 |
| Brennan Carroll(Photo Credit: Cane Insider) |
Written By: Nathan Skinner
Canes Rising Contributor
Coming into this season, rational observers wanted to see the 'Canes improve as the season progressed, and become a consistent, well coached football team. On Saturday, the 'Canes looked awful, losing to inept Virginia. The same Miami team that dominated North Carolina, Cincinnati and Virginia Tech couldn't put up a fight against a team that had lost four games in a row. The inconsistency of this team points to a staff that has too many weak links. If Al Golden wants to be the head man for the long haul, he has to make major changes.
Coaches on the Hot Seat
1. Brennan Carroll--If anyone could explain what this coach brings to the table, I'd like to hear it. Carroll is energetic and a fun twitter follow, but he doesn't do much else. He isn't a dynamic recruiter, he is an awful tactician, and he doesn't teach. Carroll's receiver corps have been awful in regards to the fundamentals all season. Philip Dorset can't run crisp routes, Stacy Coley struggles to make simple catches, and none of the receivers can block. If Brennan's last name wasn't Carroll, he would have been fired a long time ago. The fact that he's been here this long is troubling, and needs to be corrected.
Desired Replacement: George McDonald
McDonald has coached at Miami before, and he was an excellent receivers coach. He is an outstanding teacher, and a solid recruiter. He left Miami to become the Offensive Coordinator at Syracuse, which didn't work out. That failure doesn't change the fact that he's a drastic upgrade over Carroll. He fits Miami's budget, and would be able to hit the ground running.
2. Jethro Franklin--Miami doesn't have elite talent on the defensive line, but there's more than enough talent for Franklin to work with. The Miami D-Line has been awful during his tenure, they can't stop the run, or rush the passer. Franklin's group rarely wins individual battles, rarely shows a grasp of fundamental concepts, and the talented players don't develop. Tyriq McCord is still a mere edge rusher, he hasn't learned to use his hands and long arms to keep opposing linemen at bay. Anthony Chickillo has gotten bigger and stronger, but still doesn't have an array of moves to make up for his lack of top end athleticism. Elite recruits see that the Miami D-Line is one of the worst coached groups in the country. If Miami is to become relevant again, this has to change.
Desired Replacement: John Palermo
Palermo is another retread like McDonald, but he's another solid coach who fits the program. Palermo was a member of a failed staff, but that shouldn't overshadow how good he was as the D-Line coach. The line showed massive improvement during his Miami tenure, and his resume is outstanding. Palermo is currently at Pitt, Miami should be able to poach him, if so inclined. While he isn't a strong recruiter, he's an outstanding teacher. There are enough recruiters on the staff, this position group needs a tactician and motivator.
3. James Coley--Miami can no longer afford to allow Coley to learn on the job. While he's an outstanding recruiter, and a decent playcaller, Miami is not getting a good return on their investment. If Coley wasn't one of the highest paid assistants in Miami history, it would be easier to justify his struggles. Miami should look to find a talented playcaller, while finding a new role for Coley. Coley's recruiting prowess and energy are sorely needed on this staff.
Desired Replacement: Lincoln Riley
Riley is a young, energetic coach who is a rising star in the profession. East Carolina has one of the most dynamic offenses in the country and Riley oversees it. He hasn't been an offensive coordinator in a power conference, but he has called outstanding games against power conference teams. He isn't afraid to take chances, and he has shown an ability to develop difference making passers. His pass first, run never philosophy isn't my cup of tea, but I think he will adjust once he sees the running back talent Miami possesses. A drawback to hiring Riley is that he's most likely a head coach in 2 years or less but that shouldn't stop Miami from making a major push for his services.
4. Mark D'Onofrio--It's obvious that Al Golden has been managing the defense over the last 6 weeks, this defense has looked totally different. D'Onofrio has struggled to formulate coherent, sensible gameplans. D'Onofrio is a close friend of Al Golden, but it's obvious that he is far too conservative to be a viable coordinator. D'Onofrio would make a fine linebackers coach at Miami, but it's safe to say that he won't take a demotion. Al Golden could be his own defensive coordinator but that would add to an already heavy workload.
Desired Replacement: Will Muschamp/D.J. Durkin
Muschamp is the best defensive coordinator available, he will be offered by a ton of schools. Will was a failure as a head coach, but he is one of the best defensive minds in America, and his defenses are fast and aggressive. Muschamp uses a variety of fronts, which should appeal to Al Golden who may be apprehensive about hiring someone who has a differing defensive philosophy. The one drawback with Muschamp is that he will command a salary in excess of 1 million dollars, which is out of Miami's price range. D.J. Durkin would be a very good Plan B, he is a coach on the rise. He was the lead assistant under Muschamp and was the defensive coordinator for the Gators. He didn't call every defensive play, but he was a major voice on the team, and in the defensive meeting rooms. Durkin adds additional value as a elite recruiter, and special teams coach.
Posts
