That old Bill Cosby joke that says something to the effect that, ‘fathers aren’t interested in justice, just quiet’ isn’t so much funny as true. Substitute ‘leaders,’ ‘managers,’ or even ‘athletic directors’ in place of the word ‘fathers’ and the truth remains.
Their favorite t-shirt says, ‘Because I’m the daddy, that’s why.’
The bunch from Springdale made a lot of noise that continually demanded attention. Winning the state championship, being nationally ranked, the recruiting attention gathered by the ‘Springdale 5,’ the quarterback becoming the Parade Magazine National Player of the Year — that was a lot of noise.
The Razorback football program had no choice but to embrace and claim ownership of the noise. It was forced upon them. After all, the Springdale border was maybe 10 minutes away from the stadium if the traffic is heavy. Following two losing seasons and calls for the head coach’s head, losing the Parade National Player of the Year, or for that fact any member of the ‘Springdale 5,’ would only serve as the final nail in the coffin for head coach Houston Dale Nutt.
So, the Razorbacks and Houston Dale did embrace –- so tightly that they hired the Springdale ‘High School‘ coach and appointed him ‘offensive coordinator.’ Promises were made that the ‘High School’ coach would bring newness to the Razorback offense.
Just when all seemed lost on the recruiting front, the ‘High School’ coach promptly delivered four of the ‘Springdale 5,’ including the Parade National Player of the Year, to the Hogs campus. The coffin was placed into storage, the nails returned to the store, and Houston Dale ‘loved that helmet.’
The noise and anticipation grew. In response to the thrashing at the hands of USC, the Parade National Player of the Year was immediately named as starting quarterback. Hope was sold and hope abounded. The decision appeared blessed by the winds and fate. The Hogs suddenly seemed unbeatable.
However, the Athletic Director, feeling absolutely no need to remind that the key to the room containing the coffin was stored securely in his top desk drawer, made it known to Houston Dale and the press agents that the new ‘passing’ offense was not Razorback football. Experts had apparently been consulted confirming this fact. (There is apparently no truth to the rumor that Coach Broyles drafted a memo to Urban Meyer notifying him that spread offense would not work in the SEC and later chose not to send it for fear of providing aid to the opposition.)
Much of the new offense quickly made its way to the scrap heap, which seemed to trouble very few as the Hogs running game was near amazing at times. With whatever successes the offense had, the head coach made certain to point out that the offense was a team effort and not due to anyone in particular, save for the amazing running backs. Certainly not due to the ‘High School’ coach who had constructed the offense to put all of the Hogs primary weapons on the field at once. After all, choosing plays and ‘game planning’ was a group effort. The ‘High School’ coach merely selected from the pre-approved list — and, even then, it was to be clearly understood that the head coach maintained constant vigilance and veto power.
The noise generated by winning grew louder and attempted to drown out the noise from the Springdale bunch. However, the Parade National Player of the Year was benched and new energy was given to the noise. Innovations to the offense that displayed the talents of the Razorbacks first ever Heisman Trophy contender were first credited to the head coach’s brother, prior to some share of the credit being given to the ‘High School’ coach — who was creating even more noise by winning national offensive coordinator awards.
The noise continued to grow. Rumors of ‘the book‘ and comments made by the Parade National Player of the Year about the head coach swirled. An undercurrent of ‘we were lied to’ anger came forth from the support base of the ‘Springdale 5,’ as it became apparent that much of the passing offense was the same as it had been the previous year — limited and ineffective — and that the Springdale ‘High School’ coach appeared to serve more as a puppet than a coordinator.
As the season ended in losses — seemingly due to the fact that no passing game was to be found — the Springdale noise got even worse. It was apparent that the Springdale offense had not only been sent to the scrap heap, it had not even been given a fair trial. Concerned parents met with the Athletic Director. The meeting was ‘leaked‘ to the public. The Athletic Director had told the parents that ‘experts’ had told him the spread offense would not work in the SEC without a running quarterback. Much more noise ensued.
The Athletic Director was not amused at all the noise. The ‘High School’ coach and the ‘Springdale 5′ seem to be the root cause. This noise had to be eliminated. The ‘High School’ coach was summoned and informed that the noise was not welcome. The Freshman All-SEC ‘Springdale 5′ receiver and the Parade National Player of the Year learned from the ‘High School’ coach that the noise was not welcome. Ultimatums were given. ‘Stay or go, decide by sundown.’
The Freshman All-SEC receiver decides to leave. The Parade National Player of the Year chooses to keep his powder dry. The ‘High School’ coach lays low, holding his cards close while keeping to the company line.
Houston Dale is named ‘Coach of the Year,’ rising from the ashes of the prior two years to receive a contract extension. The ‘High School’ coach, now ‘National Offensive Coordinator of the Year,’ is promised a new two year contract.
The bowl game brings another loss. No passing game to be found. More noise. Control has been lost.
The situation must be assessed. Control must be regained. The head coach informs the quarterback coach that his opportunities lay elsewhere. An old / new quarterback coach is apparently waiting in the wings to come in, rejoin the family, take a lead role in the offense, and possibly call plays. The ‘High School’ coach gets wind of this and confronts the head coach.
Assessing a future where both the noise was not welcome, and he was outnumbered by the friends and family program, the ‘High School’ coach moves on to a place where he supposedly will get to call ‘his’ plays. The Parade National Player of the Year promptly packs and leaves, leaving a posse of young ladies in tears. The noise reaches new heights.
The masses cry out: ‘The line has been crossed.’ ‘The shark has been jumped.’ ‘Hope has been lost.’
But the path is chosen. Jobs are secure. Order will be restored. The noise will finally abate. Quiet will come in time.
After all, the Razorback program is much bigger than any one coach or player.
Coach Broyles and Houston Dale can explain that to you, if need be.
Hogblogger – As usual you are right on. The only thing I don't know if is true is I'm not so sure the 'high school' coach ever actually had a new contract in writing or in front of him TO sign.
Could that have been because that new QB coach/Co-Offensive Coordinator had not signed his yet????
I love the hogs, but enough is enough. This garbage about a spread offense not working is crap.Who did he consult Ken Hatfield?
Under these two clowns, the hogs will remain where they have always been since entering the SEC…2nd tier.
How about building a dynasty, not just a team that will win enough games to. Earn the priviledge of getting spanked in a no name bowl game.
BRAVO! Excellent synopsis.
In the aftermath of all this, one thing is certain; we will never truly know what great heights the program could have reached with Gus, Mitch and Damian.
Welcome back mediocrity. As a good razorback fan, I had a hard time dealing with a winning program. Thankfully, before the season was over, we settled back to the comfort zone we have all come to know and love. The comfort zone of having talent and therefore hope but never acheiving anything.
The main question in the most recent mess is WHY??? THe answer to this is a lack of knowledge of the meaning of commitment. Broyles and Nutt are deeply committed to each other for reasons that I do not understand. Broyles knew what the program was signing on for when they got the Springdale bunch and by bringing them in, he committed to a change in offensive mindset. Nutt committed to turning over the offense to Malzahn and the offensive philosophy was going to change. When it did not work against USC due to playing from behind and inexplicable turnovers by Jones, Nutt broke his commitment and took over the offense again. Broyles knew this and did not live up to his commentment to the Springdale bunch when that happened. When everything started to click, it was glossed over by the program.
Malzahn broke his commitment to the program by giving up on it after one year in a slap-in-the-face move as he left to go to Tulsa. In addition, it is likely that he talked to his kids from Springdale in a less than positive manner throughout the season and after his move. That is not say that he was not justified, it was just not professional or loyal. This shows a lack of commitment.
This brings me to the most staggering failure in the whole mess. We have kids committing and de-committing and re-committing all over the place. In the off chance that someone related closely to this situation reads this, the definition of commitment is as follows (per Dictionary.com): "com·mit·ment /kəˈmɪtmənt/ Pronunciation Key – Show Spelled Pronunciation[kuh-mit-muhnt] Pronunciation Key – Show IPA Pronunciation
–noun 1. the act of committing.
2. the state of being committed.
3. the act of committing, pledging, or engaging oneself.
4. a pledge or promise; obligation: We have made a commitment to pay our bills on time.
5. engagement; involvement: They have a sincere commitment to religion.
6. perpetration or commission, as of a crime.
7. consignment, as to prison.
8. confinement to a mental institution or hospital: The psychiatrist recommended commitment.
9. an order, as by a court or judge, confining a person to a mental institution or hospital.
10. Law. a written order of a court directing that someone be confined in prison; mittimus.
11. Parliamentary Procedure. the act of referring or entrusting to a committee for consideration.
12. Stock Exchange. a. an agreement to buy or sell securities.
b. a sale or purchase of securities.
Apparently the Springdale School system has failed miserably in teaching these kids about commitment and it seems that UA did not do anything to help them understand it. I admire Andrew Norman the most out of that bunch because he understands that he agreed to be a Razorback and do all that he could to help them win. The rest have taken the mindset that the Razorback football program was somehow their personal stepping stone to glory. They need to understand that the team has to be committed to a team concept before it can be a national title contender. If you can not successfully throw the ball 40 times a game, you should not try to do it. If winning can be accomplished by running the ball using that to set up play-action, that is what should be done and if they were committed to the team rather than themselves and their image, they would have understood that.
In closing, I am frustrated. As a Razorback fan, I am ashamed of what has happened in the last week. It is my belief that the football program needs a complete overhaul. The Springdale bunch that is waivering needs to leave. Mr. Broyles and Coach Nutt need to retire or move on. Coach Herring can stay for now. We need to bring in the current Boise State coach and call this the past so we can move on an hopefully move on to success. I am sick of losing and drama.
rzrbck_7
rzrbck_7 – while I'll admit to not knowing, without some proof or inside information, I think that you are out of line in saying that Gus "likely that he talked to his kids from Springdale in a less than positive manner throughout the season and after his move."
Gus has had more than enough opportunities to do so but has maintained a professional attitude during his time as a Razorback.
This speaks of ethics… IMHO, Gus has always shown good ethics. I can't say the same for Houston and Frank.
I would encourage you to re-think this statement.
OwassoHog-
I do not know the guys on a first name basis or anything and am certainly not in the loop. I am not at all being disparaging of Gus Malzahn. I would be the first to say he should have been promoted to head coach to replace Nutt. Mostly, I think that he got screwed royally. I love the fun offense that he was supposed to be allowed to bring to the program.
Broyles told the parents of those kids that "experts had been consulted and that offense would not work in the SEC". I hope at this point the University is asking the experts for their money back because Florida just won the National Championship with a very similar system.
That said, in order to clarify my previous statement, I am commenting more to the human nature of the guy. Most people will talk to those they are comfortable with about a problem they are or have been having. Houston Nutt and Frank Broyles were major problems for him. It would make logical sense that he would be comfortable talking to the kids that meshed with his system to win a state championship. A logical person can look at this and surmise that he would not be out their being Nutt's biggest cheerleader. If you look at what Mustain has done since Malzahn's departure, my theory is given some credibility. The timeline is Malzahn quits to go to C-USA Tulsa rather than returning to the SEC, the next day Mustain requests scholarship release, and then in a short time is reported as visiting the Tulsa campus (THE SAME PLACE MALZAHN WENT TO). What do you take away from that and what kind of conclusions would you draw from those events? I am not saying that Malzahn is unethical in any way or that he was potentially doing anything I wouldn't do. "Gus's" professional attitude is what was shown in public but we have no idea how things went down behind closed doors. This activity behind closed doors is what I was commenting on when I said it was "likely that he….".
The main thrust of my comments goes to the fact that the kids do not understand the concept of commitment and the coaches and AD have done little or nothing to demonstrate the importance of commitment. In my humble opinion, for that lack of leadership in this important area (commitment), Broyles and Nutt should follow Malzahn and Mustain out the door.
I would love to get your opinions on some of this. Maybe I am just a bitter disappointed fan.
rzrbck_7, thanks for the clarification. I realize how you could come to this conclusion. However, I also realize that it would probably be unethical for Gus to have inappropriate contact with any Razorback player after he decided to leave. This would be a huge issue for his career and the University of Tulsa. So, my guess is that he (assuming his "internal" character is like his "external" character) was very careful in this area.
Knowing this and as it turns out that Mitch chose to stay at the University of Arkansas confirms to me that there probably wasn't anything unusual in the dealings. Yes, there is still probably a good relationship between Mitch and Gus and the "knowns" are always better then the "unknowns" so my guess is that Mitch would still lean this way. Obviously, Mitch needs to consider his options very carefully now.
However, lets review the facts:
1) Mitch has a great relationship with Gus (actually a real good assumption)
2) Mitch wasn't treated well by Nutt
3) Mitch and Casey will still need to battle for QB
4) Casey's younger brother is likely to attend UofA
5) Casey's younger brother is supposed to be a better QB than Casey
6) #5 making the role of a QB maybe tougher to decide
7) Paul Smith (Tulsa's QB) will be a senior next year (for those that don't know Paul – he holds the record for most passing yards in Oklahoma high school – potentially making Gus look much better, quicker)
Mitch has to sit one year if he transfers
9) Tulsa would like to get a QB replacement in line post Paul (Mitch may fit that mold due to #1)
10) Tulsa is close to home (which may or may not be important)
The down side is that Gus will probably want to be a Head Coach before 4 years). If Mitch sits out a year and has 3 years left to play, will Gus still be a Tulsa (probably not). So, does it still make sense for Mitch to go just because of #1? Tough call here.
As I said before, I believe the Razorbacks had a huge lift going into this year with all of the changes. As the year progressed, that momentum continued to rise with each win. Until, the real Houston roared his head and popped the bubble. Once this happened, we sunk to an almost all time low. As a result of the system implosion, I believe we are now worse off then when Nolan was spouting his mouth too much. Part of this implosion was due to Frank's contributions (including this offense won't work in the SEC).
I think I agree with Broyles on his following statement. I think we should fire him this year and then fire Houston Nutt next year. By then Malzahn should be finished proving himself in Tulsa and a little cooled off so then he will accept the Head Coach position here in Arkansas.
————————————————————————
"When I was coaching, I just want to tell Razorback fans, I
lost a great coach nearly every year, but what it did for me — it
let me go and hire another one and bring in new ideas," Broyles
said. "And so we just got better and better because we would get
about a 10 percent increase in ideas from each coach."
"I wanted to lose one every year," Broyles said. "I did. I
wanted to lose one — not more than one — but I wanted to lose one
at least so I could go out and hire."
OwassoHog, I agree with about 80% of what you said. On the other hand, the parts of your comments that I somewhat disagree with, are as follows: I'm not sure anyone could honestly say that #2 is a known fact. I assume you are basing this as part of your facts because of the sudden demotion from starting QB to second string. If you truly look at the facts, the 8-0 start that Mitch had as a starter, is sadly overrated. If your a head coach, you have to do what is best for the team, that is your job. As for FB making statements to the parents about the spread offense, not being sucsessful in the SEC, that statement is also overrated for the wrong reasons. FB did acknowledge making that statement, but also stated the reason he believed the spread offense would not work is due to not having an (experianced) QB, capable of running the football. As you know, we had niether. Want to use Florida as an example? Chris Leak is a senior, and has 4.5 speed. Tim Tebow is only a freshman, but is a bull of a runner at 230 pounds. Tebow, also knew,coming in that he would not be "The Man". Both excel at what they do. Leak throws more and Tebow runs more. I honestly don't believe, anyone in thier right mind, would suggest that we were capable of doing the same thing, with our current players. At least not for a couple of more years. I think Gus Malzhan would have said the same thing. You want facts?(1) Frank needs to retire. (2) Houston Nutt deservs one more year.(3) Gus Malzhan has not proven to be great, on the collegiant level. (4) We have the best running backs in the country. (5) The kids from Springdale never had intentions of coming to Fayettville, until Malzahn recruited them. (6) The meeting that took place between FB and the Springdale parents, could have waited until after the Capital One Bowl. This took focus away from the team, and served as a very selfish act, to say the least, by the parents.
#2 was based upon the "I have a quick trigger" and other types of situations Nuttism.
Leak was fast but if the "running" is Tebow… we had McFadden so having a running (even known) wasn't the problem – it was the lack of passing (attempts and getting receivers open). Having more time to reflect upon the situation, I'm not as convinced that the QBs were as much as a problem as the lack of spacing by our receivers. Sure, we didn't complete well but we didn't have much to complete too either (which caused several INTs).
I wouldn't be opposed to giving Nutt another year (he'd deserved it) except for his lack of leadership in the last 2+ months. We failed us miserably.
I will disagree that the parents took the focus away from the team on the bowl game. We just don't play well in bowl games as of late. There was plenty of time to rebound from this situation by the time the game came.
Bringing D-Mac into the equasion, doesn't really explain the point I was trying to get across. That would be like saying D-Mac is our future at QB wouldn't it? I will agree though, recievers are not consistant at spacing on their routs. Also this is a timing issue, by the QB as well. QB's cannot wait until the last second to throw. Payten Hillis's absents, also contributed to the decline of Mitch's passing. He was very reliant of Hillis, Jones and D-mac, coming out of the backfield, to keep from passing down field. This helped Monk from being double teamed, most of the game. Also, to make the spread offense work, you have to have more than one reliabe reciever, to begin with. We did not. With the exception of Monk, we had Washington, who was slowed by injuries, for the most part, and we had Freshmen. Last, but not least, the Wildcat package was mainly used,as designed, in the "red zone". Defenses were usually confused about what D-mac was going to do, since they are geared for him to run. I don't believe they had to guess about much, when CD or MM was taking the snap.
I may be late to the dance here, but I see the word committment being thrown around ncluding a detailed dictionary descripton. Thanks for reminding us that committment also includes being sent to a mental institution. Committment works both ways in an organization, from management as well as labor. But to get you guys to take off your rose colored glasses and quit looking down from the other panet you're on regarding loyalty, committment etc,, I offer this: The most truthful (and intelligent) statement in this whole mess was made by Darren McFadden. Darren said that Mustain made ths decision based on what was best for himself. It showed that Darren's momma didn't raise no fool. Darren himself will make a decision next year as to whether he'll go pro or not. Any bets here on Darren's loyalty and a four year committment to the team?
Let's face it. Malzahn (nice man)…although I suspect that he may have failed Management 101 if he did not tell his Boss what 'had gone on and was going on"…., Damien, Mitch (probably nice kids), were not responsible for 10-4 and one may be left to wonder if that is what may have bothered them. Yes, for Freshmen, they did well. However, Defense wins games. Also, last time that I checked there were over 85 players on a football team. Of that 85 plus, there were obviously great leaders involved…and lead they did! Congratulations Leaders!! Except for a dropped punt that permitted Florida to score and take the momemtum, Arkansas Razorbacks would have played Ohio State in the BCS Championship, and Won. Last time, I checked there were multiple coaches on the Razorback football team…obviously, each one is important and no less so than any one coach, nor for that matter the scout team. My opinioin is that Malzahn (nice man) may have not been ready for big time SEC football. Tulsa is a great problem to learn under with like-minded Graham. He should do well under Graham. Oh yes, many fans like to "pass, pass, pass" because in their words it is exciting. Exciting because if it is dropped, everyone says "oooooh", if it is almost caught, "Oh my, he almost had it!", and if it is caught, the fans screem, even if it is caught for only a few yards! "Oh, man. He almost broke free." And if it is intercepted, it is exciting, albeit negatively! In the big time Defense wins consistently.
Let's face it. We are after all the "McDonald generation". Everything has to come "cheaply, easily, and quickly."
Does anybody know if anything of importance is happening in the community? World ? Any wars?
Anyone dying in your family? Friends maybe? Anybody shooting anybody in crime-city Little Rock in 2007? (Wow. What a motto…Come to Crime City Little Rock for we will reach out and Touch YOU.) And does anyone know whether there is anybody left in Little Rock to shoot at? Anyone know whether anybody is left in Little Rock period? Anybody lonely and hurting? Any body care? Yes. I care.
And as far as Little Rock is concerned, I moved since city fathers were busy patting themselves on the back for reducting crime in the 90's while the crime population was down (number of men) and the rest were in prison for a short while. However, look at Little Rock now. I knew it was coming and moved ahead of the bullet.
Folks. There is much more important going on than crying over an excellent 10-4 season, who some (if you read these blogs) think that three people…three people…did all of the 10-4 by themselves.