My problem with Coach Gran

[NazCat67]

I think Coach Gran is a huge upgrade over any OC we've had in the past several years. I know the proof is in the pudding, but I feel pretty certain he will work out. That leads to my problem. I am so certain he will have success, sooner than later, that I feel he will have HC offers very quickly. If you watch any film on him, either coaching or just answering questions from the media, you will see he is extremely confident, knowledgeable, and has a great demeanor.

I know, this is what we all want, but I have never been this worried about losing an assistant, and he hasn't even coached a game yet. I say we have him for 2 years tops, and when he leaves, he'll take Hinshaw with him and we'll be starting over again. Maybe I'm just being a little too optimistic like I always am this time of year, but that's my concern anyway. Immediate success leading to immediate HC opportunities. Maybe he doesn't want to be more than an offensive guy and being head coach of the offense is enough. Guess we'll see!

 

[CloverforkCat]

He has been a position coach/ co-ordinator for many years, do not see it happening all that soon, if ever. Not a knock oh coach Gran, some prefer to be an OC or a DC. ie. Bud Foster at Virginia Tech.

 

[jauk11]

I'm not positive yet but I think my biggest problem with him is he didn't get here sooner.

 

[frost1]

I feel like Gran will be here for a few years. I think he likes the OC Position. Great hire for Stoops. JMOP

 

[theoledog]

HCIW......... ?.......:flushed::scream::bomb:

 

[ukalumni00]

I felt from the beginning Dawson was a mistake. He had no real coordinator experience. Neal Brown simply did not have any weapons and at times made you wonder what he was trying to accomplish. I have liked Gran for sometime now. Did not know much about Hinshaw but the more I have done research on him and his system the more I like him. I think Stoops tenure at UK completely rests on those two guys shoulders because his only real chance of turning this around is finding ways to score points. Dline is just not legit SEC caliber IMO to win games on defense. Not sure how long these guys stick around but I think they bought Stoops some more time.

 

[RackOps]

We can only hope he has so much success that he is getting multiple HC job offers.

Winning 8 or 9 games the next couple of years and losing Gran is a hell of a lot better than winning 5 or 6 and keeping him.

 

[BlueRaider22]

I too think Gran is only here for 2-3 yrs but let's think about this for a minute.

Gran will leave after only 2 yrs under the following circumstances. Either the team flops and everyone is fired.....or the team is pretty successful and he gets hired away.

First off, I don't think we aren't successful in the next couple yrs. And the fans, alumni, admin......will see the success and develop more faith and belief is Stoops. More importantly the players and recruits will see and have more faith/belief is Stoops. It is important to note this concept.

I think Stoops will do OK with the next hire. By the time the next hire occurs the offense and direction of the program will be in much better shape. Stoops will know his personnel. He will know what works and what doesn't. The talent will be there.....which reduces good OC's like Brown likelihood of failure. And because everyone has more faith in what's going on there will be a little more patience and understanding of the process.

 

[TBCat]

I'm more concerned about losing Hinshaw than Gran. Gran seems like someone that is pretty stable and isn't so much looking to move up. Hinshaw seems more like the up and comer that will be likely to move up to OC somewhere soon. Hinshaw might be as big a loss as Gran.

 

[seccats04]

Gran was a HC candidate for Southern Miss if you remember. So he already has schools coming after him. If he leaves in the next two years, then Hinshaw will replace him. He is already the "Co-OC." I really like both of these guys.

 

[bigblueinsanity_rivals250340]

I'm more concerned about losing Hinshaw than Gran. Gran seems like someone that is pretty stable and isn't so much looking to move up. Hinshaw seems more like the up and comer that will be likely to move up to OC somewhere soon. Hinshaw might be as big a loss as Gran.

I agree. Plus by even Gran's account in an early interview, Hinshaw is the brains of the offense. Can ill afford to lose him once we build momentum, but it may be inevitable.

 

[JHB4UK]

Good Lord live in the precious present not worried about the future. If he is great and gets a head coaching job in 2 years that means Stoops has hired 2 OCs who got promoted to lead programs. Then I like our chances of him selecting another quality coach, not another Dawson mistake - he learned a difficult but good lesson there.

 

[KapitalCat]

I think Coach Gran is a huge upgrade over any OC we've had in the past several years. I know the proof is in the pudding, but I feel pretty certain he will work out. That leads to my problem. I am so certain he will have success, sooner than later, that I feel he will have HC offers very quickly. If you watch any film on him, either coaching or just answering questions from the media, you will see he is extremely confident, knowledgeable, and has a great demeanor.

I know, this is what we all want, but I have never been this worried about losing an assistant, and he hasn't even coached a game yet. I say we have him for 2 years tops, and when he leaves, he'll take Hinshaw with him and we'll be starting over again. Maybe I'm just being a little too optimistic like I always am this time of year, but that's my concern anyway. Immediate success leading to immediate HC opportunities. Maybe he doesn't want to be more than an offensive guy and being head coach of the offense is enough. Guess we'll see!

It's kind of a catch 22. Be good coach Gran but not too good so you won't leave us after a year and take a head coaching position. Because if he does that then we lose Hinshaw too. But I'll take my chances. We need to get this program in the next year or two where we have our sixth win going into the UofL game. And then build upon that success.

Gran has his feet squarely on the ground and he knows who he is. He's loyal too. He wasn't our OC last year because he felt some loyalty to Tuberville. I think we have him two years or more. By then we will either be going through the same concerns with losing coach Stoops or we will have a new head coach and it's all moot.

So enjoy the time he's here and don't worry about stuff you have ZERO control over.

 

[KapitalCat]

I felt from the beginning Dawson was a mistake. He had no real coordinator experience. Neal Brown simply did not have any weapons and at times made you wonder what he was trying to accomplish. I have liked Gran for sometime now. Did not know much about Hinshaw but the more I have done research on him and his system the more I like him. I think Stoops tenure at UK completely rests on those two guys shoulders because his only real chance of turning this around is finding ways to score points. Dline is just not legit SEC caliber IMO to win games on defense. Not sure how long these guys stick around but I think they bought Stoops some more time.

I didn't and I was wrong and you were right. Dawson was a bad choice as much for the way he provided leadership to the offense as anything. The rift in the locker room began and ended with him. IMO

 

[Brock28]

Enter Granman

 

[Ineverplayedthegame]

My advice would be let him have some success before you start worrying. Not too long ago, people were worried Stoops was going to Michigan or Florida.
If you do well, the better jobs will come calling. No way to avoid that. If you don't, you stay until you are asked to leave.
I want to have a program where you actually are in danger of losing coaches moving up the food chain.

 

[vhcat70]

I think Coach Gran is a huge upgrade over any OC we've had in the past several years. I know the proof is in the pudding, but I feel pretty certain he will work out. That leads to my problem. I am so certain he will have success, sooner than later, that I feel he will have HC offers very quickly. If you watch any film on him, either coaching or just answering questions from the media, you will see he is extremely confident, knowledgeable, and has a great demeanor.

I know, this is what we all want, but I have never been this worried about losing an assistant, and he hasn't even coached a game yet. I say we have him for 2 years tops, and when he leaves, he'll take Hinshaw with him and we'll be starting over again. Maybe I'm just being a little too optimistic like I always am this time of year, but that's my concern anyway. Immediate success leading to immediate HC opportunities. Maybe he doesn't want to be more than an offensive guy and being head coach of the offense is enough. Guess we'll see!

I disagree in two aspects & assuming EG is successful.

One, I think EG will be here at least three years regardless of how well UK does. Why? Because he will need to show can can sustain success to get a decent/good HC position. Two years isn't sustaining something IMO.

Two, if he does leave due to success, I think DH would get the UK OC job to replace EG a) because UK would likely be able to pay him more than the school EG goes to (I visualize EG replacing TT at UC when TT retires.) & would want to keep him, b) at some point I think DH will want to prove he can run an O on his own w/o EG & this situation would be the case, & c) he will have had a lot to do with the O personnel UK brought in & will be emotionally attached to showing what he can do with & for them. On top of that, DH has his (large) family with him, unlike EG, & some stability of location for him might work in UK's favor.

As an aside, I think they're both very decent/good people. JMO.

 

[vhcat70]

It's kind of a catch 22. Be good coach Gran but not too good so you won't leave us after a year and take a head coaching position. Because if he does that then we lose Hinshaw too. But I'll take my chances. We need to get this program in the next year or two where we have our sixth win going into the UofL game. And then build upon that success.

Gran has his feet squarely on the ground and he knows who he is. He's loyal too. He wasn't our OC last year because he felt some loyalty to Tuberville. I think we have him two years or more. By then we will either be going through the same concerns with losing coach Stoops or we will have a new head coach and it's all moot.

So enjoy the time he's here and don't worry about stuff you have ZERO control over.

Excellent perspective.

 

[BlueRaider22]

Another angle to consider. It is entirely possible that Stoops could offer Hinshaw the OC position if Gran moves on. I have no idea if he would take it or become Gran's OC elsewhere but it's something to think about.

On a side note, I worked its Hinshaw at Middle Tennessee. He's brilliant. After I left, he became their OC and did quite well. So he has decent experience.

 

[redbudman]

He better be trying to solidify the commitment of Mac Jones! We do not get that many commitments from 4 Star QB's, who possibly by season end could end up a 5 star!

 

[Deeeefense]

As Windson Churchill once said " the graveyards are full of irreplaceable people". Coach Gran will be an outstanding OC here no doubt about that, but that doesn't mean other programs will immediately line up to offer him a head job and even if he gets one, if it's at a non P5 school we still have a great chance of promoting and retaining Hinshaw. If that doesn't happen, believe me there are a LOT of really good candidates that can be tapped for the next OC.

In the meantime take heart in the fact that we have a very competent and capable OC. If no one else wanted him why would we? The best programs routinely replace assistants that leave for a higher position, but they almost always find good replacements that, you guessed it, go on to get higher positions - that's just part of football.

 

[Grumpyolddawg]

As Windson Churchill once said " the graveyards are full of irreplaceable people". Coach Gran will be an outstanding OC here no doubt about that, but that doesn't mean other programs will immediately line up to offer him a head job and even if he gets one, if it's at a non P5 school we still have a great chance of promoting and retaining Hinshaw. If that doesn't happen, believe me there are a LOT of really good candidates that can be tapped for the next OC.

In the meantime take heart in the fact that we have a very competent and capable OC. If no one else wanted him why would we? The best programs routinely replace assistants that leave for a higher position, but they almost always find good replacements that, you guessed it, go on to get higher positions - that's just part of football.

I have no idea how much Gran wants to be a head coach, maybe its an itch he wants to scratch maybe it isn't. But key to keeping him is keeping him happy. I am not sure Stoops has really let the OCs run the offense like they want to run it. Thats a major issue for defensive guys who become new head coaches. I think it has had an effect on UK's playcalling, it surely played into Muschamp's failings at UF and is a major concern of mine regarding Kirby. They just don't want to risk anything that will put their defense in a bad position like an int, 3 and outs deep in your end of the field. But I think Stoops made a good decision by hiring someone with some experience who might be more willing to stick to his offense than a younger guy who could be intimidated by Stoops. Most UGA fans were wanting a young up and comer for OC with new ideas but Kirby hired a guy much like Gran, lots of experience as OC and 50+ years old. I am not sure Muschamp can make a hire who isn't intimidated by him on the sidelines, he is nuts. Emotion is one thing, losing control is a different thing.

 

[domino79]

I trust Stoops to make a good hire if and when that time comes.

It's not even the first game and some are worried our OC might have too much success and leave.[sick]

 

[vhcat70]

1. I am not sure Stoops has really let the OCs run the offense like they want to run it. Thats a major issue for defensive guys who become new head coaches. I think it has had an effect on UK's playcalling, it surely played into Muschamp's failings at UF and is a major concern of mine regarding Kirby. They just don't want to risk anything that will put their defense in a bad position like an int, 3 and outs deep in your end of the field.

2.But I think Stoops made a good decision by hiring someone with some experience who might be more willing to stick to his offense than a younger guy who could be intimidated by Stoops.

1. Very interesting point. I hadn't thought of that previously. Thanks.

2. As I understand, Stoops being able to hire Gran is that Gran runs the O show & Stoops stays out of it. Net, I doubt intimidation would ever come into play, much less work.

 

[TeoJ]

I think Coach Gran is a huge upgrade over any OC we've had in the past several years. I know the proof is in the pudding, but I feel pretty certain he will work out. That leads to my problem. I am so certain he will have success, sooner than later, that I feel he will have HC offers very quickly. If you watch any film on him, either coaching or just answering questions from the media, you will see he is extremely confident, knowledgeable, and has a great demeanor.

I know, this is what we all want, but I have never been this worried about losing an assistant, and he hasn't even coached a game yet. I say we have him for 2 years tops, and when he leaves, he'll take Hinshaw with him and we'll be starting over again. Maybe I'm just being a little too optimistic like I always am this time of year, but that's my concern anyway. Immediate success leading to immediate HC opportunities. Maybe he doesn't want to be more than an offensive guy and being head coach of the offense is enough. Guess we'll see!

That's a nice problem to have considering all the problems we have had.

 

[SanAntonioCat_rivals376502]

I trust Stoops to make a good hire if and when that time comes.

It's not even the first game and some are worried our OC might have too much success and leave.[sick]

Typical UK fan worry and handwringing over a perceived issue before it becomes one. On the other hand, we have been programmed to lose for decades. I, for one, choose to enjoy the forthcoming spring game and look forward to next season with my usual cautious optimism.

 

[Chuckinden]

Good Lord live in the precious present not worried about the future. If he is great and gets a head coaching job in 2 years that means Stoops has hired 2 OCs who got promoted to lead programs. Then I like our chances of him selecting another quality coach, not another Dawson mistake - he learned a difficult but good lesson there.

Agree. Why worry about something you have no control over. Nobody knows what tomorrow holds.

 

[UKGrad87]

The alternative would be to hire a mediocre coach who will stay around. Give me two exciting years and let the future take care of itself.

 

[NazCat67]

I understand what you guys are saying, and I agree, it's a much better problem to have than what we had last year. My point is, I just have so much faith that things are going to improve offensively in very short order. It could be the blue tinted glasses, I'm not sure. I think Gran will have some tough decisions to make in the next year or two, and I'm not sure Hinshaw is ours to keep if EG leaves. No, I don't like counting my chickens before they hatch, but it's a pretty slow time of year for sports and I spend as much time as I can watching videos and reading articles about UK football. The more I watch and read about EG the more I like him.

Hell, if Stoops don't get the D together, I'll be pulling for Gran to replace him. I hope that's not the case, I love Stoops, but there were a lot of times last year when there was confusion on the field that had nothing to do with Dawson. I guess what has happened is, as I look for things to be excited about for this upcoming season, EG has become the largest source of my optimism. I wish the season would start so I can worry about our next opponent and quit worrying about hypothetical situations, but this is what the offseason boredom does to me :uzi:

 

[akaukswoosh]

I'm not positive yet but I think my biggest problem with him is he didn't get here sooner.

 

[screwduke]

That's a good problem to have if you ask me.

 

[jauk11]

I have no idea how much Gran wants to be a head coach, maybe its an itch he wants to scratch maybe it isn't. But key to keeping him is keeping him happy. I am not sure Stoops has really let the OCs run the offense like they want to run it. Thats a major issue for defensive guys who become new head coaches. I think it has had an effect on UK's playcalling, it surely played into Muschamp's failings at UF and is a major concern of mine regarding Kirby. They just don't want to risk anything that will put their defense in a bad position like an int, 3 and outs deep in your end of the field. But I think Stoops made a good decision by hiring someone with some experience who might be more willing to stick to his offense than a younger guy who could be intimidated by Stoops. Most UGA fans were wanting a young up and comer for OC with new ideas but Kirby hired a guy much like Gran, lots of experience as OC and 50+ years old. I am not sure Muschamp can make a hire who isn't intimidated by him on the sidelines, he is nuts. Emotion is one thing, losing control is a different thing.

Second and third the motion on him being nuts, at least when he loses it like he did with Burotn at Florida-----I thought he was going to bite his head off-----literally. I would never recommend playing for him to anyone I gave a fig for-----sorry about that.

 

[Shydog]

Second and third the motion on him being nuts, at least when he loses it like he did with Burotn at Florida-----I thought he was going to bite his head off-----literally. I would never recommend playing for him to anyone I gave a fig for-----sorry about that.

Muschamp is soo easy to root against!

 

[SanAntonioCat_rivals376502]

Muschamp is soo easy to root against!

Muschamp made his reputation as defensive coordinator at Texas under Mack Brown. Gene Chizik was Mack's offensive coordinator. Neither has found success as a head coach. Head coach is a difficult job regardless of one's resume. Personally, I take CMS as one who can develop into a successful head coach.

 

[UKErik]

LOL. My goodness.

Gran has been an assistant coach for almost 30 years. I have no idea if he'll ever get a head coaching offer that interests him, but I certainly wouldn't worry about it at this point.

As for Shannon Dawson, I thought he'd be terrific at Kentucky. I have no idea what happened, but it seems like he and Stoops just couldn't get on the same page. I'm not confident what we saw last year was what Dawson preferred. While I still think Dawson will be just fine as a coach, it's a good thing that Stoops recognized whatever problem they had together and acted quickly to fix it.

GBB!!!

 

[SanAntonioCat_rivals376502]

LOL. My goodness.

Gran has been an assistant coach for almost 30 years. I have no idea if he'll ever get a head coaching offer that interests him, but I certainly wouldn't worry about it at this point.

As for Shannon Dawson, I thought he'd be terrific at Kentucky. I have no idea what happened, but it seems like he and Stoops just couldn't get on the same page. I'm not confident what we saw last year was what Dawson preferred. While I still think Dawson will be just fine as a coach, it's a good thing that Stoops recognized whatever problem they had together and acted quickly to fix it.

GBB!!!

Agree. I did wonder why Dana Holgerson called the majority of plays at WVU while Shannon consulted mostly. I do think Shannon has experience and ability as an OC. However, he is perhaps at a better place at Southern Miss. I do wish him well.

 

[wildcatdon]

I think Coach Gran is a huge upgrade over any OC we've had in the past several years. I know the proof is in the pudding, but I feel pretty certain he will work out. That leads to my problem. I am so certain he will have success, sooner than later, that I feel he will have HC offers very quickly. If you watch any film on him, either coaching or just answering questions from the media, you will see he is extremely confident, knowledgeable, and has a great demeanor.

I know, this is what we all want, but I have never been this worried about losing an assistant, and he hasn't even coached a game yet. I say we have him for 2 years tops, and when he leaves, he'll take Hinshaw with him and we'll be starting over again. Maybe I'm just being a little too optimistic like I always am this time of year, but that's my concern anyway. Immediate success leading to immediate HC opportunities. Maybe he doesn't want to be more than an offensive guy and being head coach of the offense is enough. Guess we'll see!

Are you serious? Only a UK Dan would post something this stupid.

 

[NazCat67]

Are you serious? Only a UK Dan would post something this stupid.

Or maybe a UK Don :boxing: No, seriously, you only think UK fans post stupid stuff? [laughing]
I happen to like Gran enough, and I'm tired of installing a new offense every year, that I think it's a legitimate concern. Never said I wasn't putting the cart in front of the horse.

 

[Grumpyolddawg]

Muschamp made his reputation as defensive coordinator at Texas under Mack Brown. Gene Chizik was Mack's offensive coordinator. Neither has found success as a head coach. Head coach is a difficult job regardless of one's resume. Personally, I take CMS as one who can develop into a successful head coach.

Are you sure Chizik was the OC, he is a defensive coach, and he did win a NC at AU. His issue at AU was Trooper Taylor who split the team into Auburn's team and Trooper's team. Chizik would assign disciple running at 5 in the morning and Trooper would excuse them. Trooper knew too many secrets for them to fire him midseason so it was a disaster and got Chizik fired alone with everyone else.

 

[Kooky Kats_anon]

This is ponderous. All of it.