Any regrets for Stricklin?

[MSUCE99]

At this point, does anyone else wonder if Stricklin already regrets going for the easy hire in Mullen instead of going after a JoMo or a Willie Taggert? It sounds like both are crushing recruiting compared to the Country Club, and based on interviews I've heard, I feel AT LEAST as comfortable with JoMo's coaching ability as I did Dan's.

I just wonder how much heat will be on in Florida before Dan ever coaches his first game. Any buyer's remorse for Stricklin when he sees what the neighbors have in their garages?

 

[xxxWalkTheDawg]

Don’t know about Stricklin, but there is some worry on the recruiting front in FL.

[FONT=&quot][h=4]ColombianGator 33 posts[/h]<time datetime="1523815509" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-left: 8px; font-size: 12px;">17 hours ago</time>[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]I know Clemson/FSU/OK got some really solid commitments this weekend and we haven't gotten anything (yet), but what Dan did accumulating such a crazy list of visitors and creating such an amazing spring game turnout/ atmosphere in combination with what he has had to do with this team in order to transform it into one thats ready to be competitive is really impressive. Patience is key and things will begin to unfold. there's no need to be so excited about one thing one weekend and think the world is ending all in the matter of 48 hours. Things are looking up guys and gals.

Slow start? Check
Word patience making an appearance as it refers to recruiting? Check
Dont jump to conclusions about a big recruiting weekend not getting any big commits? Check
Fanbase getting impatient with recruiting? Check
[/FONT]

 

[HumpDawgy]

We will have to wait and see how good JoMo's gameday coaching is as a HC of a division I program, but I like what I have seen (and heard) from him so far. As for Dandy Dan, I hope him and the cheerleader lose every game and are run out of town before the end of the season. Other than that, best of luck shitheads.

 

[patdog]

We will have to wait and see how good JoMo's gameday coaching is as a HC of a division I program,

It can't be much worse than Don's. He did a lot of good things at MSU and he had some really good offenses, but game management and play-calling weren't his strengths.

 

[Digging dog]

It can't be much worse than Don's. He did a lot of good things at MSU and he had some really good offenses, but game management and play-calling weren't his strengths.

Maybe a QB run on 4th and short to throw off the opposing defense. *****

 

[HumpDawgy]

I'm gonna miss the fake punts and awful squib kickoffs the most.

 

[Philly Dawg]

Mullen not a good play caller? What did he do well? Or was any success we had totally in spite of him?

 

[thf24]

I think it's a little early for as strong a word as "regret," but if I were Stricklin, I'd be a little worried at this point that the same old patterns seem to be taking shape despite the supposed upgrade in natural recruiting advantage.

 

[Tigr2ndbase]

While I don’t wish bad on anyone and I’m grateful for what Mullen did to build us up, I laughed my butt off at the kicker missing the first FG attempt under Mullen. My wife is a gator. She looked at me and said here we go. Haha.

 

[HueFreeze]

things mullen did well, IMO


1) redshirted despite talent ...first time in MSU history focus was laid on depth rather than results
2) he played not to lose in every game ...this rubs people the wrong way because you are out of most games you have to use trickery to win, ala big plays
3) he recruited well for himself ...he took kids that had talent and loved msu would work hard or kids that would work hard and listen to coaching ...not 100% but more than not

 

[patdog]

He recruited well, prepared his teams to play well, and developed players well. He IS the reason we've been to 8 straight bowl games. But his playcalling was pretty predictable at times, especially in the tough games. And his decision to pull Fitzgerald in the South Alabama game is inexplicable.

 

[5049]

It can't be much worse than Don's. He did a lot of good things at MSU and he had some really good offenses, but game management and play-calling weren't his strengths.

When he was relaxed, his play calling was great. Even in the big games, he'd have stretches where he'd call a great game, but by that time, outcome was decided and we were in too big of a hole

That said, he needed to delegate the playcalling if he ever wanted to reach the next level, because like you say, he bungled the clock and other things too, the garbage TDs right before halftime come to mind

 

[the dog is on the loose]

For all of the good and number of wins Mullen had at state I’ve often wandered how many games he actually cost us from bad play calling,letting better players sit on the bench while his loyalty to seniors let the lesser talented ones play,letting us get beat by ole miss because he was too busy thinking of which next job he was going to take,etc,etc.

 

[Center Z]

I still like Mullen but Stricklin can kiss my ***.

I am happy with where we are headed with Moorhead, and Mullen got us out of the stone age. Plus Mullen left us in a pretty good situation. That said, I knew Stricklin was a failure after he struck out on his first few candidates at Florida and just called Mullen. I sensed desperation in that move. Desperation is not the mark of a premier AD as Stricklin thinks himself to be (and others think him to be). Over time Stricklin's weaknesses will become more apparent at Florida. He is a compromising *****.

 

[maroonmania]

Not sure about Taggert, given he had success at USF and already had the Oregon gig, but doubt Stricklin would be feeling regret on JoMo because I'm sure he felt a lot of pressure being at UF to hire a sitting head coach with a track record and he got that with Mullen. Would not have gotten that with Moorhead. The 2 primary things that limited Mullen's success, outside of gameday decisions, were his CC staff's average recruiting efforts on players they had to really compete for and his inability to keep any continuity with a DC. Not sure how long Grantham will stay on but I don't look for the recruiting efforts to be much better than they were at MSU, although they might get a few more elite players just because its UF and Florida being filled with so many top prospects. At MSU Mullen was a high floor, low ceiling coach for the most part which was celebrated here but won't be at UF. They want someone to truly compete for NCs every year which I don't see. UF will be competing for the SEC East every year though because of the general suckage of the SEC East.

 

[HumpDawgy]

Mullen will be successful next year for one main reason. He took Grantham with him, Grantham is an IB who can coach and Florida has talent on D. I can't see his offense moving the ball much on Georgia. What is funny is that all the other head coaches in the East are former defensive coordinators. They will have no trouble figuring out which formation he will run the read option out of.


Florida fans should go ahead and count the Florida State game as a loss each year since he will be on the phone that week with Notre Dame, Penn State, Michigan, Ohio State, etc. Whichever of those teams looking for a HC.

 

[Dawgzilla]

Just about everything off the field, he did well. He was not meeting our expectations in recruiting, but he was bringing in legit SEC talent that was a cut above what other coaches have done here. His recruiting is the reason we are all so excited about the upcoming season. He promoted the program for the fans, he kept disciplinary problems to a minimum, he developed players, he game planned pretty well, he even usually scripted the first opening offensive plays pretty well...but once the whistle blew, all bets were off.

 

[civildawg88]

I saw a podcast link on the rant that ripped Mullen for the spring game. Seems like some of their fans did not like what they saw at the spring game.

 

[thekimmer]

At this point, does anyone else wonder if Stricklin already regrets going for the easy hire in Mullen instead of going after a JoMo or a Willie Taggert? It sounds like both are crushing recruiting compared to the Country Club, and based on interviews I've heard, I feel AT LEAST as comfortable with JoMo's coaching ability as I did Dan's.

I just wonder how much heat will be on in Florida before Dan ever coaches his first game. Any buyer's remorse for Stricklin when he sees what the neighbors have in their garages?

I don't think he regrets hiring mullins. I think he was relieved to have had him available as an emergency guy when he missed on his top targets. I think his only twinge of regret is that he had to torch his relationship with his alma mater primarily because his wife's father is an MSU legend and still resides in Vegas. I do think he will sweat a bit until mullins turns out a winner because his fate at UF is 100% dependent on mullins success. If mullins fails, he will go with him.

When UF comes to town this fall hopefully it will be an uncomfortable, humiliating experience for both he and mullins.

 

[blacklistedbully]

I suspect he'll be competing for 2nd place in the East with SCar and UT. Wouldn't surprise me if he has to also battle with UK, maybe Mizzou.

UGA looks like they're about to go on a tear. Great coaching and they are recruiting lights-out.

 

[patdog]

I think he'll be a pretty consistent 2nd in the East. Finishing 2nd to UGA won't be real good for job security at Florida though.

 

[BossDawg78]

prepared his teams to play well,

Mullen? I can think of quite a few times he evidently had better things to do than prepare his team.

 

[TrueMaroonGrind]

View attachment 10027

 

[HumpDawgy]

With Georgia and FSU being the gators rivals and both are recruiting well, and Mullen not being a great "rivalry" coach, I don't foresee happiness in Gainesvilletown. He couldn't beat Bama here, so I don't believe he will ever beat Bama Lite (Gawga).

 

[maroonmania]

I don't think he regrets hiring mullins. I think he was relieved to have had him available as an emergency guy when he missed on his top targets. I think his only twinge of regret is that he had to torch his relationship with his alma mater primarily because his wife's father is an MSU legend and still resides in Vegas. I do think he will sweat a bit until mullins turns out a winner because his fate at UF is 100% dependent on mullins success. If mullins fails, he will go with him.

When UF comes to town this fall hopefully it will be an uncomfortable, humiliating experience for both he and mullins.

I'm not really even sure he regrets that anymore. Given the texts made public between Mullins and TN its pretty obvious that Stricklin stole Don from TN much more than he did from MSU. DM was not going to stay at MSU regardless because he was still pissed at the MSU administration's demands following the 2015 season (resulting in no contract extension). Mullins would have left in 2016 but he had a losing season.

 

[5049]

Deep down, Loaferz is still pulling for MSU. I know it is not popular, but he left MSU at the right time, he had run his course, how he gets to continue his career elsewhere and he's out of our hair. In hindsight, him hiring Mittens also made us look better, spared us the embarrassment of losing a coach to Tennessee. I don't wish total failure on either of them, but I don't wish them success either, really I hope both do just well enough to keep their jobs, which they will.

I hope Loaferz makes a lot of money, then eventually moves back to Jackson and spends it there

I think when it all plays out, and JoMo is done doing his thing, we'll all see that it was for the best

 

[fishwater99]

Deep down, Loaferz is still pulling for MSU. I know it is not popular, but he left MSU at the right time, he had run his course, how he gets to continue his career elsewhere and he's out of our hair. In hindsight, him hiring Mittens also made us look better, spared us the embarrassment of losing a coach to Tennessee. I don't wish total failure on either of them, but I don't wish them success either, really I hope both do just well enough to keep their jobs, which they will.

I hope Loaferz makes a lot of money, then eventually moves back to Jackson and spends it there

I think when it all plays out, and JoMo is done doing his thing, we'll all see that it was for the best

Where you cheerleaders together at PREP?

 

[5049]

Where you cheerleaders together at PREP?

Bro I'm Brandon (Pinelake) all the way

 

[RocketDawg]

I don't mind Stricklin leaving and don't really hold any animosity toward him ... never cared that much for him anyway. Can't really blame him since he doubled his salary, or so I've heard. I think we came out a lot better with Cohen.

 

[MSUCE99]

I'm wondering if, after hiring the "proven head coach" Mullen, (who by now seems to have a recruiting governor in place), is Stricklin second-guessing his strategy and beginning to wish he'd gone after Moorhead or Taggert instead, or even someone else who might be able to lure in recruits with more star power.

 

[5049]

I'm wondering if, after hiring the "proven head coach" Mullen, (who by now seems to have a recruiting governor in place), is Stricklin second-guessing his strategy and beginning to wish he'd gone after Moorhead or Taggert instead, or even someone else who might be able to lure in recruits with more star power.

I can't believe he whiffed on Chip Kelly, who also, from reports, has a governor in place. However, he's a better XO coach than Mullen to make up for it, and Flarrda recruits itself

 

[blacklistedbully]

Will be interesting to see how it turns out. UT has talent, so will Pruiit and staff be able to coach them up? I'm not as sold on SCar & Muschamp as a lot of folks. Thought they were overrated last year. But Muschamp is getting some talent, and the state has plenty, if they can keep Clemson from getting all the best.

I don't think UK will ever be great, but they can be decent. And if Dan keeps gets his *** handed to him in-state with recruiting (I think he will), I won't expect UF to be great either.

As you have said, the natives in Gainesville will grow restless quickly if Dan can't get them at least looking like they could win the division, and for sure testy if he doesn't actually win the East soon.

 

[greenbean.sixpack]

Bro I'm Brandon (Pinelake) all the way

but, do you even Hartfield?

 

[RocketDawg]

I suppose Kelly was a died-in-the-wool West Coast guy, he's making $6M per year at UCLA, and he doesn't have to compete in the SEC.

 

[Philly Dawg]

He was a good play caller which was really emphasized when he had a bad day at it. When he did, it was usually by being too conservative, which I see as his biggest weakness.

 

[bruiser.sixpack]

I can't believe he whiffed on Chip Kelly, who also, from reports, has a governor in place. However, he's a better XO coach than Mullen to make up for it, and Flarrda recruits itself

Ah yes. There was a time when Florida, Miami and Florida State controlled ALL the state of Florida. Not any more. Those 3 have to compete with UGA, Auburn, Ala, LSU, Clemson, Michigan, Ohio State, Louisville, Florida Atlantic, Florida International, Central Florida, South Florida, and to a small degree, Tennessee, Mississippi, Mississippi State and South Carolina for players.

Mullen ain’t getting what UF used to get just because the name of the school is Florida.

Times have changed.

 

[JoMo MoJo]

Mullen? I can think of quite a few times he evidently had better things to do than prepare his team.

Especially concerning Merlin’s last two years, his offenses tended to not show up till the 2Q. I can think of several games where the entire team seemed to still be asleep in the 1Q.

 

[Todd4State]

I can't believe he whiffed on Chip Kelly, who also, from reports, has a governor in place. However, he's a better XO coach than Mullen to make up for it, and Flarrda recruits itself

Florida badly mishandled that situation. They let the cat out of the bag too soon by getting rid of McElwain and it allowed UCLA to steal him.

 

[thekimmer]

I definitely agree that mullins was leaving regardless....

I'm not really even sure he regrets that anymore. Given the texts made public between Mullins and TN its pretty obvious that Stricklin stole Don from TN much more than he did from MSU. DM was not going to stay at MSU regardless because he was still pissed at the MSU administration's demands following the 2015 season (resulting in no contract extension). Mullins would have left in 2016 but he had a losing season.

But even so, the optics of hiring State's popular and successful HC from his former employer, and alma mater to boot, before his chair in the AD office got cold was still going to destroy any goodwill remaining between the two.

I mean think about it. Because of our history, MSU fans are very sensitive about how most of the SEC treats us like a doormat and now one of our own goes to one of the big boys and right out off the bat does the same thing.

I believe stickands had to realize that and I am sure he regretted it at some level although obviously not enough to dissuade him. But true enough, merlinz was outta here anyways.

 

[MSUDC11]

There are a lot of good things about Mullen, but the bad stuff is infuriating. The Bama game last year is a perfect example. I thought he called a fantastic game for three and a half quarters, but man did he look clueless down the stretch.

At the end of the day, he left a school where we might have had job security for life to go to a place that won’t be interested in 8-4. State fans and alumni are much more forgiving than UF supporters.