Mike Norvell

Ole Cabbagehead

All-American
Apr 21, 2011
8,075
6,323
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Money talks. If you are willing to spend the money, you have a shot to get the coach. Norvell is not Saban. He is an AAC coach who has been passed up for other jobs already. You have to try. He would be a home run hire if they could get him.
 

We Are RU

Sophomore
Aug 16, 2002
1,216
182
63
This is a really exciting game between Memphis and SMU. The Memphis QB is real solid and has poise.
 

Mr. Magoo1

Heisman
Nov 15, 2001
15,465
16,309
113
This game is entertaining but it’s awful football. One missed tackle after another and tons of penalties. It’s like the defenders have to play without arms. Terrible.
 

rbled

Heisman
Sep 14, 2007
6,023
18,922
77
Fun game if you like scoring. Awful if you appreciate good defense :eek:
 

Captain Hogleg

All-Conference
Jan 26, 2006
3,131
4,226
68
I’m sorry Cali, but you’re so uninformed and off the mark it incredible.

His reaction has little to do with football. He’s constantly complaining Schiano and Mulcahy siphoned funds from lacrosse. He’s afraid it will happen again. Frankly, it may have at the time but it’s a short sighted reaction under current circumstances. Rutgers needs football to succeed or at least be representing the school in a much higher manner. Lacrosse will ultimately benefit from this as well
 

RUDave_01

All-Conference
Dec 8, 2002
1,740
2,025
113
It was an entertaining game (though maybe not the cleanest with the mistakes on the field). I'd love to have excitement like that on game days in Piscataway.

There was one thing that I noticed that the announcers didn't say anything about: Just prior to SMU scoring their last TD, the receiver ran out of bounds with about 2:30 left in the game. The clock stopped temporarily and then restarted (as it would when you get a first down in college). I thought that if the ball is run out of bounds, the clock will not restart until the ball is snapped.... did anyone else see this? Ultimately, it didn't factor in since SMU didn't get the onside kick, but it may have left enough time to force Memphis to punt one last time.
 

devoted2ru

All-Conference
Nov 27, 2006
5,432
2,796
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An interesting tidbit about Norvell is that even though he's been extended twice by Memphis; the 1st being a 5 yr., 13 million dollar deal, (not sure about the numbers on the 2nd), his contract buyout still remains only $500,000 dollars.

Of course, the buyout money is chump change compared to what any school would have to offer to counter the extensions, plus he apparently genuinely loves living in the southern part of the country.

So unless RU is willing to pony up MAJOR money for this guy, I think Norvell would be almost a next to impossible get. (And even if a ton of money was thrown his way, it might not be enough to make Norvell want to leave a situation he appears extremely comfortable with in order to face the challenges he'd have to deal with here at Rutgers.)
 
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HeavenUniv.

Heisman
Sep 21, 2004
135,536
16,404
0
Rutgersguy, I meant a “good run” not a good running back. I suppose I could check their old records but I think it was somewhere between late 60s and mid 70s.
 

HeavenUniv.

Heisman
Sep 21, 2004
135,536
16,404
0
Just checked, between 1969 and 1976, they had five seasons of seven or more wins and this was when schools only played ten or eleven game seasons.
 

Bryan_Moss

All-American
Staff member
Jun 9, 2003
15,774
8,815
113
I cover Memphis for Rivals but Rutgers is my team (I'm a Jersey guy). Norvell would be a home run hire. He makes a tad over $3 Million after bonuses. He loves Memphis. I was surprised he didn't leave for Arkansas when Morris got it. He went to college at Central Arkansas.

Memphis fans know Norvell will leave. It's just a matter of time. It would take a lot for him to leave. Just my guess (no inside info) it take at least $5 Million to pry him away from Memphis.

He's a GREAT recruiter. It takes a great recruiter to steal two 4* recruits in Nashville a few years ago (OL Eze, CB Carter). Both had legit SEC offers.

Another guy on Memphis' staff that will be a HC sooner rather than later is OL Coach Ryan Silverfield. He was the main recruiter for both 4*'s.

While Norvell to RU would be my dream hire, I'm not confident RU is smart enough to go after him.
 

Yeah Baby

All-American
Aug 14, 2001
19,261
6,466
0
We definitely need a solid DC. Leach coaches teams would not fare will in the BIG East though I think he would win 5-8 every year. If we have a great Offense and a very good Defense we can compete. Or like MSU, Wisconsin, Iowa and others a great defense and a decent offense and you can compete.
 

BoogieKnight

Heisman
Oct 15, 2007
70,879
17,348
82
I cover Memphis for Rivals but Rutgers is my team (I'm a Jersey guy). Norvell would be a home run hire. He makes a tad over $3 Million after bonuses. He loves Memphis. I was surprised he didn't leave for Arkansas when Morris got it. He went to college at Central Arkansas.

Memphis fans know Norvell will leave. It's just a matter of time. It would take a lot for him to leave. Just my guess (no inside info) it take at least $5 Million to pry him away from Memphis.

He's a GREAT recruiter. It takes a great recruiter to steal two 4* recruits in Nashville a few years ago (OL Eze, CB Carter). Both had legit SEC offers.

Another guy on Memphis' staff that will be a HC sooner rather than later is OL Coach Ryan Silverfield. He was the main recruiter for both 4*'s.

While Norvell to RU would be my dream hire, I'm not confident RU is smart enough to go after him.

Of course we aren’t. Let’s keep listening to NJ high school coaches’ opinions. You know, the same guys who do backflips when their kids go play at “big name” programs so they can brag about it and boost their own profile.
 
Dec 17, 2008
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We definitely need a solid DC. Leach coaches teams would not fare will in the BIG East though I think he would win 5-8 every year. If we have a great Offense and a very good Defense we can compete. Or like MSU, Wisconsin, Iowa and others a great defense and a decent offense and you can compete.
I don't think MSU/Wisconsin/Iowa is the avenue that will work for us....their style of offense isn't the type that is likely to work for a lower status team like ours IMO. It has to be some version of a spread. MSU/Wisconsin/Iowa is about as low down the college status totem pole you can go for a team to use that style of offense and have success while you can have teams all the way down in the G5 come up from time to time and lower status P5 teams having success with some sort of spread...path of least resistance.

I like Leach coaches but I've always said strong offense/at least mediocre defense is what I think that will help lift us. Otherwise you can have a KK type situation at TT....mind you even sometimes those teams can overcome a putrid defense but best not to have it be a detriment. So you have to have a good DC.

It's why I advocate for Littrell if a Norvell isn't realistic. He's coached in the B10 with Wilson as OC and they were successful making a top offense...Wilson had no defense until Allen came around but then he got let go and they took a step back. Now Allen brought in a new OC from Fresno State(via EMU, NAIA Sioux Falls) and the offense has improved and they're 7-2....not bad for lowly IU right.

I've mentioned this a zillion times here. Littrell has been OC at IU, Arizona, UNC and been successful at all of them at OC. UNC had their 11 win season with him as OC. He took over a 1 win UNT and got them to 3 straight bowls with 5, 9, 9 wins for the firs time ever in school history IIRC. First time HC, first time OC Graham Harrell and true freshman qb Mason Fine. Transitioned them from a pro style offense to a spread...first year offense very bad rankings in the 100s but 2nd and 3rd year rankings in the top 20s. This year with a new OC and some injuries taken a step back and 4-5 at the moment.

Off a down year is the time to strike. It's harder for a school like us to sniff guys off their peaks...of course you'd like that but you have to be realistic in what's possible. I look at a Gary Pinkel who was a very solid coach for Mizzou. He came from Toledo and had some good seasons and so so seasons. He was hired away off a 10 win season....but the year before he was 6-5 and so so in the MAC. If you had hired him off the 6-5 season would he have been any different a coach? No he would have still been the same solid coach he ended up being. That's my point with Littrell in this down year.

Get a Littrell reunion with Graham Harrell with the pretty good assumption Helton will be fired and have the budget for a DC like a Nick Howell from UVA or Jon Heacock of ISU or Adam Fuller from Memphis....co-DC Fran Brown and I'd be quite satisfied with a package of coaches like that to see what they can do.
 

Yeah Baby

All-American
Aug 14, 2001
19,261
6,466
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I don't think MSU/Wisconsin/Iowa is the avenue that will work for us....their style of offense isn't the type that is likely to work for a lower status team like ours IMO. It has to be some version of a spread. MSU/Wisconsin/Iowa is about as low down the college status totem pole you can go for a team to use that style of offense and have success while you can have teams all the way down in the G5 come up from time to time and lower status P5 teams having success with some sort of spread.

I like Leach coaches but I've always said strong offense/at least mediocre defense is what I think that will help lift us. Otherwise you can have a KK type situation at TT....mind you even sometimes those teams can overcome a putrid defense but best not to have it be a detriment. So you have to have a good DC.

It's why I advocate for Littrell if a Norvell isn't realistic. He's coached in the B10 with Wilson as OC and they were successful making a top offense...Wilson had no defense until Allen came around but then he got let go and they took a step back. Now Allen brought in a new OC from Fresno State(via EMU, NAIA Sioux Falls) and the offense has improved and they're 7-2....not bad for lowly IU right.

I've mentioned this a zillion times here. Littrell has been OC at IU, Arizona, UNC and been successful at all of them at OC. UNC had their 11 win season with him as OC. He took over a 1 win UNT and got them to 3 straight bowls with 5, 9, 9 wins for the firs time ever in school history IIRC. First time HC, first time OC Graham Harrell and true freshman qb Mason Fine. Transitioned them from a pro style offense to a spread...first year offense very bad rankings in the 100s but 2nd and 3rd year rankings in the top 20s. This year with a new OC and some injuries taken a step back and 4-5 at the moment.

Off a down year is the time to strike. It's harder for a school like us to sniff guys off their peaks...of course you'd like that but you have to be realistic in what's possible. I look at a Gary Pinkel who was a very solid coach for Mizzou. He came from Toledo and had some good seasons and so so seasons. He was hired away off a 10 win season....but the year before he was 6-5 and so so in the MAC. If you had hired him off the 6-5 season would he have been any different a coach? No he would have still been the same solid coach he ended up being. That's my point with Littrell in this down year.

Get a Littrell reunion with Graham Harrell with the pretty good assumption Helton will be fired and have the budget for a DC like a Nick Howell from UVA or Jon Heacock of ISU or Adam Fuller from Memphis....co-DC Fran Brown and I'd be quite satisfied with a package of coaches like that to see what they can do.
I’m not talking about styles. I’m talking about decent , good and very good offenses and defenses. A great Defense can compete with even just a decent offense. But in our division even a great offense will need a very good defense to compete. If we get to the level of very good on both sides we will be a Top 15 program. Just a great offense with our schedule and we’re probably just winning 5-8 games a year. Gotta have Defense too.
 
Dec 17, 2008
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I’m not talking about styles. I’m talking about decent , good and very good offenses and defenses. A great Defense can compete with even just a decent offense. But in our division even a great offense will need a very good defense to compete. If we get to the level of very good on both sides we will be a Top 15 program. Just a great offense with our schedule and we’re probably just winning 5-8 games a year. Gotta have Defense too.
I agree with that in general and I've always said that but I think style helps in achieving that. I don't know about top 15 but I think in the rankings every so often.

IU is in the top 30s or better in total/scoring offense this year...same for defense. DeBoer has made a good impact in his first season....we'll see if they can keep it up.
 

krup

Heisman
Feb 5, 2003
70,133
10,066
0
I’m not talking about styles. I’m talking about decent , good and very good offenses and defenses. A great Defense can compete with even just a decent offense. But in our division even a great offense will need a very good defense to compete. If we get to the level of very good on both sides we will be a Top 15 program. Just a great offense with our schedule and we’re probably just winning 5-8 games a year. Gotta have Defense too.
I just know that we need to stop playing football, on both sides of the ball, that requires winning head to head battles in the trenches.

We are never going to recruit the same level of OL and DL as four or five teams on our schedule, so we need coaches who can work around that,not beat their heads against the wall playing pro style.

it is one of the things that worries me about Schiano coming back.
 
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RutgersRockies

All-Conference
Jul 7, 2017
1,454
1,998
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It was an entertaining game (though maybe not the cleanest with the mistakes on the field). I'd love to have excitement like that on game days in Piscataway.

There was one thing that I noticed that the announcers didn't say anything about: Just prior to SMU scoring their last TD, the receiver ran out of bounds with about 2:30 left in the game. The clock stopped temporarily and then restarted (as it would when you get a first down in college). I thought that if the ball is run out of bounds, the clock will not restart until the ball is snapped.... did anyone else see this? Ultimately, it didn't factor in since SMU didn't get the onside kick, but it may have left enough time to force Memphis to punt one last time.
In college, the clock winds on set on OB except in the final two minutes of the half.
 

Musteng

Redshirt
Jan 21, 2010
4,503
44
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I expected that last time when they hired Morris. But this time would he go there if they fire Morris after only two years? Also does Arkansas fire Morris after two years while they’re in the middle of fighting Bielema for the 7.7M he’s still owed. If I’m a coach those two things could be a possible red flag to stay away.
I believe he is a Central Arkansas Alum and Arkansas is his dream job.
 

greenknight

Heisman
Sep 1, 2001
20,719
12,500
113
RU is just a tough place. Football should 100% excel here the problem is NJ just eats it's own. The politics involved to just let a coach be successful is off the hook stupid
This place is akin what's happening in DC right now. You want to be Ohio State you have to your coach coach and we cant seem to allow that to happen here. Too many people seem to want to get there grubby hands involved in derailing any positives
 
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Jun 7, 2001
35,885
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Money talks. If you are willing to spend the money, you have a shot to get the coach. Norvell is not Saban. He is an AAC coach who has been passed up for other jobs already. You have to try. He would be a home run hire if they could get him.

Memphis is supported by Fred Smith, the CEO of Fedex. They have more money than we do. Norvell would leave for a plum job, not a Rutgers job. This is a huge rebuild which coaches with choices want no part of.
 
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Yeah Baby

All-American
Aug 14, 2001
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I just know that we need to stop playing football, on both sides of the ball, that requires winning head to head battles in the trenches.

We are never going to recruit the same level of OL and DL as four or five teams on our schedule, so we need coaches who can work around that,not beat their heads against the wall playing pro style.

it is one of the things that worries me about Schiano coming back.
But Schiano was at his best when we were an undersized and undermanned Defense in 2006. So much fun to watch. All 11 (really around 20) players did their jobs.

if you’re worried about Offense I think we were much better while he was here than since he left. We probably do need to scheme more but I’m okay with a balanced Offense that sustains drives and scores just enough point to win but blows out lesser teams at times.

I think he can win pretty quickly with his style if he brings a solid OC. Hopefully he has learned enough from Urban to take us to the next level too. If he comes that is.
 

Ole Cabbagehead

All-American
Apr 21, 2011
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Memphis is supported by Fred Smith, the CEO of Fedex. They have more money than we do. Norvell would leave for a plum job, not a Rutgers job. This is a huge rebuild which coaches with choices want no part of.


Certainly, I understand the situation at Memphis. But as the Memphis rivals guy said, Norvell will leave there sooner than later. These guys all want to get to the Big Ten/SEC.

Wat you are saying is of course likely true. I think everyone understands that. But I don't understand how you and @bac2therac and others, go from that to "HIRE GREG NOW!" I will be perfectly content if they try to get/interview the following, and then hire Schiano:

Norvell
Clawson
Moorhead
Candle
Littrell

If you reach out to the other candidates who should be considered, and it winds up being Schiano, because the others aren't interested, or are interested and don't seem like a good fit, so be it. It drives me nuts this idea that "no one good will ever come here, so just take it on the chin and hire Schiano without even making an effort to do better."

That's it. No hate, just wanting the school to make the best possible hire.
 

RUPartisan

All-American
Dec 31, 2007
9,402
5,580
113
This should be our number one choice. Who cares about defense?!?! We have been an offensively starved team for almost a decade. College football is about scoring points and exciting offensive games. I would rather win 48-45 than 15-12.
 

tico brown

Heisman
Oct 16, 2005
44,104
14,125
93
Mississippi State put up 54 on Arkansas today. Announcers said the MS QB was healthy for the first time this year.
I thought that that Mississippi HC couldnt win a game like this according to some here lol?
 

Scarlet Blind_rivals

All-Conference
Aug 5, 2001
4,612
4,670
62
If we get Norvell, he puts us in the top half, 1-7, of coaches in the B1G. Schiano will only get us in the top half of the bottom 7, 8-11, of coaches, only thing that saves him is his recruiting, but he has had multiple games of better talent but losing based off coaching in game even in years 7-11. He never showed progress or improvement in that area.
 
Dec 17, 2008
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I believe he is a Central Arkansas Alum and Arkansas is his dream job.
I knew about the alma mater thing...that's why I thought they'd go for him instead of Morris a couple years ago. Don't know about the dream job stuff. Regardless, don't think it's unrealistic to think the Bielema severance dispute and firing Morris after 2 years (if they do) would give any prospective coach with options, Norvell included, pause.
 
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krup

Heisman
Feb 5, 2003
70,133
10,066
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But Schiano was at his best when we were an undersized and undermanned Defense in 2006. So much fun to watch. All 11 (really around 20) players did their jobs.

if you’re worried about Offense I think we were much better while he was here than since he left. We probably do need to scheme more but I’m okay with a balanced Offense that sustains drives and scores just enough point to win but blows out lesser teams at times.

I think he can win pretty quickly with his style if he brings a solid OC. Hopefully he has learned enough from Urban to take us to the next level too. If he comes that is.
That's my whole point. Schiano was at his best with an undersized defense when we were playing Big East teams that were undermanned in the trenches as well.

That isn't what we face now in a lot of our games in the Big Ten.

As far as offense goes, there aren't a lot of HCs that came from the defensive ranks who are running innovative offenses. They are too wrapped up in the worry that if the offense doesn't keep the defense off of the field enough they will wear out.
 
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ArminRU

Heisman
Aug 5, 2008
11,350
12,978
0
I cover Memphis for Rivals but Rutgers is my team (I'm a Jersey guy). Norvell would be a home run hire. He makes a tad over $3 Million after bonuses. He loves Memphis. I was surprised he didn't leave for Arkansas when Morris got it. He went to college at Central Arkansas.

Memphis fans know Norvell will leave. It's just a matter of time. It would take a lot for him to leave. Just my guess (no inside info) it take at least $5 Million to pry him away from Memphis.

He's a GREAT recruiter. It takes a great recruiter to steal two 4* recruits in Nashville a few years ago (OL Eze, CB Carter). Both had legit SEC offers.

Another guy on Memphis' staff that will be a HC sooner rather than later is OL Coach Ryan Silverfield. He was the main recruiter for both 4*'s.

While Norvell to RU would be my dream hire, I'm not confident RU is smart enough to go after him.

Could you see him ever coming to RU? Seems to me he can be selective and has a bigger job in his future.

Also, his recruiting expertise is not a good fit for RU. Would be better if he had experience in this area or FL.
 
Dec 17, 2008
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BTW not mentioned in that game is the continuous attacking mindset of offensive coaches like Norvell/Dykes and other offensive coaches out there which is something I like to see. Going for it on 4th down pushing the envelope.

That last TD by SMU down 8 they could have just gone for a typical extra point and been down 7 with an onsides kick coming up. If you happen to recover score a TD and then tie the game with an extra point and then go to OT.

Did Dykes do that? Nope he's like I'm gonna go for 2 now cut the lead to 6 and if I get the onsides kick and score a TD I can win it on the road with an extra point. If I miss this 2 point conversion I still have another chance to tie with a 2 point conversion on the 2nd TD and go to OT.

That pedal to the floor attitude you see often with some of these offensive coaches like Norvell, Dykes, Heupel, Riley, Leach, etc...is something I like. Sometimes it might bite you but I think more often you'll benefit from that attitude.
 
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krup

Heisman
Feb 5, 2003
70,133
10,066
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BTW not mentioned in that game is the continuous attacking mindset of offensive coaches like Norvell/Dykes and other offensive coaches out there which is something I like to see. Going for it on 4th down pushing the envelope.

That last TD by SMU down 8 they could have just gone for a typical extra point and been down 7 with an onsides kick coming up. If you happen to recover score a TD and then tie the game with an extra point and then go to OT.

Did Dykes do that? Nope he's like I'm gonna go for 2 now cut the lead to 6 and if I get the onsides kick and score a TD I can win it on the road with an extra point. If I miss this 2 point conversion I still have another chance to tie with a 2 point conversion on the 2nd TD and go to OT.

That pedal to the floor attitude you see often with some of these offensive coaches like Norvell, Dykes, Heupel, Riley, Leach, etc...is something I like. Sometimes it might bite you but I think more often you'll benefit from that attitude.
I bet that game just before it went off, and the line moved to 6 1/2 so I got burned by that 2 pt conversion.

While I was pissed i took a bad beat with how it ended, I was impressed as much as you were with the thought processes behind the move.
 
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