So Aggies...is this what we wanted?

The O-Coordinator from a sub .500 NFL team, a former NFL coach, and a former position coach at the hallowed TAMU...

I have been bombarded and blasted by non-Aggies about who we hired and how fast we hired them...they are underwhelmed, to say the least...and that was before the news/backlash from the BCA on the non-interview of a quality African-American candidate.

My replies, which should be in the ball park of ALL AGGIES, there are plusses and minuses...

Plus:

1.) Will bring our 1960s option offense into the 21st Century.  He knows pro-style offense.  Texas is getting better at producing nationally elite QBs, and now we should be able to keep them easier.

2.) His past O-Line duties have given him the insight of what we expect as Aggies.

3.) The quick hire will let the players and, more importantly, the recruits know how direction for the immediate future... 

Minus:

1.) Age, a 50 something coach is not old, but some were looking for something a little younger

2.) Lack of head coaching experience at the college level.  This is mitigated by his GM/Head Coaching duties at Green Bay some, but it is different.

3.) His lack of joining us immediately.  Yes, it is honorable to fulfill his contract to the Texans, but it puts us behind the curve in recruiting.  The good news, Fran had the #11 ranked recruiting class on board, according to Rivals.  And most of these kids are keeping their commitments.

 There are obviously more to add to both lists.  This was not the biggest splash.  My friends (the non-Aggies) keep throwing out the name Bill Callahan.  I would like to counter with Pete Carroll, but we need to set our sites on Al Groh first.  Give me 9 to 10 wins, I would be happy.  6 or 7 wins, better not happen too often.  His salary, 7 years at $1.8 million per, is in the ballpark of expecting a top 15 team every year, with flirting in the top 5 from time to time.  Guarantee me this, I'll take it. 

Coach Sherman will need to hire an excellent recruiter.  Someone like John Blake.  Most people only know him as the failed/average Sooner coach.  But he is recognized as one of the best recruiters.  I like Gary Darnell, but we need an aggresive, detailed oriented D-Coordinator.  We need to return to the days of the Wrecking Crew.  Recruits will help.  We need speed and skill.  Will Coach Sherman concentrate only on Texas, or will we expand our recruiting to Florida, California, and the Gulf Coast.  If we could cherry pick one or two elite type recruits, wow.  Texas will provide us the horses and 95% of our talent.  The extra 5% could put us in the national picture again.   How about some skill receivers and a couple of LBs that run like safeties... 

I am cautiously optimistic.  I was not overwhelmed with any of the names of the candidates thrown out for the last few months.  Every one had a flaw or two...

Coach...he will get our support, and for all of our sakes, let's hope he delivers...

wally