I think our only chance with a decent hire is one of these names rolling the dice on putting themselves in a position for a HC gig. Or Dooley convincing a candidate that he has this team in place for 9+ wins this year. To be honest, im not even that excited at the potential of Steele being our DC.
Posted this on TOOS, but I'll repeat the question here. Here's what worries me about Steele: October 15, 2011 @ 2-10 Maryland: 45 points allowed October 22, 2011 vs 7-6 UNC: 38 points allowed October 29, 2011 @ 8-5 Georgia Tech: 31 points allowed November 5, 2011 BYE November 12, 2011 vs 6-7 Wake Forest: 28 points allowed November 19, 2011 @ 8-5 NC State: 37 points allowed November 26, 2011 vs 11-2 USC: 34 points allowed Anybody have a reason as to why this shouldn't be cause for serious concern?
Another way to look at it is that they have nothing to lose. If everything goes to shit than everyone will blame Dooley but if things are better than they look like the reason for the improvement. Guys like Shannon and Steele won't have trouble finding work when Dooley gets fired so they'll find work regardless of what happens. Either guy should demand total control of the defense if they take the job.
Steele seems like an okay hire at best. I know very little about what he's working with though at Clemson.
He followed one of the best defensive coordinators in the country, was mediocre his first year, and was very good his second year. This year, he's completely shut down Virginia Tech twice and allowed a whole ton of points against some mediocre teams. They did change offensive systems, so it's possible that this is because a fast-paced offense is just giving the other team a lot more possessions than usual. But the numbers this year sure don't look good.
Steele or Shannon? They seem to be the choices according to those "in the know" over yonder. Who do we want? Who do we get?
Shannon and its not even close I still think we're limited on who will want to come here. I see both as long shots.
The question is whether the track meet-style offense contributed to that or whether the defense was just marginal