Alabama DC Search (2017)

[rgw]

I guess the concern basically comes down to a guy who has coached up good traditional area zone defenses v. our existing scheme that primarily uses pattern-match zone.


I will say that I think pattern match has not been our friend at times. Teams are starting to get really good at route combos that make any pattern match defender hesitant. You notice it especially in how we're rarely "burned" in coverage, a defender is almost always there but not in a position to make the play.

 

[sabanball]

Feel free to provide counter data which shows Chizik to not be a good DC, as I've provided facts showing his success as DC at two different universities.

If you're just spouting off because you don't like him for some reason (other than his being a former AU coach), I guess I'll just thank you for your thoughtful response.

BAMA has had coaches on staff before that had associations with au right? (James Willis comes to mind) Go back through my posts and show me where I bashed those coaches simply because of their association to au...I'll wait.

As for chizik, I don't think he would be a good fit for Saban's staff based on what is asked of his assistants relative to effort, hours, dedication, focus, etc. If he is hired for the staff, then I will gladly do a "deep dive" into his stats relative to his time as various coaching positions for Stephen F Austin (DC/DB), UCF(DC/LB/DB), Auburn (DC/DB), Texas (co-DC/AHC/LB) and North Carolina (DC) for future discussion.

You're welcome.

 

[allybama2009]

I would be fine with him coming here. If he brings fresh thoughts/plans and is willing to run what Saban does on the regular with a positive twist, A combo could be really good. Saban is always adapting to what is going on each year. I would welcome Chizik if he brings his "A" game to Bama. RTR

 

[Con]

I think Chizik would know how much work he would be stepping into. He has been a coach long enough to know.

 

[CB4]

He would probably have to sell, but my guess would be that he would make more in one year as Alabama's DC than he would make in profits at a small restaurant in Auburn, AL over a much longer time period.

At this point, I don’t think it is about money for Gene. I think it is about independence and freedom to use his time as he sees fit. I have kids at a similar age. It’s that time right before “full adulthood” for them when you realize how fast the time has past. I think Gene is sincere in his decision to step away from football, at least for the time being.

Of course I could be completely wrong about it. But I do have friends and colleagues in the Auburn area that run into Gene from time to time. And many say they have never seen him happier.

 

[The Ols]

Just imagine how happy he could be outside of "The Auburn Area?"

At this point, I don’t think it is about money for Gene. I think it is about independence and freedom to use his time as he sees fit. I have kids at a similar age. It’s that time right before “full adulthood” for them when you realize how fast the time has past. I think Gene is sincere in his decision to step away from football, at least for the time being.
Of course I could be completely wrong about it. But I do have friends and colleagues in the Auburn area that run into Gene from time to time. And many say they have never seen him happier.
Of course I could be completely wrong about it. But I do have friends and colleagues in the Auburn area that run into Gene from time to time. And many say they have never seen him happier.

 

[JustNeedMe81]

Many of you keep forgetting that Alabama defense is base 3-4 formation, but usually operates out of 4-3 ( Nickel and Dime) often. Just a reminder... so, Chizik is actually a good fit, he can make adjustments and still win.

 

[BamaMoon]

Is CGC a real possibility?

Only thing I've seen is what Finebaum said? Any reason to think Paul's not just throwing out random ideas to get Bama and Barn folks to talk about it?

 

[crimsonaudio]

Is CGC a real possibility?

Only thing I've seen is what Finebaum said? Any reason to think Paul's not just throwing out random ideas to get Bama and Barn folks to talk about it?

I'd actually already heard whispers of it, but nothing solid. I suspect it;s all conjecture coming from the same starting point, but who knows. We have no other leads, so it's integrating to consider.

 

[TIDE-HSV]

Many of you keep forgetting that Alabama defense is base 3-4 formation, but usually operates out of 4-3 ( Nickel and Dime) often. Just a reminder... so, Chizik is actually a good fit, he can make adjustments and still win.

You've said what I was thinking. We actually spend much more time in the 4-3 now. In fact, it could be argued that we're not signing the material to play a true 3-4 any more...

 

[B1GTide]

You've said what I was thinking. We actually spend much more time in the 4-3 now. In fact, it could be argued that we're not signing the material to play a true 3-4 any more...

True - it has been a while since you had a true NT rather than 2 more generic DTs.

 

[JustNeedMe81]

True - it has been a while since you had a true NT rather than 2 more generic DTs.

With the young team on the defense, I can see why Saban might target Chizik over Lupoi. If it was established defense, Tosh is no brainer. Difference between developing a young team and coaching the established defense.

 

[deliveryman35]

I might even call it an upgrade over Pruitt.

Dont know if I’d go that far, but Chizik has good credentials as a DC at several big time programs. As long as he can recruit then I’d be satisfied with the hire.

 

[gman4tide]

Only thing that worries me about cgc becoming DC is I remember some reports coming from ISU after he left about how they had to be "retrained" on tackling. I've stated in other threads that I'm not a fan of some of our tackling, and it's my belief UA needs a good, hard nosed, fundamental coaching DC. Just my 2 cents.

 

[deliveryman35]

Might've just been that Taco Bell is vastly better than Taco Casa.

You’re kidding, right? Taco Bell can’t touch Taco Casa.

 

[sabanball]

I get that some folks won't be able to get past the fact that he coached at Auburn, but...

During his last three years as a DC, Chizik's teams went 36-3 (.923) including two undefeated seasons (04 and 05 - at two different schools, no less). The three losses in 2006 came by a combined total of 26 points (8.6 points per loss).

By way of comparison, Smart's last three years as DC at Alabama yielded a record of 37-5 (.881) with the five losses coming by a total of 39 points (7.8 points per loss).

Serious question - what else would he need to do to impress you as a DC?

Feel free to provide counter data which shows Chizik to not be a good DC, as I've provided facts showing his success as DC at two different universities.

If you're just spouting off because you don't like him for some reason (other than his being a former AU coach), I guess I'll just thank you for your thoughtful response.

Finally got a few minutes at work so I went back and looked at your post. Seems you "inadvertently" (giving you benefit of the doubt) picked a couple of specific seasons to support your argument... 2004 au (13-0), 2005 Texas (13-0) and 2006 Texas (10-3) correct? A good run by chizik for sure resulting in 36-3 over those seasons as you stated. 2004 au had a heck of a defense however with 2005-2006 Texas, you have to acknowledge that Duane Akina as co-DC had input as well on those teams. Basically the best 3 seasons of chizik's career as DC or co-DC, it seems.

To clarify your inaccuracy, chizik's last 3 seasons as co-DC or DC were 2006 Texas (10-3), 2015 North Carolina (11-3) and 2016 North Carolina (8-5) for a total of 29-11 for a win percentage of .725. The following are his records as various coaching positions for 1998-2001 UCF(DC/LB/DB), 2002-2004 Auburn (DC/DB), 2005-2006 Texas (co-DC/AHC/LB) and 2015-2016 North Carolina (DC). I'm sure you would agree that his entire body of work (co-DC or DC) would be applicable to this discussion.

1998 UCF - 9-2
1999 UCF - 4-7
2000 UCF - 7-4
2001 UCF - 6-5

2002 auburn - 9-4
2003 auburn - 8-5
2004 auburn - 13-0

2005 Texas - 13-0
2006 Texas - 10-3

2015 NC - 11-3
2016 NC - 8-5

In 6 of those 11 seasons, chizik's teams lost 4+ games. A lot of factors go into those losses but how long do you think he would be on Saban's staff if BAMA lost 4 games in a season?

 

[crimsonaudio]

1998 UCF - 9-2
1999 UCF - 4-7
2000 UCF - 7-4
2001 UCF - 6-5

2002 auburn - 9-4
2003 auburn - 8-5
2004 auburn - 13-0

2005 Texas - 13-0
2006 Texas - 10-3

2015 NC - 11-3
2016 NC - 8-5

In 6 of those 11 seasons, chizik's teams lost 4+ games. A lot of factors go into those losses but how long do you think he would be on Saban's staff if BAMA lost 4 games in a season?

Real football programs in bold.

His record as DC at wannabe football programs is 45-26 (.633), while his record as DC at real football programs is 53-12 (.815).

Guess which of these two categories Alabama belongs in? And GC has never had the HC nor the talent on the field that Bama has.

 

[RT27]

Great point, with the studs Nick and crew are getting there is no excuse for not having a top 5 defense every year in all the main categories.

 

[BamaMoon]

I really like the fact that if CGC is willing to coach again, but has given up on HC aspirations, that he might could settle in for several years!

 

[B1GTide]

Stallings may have a few years left in him. :wink: