If DJ Eliot is let go?

[catscratchfever3215]

Who takes his place? Does Stoops promote from within or go out and bring in some fresh blood? Who would you like to see or who do you believe could be possible replacements?

Bo Pelini will be a name some will want. If he's fired you can finally get your ex-UL coach in Strong. Those are 2 potential guys that were good DCs with HC experience. A name that intrigues me is Tyrone Nix. I think he would be a great addition to this defensive staff. As the coordinator or a position coach.

 

[Jon(-24)]

Saban was a really good DC in his day, we should put out feelers to him.

Beating a few piss-poor SEC teams this year rightfully bought Stoops another offseason and a crack at it next year, hopefully to see him work on improving the defense on the field and himself on the sideline, but Charlie Strong or Bo Pelini wouldn't come here in any situation, but they sure as hell wouldn't come here to work for a guy who's got a 1-season long leash, is less accomplished than they are as DC's and much less accomplished than they are as HC's. Hell, if Pelini could learn to smile instead of frown when he's being a disagreeable SOB like the bests in the business he'd be off winning 9-10 a year at some power 5 school right now. Urban, Harbuagh, Saban, Petrino. All world class ********. Pelini is a world class angry *******, that's why he's at Youngstown.

 

[wildcatdon]

Saban was a really good DC in his day, we should put out feelers to him.

Beating a few piss-poor SEC teams this year rightfully bought Stoops another offseason and a crack at it next year, hopefully to see him work on improving the defense on the field and himself on the sideline, but Charlie Strong or Bo Pelini wouldn't come here in any situation, but they sure as hell wouldn't come here to work for a guy who's got a 1-season long leash, is less accomplished than they are as DC's and much less accomplished than they are as HC's. Hell, if Pelini could learn to smile instead of frown when he's being a disagreeable SOB like the bests in the business he'd be off winning 9-10 a year at some power 5 school right now. Urban, Harbuagh, Saban, Petrino. All world class ********. Pelini is a world class angry *******, that's why he's at Youngstown.

You have no idea whether Pelini or Strong would come here. If Strong is let go offer him a million to be DC and let the chips fall where they may. If he says no offer Bo the same thing. We have to get better defensively to compete for titles. Stoops need to step this thing up.

 

[truebluewildcat_rivals34254]

Gonna be a lot of shake up around CFB this off season which means a number of staffs in limbo up for grabs.

If I was in charge I'd be ready to make a call to Big Bayou Ed and Cholly with offers to make them the highest paid DC in the land. Heck, shoot for the stars and try and snag both. One can be DC the other can be assistant hc in charge of recruiting.

After that I'd scroll down the list of top 20 Ds in the country and pick out some DCs/assistants and try to poach them...

 

[Glenn Fohr]

I would take Charlie Strong in a second for DC.

 

[MudererofCrows]

Strong will get lower P5 and higher end G5 offers if he's let go from Texas. I doubt he goes back to being a DC in the immediate future.

 

[Cawood86_rivals]

Stoops ain't getting rid of DJ, no way, no how.

 

[shutzhund]

If he is let go then the players will be a year older, stronger more experienced and with more quality depth next year. So stay or go the defense will be better.

 

[The_Oak]

Anyone with a pulse would be an upgrade.

 

[K_TIME]

Stoops ain't getting rid of DJ, no way, no how.

You may be right..but if Stoops stands pat on Elliot to me that signals:
a) His desire to win at UK isn't a priority over friendships
b) Or he just doesn't vision to see what needs to be done on that side of the ball.

In the end, I'm just stymied that we're in this silly 3-4 scheme is the biggest issue. We have to get back to a 4-3 scheme and teach our DL to attack the gaps and penetrate into backfield if they can.

 

[sluggercatfan]

Who takes his place? Does Stoops promote from within or go out and bring in some fresh blood? Who would you like to see or who do you believe could be possible replacements?

Bo Pelini will be a name some will want. If he's fired you can finally get your ex-UL coach in Strong. Those are 2 potential guys that were good DCs with HC experience. A name that intrigues me is Tyrone Nix. I think he would be a great addition to this defensive staff. As the coordinator or a position coach.

What difference does it make? Isn't MS now calling all the defensive plays? Would be like BP or ML hiring an OC.

 

[John Henry]

Stoops has no choice but to demote Eliot. Unless he wants to divide the fan base even deeper. He has to understand the defense is a major reason for our poor record the past four seasons.

 

[MudererofCrows]

Stoops has no choice but to demote Eliot. Unless he wants to divide the fan base even deeper. He has to understand the defense is a major reason for our poor record the past four seasons.

I have serious doubts that he'll do it but I don't think it makes a difference as other have pointed out because this is Stoops' scheme and not just all about personnel.

 

[Tskware]

In the end, I'm just stymied that we're in this silly 3-4 scheme is the biggest issue. We have to get back to a 4-3 scheme and teach our DL to attack the gaps and penetrate into backfield if they can.

I don't think the scheme is the problem, per se, as much as just complete lack of talent (as a whole, obviously Jordan Jones, Ware, and a few others are good players) on the front 7 and really the down linemen. We just get no push whatsover from almost any of our down linemen on any play, rushing or passing, plus they have no lateral speed meaning the QB can always buy extra time on the edge to either run or throw. Everybody hangs on Marrow's jock strap, but when are we going to sign and/or develop some defensive linemen that can take the pressure off the back 7?

 

[Mr Schwump]

Stoops ain't getting rid of DJ, no way, no how.

A much more likely scenario would be to demote Eliot and promote Matt House to DC. Eliot is also OLB coach(Ware, Allen, etc) and those haven't been as awful as others.

 

[cookscats]

Regardless of who Stoops would hire the question is this, who will really run the defense? Stoops or the coordinator?

 

[Mr Schwump]

Regardless of who Stoops would hire the question is this, who will really run the defense? Stoops or the coordinator?

Matters not to me whether he runs the D or somebody else. College football is full of coaches who serve as their own OC or DC. Not a biggie in my view.

 

[Saguaro Cat]

A much more likely scenario would be to demote Eliot and promote Matt House to DC. Eliot is also OLB coach(Ware, Allen, etc) and those haven't been as awful as others.

Not sure our special teams coordinator and Courtney Love s position coach has earned a promotion.

No promotion from within. There's some old coach somewhere that we can find.

 

[BlueRunner11]

What difference does it make? Isn't MS now calling all the defensive plays? Would be like BP or ML hiring an OC.

Cmon you know he only "calls the plays" when we win.

 

[Mr Schwump]

Not sure our special teams coordinator and Courtney Love s position coach has earned a promotion.

No promotion from within. There's some old coach somewhere that we can find.

Don't doubt you Saguaro but my suggestion has the UK M. O. all over it.

 

[carolinacat]

I think Eliot should go and I suspect Stoops won't have much choice in the matter. I suspect it will be dictated to him by the powers that be.

 

[sluggercatfan]

Stoops has no choice but to demote Eliot. Unless he wants to divide the fan base even deeper. He has to understand the defense is a major reason for our poor record the past four seasons.

No it's not ...it's anemic offense that comes from HC philosophy

 

[lex cath]

Eliot isn't going anywhere, Stoops will take him down with the ship beside him

 

[John Henry]

No it's not ...it's anemic offense that comes from HC philosophy

I guess that is why Stoops felt he had to be involved more in the defense. What games have you been watching for four years. We scored enough yesterday to win but gave up 49.

 

[why_not_kentucky]

Bull in tha ring

 

[merrimanm]

No it's not ...it's anemic offense that comes from HC philosophy

No it isn't. It is anemic offenses due to lack of talent or experience on the onliNE and QB spot. Nothing to do with philosophy of HC.

 

[Los Gatos]

You have no idea whether Pelini or Strong would come here. If Strong is let go offer him a million to be DC and let the chips fall where they may. If he says no offer Bo the same thing. We have to get better defensively to compete for titles. Stoops need to step this thing up.

I doubt Strong would be interested in a one mil offer. Per his contract, UTx has to pay him 5 mil a year until Jan of 2019. However, if he is employed, they only owe him 2.5 a year. So that a net loss of 1.5 mil a year.

Link to contract: https://hkm.com/football/contracts/charlie-strong/

As for Pelini, can't figure his out as it is complicated by the Nebraska buy-out. His NE buyout was reduced when he took the Youngstown job but I can't find the way the reduction was calculated. Look to be close to a dollar for dollar. IE he would not net any additional money by moving to a job that paid a mil a year.

 

[donniem]

Elliott not going anywhere. to speculate is ridiculous and irresponsible.

 

[cookscats]

Matters not to me whether he runs the D or somebody else. College football is full of coaches who serve as their own OC or DC. Not a biggie in my view.

After 4 years of a defense you know Stoops was laying the blue print for he might need to step back from it

 

[Blue Decade]

Stoops ain't getting rid of DJ, no way, no how.

And how do you know this? Stoops already took over defensive play calling. To a player, this suggests Stoops is losing confidence in Eliot. And the fact that our defense noticeably improved after Stoops got more involved just doesn't look good at all for Eliot. So it's time. I don't know if Stoops would just flat out fire Eliot, but he might sit him down and advise him to go elsewhere. For example, Eliot could get a job as an NFL position coach. If something like that happens, and I'm not saying it will or won't, then Matt House is the only legitimate internal candidate. House should get a look, but I would rather see Stoops go outside. With our program going back to a bowl now for the 1st time since 2010, a coordinator job at Kentucky is more attractive than it has been in a while.

 

[Kooky Kats_anon]

PawPaw Brooks' golf game is in the *******... maybe he'd have more luck developing another UK defense.

 

[Cawood86_rivals]

And how do you know this? Stoops already took over defensive play calling. To a player, this suggests Stoops is losing confidence in Eliot. So it's time. I'm not sure if Stoops will just flat out fire Eliot, but he might sit him down and advise him to go elsewhere. For example, Eliot could get a job as an NFL position coach. If something like that happens, and I'm not saying it will or won't, then Matt House is the only legitimate internal candidate. House would get a look, but I would like to see Stoops go outside. With our program going back to a bowl now for the 1st time since 2010, a coordinator job at Kentucky is more attractive than it has been in a while.

Just a feeling based on their close friendship.

 

[donniem]

Stoops is always going to be involved in defense. He and Elliott are close. Any one else coming in as co-ordinator would want more control. The present situation is a much better fit!

 

[mtn cat1]

I don't think the scheme is the problem, per se, as much as just complete lack of talent (as a whole, obviously Jordan Jones, Ware, and a few others are good players) on the front 7 and really the down linemen. We just get no push whatsover from almost any of our down linemen on any play, rushing or passing, plus they have no lateral speed meaning the QB can always buy extra time on the edge to either run or throw. Everybody hangs on Marrow's jock strap, but when are we going to sign and/or develop some defensive linemen that can take the pressure off the back 7?

I believe the emphasis being employed this recruiting class is going to bear fruit & much of this weakness will be addressed!

 

[Blue Decade]

Just a feeling based on their close friendship.

The case against Coach Eliot is about his difficulty in closing out recruitments of top defensive linemen. Coach Brumbaugh has done a pretty good job coaching the guys we have, but Eliot just hasn't been able to upgrade recruiting on our defensive line. I doubt your feeling will help Eliot overcome these circumstances. From the moment Coach Stoops took over our defense, its performance significantly improved and Coach Eliot's security in Lexington decreased proportionally. Friendships are 1 thing. But Stoops wants to be a successful head coach, which supplants friendships. If Eliot stays, Stoops cannot take his eye off our defense. And he knows it. Last year, Stoops rebuilt his offensive staff. It's just a matter of time until this must be done with the defensive staff. Otherwise Stoops will never put a competitive SEC defense on the field.

 

[sluggercatfan]

I guess that is why Stoops felt he had to be involved more in the defense. What games have you been watching for four years. We scored enough yesterday to win but gave up 49.

Scored two meaningless tds at the end that made it look better, but when you spend your time kicking while you opponent is scoring tds...you are losing

 

[dgtatu01]

Year 4 and Melvin Lewis is the only D lineman we have ever gotten any push from. It has also been 4 years and we have had absolutely no semblance of a passing game at all, even though we have an excellent offensive line. This can be blamed equally on WR's who can't catch and QB's who can't throw. We shouldn't be running the wildcat on the majority of our offensive snaps. This a tricked up football team that has taken advantage of the entire SEC East having a bottom 50th percentile season by their historical standards and we still didn't beat UGA, UT, or Florida. Let that sink in for a second.

 

[John Henry]

Elliott not going anywhere. to speculate is ridiculous and irresponsible.

I am afraid you are right he probably is not going anywhere. But to speculate an improvement in this defense is also ridiculous and irresponsible. With Eliot back next year as DC we will continue to have the same results we have had for four years.

I just hope we can hold P below 21 today.

 

[Cawood86_rivals]

The case against Coach Eliot is about his difficulty in closing out recruitments of top defensive linemen. Coach Brumbaugh has done a pretty good job coaching the guys we have, but Eliot just hasn't been able to upgrade recruiting on our defensive line. I doubt your feeling will help Eliot overcome these circumstances. From the moment Coach Stoops took over our defense, its performance significantly improved and Coach Eliot's security in Lexington decreased proportionally. Friendships are 1 thing. But Stoops wants to be a successful head coach, which supplants friendships. If Eliot stays, Stoops cannot take his eye off our defense. And he knows it. Last year, Stoops rebuilt his offensive staff. It's just a matter of time until this must be done with the defensive staff. Otherwise Stoops will never put a competitive SEC defense on the field.

I don't doubt that Eliot is a good coach, but not sure about him being the DC. I would just let him be a position coach and try to get a guy I knew and trusted that is an up and comer.
UK hasn't a true top defense since the '76-'77 years. If UK truly will ever become a SEC contender, their defense is the biggest obstacle IMO.

 

[truebluewildcat_rivals34254]

Same people, same philosophies, same routine, same x's and o's = same results...

Folks after 4 years we know what we are going to get with the way things are currently constructed.

It's time for a defensive makeover. If CMS doesn't want to fire DJ, that's fine, he can reassign him. Make it look like a promotion for all I care and use all the positive fluff language you can think of.

Special Assistant to HC/Lead Recruiter/Director of player personnel/Director of Football operations ...something like that...