The Courtship of Shawn Watson

7 comments so far January 22, 2008 by Darren K. Carlson

Just when you thought stories about possible coaching changes were coming to an end, another one pops up. Nebraska offensive coordinator Shawn Watson is being courted by Alabama and Nick Saban to fill the same role for the Crimson Tide. Former 'Tide coordinator Major Applewhite left the post to return to Texas, is alma mater. While NU coach Bo Pelini says he has not been contacted by anyone concerning Watson, Alabama news sources feel good enough to run with the story. This appears very real. So, maybe a clearer picture of what might transpire can emerge by examining some fundamental assumptions about Watson, and considering the pros an cons of leaving NU for Alabama.

Fundamental Assumptions
When thinking of Shawn Watson, his track record and tenure at NU so far, a few couple of fundamental elementes became clear. First, NU fans like Shawn Watson, and want him to stay. This is for very good reason. His offense was very effective last year (11th in the country), and he served capably as an assitant before that. When he was one of the sssitants that Bo Pelini retained from Callahan's staff, there was much rejoicing. Further, Tom Osborne has endorsed Watson's offensive philosophys, which in NE football terms amounts to a Papal blessing.

His talent and success leads us to fundamental assumption number two - Shawn Watson is a big talent, capable and wanting to be a head coach some day. On some level, fans knew this sort of courtship would come for Watson, we just didn't think it would be so soon. And, if the guy is serious about being a head coach, then on some level, he as to at least take these calls. Let me explain.

When a high-profile SEC school like Alabama calls, you listen. You have to if you are serious about moving around or up. That doesn't mean he has to take the job, it just means he has to listen. If you shut the door completely, or refuse to acknowledge the opportunity, then people stop calling.

Now...should he take the job? That's another question entirely, one that requires examination.

PRO: More Money
The biggest "pro" for taking this job (or "con" if you are an NU fan), is money. No doubt about it, if Watson left for Alabama, he would get paid very well. The former offensive coordinator at Alabama earned more than Watson. Their defenive coordinator makes $100,000 more than Watson does now. And, several of their assistant coaches out earn Watson right now. Folks, that is a lot of chicken scratch.

So, how does NU compete? Throw more money at him? Frankly, those are tough numbers for NU to compete with at this point. We still have a lot of former coaches to pay right now. I'm not sure much can be done with Watson's compensation right now, but you never know.

CON: Control
One "con" for the job (or "pro" for NU fans), boils down to offensive control, or coaching egos. Shawn Watson must be relishing his opportunity to really run NU's offense his way. It's pretty obvious that it was kind of Bill Callahan's show while he was here. In fact, Watson's predecesor Jay Norvell departed NU primarly because he wanted more authority to actually call the plays. And, NU's new head coach is a defensive-minded guy. While Pelini has some philosophical notions about offense (multiple, be physical, some QB run game), he appears more than willing to let Watson run that side of the ball. That has to appeal to Watson.

Now, consider the situation at Alabama. Applewhite left the post saying it wasn't a true offensive coordinator role, because the offensive line coach was really calling the shots. In fact, Applewhite took at "lesser" job at UT. Also, I've heard that working with and for Nick Saban has about as much allure as being monitored by the Eye of Sauron.

My Wishful Thinking
Okay, seriously, nerdy Lord of the Rings references aside, I can't imagine Watson wants to hitch his career wagon to Nick Saban, who has earned a less-than-stellar reputation for his job changes within the football ranks. You honestly don't know where he'll be in a year, or three.

And, regarding money, after breaking the $200,000 mark, a person is in the top 1% of wage earners in this country. Don't you think at some point the career starts being more about fullfillment or ego than just about dollars?

My personal hope is that Watson tackles the opportunity in front of him at NU and makes the best of it to earn a head coaching job. And, that he can find a way to trust more in Bo Pelini and Tom Osborne to do right by him than Nick Saban and Alabama boosters. Who knows, maybe in a few years, Watson will be so happy at NU that he loses his desire to leave. Or maybe that is just wishful thinking.

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