure malcom brown would not be pleased and i don’t think Gilbert can run the spread and we dont have the o line or receivers to help him out either. The ideal situation would to feature malcom brown in the spread just as OSU uses hunter. With that out of the way i would not mind MA at all but i would feel more comfortable with someone who has some OC experience under their belt
41-38
I wish
that Applewhite would have been handed the reins during a game this year, especially if it is true that GD didn’t even have a game plan for some of them. If he was on the short list for OC, seems like a missed opportunity to evaluate his play calling and game scheming.
i suggested this at one point with about 2 or three games left
I figure at least if you do that you have an idea of what Major is bringing to the table and you dont waste another season figuring it out as this season was already a waste. but did Mack listen to me? Noooooooooo.
An NFL guy with Texas ties...
Kyle Shanahan?
I am not advocating this, and I don’t think it would happen, but he is the only Texas guy coordinating offense in the NFL I can think of. And he might be buddies with Applewhite?
by Reggieball on Dec 8, 2010 6:59 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
not coming.
he is pretty happy in washington coaching with daddy.
I know
but as long as I am just making stuff up, it might as well be different. He has passed up NCAA OC jobs in the past, and I think prefers to be an NFL guy.
by Reggieball on Dec 9, 2010 6:52 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
System guy
We need a guy who can architect a whole new offensive system to replace the mess we have now. If Applewhite is that guy, OK. Or maybe bring in a designated mastermind/playcaller and leave the leadership to Major. But what I’d rather see is the next Emory Bellard.
Before you criticize someone, walk a mile in their shoes. If they get mad, you're a mile away AND you have their shoes.
Mack 40 years behind the curve on offense
Thank you for writing that. I thought it was crazy that he wanted to turn TX into an under-center power running team given that most of the teams with success on offense in the last 5 years ran some version of a shotgun spread offense with a mobile QB.
At the time of the running game announcement, many of the posters on BON we’re enthusiastic and making comments such as “hell yeah, we’re texas and we’ll run the ball down everyone’s throats.”
*Shrug* i was and still am totally jealous of bama's offense
Although i subscribe to the idea that you need a widely varied approach ie oregon/boise as opposed to a power running or spread specific offense.
Love to see Texas smash mouth football !
What do you think about Applewhite and Bostad (Wisconsin O-line coach) becoming co-coordinators. Would it not be great to see a o-line that knocks the hell out of an opponents d-line! Opening holes and providing protection while unleashing the talent that has been assembled at UT. Screw the finesse.
Hate to be a pessimist..
but the more I read and hear about the program and the offensive failures in Mack’s tenure, the more concerned I’m becoming that Greg was the smaller part of a two-part problem. I’m paranoid that the real problem is Mack being Saban-like in his offensive demands. I’m worried he might hire the best candidate that he can still push around a little rather than hire an OC and give him autonomy Muschamp-style. Man, I hope I’m wrong. Sorry to rain on everyone’s parade. I want to be happy I really do.
'Til Gabriel blows his horn...
by mattyj on Dec 8, 2010 8:18 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
No, matty, that is a very real concern.
I hope Mack assessed himself on this matter. He’s part of the problem, too, whether he wants to admit it or not.
If Mack should turn over the OC to Major, I hope Major has the gumption and desire to seek and get the control he needs to implement his ideas.
The precedent is there with Muschamp. If Brown finds the right fit at OC, then he can let the control go.
What we have here is a failure to execute.
I'm afraid that precedent is only on the defensive side.
Mack considers himself an “offensive” coach (please hold all jokes) and I think would be less likely to relinquish control of the offense. Not saying it can’t be done, but as we know, offensively, there’s no real precedent for how Mack will handle change.
'Til Gabriel blows his horn...
We better hire an experienced PROVEN OC, and do it fast......
The Big 12 is loaded for bear……Missouri, OU, and OKIE State all 10 win seasons….and the aggroids are rolling….K State and Baylor are building as well. 2011 is not the year to try a first year OC.
If they outlaw Willie Nelson, only outlaws will be Willie Nelson
Of course Applewhite is the current front-runner.....
they haven’t even reached out or interviewed other candidates yet.
Applewhite remains the frontrunner until they start the interviews, which probably will start with Harsin (and then he’ll be the front runner).
Any rumblings or hints
on any of the other vacancies?
There is not a situation or individual that cannot be improved by the addition of chocolate.
Ok
Since the post is about Major I’ll just say that I was surprised Mack Brown brought him back (or that he agreed to come back) as early in his career as he did. I would have thought that Major would have been encouraged to go earn his stripes at other programs knowing that he would always have a place at Texas. I have not problem with someone as smart as he is skipping a few steps but handing him the OC job right now wouldn’t do the program (or Major) justice.
Now, if I could add a name that I haven’t seen on this thread (maybe I missed it)? Don Treadwell…OC for Michigan State. If you have seen his offense run the last couple of years and haven’t been impressed by what he can do with the talent he has, you haven’t been paying attention. It says something when Dantonio went out and Treadwell took over, that the team didn’t miss a beat. And they’re coming off their best year ever.
I’m just really surprised that he’s not getting any love after the year he’s orchestrated.
Mack looks old...
while MA and WM look right out of college. I think the Texas job ages people like the POTUS does after 8 years. Might be a 2 for every one year if not 3.
"We are Texas. We always expect to be the best." - Sam Acho
94 graduation year puts you at about 36 years old
Prime time age for looks. Give it a few more years of being a dad, corporate ladder climbing, mortgage paying, college saving, and beer drinking and you will come of age, too.
Actually I'm 43...
Started in ‘85, went in the Army in ’88 (had too much fun), returned in ’91, graduated in ’94, hung around an extra year waiting for the future Ms. Bevoboy94. You are so true about what makes us show our age, but I think the Head Football Coach at The University of Texas and the POTUS show age much faster due to the stress and expectations. David McWilliams. sure aged in his 5 years as HC. I’m sure the last 4 months of me being unemployed have taken their toll.
Also, I wonder if Mack dyed his hair when he first came here. It was mighty dark in ’97 and got very light in about 3 years.
"We are Texas. We always expect to be the best." - Sam Acho
Well, Major looks like he's 13, and WM just looks pudgy there.
Mack looks like he’s striking a curmudgeonly pose.
There are two novels that can change a bookish fourteen-year old's life: The Lord of the Rings and Atlas Shrugged. One is a childish fantasy that often engenders a lifelong obsession with its unbelievable heroes, leading to an emotionally stunted, socially crippled adulthood, unable to deal with the real world. The other, of course, involves orcs.
by burntorangehorn on Dec 9, 2010 8:41 AM CST up reply actions
For your consideration
I love Major, but how about moving him from running backs to QB coach for a time and then turn the world upside down and bring in Mike Leach for OC? By the time Major is ready to become OC, Leach would have surely provided enough off-field reasons for his ouster and the position could be opened for Major.
I love Mike Leach for many reasons
But he’s not a good fit with Mack and the program. Oil and Vinegar. It’s never going to happen and I don’t think it’s a good idea.
Oil and vinegar are delicious together
There are two novels that can change a bookish fourteen-year old's life: The Lord of the Rings and Atlas Shrugged. One is a childish fantasy that often engenders a lifelong obsession with its unbelievable heroes, leading to an emotionally stunted, socially crippled adulthood, unable to deal with the real world. The other, of course, involves orcs.
by burntorangehorn on Dec 9, 2010 9:59 AM CST up reply actions
oil and water, maybe?
"I'm not playing favorites. All my favorites have graduated." - A. Lemons
by Paleface Horn on Dec 9, 2010 10:41 AM CST up reply actions
There it is. My mistake.
That said, oil and vinegar still don’t blend very well in terms of consistency. Taste-wise, they most certainly do.
You're right.
I didn’t think about that. You’re pretty smart for an actor. jk
"I'm not playing favorites. All my favorites have graduated." - A. Lemons
by Paleface Horn on Dec 10, 2010 9:46 AM CST up reply actions
I'm not sure why Leach keeps coming up for OC
This would be a step down for him (and his ego). It’s kind of a pattern though. A news station in OKC did a poll (completely random I’m sure) that showed Leach at 37% on who would be the next OC @ OU with Huepel 2nd and Norvel (who is most likely I think) 3rd @ 13%. I think a lot of fans want that innovative rebel type at OC. Major and Josh Huepel seem to be on very similar career path curves. I see them both being OC at their respective universities if not immediately in the near future. It’s an interesting post season for both schools
This would be a step down for him (and his ego).
Unquestionably, but the tabloid known as ESPN has made him into a coaching pariah despite all of the facts being on his side. Absolutely no one is even flirting with interviewing him for HC, even at non-AQ and D2 schools…it’s insane. If he were to drop down and light the world on fire as an OC for a few years I think he’d regain most of his stature. Especially once the details surrounding Craig James come out in public. Of course, both Texas Tech and Mr. James are going to be handing over big fat checks pretty soon, so maybe he’s okay with just coasting for awhile.
major
1)Harsin or Malzahn OC
2)Major at QB coach
3)We need a RB coach with some intensity!!!!
4)Akina DB coach and ST coach!!
5)If the rumor is true about Jim Jeffcoat DL coach what you do with Giles?!?!
6)Good OL coach
Giles is the DE coach.
He’s never coached DTs.
Today’s rumor is we’re close to picking up John Papuchis from Nebraska as DT coach to replace Tolleson — he’s also Nebraska’s ST coordinator, so he would literally be a drop-in replacement for Tolly.
Henery's been one of the better punter/kicker combos around for a little while
However, haven’t their special teams been pretty mediocre, for the most part?
There are two novels that can change a bookish fourteen-year old's life: The Lord of the Rings and Atlas Shrugged. One is a childish fantasy that often engenders a lifelong obsession with its unbelievable heroes, leading to an emotionally stunted, socially crippled adulthood, unable to deal with the real world. The other, of course, involves orcs.
by burntorangehorn on Dec 9, 2010 9:01 PM CST up reply actions
This is very similar to the OC vacancy at OU.
A lot of the locals are calling for Josh Heupel to be the new OC, but I think that is a scary move for a lot of the same reasons that Applewhite is a scary move, mostly a lack of experience. At least Applewhite has cut his OC teeth a little bit already.
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