Shannon Finally Does Something Right

Randy Shannon's search for a Defensive Coordinator has finally concluding with the naming of Bill Young as the new coordinator. Despite the troubles Shannon seemed to have getting grounded and going after bigger names, Shannon's hire is probably the best thing he has done thus far as Miami coach. I haven't been impressed with Shannon thus far as Miami's coach, something our readers are painfully aware of. (nor am I impressed with the Miami program either at this stage) The bottom line is despite all the bravado coming from some Canes fans about recruiting, a look back at the rankings of some of Larry Coker's classes and how those five star recruits panned out reminds us that this is far from an exact science. Moreover Shannon's handling of Doug Wiggins situation, justified or not has closed the door on Miami getting future recruits from North Miami Beach High School and I have heard rumblings locally that the damage from the episode is far more extensive than just affecting UM's relationship with NMB. In addition, I believe any coach who doesn't know his personnel well enough to publicly consider 8-4 a failure when he has 4-8 talent is really naive and not ready for a job in a major conference. Couple that with Shannon's decision this offseason to ask the most experienced Quarterback and Running Back on the team to transfer and you have a 5-7 team quickly headed for 2-10 until Thursday.

Bill Young, the new Miami Defensive Coordinator is one of the best in the nation. He isn't flashy or headline grabbing like some other defensive coaches but clearly has a record of accomplishment few in the game currently can boast. His Ohio State defenses were always solid and producing NFL caliber players. At Southern Cal his defense made up for an inept offense that was run by Head Coach and supposed offensive genius Paul Hackett. At Kansas, his defense especially recently has played lights out.

I'm most impressed that Shannon whose vascilation about keeping coaches, his inconsistency in public statements about players and his general novice behavior on the job was able to land a coach of Young's stature and experience. His hiring instantly turns the UM staff from one of the worst if not the worst in ACC in terms of real experience, to a more seasoned and respectable group of coaches. His experience will help young coaches like Mike Barrow adjust to the ACC and the College game faster.

We heard names like Mark Stoops, Charlie Strong and Ron English linked with Miami. In Young, the Hurricanes got a more seasoned coach and better fit for this staff than anyone else linked with the job. For that Shannon deserves credit and a little less criticism from me for his previous foolish decisions. Perhaps he is growing into the job.