UPDATED: Grobe Not Taking Arkansas Coaching Job

we need GUS! Bring on Gus!  

I'm for Daryl Patton! Hire Patton!!  

I thought it was a good hire. I think it would have been for purposes of pulling the fan-base back together and integrity - W's, well, who knows until they play. I agree now that it's time to forget about getting an existing head coach and focus on quality assistants. If we'...  

I thought it was a good hire. I think it would have been for purposes of pulling the fan-base back together and integrity - W's, well, who knows until they play. I agree now that it's time to forget about getting an existing head coach and focus on quality assistants. If we're set on head coaches, how about the Boise State or TCU coach? What about the Cincinnati coach?
Incredible!   

Our coaching search is starting to become embarassing... We should not see anything in the paper or on a website until after the press conference. We are going to end up hiring our 5th or 6th choice???  

WHY can't we learn to keep our mouths shut until it's a DONE DEAL? People should know to keep it quiet until the contract is signed. Don't leak it out when an offer is made.  

I look at this story as unfortunate for Arkansas. Hopefully, there are viable candidates with interest in the job available. For the fans' sake, I hope a coach is named soon.  

I too am sick of this. We are getting punked by these coaches even worse that when we were trying to hire a basketball coach. Our whole state should be embarresed about this. And most of all how do you think the team feels when they are tryin to hold together for a bowl game...  

I too am sick of this. We are getting punked by these coaches even worse that when we were trying to hire a basketball coach. Our whole state should be embarresed about this. And most of all how do you think the team feels when they are tryin to hold together for a bowl game. And lastly if i was a recruit i would major concerened. If we are not careful we are going to get a class that would make UCA proud. And that is not a slap at UCA. What has happened to this program? We have had All americans, Heisman Trophy canidates, won conferance and National Championships. We are being treated like we are asking someone to come coach a NCAA Division 3 school in North Dakota. This is crazy!!!  

Now, that Grobe has turned down the Razorback Nation, will the Butch Davis offer gain momentum?  

I hate to say this. Be careful what you wish for. Flying banners over Razorback stadium degrading the coach gets around to other coaches. Any one that has time to do that needs to get a life and makes the university look like it has no class. If you get disgruntled with the...  

I hate to say this. Be careful what you wish for. Flying banners over Razorback stadium degrading the coach gets around to other coaches. Any one that has time to do that needs to get a life and makes the university look like it has no class. If you get disgruntled with the next coach(whoever and whenever that'll be), my advice is to stop buying tickets.  

More to the point, here in Chapel Hill, Davis accepted a small $290,000+ raise after only winning four games with the struggling UNC Heels, but he has not said no to Arkansas yet. In fact several Heel heavy hitters were upset that Davis even asked for a raise so soon, but t...  

More to the point, here in Chapel Hill, Davis accepted a small $290,000+ raise after only winning four games with the struggling UNC Heels, but he has not said no to Arkansas yet. In fact several Heel heavy hitters were upset that Davis even asked for a raise so soon, but the reality is AD, Dicky Baddour, was cya'ing his rep , but at only 2 million salary Butch is still out there for serious consideration.  

Butch Davis has already got his raise and extension from N.C. My hope is that we do not hear another name associated with the job until that person is standing beside Jeff Long at the Broyles Complex in front of the media. Dana Altman aside, I think that will convince me t...  

Butch Davis has already got his raise and extension from N.C. My hope is that we do not hear another name associated with the job until that person is standing beside Jeff Long at the Broyles Complex in front of the media. Dana Altman aside, I think that will convince me that we have a coach.

And I will stand behind whoever that is.  

Really now, Butch Davis has walked away before shortly after signing on the dotted line, think back to his past exit from the U to go to the NFL, he's got and agent, and that agent's job is to get ole' Butchy the best payday, and of course he's an Arkansas alum and friend of...  

Really now, Butch Davis has walked away before shortly after signing on the dotted line, think back to his past exit from the U to go to the NFL, he's got and agent, and that agent's job is to get ole' Butchy the best payday, and of course he's an Arkansas alum and friend of the AD.  

This is getting ridiculous. These coaches that have turned down the job are only using us as a stepladder to get a pay raise. Plus, why would we extend offers to 2 coaches that do not have SEC ties or even ties recruiting in the south? At this point, I say forget hiring a he...  

This is getting ridiculous. These coaches that have turned down the job are only using us as a stepladder to get a pay raise. Plus, why would we extend offers to 2 coaches that do not have SEC ties or even ties recruiting in the south? At this point, I say forget hiring a head coach and go for an assistant. There are more proven assistants than either Bowden or Grobe. What are the BOT and AD thinking? Their not, plain and simple. Does anyone know how much money we are wasting flying all over the country in our Cessna? Just taking off from the runway is more than likely 20% of what we are offering these coaches in a contract. I beg the BOT and Jeff Long to break out the checkbook and hire a "proven" coach or an up and coming assistant. We have 9 days left in the recruiting period, with one of our highest rated classes just waiting in the wings to take what little talent we have annually coming out of the state. UNREAL!!  

So, how much is Razorback Nation willing to ante up for a National Champ winning Coach like Butch Davis, one who has Arkansas ties, and a great staff that is recruiting well? I heard that Grobe was told he'd have to buy out his old Wake Forest contract, now that's certainly...  

So, how much is Razorback Nation willing to ante up for a National Champ winning Coach like Butch Davis, one who has Arkansas ties, and a great staff that is recruiting well? I heard that Grobe was told he'd have to buy out his old Wake Forest contract, now that's certainly no way to win a good coach catch over to your side.  

Joe, not enough apparently. He has been my pick all along. Proven winner, proven recruiter, southern ties, already won a title (and would've won another had he not left the Canes to go to the NFL, which Coker won with Davis's recruits) and the list goes on & on.   

Good Lord! We're throwing money at these coaches! Money is obviously not the issue. All these coaches LIKE where they are. Why in the world would any of them come here just to deal with a schizophrenic fan base that will never be happy with 8,9, or 10 win seasons? I don...  

Good Lord! We're throwing money at these coaches! Money is obviously not the issue. All these coaches LIKE where they are. Why in the world would any of them come here just to deal with a schizophrenic fan base that will never be happy with 8,9, or 10 win seasons? I don't care how much money you offer a current head coach (Grobe is making 1.1 million at Wake...how much does any coach need??), nobody is going to come to a program that is this completely screwed up.  

I'm telling you once again, and hear me loud and clear, Butch Davis has not told Arkansas no, yet. He's only accepted a begrudigngly offered scrap from a basketball schooll (remember why Mack Brown left the Heels).  

I hope you're right. I would love to see an experienced head coach with a history of winning at the highest college level coach the hogs (the fact that he's an UA alum and has spent some time here is icing). I hope you are right sir.   

No one in their right mind would want to coach at Arkansas while the fickle fan base continues to burn the internet and sports pages with hogwash and inflated expectations....Houston is laughing all the way to the bank....  

Arkansas was once a well known college football power, Razorback Nation must ask itself why not again, and most certainly why not now with Butch Davis? He's a friend of the AD and he's not getting much of what he wants from the Heels (on a recent coach's radio show, Davis m...  

Arkansas was once a well known college football power, Razorback Nation must ask itself why not again, and most certainly why not now with Butch Davis? He's a friend of the AD and he's not getting much of what he wants from the Heels (on a recent coach's radio show, Davis mentioned that he had discussed the issue of getting some Thursday night ESPN games scheduled, but the Administration doesn't want this to be done, sighting conflicts with on campus parking and hospital conflicts with the nearby stadium locale. Look folks, UNC is a basketball school (ask Mack Brown), the question is what is Arkansas?  

Why can't we get a coach? I don't understand why the U of A has this problem. We went thru this with the basketball program and must not have learned anything. We are fast becoming a joke.   

If Butch Davis is still in the mix, why would he hang back this long for no apparent reason, risking that someone else could have been offered and, miracle of miracles, accepted?   

The Heels were most fortunate to get Butch Davis on the lamb as he was for a song, they've just slightly fattened the deal, but the fact is that he's considered underpaid by most reputable agents, he's simply there for the picking.  

Gus is the best man for the job!
  

Show him (Butch Davis) the money! ... with his Arkansas roots, his friendship withe Razorback AD, and his proven track record, Davis is a natural fit, but he's not stupid so get real with the deal!!!  

The simple fact is this potential Butch Davis hire should be a cinch lock deal for the AD to close, it's all on him now.  

You know what is hilarious? Seeing Razorback fans who ran off the best coach ou have had in 30 years, and then getting frustrated that you can't find a new head coach. It is also very sad. I have an entire family of Razorback fans, however I myself am a graduate of Texas ...  

You know what is hilarious? Seeing Razorback fans who ran off the best coach ou have had in 30 years, and then getting frustrated that you can't find a new head coach. It is also very sad. I have an entire family of Razorback fans, however I myself am a graduate of Texas A&M, so I know what it is like to be frustrated with a head coach. But what a lot of you did to Coach Nutt was repulsive. Do you really think any quality head coach is going to want to come coach there now? After what was done to him? You reap what you sow ladies and gentlemen, and I am afraid that the razorbacks will be cellar dwellars in the SEC for a while.  

... ... ... or, maybe, just maybe not.  

Heels sentiment with Davis not so positive (see this article),

http://www.newsobserver.com/769/story/785735.html  

Home / Sports / Columns by Caulton Tudor Columns by Caulton Tudor
Tudor: Published: Nov 22, 2007 12:30 AM Modified: Nov 22, 2007 05:01 AM
Davis favors green
Caulton Tudor, Staff Writer
Wednesday was a good day for North Carolina football coach Butc...  

Home / Sports / Columns by Caulton Tudor Columns by Caulton Tudor
Tudor: Published: Nov 22, 2007 12:30 AM Modified: Nov 22, 2007 05:01 AM
Davis favors green
Caulton Tudor, Staff Writer
Wednesday was a good day for North Carolina football coach Butch Davis, who got a fat salary raise and a contract extension despite having compiled a lean record before his first season on the job was completed.
It also was a good day for Wake Forest's Jim Grobe, N.C. State's Tom O'Brien, East Carolina's Skip Holtz and any other coach who will be recruiting against Davis in the near future.

That's because it's now more obvious than ever that while Davis' wallet is in Chapel Hill, his eyes are on potentially greener financial gridirons elsewhere.

The extension and raise are an absurd development for a guy with a 3-8 record that includes losses to the Deacons, Wolfpack and Pirates. At the same time, it's impossible to fault UNC athletics director Dick Baddour and the school's administration for caving.

With Arkansas apparently interested in making a run at the coach, the Tar Heels' front-office folks were caught between a rock and a raid. Their once joyous union with Davis was in at least some danger of imploding faster than an Elizabeth Taylor marriage.

For the record, Baddour said in a statement that the university had initiated extension talks with the coach. But Davis still played the school like a fancy banjo picker. At the very least, he could have waited until after beating Duke on Saturday to press the issue of an increase. But that didn't happen.

Whether Davis really was interested in leaving for his Arkansas alma mater, by the way, is debatable. Arkansas football is nothing if not a snake pit, and anyone this side of Frank Broyles understands that. Ask Lou Holtz. Ask Danny Ford. Ask Houston Nutt.

What Davis has done in this situation is expose his soul, not to mention show his hand. Until he establishes otherwise, he has painted himself as a football mercenary a guy who is perfectly willing to play both ends against the middle.

True, lots of coaches fit the same mold. It's a business a big, bare-knuckled business and most coaches with two ears are going to listen to whatever comes along and use it to their negotiating advantage.

And it's also true that in exchange for his millions, Davis has given UNC fans a glimpse of hope that's been absent for years. There's no doubt he has upgraded the program, installed an impressive staff of assistants and put the team in a position to win more than it loses next season and beyond.

But he handled this one poorly. He held the Heels' feet way too close to the fire considering his record, his regional reputation and his short tenure. It's going to turn out to be a recruiting liability, too. His living room rivals will see to that.

And if he doesn't post a convincing win against Duke under struggling coach Ted Roof on Saturday, Davis could be frowning all the way to the bank.


caulton.tudor@newsobserver.com or (919) 829-8946  

I will disagree that Nutt was the best coach in the last 30 years. He did some good things but he (and his wife and friends) also caused his problem with the fans. The U of A is more than one coach or one AD. The powers that be need to consider what is best for the player...  

I will disagree that Nutt was the best coach in the last 30 years. He did some good things but he (and his wife and friends) also caused his problem with the fans. The U of A is more than one coach or one AD. The powers that be need to consider what is best for the players and fans and then hire the best coach.   

so what of Caulton Tudor's statement: "Whether Davis really was interested in leaving for his Arkansas alma mater, by the way, is debatable. Arkansas football is nothing if not a snake pit, and anyone this side of Frank Broyles understands that. Ask Lou Holtz. Ask Danny For...  

so what of Caulton Tudor's statement: "Whether Davis really was interested in leaving for his Arkansas alma mater, by the way, is debatable. Arkansas football is nothing if not a snake pit, and anyone this side of Frank Broyles understands that. Ask Lou Holtz. Ask Danny Ford. Ask Houston Nutt."  

Not so happy in Carolina linK:

http://www.newsobserver.com/sports/college/unc/story/789871.html  

Published: Nov 24, 2007 12:30 AM Modified: Nov 24, 2007 03:42 AM
UNC criticized for Davis' pay raise
Former system President Bill Friday says it's 'excessive' Knight Commission member Hodding Carter calls it 'premature.'
Samuel Spies, Staff Writer
CH...  

Published: Nov 24, 2007 12:30 AM Modified: Nov 24, 2007 03:42 AM
UNC criticized for Davis' pay raise
Former system President Bill Friday says it's 'excessive' Knight Commission member Hodding Carter calls it 'premature.'
Samuel Spies, Staff Writer
CHAPEL HILL - Former UNC system President Bill Friday criticized a college athletics "arms race" Friday, two days after UNC-Chapel Hill announced a $291,000 raise for football coach Butch Davis.
Davis got a one-year contract extension and the raise despite posting a 3-8 record heading into the final game today against Duke. The UNC-CH board of trustees has to approve the raise, which would bring his compensation to an average of more than $2 million a year, including endorsements from the Nike shoe company and bonuses.

In an interview, Friday said the board should correct "excessive imbalances" when it votes. The raise would be "an increase far in excess of that presently provided the president or any chancellor and substantially greater than the yearly compensation of an English professor," he said.

Trustees Chairman Roger Perry said the board is committed to rebuilding the football program and was not motivated by rumors of other schools trying to lure Davis.

"It's lamentable that that's what it takes to compete," Perry said Friday. "Unless we unilaterally disarm our program, we are going to have to stay competitive. ... This is an issue that's much, much bigger than just us."

Trustees Bob Winston and John Ellison agreed, both saying they would vote to approve the raise.

"I believe that if you look at the reputation of the University of North Carolina and where we have focused the vast majority of our time and resources, it is clear that we believe the academic mission is the most important mission of the university, and it will continue to be so," Winston said.

Davis' raise will be a combination of base salary and supplemental salary, meaning some money will come from the athletic department and some will come from the Educational Foundation, the department's fundraising arm.

George Hogan, who in 1947 was hired as the first employee of the Educational Foundation, said Davis has not impressed him.

"I think it's utterly ridiculous," said Hogan, who estimated he has given "a couple hundred thousand" dollars to Carolina athletics over the years. "If he wants to leave, or if he doesn't want to be at Carolina, then let him go."

Hodding Carter III, University Professor of Leadership and Public Policy, also criticized the six-figure raise.

"We just bid against a mythical salary to keep a guy we had just given a very good contract ... a really fine contract to a coach that may prove himself. But I would say that it's a little premature."

Carter is a member of the Knight Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics, which promotes college athletic reform. Friday is its former co-chairman, though he said he was speaking only for himself.

"Big-time football has the potential of, and the record of, doing more to corrupt the mission of higher education," Carter said.

Friday said the raise sends the wrong message about the university's priorities, a problem that began when "commercial television brought its largess into the world of intercollegiate sports."

"This salary action establishes a level of compensation so dramatically out of balance with the compensation of the faculty of the university that I hope and trust the trustees and the [Board of Governors] will meet their obligation to correct the excessive imbalances, which, if not corrected, establish the real priorities of the university," Friday said.

The UNC system Board of Governors approved 15.7 percent raises this fall for UNC-CH Chancellor James Moeser and N.C. State University Chancellor James Oblinger. The $53,035 raises increase their pay to $390,835 and were given, in part, to raise the UNC-CH chancellor's salary to a more competitive level as the search begins for Moeser's replacement.

UNC athletics director Dick Baddour said Davis has buoyed the program despite his losing record, citing five sellouts, strong recruiting and on-the-field improvements. Baddour said he expects the trustees to approve the raise.

The UNC athletics department posted a deficit for the first time in eight years because of the firing of former football coach John Bunting and subsequent hiring of Davis last year.

(Staff writers Anne Blythe and Robbi Pickeral contributed to this report.)

  

See, I told you that Carolina is not a football school, just ask Mack Brown, again.   

Reggie Herring, maybe. Gus Malzahn, NO WAY! If you folks thought the Razorback Nation was divided by Houston Nutt, a Malzahn hire will bring it down. A large percentage of Hog folks HATE him with the white hot passion of a thousand burning suns for his part in what has beco...  

Reggie Herring, maybe. Gus Malzahn, NO WAY! If you folks thought the Razorback Nation was divided by Houston Nutt, a Malzahn hire will bring it down. A large percentage of Hog folks HATE him with the white hot passion of a thousand burning suns for his part in what has become One Hog to Live in Fayetteville. Winning isn't everything (not that I think he can win as a head coach in the SEC) since folks didn't seem to appreciate Houston's winning.
No More Cracks in HOGOPOLIS. Unite, don't divide. I know I'll flat out quit financially supporting the UA in sports or academics if they stupidly keep stirring the soap opera pot by hiring Malzahn. I'm Hogtired of the drama.   

If your AD can't get the hiring of his personal friend and alum, Butch Davis, done then I have little faith that he will hire anyone else worth having.  

the university, and the state of arkansas deserve something fresh and spirited in the football program. should jeff long and chancellor white not have the savy and general good sense to give reggie herring a decent shot at the helm, we will all lose again... hearing it all, ...  

the university, and the state of arkansas deserve something fresh and spirited in the football program. should jeff long and chancellor white not have the savy and general good sense to give reggie herring a decent shot at the helm, we will all lose again... hearing it all, it sounds much like before ie, no real fan input, just some admin's deciding things behind closed doors which will affect everyone here for years to come. i'm in favor of bringing gus malzahn back at whatever expense is necessary. let gus and reggie co-head coach a team full of fire and gus-to. bring the razorback nation back some incentives to pull together with inspiration that we can play, and... beat anyone... open this thing up, let's play and have fun doing it, be in the top talk-arounds on the national scene again on a regular basis, instead of always an afterthought as we have been for so many years only to be mentioned if and when we pull off some major defeat of a top national competitor... gus and reggie together, could do it. anything else at this time and in, these times, is just returning to status quo. mediocre program, mid-level athletics.   

Not to distract here, but I'm seeing Paul Johnson of Navy come up on some blogs. Says he's a Southerner. Beyond that, anyone with thoughts on him?  

Give me a break. With Gus and Reggie co-head coaching we will definitely get national attention: as an even bigger joke than we are now.  

So, Arkansas has had about one year of their new AD, and his major accomplishment (detriment) is chasing off the f-ball Coach who defeated the #1 ranked team in the country and who has conisting given seven or more wins per season. The rookie AD better hope his ole' friend ...  

So, Arkansas has had about one year of their new AD, and his major accomplishment (detriment) is chasing off the f-ball Coach who defeated the #1 ranked team in the country and who has conisting given seven or more wins per season. The rookie AD better hope his ole' friend Butch bails him out of this one, for the only division in the fan base is between those who repect the difficulty involved in posting winning season yearly vs. the pipe dreamer (smokers?) who couldn't recognize a resurging program if it hit them in their fat faces.  

I'm tired of being a national laughing stock. How about Craig O'Neil? He's right for this situation, well liked, a good cheer leader, and will work for what's being offered.  

Why not Charlie Strong from Florida. Batesville raised. Educated at UCA and Hendersoon State. He has been a D cord over 10 years with Holtz, Myer, Spurrier. He has been voted hte best recruiter in the country or ranked high each year. He is familier withe SEC and can get tle...  

Why not Charlie Strong from Florida. Batesville raised. Educated at UCA and Hendersoon State. He has been a D cord over 10 years with Holtz, Myer, Spurrier. He has been voted hte best recruiter in the country or ranked high each year. He is familier withe SEC and can get tletes.

Right now, we play with 3rd tier talent from TX and have a hard time keeping our best in state. It will be hard to get a big name coach. School location, tough conference , poor talent pool just doesnt add up  

What are you, Butch Davis' agent? Jeff Long was hired only a few months ago, and he doesn't take official office until January. The fans chased Nutt off...the unreasonable fans that expect a Conference championship every year(not unlike every other school in the SEC - the ...  

What are you, Butch Davis' agent? Jeff Long was hired only a few months ago, and he doesn't take official office until January. The fans chased Nutt off...the unreasonable fans that expect a Conference championship every year(not unlike every other school in the SEC - the only difference being that some of those schools actually win those championships every year). Don't put Nutt leaving on anyone but the insane fan base here in (mostly NW) Arkansas.  

That last post was for Joe.  

Gus is not the man, the Tulsa offense looked like a bunch of schoolyard kids in their last game. Ya'll 5 guys run down the field and I'll fling it at ya. Moved the ball down the field then turned it over on downs in the red zone cause they couldn't run the ball and the pa...  

Gus is not the man, the Tulsa offense looked like a bunch of schoolyard kids in their last game. Ya'll 5 guys run down the field and I'll fling it at ya. Moved the ball down the field then turned it over on downs in the red zone cause they couldn't run the ball and the passing game doesn't open up as well on a short field. Plus the fanbase will never unite under Malzon. It would only be a continuation of the drama. Get serious with Butch and lets save some of our recruits.  

Your right about the so called fans in NW AR running off the coach. I heard it all year at the games in fayettville. I think we will be punked if we settle for Gus or Reg. Not much left out there right now though.  

With fans like the ones out there what do ya'll expect.We love Jim Grobe win or lose.   

Gus Gus Gus !!!  

What a poorly run outfit this has become. We had a great coach in Nutt and FORCED him away. (Players MOTHERS trying to run off a head coach-flying baners that read "Fire Nutt" ....... What did everyone expect? And now we wonder why we can't recruit a premier coach to come...  

What a poorly run outfit this has become. We had a great coach in Nutt and FORCED him away. (Players MOTHERS trying to run off a head coach-flying baners that read "Fire Nutt" ....... What did everyone expect? And now we wonder why we can't recruit a premier coach to come to this mess for a marginal salary. Did anyone actually think that Tommy T would leave a program like Auburn for this mess. This is embarassing and it will get worse before its all over.  

Gus Gus Gus would give you a spit split split. Get over Gus, he is a high school coach who lucked into a college job because of his HS players.