Building Champions — a little cheaper
Published Friday, July 03, 2009 2:21 AM
robert.cessna@theeagle.com
View all Robert's Blogs
Billy Pickard, Jim Kotch and Chris Harrell became mere numbers Thursday as the Texas A&M athletics department had to whittle another million off the budget to complete a mandated $4.5 million budget cut.
It’s so disheartening, because they are much more than that. They are pillars of the community, good friends and hard workers. But most of all they are good people. They are guys who always represented A&M in the best possible way, mostly because they are men of character.
Those qualities, though, don’t translate into cash — or in this case, savings.
Money. It always gets back to money, even in an athletics department with an annual budget of $70 million.
Pickard, Kotch and Harrell along with approximately 10 others (reportedly, four positions already were vacated) will pay the price for a struggling economy or poor management — or maybe a combination of the two.
These layoffs are not shocking. Budget cuts in athletics departments throughout the country have been well documented. Ditto in the private sector. I work in an industry that’s seen massive layoffs and cost cutting. The message might remain the same, but the bloggers almost change daily.
A&M’s layoffs, though, are somewhat different. What about that $16 million loan that former president Bob Gates gave athletics director Bill Byrne? What part does it play? How will we remember it in say 20 years? Did it make A&M competitive across the board, but what will be the final price?
What would have happened this week had the athletics department not accepted that loan? Maybe, no layoffs? But would A&M have finished 13th in the Directors’ Cup this year and a record 12th last year without it? Or would it have been 33rd and 32nd? Unfortunately for the football program, that $16 million loan bought it only a 25-24 record in the last four years, which is unacceptable, much like the layoffs.
But the bottom line is the athletics department has to repay that loan starting in November. So they made cuts. A&M could have reduced salaries across the board or made employees take unpaid days off (furloughs), which the state of South Carolina was one of the first to implement.
Whatever plan A&M adopted, there would have been upset folks. These are no-win situations. You can blame Byrne, you can blame Gates, you can blame the economy. There will be those who will blame former football coach Dennis Franchione for not winning more and leaving town with a cool $4.4 million.
I don’t know who to blame, even though I minored in economics. These are tough times. I know those who got canned aren’t to blame, which is what really makes this stink.
Pickard, Kotch and Harrell were excellent workers. I don’t know that for a fact, since I wasn’t their supervisor. A guy once told me I didn’t live in his town and pay taxes there, so I had no right telling him and his neighbors what to do. He was right.
But I do know this. Pickard and Kotch worked a combined 73 years at A&M. Harrell was a full-time SID for 10 years. That speaks volumes. These guys loved their jobs and they love A&M. Poor Jim Kotch, he deserved much better. He once was ticket manager, always a tough job, but those duties were transferred a few years back to the 12th Man Foundation, and Kotch was forced to do something else. Kotch is again on the move. Hopefully, he’ll land on his feet. Pickard is an A&M institution. Hopefully, he got a good settlement and will be hanging around. Aggies need Pickard. Harrell poured his heart into women’s swimming and equestrian. It was hard to say no when Chris called or e-mailed.
Someone, though, gave them the cruelest no possible. They no longer have the jobs they wanted.
Dave South, the voice of the Aggies, also was somewhat a casualty. Officials granted his request to become a part-time employee. He will continue to boom his voice for the Aggies and get paid by Texas A&M Sports Properties through a deal with Learfield Sports.
“It’s the best it’s ever been,” is the standard comeback for the upbeat South if you ask him how his day is going.
I doubt if he said that on A&M’s Black Thursday.
Aggies already are worried about beating Arkansas, OU, Tech and Texas, but first they need to root that guys like Kotch and Harrell land on their feet.
Before Aggies can build more champions, they need to take care of the winners they’ve been forced to show the door or else A&M will cease being well, A&M.
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Comments
88 comment(s) found!
Posted by: miller58 On: 7/24/2009
Comment Title: DESPITE THE DROP IN PLAYER TALENT UNDER SHERMAN's TERRIBLE RECRUITING< A&M STILL HAS MORE THAN 10 OF THE TEAMS ON A VERY SOFT SCHEDULE?
My personal opinions:_____Class of 02, these first 3 teams we play are ranked #116, #106 and #95; and we still have a ton more player talent than all 3?_____Baylor would score 40 on each of them in the first half, and play their scrubs the rest of the way, just like when they played us?_____miller58
Posted by: class of 02 On: 7/24/2009
Comment Title: 1-11 now that sucks
I read this and it's depressing. "The computer puts Baylor in a distant 5th-place finish. The 5-7 projection would represent the best record for the Bears since a 5-6 performance in 2005. Last place in the south is reserved for Texas A&M. The 1-11 forecast (1-7, Big 12), includes an 0-3 start at home against a trio of teams that should never be favored at Kyle Field - New Mexico, Utah State and UAB. If Texas A&M loses those games, Mike Sherman may not make it through the first month of his second season as head coach. On the other hand, a 1-7 record within the conference is a distinct possibility." - http://www.collegefootballpoll.com/analysis_bigtwelve.html
Posted by: miller58 On: 7/22/2009
Comment Title: MIKE SHERMAN STARTED TWO-A-DAYS EARLY TODAY WHEN HE LOST TWO OFFERS TO TWO OF THE FASTEST PLAYERS IN THE STATE OF TEXAS TO BOB STOOPS?
My personalopinions:_____After losing 3 offers over he weekend for players with wrecking crew speed, Sherman startedtwo-a-days early and lost two more today with wreckng crew speed to ou!_____Rivals 250 Safety James Haynes 6-1 181 4.36 told Sherman no, and took his wreckng crew speed to ou!_____Athlete Trey Franks 5-9 172 4.4 also told Sherman no, and took his wrecking crew speed to ou?_____EXPECT our next coach will be playing against these two til 2014!_____miller58
Posted by: miller58 On: 7/22/2009
Comment Title: A&M's RECRUITING RANKINGS LAST YEAR TIED #30-#39 IN DIFFERENCE MAKERS< JUST BELOW #30 IN QUALITY?
My personal opinions:_____There are thousands of players, low ranked 2 and 3 star left over by tu/big 12 teams that give you flawed inflated high rankings?_____But when you have recruited 75 player in four signing classes like Sherman, with mostly low ranked leftovers, you can't line up 11 quality players on "D" with the athleticism, speed, and size to prevent blow outs?_____The Aggie Spin Machine will falsely tout the recruiting ranking inflated with a large number of low ranked leftovers?_____miller58
Posted by: Florida Mike On: 7/21/2009
Comment Title: Layoffs in Athletic Departiment
It is obvious that Bill Byrne is incompetent. How in the world can the University keep this guy around. Billy Pickard has meant more to TAMU than Byrne. It is really disgusting to see the mismanagement in the AD office. Fire the bum! He's a loser.
Posted by: miller58 On: 7/21/2009
Comment Title: RE: Seeing Stars
My personal opinions:____Best of luck to Alonu?____He escaped just in time to avoid the Aggie Spin Machine and Tugeons Friend?__________miller58
Posted by: miller58 On: 7/21/2009
Comment Title: RE: Jimmy
My personal opinions:____Jimmy, I am not being negative?____I am only stating facts that are avialable on free, public websites?____These are MY PERSONAL OPINIONS.______________miller58
Posted by: miller58 On: 7/21/2009
Comment Title: BREAKING NEWS: MILLER58 DIES FROM OVERDOSE ON FRANCHIONE BUTT FUMES!
My personal opinions:____________?__________miller58
Posted by: not miller and dont support his opinion but he is entitled to it On: 7/21/2009
Comment Title: Dear Jimmy
You should learn the difference between critical and being negative. Nothing miller states below is negative. It is fact and in some posts he includes his opinion which the other side does as well. If you call that negative then it could be said the other view has similarities to a cult.
Posted by: Jimmy On: 7/21/2009
Comment Title: miller58
Miller, why are constantly so negative?
Posted by: miller58 On: 7/20/2009
Comment Title: SHEMAN ON A REAL ROLL : LOSES #18, A FOUR STAR CORNER TO BAYLOR?
My personal opinions:_____FOUR STAR CORNER Rivals #17 Tyler Stephenson 5-10 175 4.43 turned down Mike Shermans offer, and chose to play for Art Briles?_____miller58
Posted by: miller58 On: 7/20/2009
Comment Title: MIKE SHERMAN CONTINUED HIS RECENT PACE OF LOSING ONE OFFER PER WEEK WITH LOSS #17?
My personal opinions:_____Mike Sherman lost his 17 offer in less than 17 weeks, when Southlake corner Kacy Rogers 6-2 185 4.45 committed to play for Randy Shannon!_____miller58
Posted by: On: 7/20/2009
Comment Title: Fobbs
WE lose Fobbs. Oh well, to make up for it lets threaten the playing time of the older Matthews kid and maybe we will get his brother.
Posted by: Class of '02 On: 7/20/2009
Comment Title: NO NEW BLOGS?
ARE WE THAT LAME? COME ON! SAD ENOUGH THAT WE ARE RANKED BEYOND TOP 25 (FOOTBALL) THEN LOOKING HERE FOR FRESH LEADS YET NOTHING IN SIGHT? MAN...WHAT A BUM!
Posted by: miller58 On: 7/20/2009
Comment Title: 4* WR JARRETT FOBBS HAS JUST DECOMMITTED FROM A&M TO LSU!!!
My personal opinions:____Mike Sherman has just lost his 17th difference make committ via horrible recruiting?____miller58
Posted by: miller58 On: 7/19/2009
Comment Title: MIKE SHERMAN CONTINUES LOSSING OFFERS #16 AT A RECENT PACE OF ALMOST ONE EVERY WEEK!
My personal opinions:_____ Well, Mike lost offer #16 when Rivals 100 4* DE Jordan Allen 6-6 241 5.0 accepted instead Les Miles offer!_____miller58
Posted by: miller58 On: 7/18/2009
Comment Title: HOW DOES SHERMAN IMPROVE A BLOW OUT PRONE DEFENSE ?
My personal opinions:_____Answer: Sherman, by bringing in one four star defensive player in last class and one in this class, doesn't?_____Sherman's defense regresses, instead!_____miller58
Posted by: Pablo On: 7/18/2009
Comment Title: You're paranoid my friend...
You may want to read some of that banter before pressing the "submit comment" button, lest we think you a mad man.. oh, wait.. never mind -:)
Posted by: miller58 On: 7/17/2009
Comment Title: RE: Observer
My personal opinions:_____Observer, at least we hace an NFL coach who the recruits will flock to and is a winner, "the Aggie Spin Machine said"?_____JUST FACTS:_____tu 49 A_____ Current recruiting class: tu 16 difference makers A&M 5: Current committed/signed squad difference makers: tu 73 A&M 25?_____AFTER A BLOW OUT LOSS SEASON AND 3 SIGNING CLASSES, I DONT BELIEVE THE AGGIE SPIN MACHINE, DO YOU?_____miller58
Posted by: Observer On: 7/17/2009
Comment Title:
"All A&M needs is a winner to gather behind"........so true.
Posted by: Pablo On: 7/17/2009
Comment Title: 12th Man ready for a roll!
You "chicken littles" bring up some good points about the state of A&M Football, but as someone who actually goes to the games, I can tell you that all A&M needs is a winner to gather behind and then watch out! The sky is the limit. Pee all you want on the fact that A&M and the 12th Man are renown as a top game time atmosphere, it is just a matter of time before the return of the Wrecking Crew and some hard core Texas Aggie Football!
Posted by: miller58 On: 7/17/2009
Comment Title: A&M DEFENSE?
My personal opinions:_____ When we needed to sign 22 difference makers on defense, and only sign 1 in the last class now and sign only 1 in the current class, this quantity is an absolute bad joke!_____At a defense ranked #114 last year, with coaching ranked at #120 this year, will we be even lower than a defense ranked #114 this year?_____A&M coachingis just noting but terrible!_____miller58
Posted by: Observer On: 7/17/2009
Comment Title:
Big stadiums and loud crowds do not make wrecking crew defenses. They exist because of them.
Posted by: Seeing Stars On: 7/17/2009
Comment Title: RE: Pablo + Whistling In The Dark
Griffin's comments are a reflection of how we have been viewed by the rest of the nation to this point and are difficult for anyone to argue with. This is a reputation that should be built upon, not chipped away at. All the positive things he points to go only so far then somebody has to back it up on the field. His statement, of "former Wrecking Crew playing level" should be noted with "former" being the operative word. We are "whistling in the dark" when it comes to the defensive problems that now exist. His comments, which are his opinions based on information collected, started with a "1.". Now let's add a "2." based on some additional information and fact. We had a defense that ranked #114 in the nation last year. From THAT defense we lost FIVE starters (bennett, obiozor, dixon, brown, and gregg) and FOUR backups (Gbunblee, heard, gorrer, dixon). This year we have to make up that lost ground AND absorb a totally new scheme. Another change of direction brought about by a challenged defensive coaching staff not challenged players. Even the returning starters are not in their same postions with one or two exceptions. I think Mr. Griffin's comments were written with a tone of sadness. Sadness that comes when a major university with the tradition, facilities, and fan base he speaks of, is not able to compete at the highest levels within it's conference and in the nation.
Posted by: Pablo On: 7/17/2009
Comment Title: from ESPN's T.Griffin
"1. Kyle Field, Texas A&M: No stadium has more tradition -- even when the team is struggling. There's still something about heading into town and seeing the huge facility looming in the distance as you approach College Station. And no stadium in the conference is louder -- particularly when the Aggies' defense is at its former "Wrecking Crew" playing level."_______ Griffin, EXACTLY!_______
Posted by: miller58 On: 7/15/2009
Comment Title: RE; OBSERVER
My personal opinions:_____Observer, EXACTLY!_____miller58
Posted by: On: 7/15/2009
Comment Title: RE- "hijacker"
Hijacking names serves the short term agenda but will not cover up the inevitable losses on the field this fall.
Posted by: Class of 02 On: 7/15/2009
Comment Title: Believe in Aggie Spirit
We are going to play for a bowl game this year. I know so.
Posted by: Observer On: 7/15/2009
Comment Title: O-Line vs D-Line Recruiting Problems
O-Linemen recruited or committed by Franchione from 2005 thru 2008 equals 13 (two 4*, ten 3*, one 2*). D-Linemen recruited or committed by Sherman from 2008 thru 2010 equals 9 (ZERO 4*, five 3*, one 2*, and three 0*).
Posted by: miller58 On: 7/15/2009
Comment Title: HAS THE AGGIE SPIN MACHINE BEEN SENT OUT TO DIG DEEP TO COME UP WITH HONEST DOCUMENTED FACTS FOR MCKINNEY, RC AND SOME FOOTBALL PLAYERS FRIEND, SHERMAN TO SPIN?
My personal opinions:_____Even though our talent pool has dropped over 20% already under Shermans worse recruiting as oftoday, we still have more in our signed talent pool than 10 of the 12 schools on our schedule this year and with a good coach would easily win and go 10-2?_____With our poor coaching and worse recruiting, expect A&M to lose more games than we win this year?_____Next year A&M will really drop behind half the teams on our schedule in the talent pool with our worse recruiting!_____And hold it down at Kyle, so you won't disturb my putting!_____miller58
Posted by: miller58 On: 7/14/2009
Comment Title: RE; Sister
My personal opinions:_____Sister, some have questioned our reportedly best 4* corner Judie, our best 3* DT Henderson, and our fast linebacker 3* Malcolm Johnson 4.46 as reinjuring his leg?_____I don't recall any details of what was reported?_____miller58
Posted by: Sister On: 7/14/2009
Comment Title: Roster
When will our 2009 official roster be posted? Does anyone know of any 2009 recruits who will not make it in due to academics or other reasons. Things seem to be really quiet about this class.
Posted by: 12Aggie On: 7/14/2009
Comment Title: Sherman
Hope you land Mathews and Lewis to an already quality '10 class. Doing great Coach, love what you are doing.
Posted by: miller58 On: 7/14/2009
Comment Title: SHERMAN HAS COMMITTED AND SIGNED 73 PLAYERS AND BOTH OFFENSE AND DEFENSE ARE WORSE OFF?
My personal opinions:_____73 players, thats 3 deep on offense and 3 deep on defense plus some extas!_____The problem is most of the 73 are low ranked leftovers with little or no speed, athleticism or size?_____There is just simply very little top quality in the 73 players we've recruited._____Coincidently, 73 quality four and five star players is the number mac has now for his squad?_____We are such losers at coaching and recruiing good quality?_____miller58
Posted by: Observer On: 7/14/2009
Comment Title: re: 12Aggie
Dont know if you mean to subordinate the defensive issue in your post or not but the fact is that the defense is far and away the larger of the two problems (offense vs defense improvement) and I think we should be paying MUCH more recruiting attention to our defensive problems. Seeing Stars is dead on with this problem. Everybody is in love with the offensive side of the game no matter where you go but we lost FIVE senior starters and FOUR senior back-ups off of last year's defense that ranked #114 in the nation. Expect this to be a very long year. We need help !!!
Posted by: 12Aggie On: 7/14/2009
Comment Title: Observer
You are right, the defense needs help as well.
Posted by: On: 7/14/2009
Comment Title: RE: Sister
B/CS (Bull Crap Station)
Posted by: Observer On: 7/13/2009
Comment Title: D
Looks more like the problem is with Kines and the defense. Why the continuous chatter about the offense. The offense is what it is but occupies a huge priority #2 slot with this program while the real issue gets no attention.
Posted by: 12Aggie On: 7/13/2009
Comment Title: Sherman Putting In Work
Sherman doing a great job recruiting players to help build and make a run at the Big 12 title. Considering Fran's stay here (importantly the last year with the dark cloud drawn over our program, Fran's lack of recruiting any Oline and Sherman having to do with a make shift Oline, goign 4-8 and still bringing in talent and good players, I am board. Keep up the good work Sherman.
Posted by: miller58 On: 7/13/2009
Comment Title: RECRUITING STANDINGS TODAY?
My personal opinions:_____Both A&M and tu have 19 commits, but mac has 16 difference makers while sherman has less than 1/3 that many, 5?_____tu now has 73 differenc makers while A&M only has 25, almost 1/3 rd of what tu has?_____WE just keep getting further and furter behind, the longer Sherman is here!_____miller58
Posted by: On: 7/13/2009
Comment Title: Millers opinions
Miller58-Some skewed opinions and facts should be kept to themselves! If Fran was so great go with him and leave the aggies alone! We have enough armchair coaches!!
Posted by: 12Aggie On: 7/13/2009
Comment Title: 12Aggie
Fobbs....Nelson....soon Mathews....awesome work Sherman. Really putting it together on the recruiting trail and soon we'll be in the mix for a Big 12 title. Keep up the good work.
Posted by: Pablo On: 7/12/2009
Comment Title: crickets
chirp.. chirp
Posted by: Sister On: 7/11/2009
Comment Title: B-CS
Just a minute guys. I thought B-CS meant BLOWN OUT in COLLEGE STATION because when teams like Oklahoma visited last year the announcers said they were a B-CS team. You are telling me it means something else?
Posted by: miller58 On: 7/11/2009
Comment Title: RE: Fobbs, did not realize he was just a soft verbal?
my personal opinions:_____When tu has 73 difference makers and we have only23, just one more or less just doesnt matter?_____We need 10 to 20 every year just to catch up in five years, and be competitive in just he big 12 South?_____At Shermans rate of recruiting the first 3 signing classs, 3, 5 and now 4, that's 20 in 5 years and still leaves us 50 behind tu and 40 behind ou!_____can you say blow out city, instead of B-CS, we are B-OC?_____miller58
Posted by: On: 7/11/2009
Comment Title:
Also note that fobbs is a soft verbal not fully there yet on his decision. Is he waiting to see what progress sherman makes this year. Uh-Oh....
Posted by: On: 7/10/2009
Comment Title:
Just what is it we are going to do with Fobbs? Return kickoffs or punts. He is listed as an athlete which other than a kick returner makes him a second tier defensive back or receiver otherwise we would have recruited him as a defensive back or receiver. Little fella too.
Posted by: miller58 On: 7/10/2009
Comment Title: RECRUITING STANDINGS?
My personal opinions:_____As of today:_____(1) tu has 16 difference makers of 19 commits_____(2)ou has 8 of 15_____(3) Nebraska has 4 of 5_____(4) A&M has 4 of 18_____(5) Okie lite has 2 of 11!_____Talent pool standings are: tu 73_____ou 58_____Nebraska 28_____Arkansas 25_____A&M 24_____Okie lite 23!_____miller58
Posted by: 12Aggie On: 7/10/2009
Comment Title: Sherman Firing On All Cylinders
Keep it going Sherman, we'll be in the mix for the Big XII title soon. Great pick up in Fobbs!!
Posted by: Objective_Homer On: 7/8/2009
Comment Title: BUDGET
Why is the budget responsible??? Isn't a low budget a bi-product of too many poor seasons??? I'm sure the budget is hurting but from where i stand this is just the beginning of an excuse/spin in order to keep sherman longer than we need to. This years record will not be good and it will be the "budgets'" fault??? Everything from bigger donations to TV deals, our budget would be fine if we could get a consistent amount of quality seasons. This is spin at its finest.
Posted by: miller58 On: 7/8/2009
Comment Title: RE: Typo correction
My personal opinions:_____Okie lite is ahead of A&M "2 0f 11" difference makers in the urrent class!_____miller58
Posted by: Sister On: 7/8/2009
Comment Title:
Can anybody point out any big errors in millers numbers below? If not then how do you expect us to compete in the top group in the coming years. Sherman inherited a roster with talent equal or superior to what he is recruiting. Time to start coaching.
Posted by: miller58 On: 7/8/2009
Comment Title: JUST HONEST FACTS, NO AGGIE SPIN MACHINE LIES OR ATTACKS NECESSARY?
My personal opinions:_____Current difference maker recruting rankings are:_____(1)tu has 16 four and five star difference makers out of 19 commits;_____(2)ou has 8 of 15;_____(3)nebrasks has 4 of 5;_____(4)okie lite has 3 of 11;_____(5)A&M has 3 of 17?_____Current 5 year talent pool rankings are:_____(1)tu 73_____(2)ou 58_____(3)nebraska 28_____(4)arkansas 25_____(5)okie lite 23_____(6) A&M 23?_____A&M has fallen to 5th in the current class, and 6th in the talent pool under 3 Sherman signing classes!_____miller58
Posted by: ANTI-MILLER FOUNDATION On: 7/8/2009
Comment Title: CORRECTION
"TIRED" NOT TIRES
Posted by: ANTI-MILLER FOUNDATION On: 7/8/2009
Comment Title: MILLER IS LOVING ALL THE AT-10-TION WE ARE GIVING HIM
I CAN'T HELP BUT WONDER WHY PEOPLE ARE SO ANNOYED WITH THIS DUDE! IGNORE HIM AND HE'LL GET TIRES OF HIS "SHOOTING STARS". I'M TIRED OF HIS ASSESSMENTS.
Posted by: Whoop that _ss! hahah On: 7/8/2009
Comment Title: pablo is flowbee and might be miller as well
i was reading the recent feeds...you are right (sister) they are sounding alike. Man!
Posted by: Ags aren't for F_GS On: 7/8/2009
Comment Title: Wow....
Hey Pablo...I know you are from the mighty Austin and an aggie. Not being personal but with ur last comments against that Sister...you are a bit comming off gayish. I mean its OK since you are from Austin. Meanwhile, stay off B/CS.
Posted by: Pablo On: 7/8/2009
Comment Title: Sister, the difference between Aggies & Longhorns
You say, "once the program loses its luster and the fans dont show"... I say you must not have attended Texas A&M University or missed out on a ton of tradition. When Mack Brown has to tell the fans "Come early, stay late and wear orange" it is a telling statement on the gameday experience between our two schools. If not for the antics of the Hellraisers, UT Football is pretty tame compared to Aggie Football. The 12th Man is known throughout the land as one of the most loyal fan bases NO MATTER how dull the shine my lady (sorry couldn't help my Neanderthalish-self). "Some may boast of prowess bold of the school they think so grand, but there's a spirit can never be told, it's the spirit of Aggieland..." (sniff)
Posted by: Pablo On: 7/8/2009
Comment Title: Paranoia not becoming... Sister -:)
Wow, how easily the feathers are ruffled. My Apologies, 'sis' is short for Sister where I come from and is in no way derogatory, but.. so be it. I don't understand the Mike Gundy comparison, unless you mean that I have said Wins and Losses will be the judge of Mike Sherman? And what is with the misogynist accusation? Where did that come from??
Posted by: Sister On: 7/7/2009
Comment Title: RE: Pablo/Flowbee58 (don't call me sis)
But once the program loses its luster and the fans dont show in their previous numbers and the boosters lose interest you will not have the almighty dollar to buy your next good coach. BTW, both You and that Flowbee58 have called me "Sis" on the same day. Are you related or better yet are you one and the same. Both of you seem to have the Gundy "I'm a man, come after me" fuse with your "show me now" demands. It will all catch up wont it Pablo or maybe its just me being a woman. The blog will decide.
Posted by: Pablo On: 7/7/2009
Comment Title: Sometimes I wonder if Miller58 is Mike Mckenzie?
Read on and tell me if you think Byrne was forced to can Fran__ http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/stories/093007dnspobaylorsider.2b6f40d.html
Posted by: Pablo On: 7/7/2009
Comment Title: Follow the money Sis
I know this next statement may sound a bit elitist, but as long as Texas A&M Football brings in 70-80k fans into Kyle Field and the administration is willing to pay top 25 money.. we will never be confused with Lamar, Rice or SMU.. sorry, but I'll err on the side of the almighty dollar to land the next Billy Clyde or Pat Henry.
Posted by: Sister On: 7/7/2009
Comment Title: RE: 12Aggie
That's the thing. You don't know who is available til you ask. You never know what personal struggles the family may be going through where a geographic move may be a blessing. You don't know who has maxed out a very successful program and is finding it more and more difficult to meet the demands of the boosters. Lots of things at work. Point is, we need to do something while we are still being mentioned at the end of a list with tu, ou, etc instead of at the end of a list with smu, rice, and lamar. Then you will never get a good one here.
Posted by: Pablo On: 7/7/2009
Comment Title: 12Aggie.. Miller has no pattern/plan
If you are looking for a plan or pattern in his attacks it is simply "guerrilla style." He will lob any and all attacks regardless of logic or sensibility. You point out a case in point, "who then is this coach?" Don't hold your breath, because he has no one in particular in mind. He is simply stating or restating his case in a different way. Namely that Sherman can't recruit and he needs to go. The only response to this attack is W/L's and he knows that all too well. If A&M tanks it this year (7+ losses) then Miller wins and we can be assured of a super-duper "I told you so" dance for the next 10-12 months! If however, Sherman uncovers a diamond in the rough, ala DB Trent Hunter, and A&M wins 6+, makes a bowl game.. he will find something else to clamor about, but with less frequency. It really is simple.. WINS and LOSSES will be the judge of Mike Sherman and not Miller58.
Posted by: 12Aggie On: 7/7/2009
Comment Title: Re-Sister
Like I said Sister, availabale.......Sure I could throw a list of coaches down that are top notch...but aren't availabale. I am just wondering who Miller58 suggests since Sherman isn't the guy. Who does Miller58 believe will come in and start gathering up these *4 & *5 players.
Posted by: On: 7/7/2009
Comment Title: WE SHOULD HIRE LEACH
NOW THAT WILL DEF. ATTRACT CRAPLOAD OF NATIONAL ATTENTION. DON'T GET ME WRONG BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION IS WAY BETTER THAN LUBBOCK.
Posted by: Sister On: 7/7/2009
Comment Title: re- 12Aggie
Provide a list and we will pick one. It works like that. Somebody researches who is available and the appointed committe picks one. You dont know if they are available til you ask. Let's see, why don't we start with Urban Meyer, Nick Saban, Pete Carroll, and you fill in the rest with coaches who have been in the top 10-15 the last 5 years in recruiting and wins. Then we will call them and recruit them. There is your list.
Posted by: 12Aggie On: 7/7/2009
Comment Title: Miller58 Dancing Again
You can't answer my questions that stem from your BS? Who do you think we should hire, please I am dying to know (that is available for us to get)?
Posted by: miller58 On: 7/6/2009
Comment Title: RE: Class of '02
My personal opinions:_____Classof '02, good recruiters are either (1) big winners or (2) have the personality and characteristics of a top salesman!_____Sherman, as a recruiter, is simply as far from either, as you can get; and sadly never will be close to either!_____FACT: the only teams to play in or win the mnc or win the big 12 south this WHOLE DECADE, signed between 62 up to 80 4*/5* difference makers, 13 to 16 per year!_____Recruiting this well does not insure winning!_____A coach that has proven a couple of times in the past 10 years that he can recruit 10 to 22 difference makers has the best chance of recruiting this well at A&M, with his own hand picked staffof recruiters!_____Sherman picked a staff that had signed no 5 star and only 2 four star players, just inexperience as a college head coach and no clue on recruiing?_____Top coaches, the first thing they do is sign top recruiters?_____The list of college head coaches for the last 9 years, shows from 8 to 19 head coaches that recruited 10 to 22 difference makers each year._____ Line 'em up and go down the list, recruit and sign the best one for A&M!_____Even if a top recruiter at worst case can't coach, after 3-4 years, you've got a squad of 4*/5* difference makers that good coaches covet?_____Urban Meyers dream job was notre dame but offered both he took florida because the mnc recruits were already there!_____Charlie weis has 56 difference makers now he's recruited, the oldest red shirt sophs and juniors, and he better win 8 games this year, because the coaches now would love to go to notre dame with 60+ difference makers on an inherited squad?_____Why even Rc, inheriting 5 future years of Jackies great players and great coaches, managed to win in the very weak swc, and even one time in the swc was final ranked in the top 20!_____miller58
Posted by: 12Aggie On: 7/6/2009
Comment Title: Miller58...Ultimate Bonehead
Who do you recommend of great and wise one? Maybe, Sherman is recruiting players that have something called "character", good kids who are coachable. And since you seem to say our recruitng is the pits, explain Fran's lack of Oline and Dline recruiting, cause I am pretty sure that had something to do with our 4-8 record last year.
Posted by: Pablo On: 7/6/2009
Comment Title: Stars, my problem with Fran's newsletter
First let me say that I regularly visited Coach Fran's website and even sent a few emails his way. I liked him and was as hopeful he would bring a National Championship to Texas A&M. I'm not connected with A&M, so I have no idea about him not fitting in with the "good ol boys." Here is where I think he made a mistake. He let an assistant run with the newsletter that from the excerpts I read were not the kind of things Coach Fran would do (talk about player's abilities, injury status). Was out of character from what he came to become (at least in my mind). The mismanagement of money and the exclusiveness that the newsletter/website had become was a PR nightmare for Byrne. He had to do something and he almost acted like he was reluctant to do it, but was forced to fire Coach Fran. I think the most telling statement was his reference to "embarrassing" the university. I know the players stood up for him, but that was to be expected. Why I say Byrne did the right thing, is that he had to set a standard for all head coaches at A&M. I think there is a lot more to it than what we know, it set us back in more ways that one. It may be a while before we can look at 9 wins again.
Posted by: class of '02 On: 7/6/2009
Comment Title: RE: MILLER58
INASMUCHAS I HATE YOU...I AM STARTING TO REALIZE THAT YOU ARE MAKING SENSE ON SOME OF THE ISSUES. RECRUTING-WISE...WE ARE HURTING OURSELVES BEC. OF BAD REPUTATION. WHAT IS GOING ON?
Posted by: miller58 On: 7/4/2009
Comment Title: RE; COACHES LEAVING
My personal opinions:_____After the results of 3 signing classes and a 4-8 blow out prone season, I would welcome all 10 coaches to leave today for competitiveopportunities!_____I am confident that it would be so easy to replace every one of them with coaches, competent winners at recruiting and modern college coaching._____My only reservation is the search must not be done by anyone, but an outside search committee with no previous ties to the people that got us in the present situation._____The only absolute qualification is, recent college coaching must have produced 2 or more classes of 10 to 22 4*/5* difference makers within the last 10 years!_____Anything deviating from this will almost guarantee a failure!_____Yes, please leave today and save us a 6 year buyout?_____miller58
Posted by: On: 7/4/2009
Comment Title:
Nothing is to stop them........whats the point, we thought all our coaches just loved being here and it is the only job they would consider. Guess not.
Posted by: On: 7/4/2009
Comment Title: facts
people should only comment on things when they know all the facts. It's apparent that most here do not.... including the author of the article. its unfortunate this has happened but I'm sure that these cut were necessary. If a coach's salary is cut then what's to stop them from going elsewhere that still has competitive pay???
Posted by: miller58 On: 7/3/2009
Comment Title: ARE YOU FOLLOWING THE AGGIES LOWLITES THIS YEAR?
My personal opinions:_____Some teams and their rankings:_____utah State #116_____Arkansas State #114_____New Mexico #106_____UAB #95_____Iowa State #91_____A&M #84_____Kansas State #74_____Baylor #66_____And we are expected to lose more than we win this season!_____miller58
Posted by: miller 58 On: 7/3/2009
Comment Title: SHERMAN LOSES 15TH OFFER IN LAST 90 DAYS TO ou!
My personal opinions:_____About the only speed Sherman has recruited in the last 90 days is the speed at which he loses offers, faster than 1 every weeK?_____Supposedly Offensive Line guru, 'Friend Sherman lost another top stud OL offer to Bob Stoops and ou?_____Rivals 250 four star center Austin Woods 6-5 290 chose stoops offer over Sherman's offer?_____So much for the nfl Aggie Spin Machine bs of three recruiting classes ago, about Sherman attracting recruits?_____Another Aggie Spin Machine Myth of just too Many!_____miller58
Posted by: miller58 On: 7/3/2009
Comment Title: RE: Seeing Stars
My personal opinions:_____Stars, exactly!_____If you want a couple of laughs on revisionist history, there are a couple of threads about RC on another blog that combines out of context revisonist history and Aggie Spin Machine bs at it's very best?_____The Panhandler has some enlightening facts(?) too?_____Stars, maybe when the Aggie Spin Machine was talking about recruiting speed, which you and I verified to be seemingly false, were they were talking some other recruiting speed?_____Now that Sherman has just lost his 15th offer (the to last to ou) in the past 90 days, that's Sherman losing offers at a rate of faster than 1 a week?_____I don't have any comparison, but that seems like real speed, to lose offers that fast?_____miller58
Posted by: Seeing Stars On: 7/3/2009
Comment Title: RE: miller58
What amazes me the most about the whole process is the number of people who make statements about "secret" newsletters, emphasis on recruiting, the aquisition of speed, etc, when facts presented and printed by their own sources outside this blog present conflicting data.
Posted by: miller58 On: 7/3/2009
Comment Title: RE: Seeing Stars
My personal opinions:_____Stars, the newsletter spin, is now in the catgory of just another dispicable Aggie Spin Machine lie!_____ Just like the discipable Aggie Spin Machine lie last 2007, that "the emphasis would be on recruiting in hiring new coaches" was just a full blown Aggie Spin Machine lie?_____You just don't read 10 resumes with no five star commits signed, and only 2 four stars signed by all 10 for the pervious five years, and then hire them with "an emphasis on recruiting"._____Similarily, with up to 6 other D1 schools reportedly sending out similar newsletters, and no ncaa violations yet reported, it is just another Aggie Spin Machine lie by non honor code types, every time this is repeated now!_____miller58
Posted by: On: 7/3/2009
Comment Title: Dave not a victim of cuts
Dave South requested part-time status so he could collect from the teacher retirement system not because of budget cuts in the Athletic Dept. Full time employees cannot recieve these benefits.
Posted by: Seeing Stars On: 7/3/2009
Comment Title: RE: Pablo
I have asked this question several times over the year and have received no response. Because you bring it up again I assume you may have the answer. Question: How in the world can the newsletter be brought up as "secretive" (not your words but the words of many others) and as a "debacle" that led to Fran's firing when the list of recipients INCLUDED high ranking members of the 12th Man Foundation and others closely tied to the department. They wanted to get rid of fran, thought they had the ammo (another mistake by mckinney), and brought him in to tell him he was done because of the newsletter. Because they thought it would be an ncaa violation (which it wasn't) they figured they could let him go with no compensation. When HE pointed out who the recipients were they quickly changed course. Most people list the newsletter as the main reason he was let go. Not so. He did not fit with the good ol boys. PERIOD. He had an ego and an attitude which is very common among successful coaches. So what is your take on the SECRET newsletter? I am interested in getting the other side.
Posted by: On: 7/3/2009
Comment Title:
I understand budget-cutting... but when you as an organization just kick someone as well tenured as Billy Pickard to the curb, well my friends, not that A&M has seen much of my money in the past few years, but not they have assured that they will not see a thin dime, unless I see some change. I wasn't Billy's supervisor, but unless he did something grossly negligent, you allow a man like that that to retire gracefully, not just talk to him for 30 minutes, hand him a box and tell him to pack. That is just pure bull****. Folks joke about how "Ole'Army" just needs to get a grip with the times, but if this is the new way of things in Aggieland, I think I'll just opt out.
Posted by: Pablo On: 7/3/2009
Comment Title: Coach Fran shot himself in the foot
I liked Coach Fran, but the newsletter debacle was too much and Byrne did the right thing. Expensive lesson, I'm sure. Sad to hear the athletics program is in the red, but I bet we are not the only ones laying off good people. It is the hardest thing to do as an employer.
Posted by: miller58 On: 7/3/2009
Comment Title: SPENDING FREE AND LOOSE AT A&M?
My personal opinions:_____A&M spent up to $9 extra millions, in what was the stupidest move I ever remember, to fire the previous coach!_____A coach that had A&M on the way up from RC's early decade depths, winning 7 and 9 regular season games( more than RC or Sherm this decade), beating tu twice, and bringing in up to 20, mostly defensive studs, 4*/5* difference makers to the '08 season?_____Then we spent another absolutely unnecessary 4 million each year, starting in '07 for what must be the 10 most inept recruiting and coaching, I can ever remember?_____McKinney, RC and a few former football players Friend, Sherman and 9 assistants are costing us $4 million every year and just not even close to worth it!_____I would have celebrated, had this poor coaching, never been hired; or if this coaching had been laid off, and the ones laid of as a result of these mis-spent millions, had been retained!_____Maybe McKinney, RC and a few former football players are happy with their friend Sherman, but was this in the best interests of A&M, the sad laying off of good people, and the football program?_____NO!_____The Alternative for A&M would have been a winning season last season, up to 20 more four and five star difference makers on campus as sophs this year, an incomming fish class led by five star safety Loston and his five star Quarterback cousin, up to $7 million of the previous coaches salary plus the Sherman 10's $4 million from last year and Another $4 million from this year, total $15 would still be in A&M's bank account, and a number of good people would not be laid off, to save $1 million?_____miller58
Posted by: On: 7/3/2009
Comment Title:
Hard to part with those who have been around so long but there may be a silver lining. Maybe it was the old guard, from top to bottom, who became complacent and contributed to questionable hiring practices in major sports and the resulting budget shortfalls due to reduced income from fan interest and post-season play. Maybe, just maybe, by parting ways with the past this will be the beginning of a better future. Like is said by many, be positve. After all the glass is half full not half empty isnt it.
Posted by: Hal Schade '67 (back in Aggieland!) On: 7/3/2009
Comment Title:
While I was out of the country for 7 years, I always felt at home when I'd tune the boat radio and hear Dave South's voice...sure would miss that. Oops, and Al and Dave and all the others!!
Posted by: jay On: 7/3/2009
Comment Title: This is depressing...
Title says it all!