Here's where my head is at after last night...
There are three things necessary for success on the field - recruiting top talent, successfully developing that talent, and elite in-game coaching. I would argue while not at the level of Alabama, we have the talent on campus to compete for the Big 12 and a playoff spot, albeit not to win it all. The development of that talent has varied depending upon the position but overall it has been lacking. The in-game coaching has been woefully low.
Alabama's offense was pretty damn amazing last night and clearly demonstrated what can happen when all three come together, but historically they haven't been a dynamic squad. Alabama had been known for world-beating defenses, strong running backs and "game managers" at quarterback until Sarkisian arrived. You could argue Hurts was coming out from under that shadow before Sark's arrival, but the scheme is what I'm talking about. His influence the last couple years changed Alabama, and now he's coming to Texas. If he's able to tighten those last two characteristics and add talent, at least at a recruiting rate Herman enjoyed the first couple years, the sky's the limit.
He can't do it alone and needs to hire a superior staff, but the approach thus far appears to indicate he understands that and the assistant salaries being thrown around would support the ability to do so. His ability to build relationships with those on his staff, within the university and among the high school coaches will also be key and he has already emphasized the importance of relationships.
I vaguely remember feeling excited when Herman was hired (it feels so long ago), but this is different because on top of everything else you throw in Sark's personality, humility and maturity. I hope my burnt orange glasses aren't overly tinting my view, but it feels like we may be on the verge of something special.
There are three things necessary for success on the field - recruiting top talent, successfully developing that talent, and elite in-game coaching. I would argue while not at the level of Alabama, we have the talent on campus to compete for the Big 12 and a playoff spot, albeit not to win it all. The development of that talent has varied depending upon the position but overall it has been lacking. The in-game coaching has been woefully low.
Alabama's offense was pretty damn amazing last night and clearly demonstrated what can happen when all three come together, but historically they haven't been a dynamic squad. Alabama had been known for world-beating defenses, strong running backs and "game managers" at quarterback until Sarkisian arrived. You could argue Hurts was coming out from under that shadow before Sark's arrival, but the scheme is what I'm talking about. His influence the last couple years changed Alabama, and now he's coming to Texas. If he's able to tighten those last two characteristics and add talent, at least at a recruiting rate Herman enjoyed the first couple years, the sky's the limit.
He can't do it alone and needs to hire a superior staff, but the approach thus far appears to indicate he understands that and the assistant salaries being thrown around would support the ability to do so. His ability to build relationships with those on his staff, within the university and among the high school coaches will also be key and he has already emphasized the importance of relationships.
I vaguely remember feeling excited when Herman was hired (it feels so long ago), but this is different because on top of everything else you throw in Sark's personality, humility and maturity. I hope my burnt orange glasses aren't overly tinting my view, but it feels like we may be on the verge of something special.
