Yes. I probably exaggerated my point too much. But I also think we are not just “underperforming” but that there is an element of chaos in the program. Three defensive coordinators in four years? Rhule hired Butler and many people saw that hire as a panic hire after White’s quick and unexpected departure. No real search was done and we end up with a dud for a coordinator just because Rhule knew him and felt a comfort zone with him. Rhule talks a big game about “standards around here” and “expectations”. Then he hires a buddy with a thin resume to replace White.
Now he fires Butler and implies that Butler did not have his players giving their full effort. That it is about “effort” more than it is about “scheme”. So he now has to admit what many had said from the start: Butler is an uninspiring guy with no street cred who couldn’t motivate his athletes in the NIL era to play with full effort.
So now we are on to yet another new DC. Better be a home run hire. No more thin excuses. And is Dana going to stick around as OC? And if he stays is Rhule going to finally let him design an offense around his skill set as a coach?
From where I sit the program does appear to have internal problems. Sh$t show? Too strong, yes. But there are issues that go beyond “under performing” I think.
2023
OFF:
OC Satterfield, RB Barthel, OL Raiola, WR McGuire, TE Martin
DEF: DC White, DL Knighton,
LB Dvorcek, DB Cooper, ST Foley
2024
OFF:
OC/TE Satterfield, OC Dana,
RB Barthel, OL Raiola, WR McGuire, QB Thomas
DEF: DC White, DL Knighton,
LB Dvorcek, DB Butler, ST Foley
2025
OFF: OC Dana,
TE Satterfield, RB Barthel, OL Raiola, WR Shorts, QB Thomas
DEF: DC Butler, DL Bradden,
LB Dvorcek, OLB Simpson, DB Williams, ST Eckeler
Bold types have been here all 3 years. What is the plan?
