Hey everyone. A few fellow beat hacks* made the trek to Robert G. Pitts Airport today in Opelika. There, they found new assistant coach Curtis Luper flying in from Oklahoma State. He wasn't alone.
Another OSU assistant, Trooper Taylor, was on board.
Taylor is the Cowboys' co-coordinator of offense. He also works with wideouts. Prior to arriving at Oklahoma State before the 2008 season, Taylor spent four years at Tennessee.
*Hacks on the scene: Evan Woodbery, Andrew Gribble.
TN is offering Garner $400,000. He will make his decision this afternoon. Where are they getting all this money?
ReplyDeleteThat's an excellent question, Kathy.
ReplyDeleteI don't know. I hope the Chronicle of Higher Education writes a story condemning UT for its outrageous spending on assistants.
If that publication wants to rip Alabama for breaking the bank for Saban, it's only right that Tennessee gets the business for this.
Trooper Taylor would be a huge get for Chizik. It looks like he's putting together a solid staff.
ReplyDeleteJay, Are you hearing any names for the DC position?
Garner won't even be a Coordinator. Assistants are getting paid the big bucks. I wonder if GA will counter. His pay there is $250,000.
ReplyDeleteWhen I hear credible information on the DC, I'll post it.
ReplyDeleteKathy where are you seeing that TN is offering Garner $400,000?
ReplyDeleteTrooper Taylor too? Wow! I think I am starting to understand the plan ... and I really, really like it.
ReplyDeleteIt seems the new trendy idea is to pay a HC less money and pay the assistants more money than before. I am starting to wonder if RG was even offered a job with AU. If AU is paying the RB coach from OK ST $400,000, wouldn't RG justify that much or more? It would be interesting to see the TOTAL staff salaries at AU and UT before and after Tubs and Fulmer were fired(or resigned).
ReplyDeleteJay any idea what price range is for our staff.
ReplyDeleteAuburn will be paying unprecedented (by AU standards) money to assistants on this staff.
ReplyDeleteConsidering Chizik makes approximately $2 million less than Tuberville, the Tigers have "extra money" luing around ... and apparently plan to use it.
Monica, ESPN
ReplyDeletehttp://myespn.go.com/blogs/ncfnation/0-5-82/Garner-to-make-quick-decision-on-Vols--offer.html
I guess that's good in a way. But if Chizik is a success we will need that money for him.
ReplyDeleteTN fans are gloating that Garner turned Auburn down, but I'm not sure Auburn ever offered.
ReplyDeleteCollege football is a huge business.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the link, Kathy.
ReplyDeleteOne thing I hope Chizik does if he is successful is train a position coach to take over as a coordinator when a coordinator moves on. I did not like the way CTT would just plug in a coordinator. I know he tried with Nall but I like training one to run same type offense or defense. All this depends on his success.
ReplyDeleteIn other happy news, the NYT -- a publication I normally despise -- strips a little bark off of a favorite pantload of the Auburn fan base, Charles Barkley:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/03/sports/basketball/03araton.html?em
May I say something? Thanks.
Has there ever been an athlete with a bigger double-standard margin applied to him than Barkley?
Jeez. He's said "You see why I hate white people," and essentially called an Angolan basketball player a spear-chucker. Yet when he accuses Auburn of being a racist institution, our alumni and fans defend him or excuse it.
Eric Ramsey was the last guy to do that publicly.
Oh, and Hater: Thanks for all you do on the little blog of hate.
Love,
J. Kev
What a catch RB.
ReplyDeletetf44 - its worked for USC and UF is trying it.
ReplyDeleteI agree wholeheartedly.
Does anyone have a link of where i can order some of Coach Luper's sunglasses?
ReplyDeleteI agree, 44.
ReplyDeleteCan we have Ronnie back? Thanks.
Would Taylor really leave Ok St. for a lower position, like WR coach? Or would he a Co-OC with Malzahn? Or some other title?
ReplyDeletehttp://nfldraft.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=802821
ReplyDeleteAccording to that link, Sen could go at 11. I guess he made the right decision if real life is anything like rivals.
trooper taylor would be interesting. i like his connection to the state of texas. in "this week in culinary trivia" i just read that collard greens were cultivated by the ancient greeks. i'm having greek food for dinner.
ReplyDeleteCotton, I don't know where Trooper will finally land his next job, but I think it would be hard at this point for him to stay with OK ST. When your name is being tossed around at so many different schools, it becomes fairly obvious you are looking for greener pastures.
ReplyDeleteor looking for a pay raise at OK St, Depressed.
ReplyDeleteGood point, Michael.
ReplyDeletei do have the distinct impression that au's openings are being used to attract better pay packages for people with no intention of working here.
ReplyDeleteEvan Woodberry added some more notes regarding his interview with Luper. I like this coach.
ReplyDeleteI know Joe Flacco could afford a teeth bleaching.
ReplyDeleteTF44 ... that's what I was talking about when I said I think I am starting to understand the plan. Malzahn coaches two year, moves up somewhere and Taylor takes over. Just an educated shot in the dark.
ReplyDeleteSame here, Kathy. I like the connections between Chiz and Luper and then the connections between Luper and Trooper.
ReplyDeleteI hope they close the deal today.
I love that Luper said he just needs a desk and a whistle - doesn't even need a chair because he's hitting the recruiting trail...
I know little about OK STs' athletic dept, but I had assumed with Pickens' money coming in, money for coaching salaries was not an issue. Is that not the case?
ReplyDeleteI think little room for advancement and being pigeon holed is an issue for some of the OSU staff. I read that in an article or two somewhere along the way.
ReplyDeletePhred, all this depends on Chiziks success. If he is not successful coordinators do not get head coaching jobs and we will going through all of this again in 3 years.
ReplyDeleteManning commercials = Monica boycotting those products
ReplyDeleteWhat's wrong with Peyton Manning, or his brother?
ReplyDeleteCoaches have to look at a program's trend line. That, in my estimation, is why Rodney may be eager to get out of Athens.
ReplyDeleteAs Florida settles into a dominant rhythm, and Tennessee is generating positive momentum through its coaching change. Georgia has no place to go but down.
CurtiZ and Trooper likely know that even with T. Boone's billions, Oklahoma State may be Cowboys, but they'll never be John Wayne or Clint Eastwood.
Plus the head coach there isn't going anywhere. He's a young man. He's 41.
Auburn's trendline, which was heading downward six weeks ago, is a good bet to turn around. It's good place for an ambitious coach to be.
hence part B of the plan ... surround yourself with excellent people. Chizzle is obviously not stupid.
ReplyDeleteThey are over exposed.
ReplyDeletemonica hates all things main stream and trendy. love her anyway. that's what I do.
ReplyDeleteLuper seemed to catch onto War Eagle pretty fast.
ReplyDeleteI like that he said he would be recruiting Texas. They grow them big out there.
MasterCard commercial where everyone insults Peyton, and he takes it as encouragement.
ReplyDeleteTake a hike.
That's exactly what I'm gonna do.
Great commercial for MasterCard.
Sorry, Monica.
He is off to a good start Phred. I personally not impressed with Willis as a coach, recruiter yes but not on field coach. Luper and Trooper will be great additions.
ReplyDeleteHey NoVa - Yep, I like that Texas talk already too. I just like everything I'm reading about Luper so far. Really like his story. It would be nice to see it translate to great results for Auburn.
ReplyDeleteJared on FOX pre-game show. There's your overexposed, Mon.
ReplyDeleteCorrection ... Jared on CBS post-game.
ReplyDeletejet, that makes a lot of sense. I have to say, I thought it was time for AU to make a change from Tubs,but I was initially disappointed with the hiring of Chizik. After watching the moves he has made(and is still trying to make), I have hope that AU can get this program turned around. I would not have felt that way had Tuberville and the old staff been retained.
ReplyDeleteHey Mon.
ReplyDeleteWhen are we gonna hear about a DC? If we're waiting for a season to finish, almost everyone is done.
Fell asleep right after plane took off from Stillwater, with dreams of the Trooper on board. Awake to find he's in Auburn. Yea!!! I hope CGC can get him on staff. And a big WAR EAGLE to Coach Luper.
ReplyDeleteThat's the $64,000 question, NoVa. Contact Period opens back up tomorrow and the clock is ticking.
ReplyDeleteDepressed, there was no hire we could have made that would have been worse than retaining Tubs ... that's not to say he's a bad coach or his staff was dreadful. Anyone ... just about anyone ... could create some positive vibes. Tubs didn't have the ability to do that.
ReplyDeleteHe and his staff lost their mojo ... it happened to Fulmer ... happened to Jackie Sherrill ... happened to Nutt at Arkansas ... pick a coach, pick a program.
Momentum dictates so much these days.
Rivals has some great photos of Luper and Trooper. I can hear the theme to Shaft playing when I look at them. Very cool.
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of monentum, what happened to Ellis Johnson for DC? That sure seems to have died down. Maybe that buy-out clause?
ReplyDeleteScout reports Jay Boulware expected to join staff, presumably TEs and special teams coach.
ReplyDeleteMonica ...
ReplyDeleteCan you dig it?
Trooper Taylor is a bad ...
Fit is important and Chiz may be enough to get the defensive recruits for now.
ReplyDeleteThey'd probably like to know who they'll working directly with before signing on the dotted line though.
Depressed ... maybe the decision has been made to pay the $ for salaries and not buyouts.
ReplyDeleteI don't know if that means Hoke, Herring or someone else we know or don't know.
Bouleware recruited and coached Michael Turner at Northern Illinois.
ReplyDeleteLuper and Trooper... You are right Monie, great pics.
ReplyDeleteThose have to be the coolest two dudes I have ever seen.
Aubie ...
ReplyDeleteHow's that manifesto comin'?
jet, I personally hope this new pay-plan for the coaches works out. Instead of being so top-heavy, spreading the wealth(so to speak) amongst the staff seems like a good idea to me. Doesn't it seem like AU and UT have adopted a similar plan?
ReplyDeleteOh, I like it, Depressed.
ReplyDeleteMy guess is that Chizzle realized from his Iowa State experience that the ability to pay a staff has a great deal to do with attracting the types of people you need.
This has to be played at some point on game at day the stadium.
ReplyDeleteCan ya dig it?
Chizik seems to be getting his recruiters on the staff just before the dead period is over. I imagine he won't name a DC for a little while. I am guessing he might bring someone in from the NFL, possibly off a team that runs the tampa 2.
ReplyDeleteI hope our DC runs the Ravens' 11.
ReplyDeleteMonica ...
ReplyDeletethat ... is ... awesome.
Who is the man ...
Who'll outrecruit Sa--ban?
Lupe ....
Curtis Luper.
Goldberg says Boulware as Special Teams Coordinator
ReplyDeletewhattup hotties. the folks here in knoxville love trooper taylor. most were upset when he left to go to OSU. that would be pretty cool. he has a 'mushchamp feel' to him on the sidelines. high energy. the kids up here loved him.
ReplyDeleteAhhh Boulware is a former Ute. Like him even more.
ReplyDeleteHey, hey Scottie B. - I hope we seal the Trooper deal.
ReplyDeleteIf Boom is Boom ...
ReplyDeleteThen Trooper is KA-BOOM!
Jet has a new man crush.
Then Monica links us to Isaac Hayes ... can it get any better?
Scottie B ...
ReplyDeletemy internet bank takes forever ... let me know when my check arrives for my T.
Can Boulware recruit?
ReplyDeleteI agree that the DC is probably coming from the pros...
ReplyDeleteI like the fact that CChiz is expanding the typical recruiting area... With the Ark. ties and now Texas and Oklahoma with luper and taylor...
Hopefully they can bring in some great players....
Michael Turner of the Falcons, Ryan Diem of the Colts, Mike Bell of the Broncos.
ReplyDeleteBoulware recruits.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteJet,
ReplyDeletemanifesto is coming along well. Not much to do in a shack in the wilderness. Amazingly, I am stealing free internet signal from Eric Rudolph's cave. Only problem is I can't go out in public in my cool shades and hoodie or I will get arrested.
Jet, i got some mail last wednesday. we closed early so i didn't check it and we re-open tomorrow. it should be there. i'll let you know. :)
ReplyDeleteLay low, Aubie.
ReplyDeleteAnd if it's all the same to you, please don't send me anything in the mail.
hey, hey monnie. it's good to be back. ;)
ReplyDeleteAubie has inspired me.
ReplyDeleteUnabomber for DC.
Even when the defense mails one in, it'll be a blast.
That's horrible. I apologize.
Jet Speaks truth (except when he's doing hip-hop).
ReplyDeleteIs he in the Ring? If so, I'm proud to be associated with him, however tangentially.
BTW, Hater, you're the King of Blogs, the same way Michael Scott is the King of Forwards.
oh, and my cool porn 'stach!
ReplyDeleteBy the way, D.B. Cooper says "hi".
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of sunglasses, Lupe gave a couple of Auburn fans orange Oakley's at the Auburn airport when he arrived.
ReplyDeleteauburn: so hot we're chizzlin'.
ReplyDeleteD.B. Cooper. Nice.
ReplyDeleteJKev ...
ReplyDeleteBut Jay G loved my rap. Truth is, I'm more of a LedZep guy.
D. B. Cooper- is that who Tennessee is getting their money from?
ReplyDeleteYou folks realize that D.B. Cooper only got $200k ... that won't even hire a special teams coach ... or buy a decent offensive tackle.
ReplyDeleteMonica ...
ReplyDeleteYou're commitment to ferreting out information is UNPARALLELED.
I know what you've been doing, and I must say as one who considers himself a pretty effective stalker that I am not in your league.
(Tip of hat, which, of course, is turned backwards in honor of Trooper)
Jet:
ReplyDeleteBut Jay G. has crappy taste in music. Just ask him. He'll ADMIT that he likes hip-hop "music."
Did the rest of you people know that Todd Snider, a great songwriter, wrote a great song called "D.B. Cooper" on his 2000 album "Happy To Be Here"?
Is it August yet?
ReplyDeleteNope but I did cry when NBC played Jeff Buckley's rendetion of "Hallelujah" over the ending of thier hurricane Katrina coverage.
ReplyDeleteLater I found the CD and more on Buckley.
What do we know about Coach Boulware?
Its odd how many black coaches are willing to come to such as racist University.
Monica = Hottie of the Week.
ReplyDeleteJay G, make this happen. I can write a private recommendation.
Todd Snider - awesome. Saw him at City Stages a few years back. Can't remember if he sang D.B Cooper.
ReplyDeleteIt's on my ipod and I listen to it when I cut grass. I sing it loud and the neighbors look at me funny. Could it be the porn 'stach, cool shades, and hoodie?
The OK ST scout site has on the cover page that reports indicate the AU staff is going into a staff meting and Trooper will be joining them. I didn't make up this rumor, only spreading it. Hopefully it is true.
ReplyDeleteAubie in the Hoodie = Bringing the effing heat.
ReplyDelete100
ReplyDeleteI don't have much to add. I just wanted to be 100...
Depressed ...
ReplyDeleteSpread it like fertilizah.
Put it in the Advertisah
Sorry, JKev
Buckley's pretty cool, but I still prefer Leonard Cohen's version of that song. A lot more raw. Cohen's a musical master.
ReplyDeleteThat is odd, Chris.
Boulware hired as ST coach: Confirmed.
ReplyDelete(Sorry, been outside for a few minutes.)
Great News!
ReplyDeleteNew thread up, will be expanding.
ReplyDelete