The more I look at it, the more I think Tom Herman might be a particularly good fit. I know you have him on the list, but his name doesn't seem to be getting much, if any, discussion here or elsewhere. He's 39, seems like a really smart (literally, a Mensa member), well-spoken guy, and gives off the same kind of class vibe that UVA likes and that you see with Bennett, O'Connor, etc. He's got a very successful offensive system - a no-huddle, spread "Jet" offense. He's been at Ohio State for the last three years under Urban Meyer. Another key factor: He also was OC/QB at Rice, where ran top 10 national offenses in a high-academic environment. Things I've read suggest he's one of those top assistants who is "ready to run a program," which could mean nothing, but I take to mean that he's considered well prepared for the management aspects of the job, not just for calling plays. I believe he's also considered a good recruiter. He really seems to check off just about every box I can think of and just feels like someone who would fit into UVA's preferred mold.
I loathe all things Ohio State Buckeyes, and that bias led me to kind of subconsciously dismiss Herman from Virginia's search (even though I included him on The List). But Midlohoo's post rattled the cage a bit, and I went to work finding some reading materials on Herman.
Here's what I'll be reading today. I hope that you'll join me!
Mensa member, sounds good to me. Probably can count how much time is left in a half and how many timeouts remain.
ReplyDeleteCan he count to eleven? That's another good one.
DeleteI don't pretend to know a lot about any of these coaching candidates, but the fact that this guy is smart just makes him exciting. Common sense goes a lot further than I feel like most people think.
ReplyDelete"I loathe all things Ohio State Buckeyes..."
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"...and that bias led me to kind of subconsciously dismiss Herman from Virginia's search (even though I included him on The List)..."
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"But Midlohoo's post rattled the cage a bit"
Check.
I would love to find a similar coach to Tony Bennett, a good "chessplayer" that gives us a competitive advantage strategically due to a system that has proven itself. But, given London is perceived as a good recruiter and good face of the program, I don't want us to abandon placing competitive value on a personable salesman as well.
I'm tired of people saying he's a great recruiter. If London was a great recruiter he would have seen that he has no QB, no OL, etc. talent? Yes, he has gotten 3 five star recruits. Only 1 has done anything and that is Quin B. Just accept the fact that UVA needs a new head coach. When you hire the right HC winning will bring in recruits. You don't have to have a top 10 class, the right coaches will make players better and want to win. I said it last yr on this blog he should have been gone last season. He's a great guy but not a great coach.
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