I mean aside from on the ground in a fetal position moaning, “Make it stop! Just finish this!”
Let’s start with what has me the most pissed off.
Another candidate emerged, at least in terms of someone who will get an interview – Sunday, from what I am told — and that is Stanford Associate Head Coach-Assistant Head coach for Offense Greg Roman and he seems to fit the profile of what Steve Pederson is looking for — young, up-and-coming, offensive minded, etc., etc. Pederson is reportedly enamored with Stanford’s offense and while Roman isn’t the offensive coordinator, he has a big hand in the game planning and play calling and is considered a strong candidate to replace Jim Harbaugh as head coach if he takes the 49ers job. So Roman may be off the market before he actually gets to talk to Pitt, but at any rate he is an interesting name just because he is new to this.
When this showed up on my radar last night, I dismissed it out of hand. Pure agent spin I confidently asserted.
I mean, just look at this guy’s resume/bio.
| Year | School/Team | Assignment |
| 1995 | Carolina Panthers | Defensive Quality Control/Strength & Conditioning Assistant |
| 1996 | Carolina Panthers | Defensive Assistant |
| 1997-98 | Carolina Panthers | Offensive Quality Control |
| 1999-00 | Carolina Panthers | Offensive Assistant |
| 2001 | Carolina Panthers | Assistant Offensive Line |
| 2002-03 | Houston Texans | Tight Ends |
| 2004-05 | Houston Texans | Quarterbacks |
| 2006-07 | Baltimore Ravens | Assistant Offensive Line |
| 2009 | Stanford | Tight Ends/Offensive Tackles/Running Game Coordinator |
| 2010 | Stanford | Associate Head Coach/Assistant Head Coach Offense/Tight Ends/Offensive Tackles |
He’s from New Jersey. He graduated from John Carroll (located in a Cleveland suburb called University Heights) in 1993.
Just look at that resume, though. There’s nothing. He’s involved in the offense, but damned if anyone is exactly sure of how much or to what extent. He’s just a hot, young name on a team that was really impressive, especially to finish their season — with a white-hot head coach.
All I can think of when I look at this: Lane Kiffin.
Kiffykins was a hot-tish name with USC as Pete Carroll was as white-hot as Jim Harbaugh is. He was a part of the off offensive brain trust, but no one was quite sure to what extent. What with Steve Sarkisian as the co-OC after Norm Chow left. Kiffykins hasn’t shown anything yet except that he is a good recruiter and has gone to two programs that could afford to surround him with a very expensive support staff — something we all know that won’t happen with Pitt.
Even considering Roman screams of bad risk-taking. Way too many question marks. without anything to really support it. Maybe there is something special about him. Maybe he is a savant at coaching, recruiting and motivating. But just because Stanford might want him to take over if Jim Harbaugh leaves, does not make it a smart play.
I like to think I’ve been relatively calm and rational about most of the coaching stuff in both go-rounds. Trying not to get too high or low. Doing my level best not to dismiss a legitimate candidate out-of-hand. Trying to weigh the pros-and-cons. And all that. But I have my limits and apparently this is it. It flat-out makes my brain hurt to consider Greg Roman an actual choice. Ugh.
On the other stuff, Todd Graham the Tulsa HC may be the first guy to go through the second round of interviews (which is also why the idea of interviewing Roman at this point seems absurd) today.
And I say that because Graham is apparently a lot more involved in the search than it was believed even 12 hours ago seeing as he is expected to interview in the morning with the Pitt search committee – and get this – Chancellor Mark Nordenberg is reportedly expected to be a part of that crew.
If true – and the sourcing on this one is pretty good though I will continue to work through it to make sure it actually transpires as it was told to me — That means two things – (1) Graham is indeed still a serious candidate and (2) Graham is likely the first of the known finalists to get a second interview and an audience with Nordenberg.
Meahnwhile, by most accounts Wisconsin OC Paul Chryst is the first one of the 1st round interviewees to not make the cut.
Tom Bradley still appears to be a leading candidate, but I would guess that it is a little tighter with Todd Graham now. The one thing with Graham is that he has a larger comfort zone to break with his family happy in Tulsa and being down in Texas and Oklahoma since 2003, and native to that area. That means Pitt would definitely have to pony up closer to $2 million just to get him.
Now briefly on the rumors that one of the hang-ups with Bradley may be money for the assistants. Is this really a surprise to anyone? It’s one of the few things you can’t actually pin on Pederson. This has been a long-term issue with Pitt. It was one of the hang-ups with Wannstedt taking the job when Jeff Long was AD. Walt Harris had lots of battles over assistant pay — and it impacted not replacing guys like Brookhart when he left for the Akron job.
That is not unexpected, but it will get worked out.
At this point, I am hoping and assuming that the search is essentially down to Graham and Bradley. Roman should not be a part of this.
After all the BS with Pederson I am not in a very good mood to tolerate more of the coaching circus merry-go-round. Make a choice and let’s move on!!
I keep hearing Bradley is the leading candidate, but apparently there is nothing to substantiate that, other than “sources” that tell Zeise. His “sources” have not been very right about anything, starting back when he predicted Wanny would not be fired.
His involvement in this process seems to be more courtesy then actual interest. Who will they hire? BEATS THE F–k out of me but I’m thinking it’s not Graham either.
Pitt will look the world over to find some guy with a new angle that they feel they can sell to us the lowly fan base that will take around a million a year and bring in cheap coordinators, real cheap coordinators.
They are not finished yet and it won’t be this weekend. Late next week when all the high profile/high priced coaches are no longer available THEN Pitt will announce Jay Paterno as our new coach.
Looks like another entry into the ring – Bud Foster. Anyone hearing anything else about this one? It just keeps dragging on, and on, and on…
“Nothing is happening right now, OK? I’ve lost respect for people who were in such a hurry to get something first, rather than to get it right. It’s done more harm than good.”
Read more: link to philly.com
Watch sports videos you won’t find anywhere else
Graham intrigues me. A lot of people on this blog (and many other blogs and websites for that matter) want a new, exciting brand of football. Graham’s high-powered offense certainly brings that. My major concern is on the defensive side of the ball. Who would be bring as DC? Graham’s defenses have been absolutely torched over the years.
As for Bradley, he certainly brings more stability. I like the idea of Bradley bringing Austin as DC. That may not even be possible at this point with Austin getting looks from other schools (UCLA). Regardless, Bradley knows PA and the surrounding areas and is an intense recruiter.
Roman and Bud Foster…I have no idea what to say about those possibilities. Roman is spoken as a hot, up-and-comer guy but I really know nothing about him. Could he recruit this area? Because we all know we are not getting loads of recruits from California.
Apparently, more interviews to be conducted on Sunday. I would think a decision would be made by Monday afternoon.
Keeler is probably too good for Pitt. I have this sinking feeling we are going to end up with another non-entity like NoGood. Nordy is an academic and seems to be allowing Stevie to do the grunt work (as an AD should), however, when an
egomaniac is in charge you end up with the strong chance of a catostrophic choice.
May not please the throw-on-every-down crowd
Regarded as one of the top defensive minds in the game, Bud Foster enters his 24th season at Virginia Tech. The 2006 Broyles Award winner has helped mold nationally ranked defenses on a yearly basis during his 15 years as a coordinator.
Foster, who was a finalist three previous times (1999, 2001, 2005) for the award given to the nation’s top assistant football coach, has gained a well-deserved reputation as one of the nation’s most respected defensive coaches while serving on Frank Beamer’s football staff at Tech.
Foster may have done his best coaching job in 2008. Despite losing seven starters to NFL camps from the 2007 team, his young and inexperienced group finished seventh in the nation in total defense and in the top 20 of five other categories. Last year, his group rounded into form late and finished 12th in the country in total defense and was led by All-American Cody Grimm.
The 2007 group was also among the nation’s elite, featuring a pair of first-team All-Americans in Brandon Flowers and Xavier Adibi, along with six all-conference selections.
The 2006 unit led the nation in total defense for the second straight year. The unit also led the nation in passing and scoring defense. The 2005 squad led the nation in total defense and ranked among the top three teams in three other categories. It produced two first-team All-Americans along with four all-conference players.
Tech’s 2004 defense ranked in the top five nationally in total defense, pass defense, scoring defense, interceptions and turnovers gained.
He can interview John Madden for all I care.
There is only one man who can provide enthusiasm and fannies in the seats of Heinz: Bradley.
Hitler did not beat us and neither will Pederson.
Hail to Pitt.
The same 35,000 people who were there for New Hampshire this year will be at the Buffalo game next year regardless of who is the coach.
From there, the results on the field will dictate fan interest. If Pitt hires Bradley and the team sucks, his local ties won’t mean squat.
To the fans and supporters of Pitt football:
With the events of the past week, we felt it was important to write you to discuss those events and the direction we will be taking into the future.
The past several days have been difficult for everyone who cares deeply about the Pitt football program. We are very cognizant of the fact that many of you are disappointed, upset and hurt. The University of Pittsburgh is a proud institution and Pitt football is one of its most cherished traditions. As athletic director I take my role in helping to uphold and enhance that tradition very seriously.
The decision to dismiss Michael Haywood as our football coach was made after very careful consideration. Ultimately, we determined that moving forward with him as our coach was not possible under the circumstances. Our head coaches rank among Pitt’s most visible representatives and we expect only the highest standards of personal conduct from them. The people of Pitt – and especially our student-athletes – deserve nothing less.
This has resulted in a period of adversity for our program. We are strong believers that with adversity comes opportunity, and we are committed to ensuring that we take advantage of the opportunities we have coming out of these difficult circumstances.
As we write you, we have already embarked on our search for a new head football coach. Time is of the essence but we will move prudently to find the right leader for our program. We truly believe this is one of the best coaching positions in the country – a tremendous football tradition and world-class academics centered in one of America’s finest cities.
This search will be conducted with a team effort. I will be joined by Executive Vice Chancellor Jerry Cochran and Executive Associate Athletic Director Donna Sanft to conduct initial candidate interviews. A smaller number of candidates will be invited to participate in further discussions, which will include a meeting with Chancellor Mark Nordenberg.
It is my personal and professional pledge to you, the loyal fans and supporters of the University of Pittsburgh, that we will find the right man to lead Pitt football. Our belief that this program can, and will, compete for championships on an annual basis has not wavered and we are committed to bringing that championship vision to fruition.
Thank you for time, support and dedication to the University of Pittsburgh.
Sincerely,
Steve Pederson
Athletic Director
I called them out on it and they said they only deleted Profanity which is another lie.
They posted a letter from Steve. HAHAHA
“Ours is not to question why
Ours is but, to do and die
And into the valley of death rode the 600.”
While he is an upgrade from Haywood, I cant see him lasting in Pittsburgh very long. I give it 2 years.
Thanks Smiley, you douche
* Coaches in a non-descript non-BCS conference
* Recruits 3rd and 4th tier players to play @ Tulsa
* Coaches in a low-pressure environment (no BCS berths, average of 20,000 fans/game, no history/tradition in Tulsa, etc., etc.)
* Has never recruited in the east coast/Florida
* Defenses have regularly given up 28+ points/game
* has a very small track record of success
* clearly will make a stepping stone of pitt job
SO WHY TODD GRAHAM???? I’m still scratching my head too.
All valid points.
Another thing to think about…after this game who do the players have to turn to. Think about it, not just recruits but the current roster has no coach to look towards for guidance. The hiring will be on Monday I think. That way, atleast the current roster will just get done traveling and wont have a lot of time sitting around without direction.
There is no perfect candidate. Pedey appears to want an offensive guy who can score a lot. No double entendre intended. I still believe in defense first. In any case, you can not win without great players. Stanford has Luck, Auburn has Newton, Ohio State has Pryor. The last time Pitt won they had guys that were future hall of famers. Who of these guys can get the most Larry Fitsgeralds and Darrelle Revises to come to Pitt. Great coaches need great players and lots of them.
After that, who can coach them up ala Coach Dixon, so that they get better.
Bradley has much more of a track record and is not a flash in the pan. Even the brilliant and less than ethical RichRod could not turn Michigan around in three years. By the way, he had a pretty good O but no D.
Unfortunately, as a long suffering Pitt Fan, I recognize that if there is a way to F this up they will find it.
But unlike some on this site, I still hope for the best including beating Kentucky today.
Thank God for Jamie Dixon and Hail to Pitt!
Great points. But you can’t search for a new HC and AD at the same time. Steve PUDD’S time with the grim reaper is coming very soon. Likely after basketball season.
Graham will be lost in this part of the U.S. Our recruiting base is very soon about to be carved up by WVU, Maryland, Rutgers and yes, PSU in another year when JoePa has to leave because he can’t find Beaver Stadium.
Pitt needs to reconnect with its regional fan base. Bradley offers the logical solution. It is no secret that I have strongly supported KC Keeler of Delaware, a coach who is very familiar with the middle Atlantic recruiting area.
SOMETHING THAT HAS BEEN FORGOTTEN>>>>If Nova decides to join the Big East another school would be heavily recruiting Pennsylvania, NJ, Del.
Stevie boy is so smart that he will go after Graham, a total outsider who will be lost in the clutter of targeted recruiting. We have already lost this recruiting class….losing the 2012 class would probably drop Pitt below Syracuse and leave us in last place fighting it out with Cincy.
DOES NORDY HAVE ANY IDEA WHAT IS GOING ON IN THE ATHLTIC DEPARTMENT??
It’s not like Wanny tended to lose often in a horrible fashion. He lost most games by 3 points or less. If we had a solid version of him, we would be talking more wins than ever before. We need good recruits above all else and an adaptive game coach. Bradley does a fine job. Graham has a mediocre history at a smaller program and has no record of strong recruiting or wins against top programs. When Rod landed at WVU, he had his Tulane team ranked and winning record amounts of games. Why do we need to settle for a guy that is almost .500 and costs the same as a guy who has great success on the highest level and is the best recruiter? Why do we have to argue against logic so we feel better about how Steve will ruin this program by picking the lesser candidate.
