Thoughts on our DC situation

I think it is probable that Terrell Buckley takes over for Mickey coaching the DBs… and I believe our DB recruits are being told that.

Secondly, I think the uncertainity with the defensive coaches’ futures is why we have offensive coaches recruiting the top prospects on defense. Fisher and Coley (the two who are guaranteed to stay more than any other coach on staff) are recruiting LJ, Jeff Luc, etc.

Even without knowing who the new coaches will be, recruits can get to know Jimbo and James and know that whoever is hired will be of the same mold. Some one who will shoot straight, work hard, and prepare the team as best as he possibly can. We’ve seen the results they can have with our offense, imagine what someone of that ilk could do with our defense. I can promise that if you like Jimbo Fisher, you’ll like the next Defensive Coordinator.

\end recruiting pitch

Steele just gave up 30 points to Georgia Tech about what Mickey did last year? It is kind of funny when you think about it. Mickey gives up 30 and the tar and feathers are being readied and Steele gives us 30 and people want him back. I would probably still take Steele though.

chances of him coming back are slim and none.. and Slim got his ass kicked.

Steele wants to be a HC.

Potential canidates for DC:

Greg Hudson – East Carolina DC (ties to Jimbo from when they were at Cincinnati together)

Bio: http://www.ecupirates.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/hudson_greg00.html

Manny Diaz – Middle Tennessee St DC (Miami native and former FSU Grad like Coley)

Bio : http://www.goblueraiders.com/coach.cfm/name/manny-diaz/id/279

If we make those hires, I would expect Diaz to take over at LB, and Hudson at DC. T-Buck would then coach CB’s.

Who would take on special teams/defensive ends? Would Diaz or Hudson pull double duties at any of those two positions? Or is there another name or two out there rumored to replace J. Allen and take on those duties?

I ve done some research on this myself and here are my list of guys:

Promote Odell Haggins (makes the most sense recruiting wise)

Kevin Steele (Was the DCIW, developed Lawrence Timmons, but imo will be the next HC at South Carolina after Spurrier leaves)

Bradley Dale Peveto (Apart of the LSU Natl title staff. Got Fired, and is HC at Northwestern St)

Kirby Smart (Alabama DC, would have more authority than Nick Saban gives him, and FSU Alumni)

Gene Chizik (From Clearwater. After Auburn falls apart, and the War Eagles try to lynch him)

Kurt VanValkenburgh (FAU co-DC, and could really help with South Florida recruiting)

Greg Hudson – East Carolina DC (ties to Jimbo from when they were at Cincinnati together)

Raheem Morris (TB Bucs HC, but dont be surprised if they let him go early. His youth would really help out for recruiting)

Manny Diaz – Middle Tennessee St DC (Miami native and former FSU Grad like Coley)

And WarChant reported that Terrell Buckley is coaching the DBs and helping with Recruiting.

NoleInsider did a really good article too on the JF New look coaching stuff. Talked about bringing in Derrick Brooks as LB coach, and someone from Va Tech to run Special Teams. Forgot who they said the new DC would be.

1. Kirby Smart- in his 30’s- works with DB’s at Alabama, coached safeties for Saban with the Dolphins and running backs at UGA. Hell of a recruiter.

2. Greg Hudson- currently 42 years old, still relatively young- coaches LBs at ECU, has also worked briefly with safeties, o-line and running backs- high energy guy, builds bruising, extremely physical defenses.

I do think Manny Diaz will land at FSU, but not as DC- he seems to be a defensive-minded Coley clone in energy and enthusiasm (in his 30’s). He has a history coaching safeties and linebackers, but also a background as a special teams coordinator at NC State which could make him a great fit at FSU.

I hope we can keep Odell, but I would prefer him to coach the entire DL- I think he’d do well with it.

I would love the new defensive staff to look like one of these:

DC- Kirby Smart
LBs/Special teams- Manny Diaz
DBs- Terrell Buckley
DL- Odell Haggins

OR

DC/LBs- Greg Hudson
CBs- Terrell Buckley
S/ Special teams- Manny Diaz
DL- Odell Haggins

Is TCU’s d-coordinator a guy we’re looking at? I know they had one of the best D’s in the country last year, but I don’t remember us talking about the guy Bumpas too much. Anyway, they’re coming to slaughter UVa today and I’d be more than happy to take some notes on what he does if y’all think he’s a guy we could be looking at.

What do you guys think about Tyrone Nix from Ole Miss(use to be South Carolina D-Coor.) replacing Mickey as D-coor.

I am going to beat this drum until somebody hear me!!!

Tyrone Nix is young and he knows how the recruit the GA. area well

Having spoken to some former players, I can reasonably conclude that Baby Ruth bars are more effective motivating tools than whatever Jody Allen attempts to provide
“Hey You Guys!!!” would be the new rally call to pump up the kick coverage teams.

First of all, Tyrone Nix’s next stop is head coach (coughLouisvillecough). Good call though.

Keep Mario Cristobal in mind too guys. He is turning it around at FIU, but if he doesnt make it happen, he would be a helluva hire for us at DC.

 Bottom line: JF needs to have the authority to bring his D-staff in NOW before more recruits decommit. Mickey is not coaching DBs and he’s not recruiting Defensive players either. Coley, Fisher, and Haggins are doing the most of the work there.

Look for JF to make a hire soon. Probably bring in Diaz/ Peveto/ Hudson in now, or get the word out that JF is going after Kirby Smart on the recruiting trail so some AL commits start looking at FSU seriously.

No surprise , but he also personally recruited Jacobbi McDaniel and Greg Reid to come to Alabama.