A Few Big Questions for the Upcoming Season

[Father Brown]

The talent was still there from the team that went 8-4 the year prior, we lost a few lineman and that's basically it, we returned most if not all of our WR's and our TE, QB, and both RB's so that's the TALENT we had last year. The betting lines don't hold any water in your argument. You HONESTLY believe that we were a pick em against Toledo? They were HORRIBLE!!! Don't even say but they beat Michigan because they were garbage too... Wyoming was a joke. You can't blame Clawson for the Tennessee situation because he walked into that job at the absolute WRONG time. His hands were tied with that program because they were too committed to the old ways under Fulmer. At the same time, think about this, you want a schedule that will produce 6 games at or under 14 points, ok... well look at the conference... the SEC

Florida
Auburn
Georgia
Alabama
South Carolina

I'm not so sure that BG would put up 14 on those teams. Be realistic and for once be LOGICAL in your thinking, I know that is asking for a miracle based on what I've read over the past year or so from you but come on.

Get off of GB's NUTS and take off the blinders and join the rest of the world.

Cant blame Clawson? Oh yes the Vols can blame him. OC = responsible for offensive production. Fulmer was not the problem. When you win a National Championship, you tend to know how to support your OC and DC needs. As for BG, Clawson and Christopher are on the clock and will be held responsible. None of this "its not his fault because....." stuff.

One season in the SEC is not something to judge a coach on. They were brutal on offense last year, but they didn't exactly have much talent either. Most importantly they were breaking in a new QB in the SEC.

Clawson has had great success as a head coach, granted it was 1AA, but I put far more stock in his head coaching experience than I do in his one season as an offensive coordinator in the SEC. In case you haven't noticed we didn't hire him to be the offensive coordinator either. We hired him to be a head coach, a position in which he has excelled in the past.

Hammb, you either get the job done or you dont. And I did notice he was hired as HC. I am not a total idiot. There is just no way we should have risked 4 yrs with this guy given his last stint. Its simply not worth it. More importantly, it wasnt necessary. Too many other great coaches out there.

Father Brown,

First off, I agree with Hammb. Coach Clawson was at Tenn ONE year, with a new QB implementing a new offense in the best conference in the nation. You mention Fulmer won a national title...that he did...in 1998. A DECADE ago. Everyone knew he was a lame duck coach and Coach Clawson was in a pretty tough situation.

Second, Hammb correctly points out Coach Clawson was named 1-AA Coach of the Year Twice. There were a couple other guys that went from 1-AA to 1-A( Sorry, I hate that FBS and FCS bs) and did very well...guys named Tressel and Beamer. If you can coach, you can coach no matter what level.

Third, you mention the risk not worth it giving Coach Clawson the deal he got with so many other great coaches out there. Please name a few of them for me so I can see where you're coming from.

I was one of Coach Brandon's biggest backers...I was upset when he was let go but got over it after a few days cuz that's what happens to coaches in this business. We had SEVENTEEN starters back last year and finished 6-6??? We had a dream of a conference schedule and still finished 4-4 in the MAC??? I talked to Haneline and Bulldozier at last week's scrimmage and you could see the pain in their eyes and voice about how their careers ended. In the end, a change HAD to be made. The loss of scholarships (which really pissed me off), the players in police blotters and the unacceptable losses at home were too much to accept.

I've done a lot of research on Coach Clawson and, at this time, he seems like the perfect fit for our program. Just like I cannot say Coach Clawson will deliver 3 MAC titles his first three years, I don't think it's fair at all to say he isn't worth the contract or being given this opportunity. We simply have to wait and see what happens. But the dude's record speaks for itself. What he did at Fordham and Richmond was not by luck and he had to totally build those programs. He came to BG with a solid stock of talent on hand already.

Just tee up that damn ball in 13 days...and give the man a chance.

GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!!

+1 big time.

Clawson was simply the best candidate that was interested in the job and his record with turning around other programs regardless of being Div.1 or not gives me a good reason to believe the guy can get it done. There could be some agony this year with the new system and everything but I believe Clawson will get us back to the top soon enough.

Are you kidding me? The best candidate? How little you think of our program. Many coaches would be interested in taking the helm at Bowling Green. As for Clawson, what else was he going to do. He certainly wasnt going to be a FBS HC anywhere. Christopher already knew Clawson before the Vol meltdown and he went after him based on that prior exposure. I dont think there was much focus on anyone else truth be known. There is a reason many AAA baseball skippers dont lead major league teams. They have reached their personal limits. Richmond? That my friend is a far cry from taking a MAC program to the top, both in the conference and nationally. Many on this board seem to think the Spiders are just like the MAC and BG in terms of resources, demands, and a translation of success. Its not. Its a big difference. While the MAC is at the lower level of the FBS, its still the FBS. Do you know what kind of car you can buy with 20K? You could get a Honda Civic or a Tata. Guess what car is driving around Doyt Perry Stadium.

[MarkL]

Honestly, do you think big name guys like Warren Ruggiero and John McDonnel think poorly of Clawson? We're talking about one of the elite QB/offensive coordinating minds in the country and a well respected and seasoned veteran O-line coach here. They sure seem to respect Clawson and feel like working for him must be a great job. With the success that Ruggiero had at K-State coaching Freeman, he could have easily gone to some bigger programs, but he chose to go with BG and Dave Clawson. McDonnel is leaving Purdue for BG, so he's not going up in programs - he's going to a coach he respects. If those guys see something great in him, I fail to see how others could not.

[Father Brown]

Honestly, do you think big name guys like Warren Ruggiero and John McDonnel think poorly of Clawson? We're talking about one of the elite QB/offensive coordinating minds in the country and a well respected and seasoned veteran O-line coach here. They sure seem to respect Clawson and feel like working for him must be a great job. With the success that Ruggiero had at K-State coaching Freeman, he could have easily gone to some bigger programs, but he chose to go with BG and Dave Clawson. McDonnel is leaving Purdue for BG, so he's not going up in programs - he's going to a coach he respects. If those guys see something great in him, I fail to see how others could not.

Ruggiero = Snyder booted him from K-State
McDonnel= Likely impacted by the Tiller departure and new regime taking over

Could these guys have gone to bigger programs? Not sure. Perhaps but maybe not at the coordinator level. But I think the attraction is at least as much to do with our program as any HC which goes to my original point. And these two know they are taking chances with Clawson. How much of a gamble and what other options really existed for either of them, I really dont know and dont care. Its not a factor on my assessment.

[Falconfreak90]

FB,

Again, give me some names of other great coaches out there BG could have hired. You failed to get back to me on that one.

You don't think there was much focus on anyone else...what is your source on that? Were you involved in the hiring process? You want to hold the AD accountable for so called below ROI, how's Louis Orr working out so far? Seems pretty well to me.

If Coach Clawson doesn't get the job done, he'll be replaced. Simple as that. But I have a feeling you're going to get a BiG ole helping of crow in the near future. GIVE THE MAN A CHANCE, BRO. You call him spineless? What is your problem?? If you're going to judge the man on ONE season while ignoring his previous 19 seasons as a coach, NINE as a HC, you must be delusional.

I'm beginning to think you are really Tim Beckman posting here out of spite. Didn't get the BG job and had to settle for the school up north.

Why don't ya stop by our tailgate area for the opener against Troy. You can get a lesson on what dedicated BG fans are like. We'll be looking for you, Sunshine. Sorry if this seems harsh but you've struck a nerve.

GO FALCONS!!

[Father Brown]

FB,

Again, give me some names of other great coaches out there BG could have hired. You failed to get back to me on that one.

You don't think there was much focus on anyone else...what is your source on that? Were you involved in the hiring process? You want to hold the AD accountable for so called below ROI, how's Louis Orr working out so far? Seems pretty well to me.

If Coach Clawson doesn't get the job done, he'll be replaced. Simple as that. But I have a feeling you're going to get a BiG ole helping of crow in the near future. GIVE THE MAN A CHANCE, BRO. You call him spineless? What is your problem?? If you're going to judge the man on ONE season while ignoring his previous 19 seasons as a coach, NINE as a HC, you must be delusional.

I'm beginning to think you are really Tim Beckman posting here out of spite. Didn't get the BG job and had to settle for the school up north.

Why don't ya stop by our tailgate area for the opener against Troy. You can get a lesson on what dedicated BG fans are like. We'll be looking for you, Sunshine. Sorry if this seems harsh but you've struck a nerve.

GO FALCONS!!

In no particular order:

Spineless = This was part of a series of generic comparisons, not meant to personally describe Clawson (I bet he wasnt an Asst Principal either)

Part of the Search Process = No I wasnt part of the search process. I think few really are given the nature of privacy concerns. But thats a high school retort about a basic point that I am making. If only those directly involved with any decision can comment, then this board and many others will be very silent. I didnt get a chance to talk with the President about TARP or the decision to disable CARS after this weekend but I have views on those topics. And I dont have to have my choice ready to go in order to not take someone I know to be a poor choice. The two are mutually exclusive.

Replace him, simple as that = I dont want to burn 4 yrs of our lives, my season tickets, or my joy of life waiting to bounce this guy. Life is too short.

Coach Orr = I like him. Good hire. I think Christopher has a basic core competency with basketball. Purdue is a good background for managing this sport. When we started the search process for AD, it came down to two basic skills: (1) Generate money for the University and its programs (2) Hire the best talent for our sports programs. I will slot this one in the positive bucket for Christopher. But he has done little else. My position on Clawson is obviously clear. A big time disaster of a hire. What else has he done? The money coming in on the most recent projects like Stroh were already well developed prior to his arrival. Oh yeah, he did decide to wipe out our hockey program to save his precious budget bogey instead of doing what dedicated alum and BG ex pats like Vivian did - find a solution that keeps hockey in place and make it better.

Dedicated BG Fans= I am well aware of how this board including yourself support BG. And its great. We need 1000 more supporters like you. But I also support BG whether you realize it or not. And I dont believe my views are out of line with reality.

Who would I hire if not Clawson = I definitely convene a star chamber of experts. BG has a good combination of former players, coaches, and alum that can be counted on for referrals and ideas. Urban, Coach Pees on the Patriots staff and Coach Nehlen would be part of the consortium. You make a first cut based on your own observations and suggestions offered by the blue ribbon panel. But on my own, I would work every angle to ramp up the compensation including incentives to reach a talent pool level never before considere at BG. Lets say at least 500K with a retention kicker and performance triggers. I would take a shot at the NFL ranks as part of the process. Example = Ryan Ficken on the Vikings Staff. At the college level, there are probably 30 coaches across the different levels that probably make the initial list. Then you pare down from there. I really like what the PAC 10 does with its x/o's. Example = Utahs OC Andy Ludwig (who has since moved to Cal's OC position this year). I would have said Dan Mullen but we probably would only have been able to have a shot several years ago. But Urbans staff could be another resource point. Perhaps a chat with Steve Addazio. Perhaps OC Jedd Fisch at Minnesota who is helping Brewster create a beast of an offensive plan.

[hammb]

I'd have to look through history, but I think an argument could be made that Coach Clawson has the best resume of any football coach we've ever hired. He's been immensely successful in two stops as a head coach. And yes, I know that BG is not Fordham or Richmond. I also know that Football IS freaking FOOTBALL. PERIOD.

I heard this story once about a coach that was very successful at the 1AA level. Then a premier football school was looking for a new coach and they fell in love with the longtime 1AA coach. The fans were apprehensive, how could you go from a 1AA school to one of the true powerhouses in all of college football? Well 2 years later they had a national championship trophy, and 10 years later they've been one of the most successful programs in 1A. Of course, I'm talking about Jim Tressel going to OSU.

Obviously, I'm not saying Clawson is the next Jim Tressel. I'm merely pointing out that precedent has been set to show that 1AA head coaches can translate that skill to the 1A level. And they can even translate it to the highest level of 1A.

Looking at it purely objectively Coach Clawson has a FAR better resume as a head coaching candidate than Urban Meyer did. Remember your reaction when you heard we hired him? Of course your initial reaction would be, "WHO!?" Then you'd look into it and say, "Well he was the WR coach for a team that didn't have any decent WRs, and he's never even been a coordinator?" That turned out pretty well too.

Again, I'm not saying Clawson is the next Urban Meyer either, but his resume is a helluva lot better than Urban's when he got to BG. My point is that none of us really know how Clawson will fare until we start seeing the team hit the field. But your arguments for why it was a poor hire just don't make sense. The guy (like Urban) has been a tremendously successful coach (2008 excluded). He (like Tressel) built tremendous 1AA programs as a head coach, even if his 1A experience is limited. He has a great resume for a BG coaching hire, so all we can do at this point is sit back and watch. Your talk of $500k for a coaching salary is just a pipe dream, not the way this university is struggling financially, no way they could go that high. At what we are capable of paying you would be VERY hard pressed to land a coach with a better track record.

[Father Brown]

I'd have to look through history, but I think an argument could be made that Coach Clawson has the best resume of any football coach we've ever hired. He's been immensely successful in two stops as a head coach. And yes, I know that BG is not Fordham or Richmond. I also know that Football IS freaking FOOTBALL. PERIOD.

I heard this story once about a coach that was very successful at the 1AA level. Then a premier football school was looking for a new coach and they fell in love with the longtime 1AA coach. The fans were apprehensive, how could you go from a 1AA school to one of the true powerhouses in all of college football? Well 2 years later they had a national championship trophy, and 10 years later they've been one of the most successful programs in 1A. Of course, I'm talking about Jim Tressel going to OSU.

Obviously, I'm not saying Clawson is the next Jim Tressel. I'm merely pointing out that precedent has been set to show that 1AA head coaches can translate that skill to the 1A level. And they can even translate it to the highest level of 1A.

Looking at it purely objectively Coach Clawson has a FAR better resume as a head coaching candidate than Urban Meyer did. Remember your reaction when you heard we hired him? Of course your initial reaction would be, "WHO!?" Then you'd look into it and say, "Well he was the WR coach for a team that didn't have any decent WRs, and he's never even been a coordinator?" That turned out pretty well too.

Again, I'm not saying Clawson is the next Urban Meyer either, but his resume is a helluva lot better than Urban's when he got to BG. My point is that none of us really know how Clawson will fare until we start seeing the team hit the field. But your arguments for why it was a poor hire just don't make sense. The guy (like Urban) has been a tremendously successful coach (2008 excluded). He (like Tressel) built tremendous 1AA programs as a head coach, even if his 1A experience is limited. He has a great resume for a BG coaching hire, so all we can do at this point is sit back and watch. Your talk of $500k for a coaching salary is just a pipe dream, not the way this university is struggling financially, no way they could go that high. At what we are capable of paying you would be VERY hard pressed to land a coach with a better track record.

Show me the list of great 1-AA hires who were also a disaster at the BCS OC level before they were hired? When you hire someone, do you ask them about the last position they held and whether the results from those efforts were positive and can help your organization? And nothing will happen when you not even willing to try and make an effort. Your views parallel Christopher - we are BG in the MAC and there is no way we can do this or that..... We can increase our staffing budget. You have to have the right people in the right places before that can happen though.

[Flipper]

Well..I've yet to see anything happen that makes me think Clawson should go...by this time last year there were a number of things going on to suggest that Brandon should be canned (poor academic performance, home invasion and the credit card incident). And I really liked Gregg Brandon..he did some really good things here and seemed like a pretty good guy in general .

Wow...Clawson got a four year deal? Of course he did!!! That's the SOP in College football. Parrish got four years at Ball State, Ron English got five at EMU....I'm thinking Timmah got at least that at UT. The generally accepted rule of thumb in college football is that you have to give a guy at least four years to see if he can build a program.. How would it look on the recruiting trail if Clawson were to be heading out there to ask kids to make a longer commitment to BG than BG was willing to make to him? It would look terrible and our rivals in the conference would use that against him.

Was he a good candidate? Yes...Clawson has a hell of a resume as a head coach....that was the job he applied for, right?

[MarkL]

FB - you mentioned a couple of NFL assistants as potential head coaches. First - were we looking for an assistant or a head coach? Second - 'Cuse used this strategy when they hired Greg Robinson. 'nuff said.

[factman]

Actually sounds to me like FB has a bigger question markl about GC than Clawson!
If this is true, I might agree!

[BGFalconfromCincy]

There is a reason many AAA baseball skippers dont lead major league teams. They have reached their personal limits. Richmond? That my friend is a far cry from taking a MAC program to the top, both in the conference and nationally. Many on this board seem to think the Spiders are just like the MAC and BG in terms of resources, demands, and a translation of success. Its not. Its a big difference. While the MAC is at the lower level of the FBS, its still the FBS.

If thats the case then, how do you explain Brian Kelly going from head coach at Division II Grand Valley State, to Central Michigan and turning a bottom feeder MAC program, that was in far worse shape then when compared to BG right now, turning the Chips into back to back MAC champs, before parlaying that into a job in a BCS conference.

How about we let the guy actually coach his first game here before you want him run out of town. I know some haven't like some of the actions of Greg Christopher, but when it comes to hiring head coaches he is batting 1000 IMO. I trust his insight way more then your's Father Brown, but hey thats just me

[MarkL]

I trust his insight way more then your's Father Brown, but hey thats just me

+1. GC has his head screwed on straight, that is for sure. I'm a big fan of him as an AD and he is an excellent guy to know.

[SB-50]

I have a HUGE question; Who's the crazy little guy that was on the dance team? Will he be back this year. He seemed to be crowd favorite. Two friends of mine both had kids that were freshmen last year. Each of those kids told me, believe it or not, the guy is a real draw. Crazy I know.

[The Niz]

That was Ricky, I don't think he is doing it again, but I have been wrong before and could very well be wrong again. I know him from studying with him in the College of Music. He's a riot. Still didn't really like having to admit that he was better than all the girls.

[Father Brown]

I have no particular interest in doing combat with AZZ over this topic. How the University makes decisions including critical positions like the AD and guiding our programs is a personal passion of mine. I understand everyone's views and to the extent that its protecting the AD b/c he is our AD, thats a good thing. When the team takes the field, I will be pulling for the Clawson era as much as anybody.