Big 12 State of the Union: Texas A&M
8 comments so far
January 31, 2008 by
“Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it”. If that truism rings…well, true then Texas A&M is doomed. The Aggies essentially Xeroxed the Steve Pederson Big 12 football blueprint and are now expecting the same strategy to produce a different result.
I was among those on board with former NU Athletic Director Steve Pederson’s hiring of Bill Callahan because it seemed that the option wasn’t working and that recruiting wasn’t strong. Callahan could use his NFL resume to recruit talent and then modernize the Husker offense. What I didn’t see (or didn’t want to see) was the red flag. Husker fans expect nothing less than Hall of Fame caliber coaching. One thing you don’t find on many Hall of Fame coaching resumes? Failure. But Callahan’s 4-12 record in his last year in Oakland screamed failure.
Guess what Mike Sherman’s record was his last season in Green Bay? If you guessed 4-12, you might be smarter than Texas A&M Athletic Director Bill Byrne. The Packers immediately improved by four games the season after Sherman left and then another five games the following season. That doesn’t mean Sherman was the problem, but it doesn’t make him the solution either.
Unlike Nebraska when Callahan arrived, the Aggies already recruited pretty well. With some recent tradition of success to fall back on and an enviable location in Texas, the Aggies didn’t need someone who could say, “I coached Brett Favre” in order to lure kids to College Station. The West Coast Offense that Sherman is likely to bring (if we use Nebraska as an example) hasn’t exactly mystified Big 12 defensive coordinators across the board. Rather, it seemed more likely to mystify the players trying to run it. Delay of game penalties became a common feature of the West Coast Offense when applied to college. That’s likely why Shawn Watson intends to simplify the offense at Nebraska.
Beyond the similarities between Sherman and Callahan ,the Aggies have raided the Nebraska Athletic Department for personnel that wasn’t going to be a part of the Osborne/Pelini staff. Were things going so well for Nebraska that Bill Byrne was envious? Didn’t he notice what happened when the Aggies visited Lincoln in 2007?
The moves by A&M have been downright puzzling and while they should still attract enough talent not to become another Baylor or Iowa State, it’s hard to have a lot of belief that the Aggies have improved their fortunes with this new coaching staff. Rather, you’d expect their fans to continue to be frustrated for years to come.
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The Scotty Jan 31 08
There are some similarities but your way off base. You need to look at the man not the path. Sherman has ties to A&M and their traditions. Callahan was a square peg in a round hole from the beginning, much like Fran. Callahan did excellent with offense when you look at what they did, but don't look on the defensive side of the ball unless you have a tough stomach. Sherman is a fit in College Station.
Steve Jan 31 08
So was his hire embraced with a universal "Yes!" by the A&M faithful? Is he the guy fans were lusting after?
Serious question, since I haven't compared notes with an Aggie fan on this.
Chris Jan 31 08
I'm an Aggie, and I must admit I was not pleased with the hire, initially. I don't feel as uneasy now as I once did. I have been encouraged by the recruiting effort since he took the reigns. We have not really lost any recruits and have picked up some commitments from some very good players. I want to hold my judgement, until I see how his philosophy translates to the field. Anything, with the exception of Callahan, has to be better than Fran!!
Greg Morrow Jan 31 08
When Franchione was hired, I thought he was going to hit it "out da park." I assumed it must be his calling to leave 'Bama just like that and move back to Texas. Not closely following the situation, the premium "inside info" wedsite had to have been the clincher. Must have way soured all those interested, on him.
Too bad Francione's offensive system had to be adios'd. (Seemed to be effective enough against the Corn.) Actually, I'm going to be more than curious with this next attempt in WCO adventures. Tough break for their quarterback, McGee, though. But, this staff might rein in their version a little bit, right off the bat.
At least for their senior quarterback.
Always had high regard for ATM, since "Ham and Lam Jones" and their kicker, back them.
To me, they've seemed like a kindred program and tradition. My favorite conference team.
Todd Feb 01 08
Greg,
"Ham and Lam Jones" went to tu. We don't claim them.
My best away game crowd is Nebraska's. Love coming to Lincoln to watch the Ags.
Jason Feb 01 08
Some A&M fans are discussing this post over here.
It's worth a read to get more of their perspective on comparing Callahan and Sherman.
Greg Morrow Feb 01 08
Todd
Ha! I was going to mention Russell Erxleben, too!
calag70 Feb 02 08
I wasn't overwhelmed with Sherman's hire initially. After checking out his December/January W-L record in the NFL, not many coaches have been better. Indicates he's good in "crunch time". His NFL playoff record is respectable as well. I'll give him the benefit of the doubt now.