Could Shula see a "Willingham"?

Shula has 5 years...minimum...to get things back on track. This is just year 2. I think we'll see marked improvement in 2005 (year 3), a slight dropoff in 2006 (year 4) due to losing some key players on defense and at QB, then back on the upswing in 2007 (year 5). I really think that year 5 will be a big year for Shula and should secure him a contract extension and a hefty pay increase.
 
I know that this year we didn't have a tough out-of-conference schedule, but Shula did manage a 6-5 season with even less on the table than year one. At least in 2003 we had our first string QB and RB for nearly the whole season, but focus problems cost us some season changing games. Shula continues to show that he hasn't quite got a feel for playcalling, but has been more daring of late with trick plays and such. This year, Alabama seems to have the mental toughness to compete, but just lacks the talent. Shula was a little gunshot on trusting the passing game with anyone but Croyle after the Arkansas and South Carolina games, but maybe Pennington's performance in the Iron Bowl will allow him to call a more balanced game in the bowl. If we win against the Gophers, you've got to believe that optimism will finally find its way to Tuscaloosa. Yeah, the offensive line has got to be solidified in 05, but the emergence of our young defense and skill players has got me excited.
 
Bama7492 said:
Unless we bomb out next year to a 1,2, or 3 win season then Shula will at least get his 4th year. If he gets that 4th year...I don't want to hear any probation excuses if we don't see major improvement by year 4.

It really doesn't matter what you want to hear. This forum is primarily for discussion about ALABAMA football and everyone is entitled to express their opionions. In a civil manner, that is.
 
Rediculous!!

I think that it is rediculous that a school would drop a coach in 3 years. Mike Shula will be in his 3rd year next year. He still has not been able to recruit the players that fit into his offensive and defensive scheames. The man simply needs more time. Coming off a probation like the one Bama has had, it does not matter who the coach is, he is not going to give you a national title. Even if Bama has 7-8 wins next year, I believe any reasonable Bama fan who takes their crimson colored glasses off should come to the realization that Bama does not have the horses to pull all the load just yet.
 
I think most any level headed, clear thinking individual can see progress being made. I think CMS has a clear goal in mind and a plan to get there. I may be wrong, but I believe in the man and his plan. Some of you people can rear back & set this date or that, or this goal or another, but the only criteria that matters is not in your hands.
 
To answer the original question, Could Shula see a "Willingham?"

No.

One thing to ponder that has already been mentioned:

Has Alabama lost a game by the score of 41-10 since Shula's been here?

How 'bout 38-0?

Now, think about what others have said about Notre Dame not being on probation.

Of course, Notre Dame will never be on probation, but that's beside the point.
 
Coach Shula deserves support for at least 3 more years

Beat auburn said:
Guess it all depends. IMO, the team must show improvement next year (injuries or not). I think realistically that's what most of us have asked for. We let 2003 pass due to the strange and unprecedented circumstances, and there was improvement made this year. I think you'll see that trend continue this year, followed by the next. Does that mean SECCG next year? Probably not. I think we'll need to see a 7/8/9 win season or some grumbling will start.

Personally unless next year falls apart I think he'll be given the remainder of his contract time to right the ship. After that it will all be judged by his record and the state of Alabama football.

Injuries particular of the type that Bama sustained this year would be hard for any team to overcome. Imagine where the Barn would be if Caddy and the Hummer went down along with Jason Campbell. I think they would be saying woe is me why did we beat the Citadel! You can not hold a coach resposible when a team is devestated by injuries. I think we honor coach Bryant by giving all the coaches we hire 5 years and especially Coach mike Shula based on the current state of the team.

Roll Tide Roll
 
Some posters...

labor under the apprehension that the collective fan base's opinion enters into the equation. We see it over and over in posts. It doesn't. He was hired for a five-year minimum. The administration was well aware of both the effects of the sanctions and that a certain amount of OJT was going to occur. (Same would have happened with CSC, who almost got hired). He will be given that period, no matter what the fans on this board and elsewhere think. Fans aren't given a "hot button" to push to register their ire (thank goodness). He's actually ahead of what the BOT and Administration expected. We've had two coaches out of the last three with a "free-fly" problem. Without that, the first one might even have still been here, and number three certainly would have been. We won't go into #2. Without a complete disaster on field - getting rolled over by monstrous scores - repeatedly, or a really bad off-campus slip-up by CMS - he's here three more years. A lot won't want to hear this, but it's the truth...
 
I will be disappointed if there is not improvement at QB next year. No matter if SP,MG,JPW or JB. I know this will depend on rebuilding the line.


The way I feel is that if the coaching staff can win 6 games with a 3rd string backfield it would seem with a healty team we should be able to win 8 or 9 next year.
 
I like what I saw this year

Impressed with team chemistry. Loved the fight in the team. Guys, I believe the program is on the right track and pray it continues. I am confident we will be competing hard for the west next year and might make it to Atlanta. Coach Shula is doing a darn good job in spite of conditions.

Willingham, on the other hand, got jobbed. Although I don't think he is a "great" coach, he should have had at least 2 more years.
 
I don't think...

it's generally realized how determined the administration and the BOT are to give CMS a fair chance, once they've settled on him. Dubose revealed himself to be a loser in every sense of he word - it wasn't handled very well, but was a unique situation. Fran removed himself. Price, in effect, removed himself. It took a string of really remote possibilities for us to run through that number of HCs that quickly. Some fans have begun to think that it's the norm. Hence, all these "By gum, Shula performs to my expectations right now (or next year) or he's gone." I have to chuckle a bit. He's there for at least three more years (a zipper problem is about as remote with him as with CGS), so everyone may as well settle down for the ride.
 
CMS is going to make things happen. Mr. Paul Finebaum will rail and assail when things are not looking good, but at the end of the day, Coach Mike Shula is our coach.

Turn off your radios, close that Internet browser, and relax.
 
Only 3 years ?!? - What about 25 years ?!?!?

And by the way - whoever it was who mentioned the chemistry of the team & the unity, etc - well, you hit the nail on the head - & that's SO IMPORTANT! The players just personally LIKE our current coach, they can identify with him easily, & relate to him easier than any other coach in YEARS at Bama...This I KNOW. And the neat thing is that he is absolutely CRAZY about these guys - individually as well as collectively - & it shows. It's really pretty awesome. Put all that chemistry together with healthy players, experienced & good players (plus the speed, strength, & agility we've gained from the the strength coach) & the mixture is pretty awesome...Look out...
 
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