I do believe you are right on that, Earle. If I recall correctly, he came to Birmingham and stayed with Terry at least the night before with the intention of interviewing,I do believe Bowden when he says that he never interviewed.
According to McCullough, Curry, Bowden, and Jim Fuller were interviewed (seems like it was in the Medical Towers building in Bham). All 3 were asked the same questions and asked what their plans were for academics and athletics. He stated that Bowden did miserably in the interview (I read it that he had no plan). Also, stated that Bowden came with TaterTot and (if I recall correctly)I beleive Bowden refused the interview, he might have even said he didn't do interviews which came across as a bit arrogant.
Perkins was given 10% of the Buc's franchise as part of his package with Culverhouse.
My recollection is that Coach Bryant stayed on as AD and I think he intended to stay for a year or so. Joey Jones wrote in his book that Perkins at first said the AD and HC combination was too much for one person, but changed his mind, obviously, after Coach Bryant's death.It seems to me that he resigned as AD also. I know there was a selection committee named, but I don't remember who was on it. Maybe TommyMac or another OF can. CPB's input was strictly informal, I was told.
I believe this to be the truth and Stallings statement adds credence to the theory. Then you have Paul Jr.'s saying the same thing is icing on the cake for me.It is a very good read and can be found in chapter 15 in the book.
In Perkins' defense, it was - at the time - an astronomical amount of money, plus part ownership in the team.I would think Coach would care more about character of the man and who could carry on his "system", more than his x's and o's. Stallings fit the bill, Dye didn't. Perkins obviously didn't because he bolted for money.
Well, I realize you're probably not here all these years later posting but.....that book has so many factual errors of things I can check that I might well not give it much credence.On a general note, Dr. Gaylon McCullough's book published a couple of months ago ("The Long Shadow of Coach Paul "Bear" Bryant") which gives some insight into Coach Bryant's retirement and the subsequent hirings. Dr. McCullough was a close friend and one of CPR's physicians. He said he wrote the book because it was time to clear up some things. He also said in the book that Bobby Bowden did miserable in his interview. :BigA:
What you're saying is what I remember at the time. In fact, I never heard Gene Stallings' name come up until Bill Curry resigned in early 1990. I do know that Paul Bryant Jr. sought out Stallings at a press conference and said, "This is what Papa wanted," but I also recall very clearly what little I heard at the time was that Bryant had endorsed the selection of Perkins.
I'm also aware of the controversy of Bryant having to retire because of the age laws in Alabama and Pat Dye using that as a recruiting tool.
Earle correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think Coach Bryant would have wanted anyone with ties to Ga. Tech running our program.Was speaking with a former player (70s) about Gaylon McCollough's book. Seems Gaylon maybe not remember things as well as he should about Bowden and as well as about Coach Bryant. Some people who know him seems to think this book might be a way he's trying to justify him having a big influence on the hiring of Bill Curry. He's trying to say that Coach Bryant thought Curry would be a great fit for Alabama and trying to say that Bowden knew what he was getting into and wasn't as sharp as Curry was.
His advice to me was not to believe everything about this book.
-kc
Well, I realize you're probably not here all these years later posting but.....that book has so many factual errors of things I can check that I might well not give it much credence.
Just a few examples:
1. On page 6, Dr. McCollough wrote the Bear Bryant played under another "Alabama coaching legend (Coach Wallace Wade)". Wallace Wade was Alabama's first great coach and set the standard for excellence for Crimson Tide football. However, Bryant played for Alabama's second great coach, Frank Thomas.
2. On page 61, Dr. McCollough wrote that the Bear's first bowl appearance was the 1960 Liberty Bowl against Joe Paterno's Penn State. Wrong and wrong. The first bowl appearance was the 1959 Liberty Bowl and, more importantly, Joe Paterno did not become head coach until 1966.
3. On page 75, Dr. McCollough is describing the interview process for finding Bear Bryant's successor. He writes the following about Gene Stallings: "Within a few years, Stallings was fired as the Texas A&M coach and joined the college ranks with the Dallas Cowboys organization of the National Football League." Huh? The Cowboys organization may have been accused of many things but being part of the "college ranks" is not one of them.
4. On page 142, Dr. McCollough is describing the infamous Saturday Evening Post story about when the Georgia Athletic Director and former football coach, Wally Butts, allegedly was sharing "current Georgia coach's (Vince Dooley) game plan "secrets" to Coach Bryant". The game in question was the 1962 game between Georgia and Alabama that the Tide won 35 - 0. The Georgia coach was somebody named Johnny Griffith. Vince Dooley did not take over until later that decade.
I won't speak for Earle, but I don't know that Bryant would have looked at it that way. I know he was saddened when they left the conference, and he later noted that it had hurt their program badly. The thing is - someone else said this last fall in another thread, and I call "nonsense." Not because of the Georgia Tech connection but simple common sense:Earle correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think Coach Bryant would have wanted anyone with ties to Ga. Tech running our program.
Good one.
Wow, what happened here? Did somebody just tell you their child was born on November 22, 2008, and you were like, "Oh yeah. I was about to reply to DennyChimes76. Guess I'll finish that reply now."
(Not altogether sure this should be in blue)
Row Todd!!!!The real story is that Selma has a horrible memory and is just a really good liar. His bluff skills are so strong no one has thought to question his posts.