Re: New Coach Speculation (merged; keep thoughts on the topic here!!!
P.C. I am in agreement, as much as I would like SOS on our sidelines, I still cannot find a realistic reason for him to leave USC for Alabama. Some on here think we have a lot more talent than USC, I think that may be somewhat debatable. It shouldn't be a money issue, I am sure he is well paid. The only conceivable reason I can think of and this is a stretch, he may perceive that by coming to Alabama he could have a chance to be the only coach in D-1 history to win NCs at two different schools. Also as you mentioned, if he stays at USC, who ever the new hire is, the excitement or sizzle is dampened somewhat. I guess I am one of the often called "doom and gloomers" but I just do not see this happening.
Let me first say that I will believe Spurrier is coming to Bama only when it is officially announced and I see Spurrier say it himself. With that said, though, I do believe that there are quite a few reasons for him to leave USC for Bama...
1. His current salary is almost 1/2 million less than Shula's was and would stand to get paid more by Bama because of his track record. Spurrier - $1.3 million/Shula almost $1.8 million and Spurrier would most likely come close to gaining $1 million more a year by coming to Bama.
2. South Carolina's talent level is lower than Bama's. USC might not look like it at times because of the coaching job that CSS does, but it doesn't have the overall talent that Bama does nor does it have the ability to be at the level as it currently stands. Case in point is the fact that Syvelle Newton has had to play at least 3 different positions this season. Newton is a good athlete, but not to that effect.
3. South Carolina's facilities are not at Bama's current level, which from what I understand, was something Spurrier requested the program to fix but has of yet not seen any improvement.
4. With Georgia, Florida, Mississippi right next door along with LSU being 1 state away and Bama having the tradition and facilities that it has, Alabama is much easier to recruit for than USC is.
The bottom line,
in my opinion, is that Bama is just more desirable across the board than South Carolina. Does that mean that we need to start loading up on Bama visors? No, but it does mean that there is a better chance than, maybe, what you are suggesting that Spurrier could be very interested in the Bama job!
In my opinion, Spurrier could have some 10 win seasons at South Carolina if everything falls into place, but he could make 10 wins a habit at Bama.
