Per BOL: Lance Thompson on the Way Back to Alabama

[twofbyc]

Talk about a Tidefans Epic Meltdown.

...of earth-shattering proportions....

 

[CapstoneTider]

As long as we have the "Process" which is coach Saban, I believe we will always have a good bunch of coaches and I would love to have Coach Thompson back.

It's all about one voice and chemistry.......that is why I am a little skeptical about big named NFL assistants and like the intrigue of the Jim McElwain hires the best, the younger 40 something impressive coach from Timbuktu. Even though the state of Washington is not Timbuktu, I have the same feelings about Nussemeier. He is the coach I want on offense and Thompson is whom I want to replace Sunseri until he comes back a defensive coordinator in 1-3 years:BigA:

Can't remember which special teams coach it was, but he stated that he was handed a "Special Teams" handbook from the "Saban Coaching Library" and was told to learn it, apply it. If was the Saban's first year and the handbook still had Miami Dolphins on it . The Saban coaching Library presumably has a book with guidline's and process orientated philosophies and instructions for ever coach and position on the field, which makes coaching changes seem seamless. Chemistry is probably the #1 obstacle. Lance Thompson has developed Chemistry with our coaches and would be a great hire imo.

 

[Rolltide_PA]

shocker to me. wow, didn't expect this name to surface again other than the third saturday in october

 

[TIDEnGA]

Please don't refer to LT as a Ladies Man. I'm a lady, and I resent that. Something about him just gives me an ill feeling. He loves himself enough for all of us though. Trying to be positive on this one. I'll try to separate his personal from his professional. Gonna be difficult.

 

[TIDE-HSV]

LT was heavy on the recruiting of JJ, and others in his class, IIRC. Did a pretty fair job, from what I saw. Don't know about his coaching skills, heard some negatives before and after his departure, but just hearsay.
I know there were a lot of issues involved in his departure - some involving his personal life. Being a proponent of the "two stones" philosophy (one work, one home, never carry both at the same time), I do understand first-hand the difficulties involved in a divorce; sometimes, the "home" stone gets cracked, and when you go to replace it with your "work" stone, some chunks fall off and you still carry some of it around.
Nervous because this is not CNS' usual behavior, as per his track record with assistants; he's the boss, he makes the calls, I'm pretty sure he doesn't care what I think (or anyone else on here), but the "uncomfortable" feeling I have is somewhat akin to what I think I would feel if I remarried one of my exes. Just doesn't seem right to me, but I'm on board with it.

He had people in Mobile advocating for him, I hear...

 

[Matt0424]

I have let this sit for a while before responding... I try not to rush to judgement on things of this nature, so I take a little longer to analyze it.

Let me just say, I think it is a great hire. CLT is a phenomenal recruiter, and (while maybe not on CDS level) a good position coach.

However...this just doesn't feel right to me. It feels, for lack of a better word, icky. I am going to give CNS the benefit of the doubt on this, and just let things happen...

 

[twofbyc]

He had people in Mobile advocating for him, I hear...

That would not surprise me....he made a few friends down here when he was recruiting. During the recruiting and up to the signing of JJ, many in Lower Alabama were singing his praises loudly.
I can think of one right off the bat (who is "close" to one of the BOT's) who was quite probably the head cheerleader. Just a hunch...

 

[GP for Bama]

Lance Thompson's return would probably be a very good hire. Saban knows his strengths and abilities. It may also send a message to Tennessee and Dave Hart to quit messing with Bama's staff.

 

[BamaFanVA]

Has this been reported as official by the university or are we still speculating based on BOL article and others?

 

[CrimsonProf]

At this point, CLT will probably be the best he's ever been.

Yeah...he was staring at some dire career prospects until CNS came calling.

 

[JDCrimson]

If character is.indeed an issue here, then I don't see how this really improves our situation - I don't care how of a recruiter he is.

This will be the 3rd stint at bama at nothing more than a position coach. Personally I would rather take someone with a.track record of advancement.

 

[Chukker Veteran]

I wonder if Lance first told Saban he would be interested if offered, or if Saban approached Lance to see if there was any interest.

 

[bamaslammer]

While this move certainly comes as the most surprising since Saban arrived at Alabama I don't think Nick Saban has suddenly gone senile. I'm going to trust that since he was there when Thompson left and knows what has passed back and forth since and since he hired him back that he has a reason for doing so.

Everyone on here admits that he recruited well for us in the past. It's also worth noting that Saban moves assistants from time to time so there is no guarantee he will handle outside linebackers. I've heard some comments about the man's personal life. While I agree off field things can effect job performance if you've been married for any length of time you know that no one is immune from marriage problems and divorce, not coaches, preachers, nobody.

Clearly there is a relationship and trust between he and Saban that has either not been breached or was mended. Saban has just delivered us two national championships in two years. If I see problems on the field I'm the first one to jump up and scream but I'm not going to hail this as a bad move until he's had a chance to come in and do the job. It's not like he had anthing to work with up in Knoxville.

I think the more interesting note is the significant portion of Dooly's staff that has now jumped ship while such a significant member of our staff jumped on that ship that seems so clearly headed for the bottom.

 

[Dallas4Bama]

That would not surprise me....he made a few friends down here when he was recruiting. During the recruiting and up to the signing of JJ, many in Lower Alabama were singing his praises loudly.
I can think of one right off the bat (who is "close" to one of the BOT's) who was quite probably the head cheerleader. Just a hunch...

I don't doubt you or Earle about the lobbying for one minute. My question is how much does that help anymore with CNS? I know prior to CNS' arrival the GOB (good ole boy) network along with a few BOT members who liked to throw their weight around constantly meddled in the program. It was very evident via the results. A BOT member or powerful GOB could get someone a position or block someone from a position throughout the athletic department and in particular the football program. When CNS arrived that all went out the window as best I can tell, which can again be seen via the results. I know for a fact he had a part on some changes in the athletic department that cut off information flow to some of the GOBs. He really doesn't answer to anyone, I mean technically Mal and Dr. Witt are his bosses, but does anyone really believe either one of them could or would take him to task over anything outside some type of ethical situation? I also don't really see him taking hiring advice about his staff from BOT members. Thoughts?

 

[twofbyc]

I don't doubt you or Earle about the lobbying for one minute. My question is how much does that help anymore with CNS? I know prior to CNS' arrival the GOB (good ole boy) network along with a few BOT members who liked to throw their weight around constantly meddled in the program. It was very evident via the results. A BOT member or powerful GOB could get someone a position or block someone from a position throughout the athletic department and in particular the football program. When CNS arrived that all went out the window as best I can tell, which can again be seen via the results. I know for a fact he had a part on some changes in the athletic department that cut off information flow to some of the GOBs. He really doesn't answer to anyone, I mean technically Mal and Dr. Witt are his bosses, but does anyone really believe either one of them could or would take him to task over anything outside some type of ethical situation? I also don't really see him taking hiring advice about his staff from BOT members. Thoughts?

I was just commenting on Earle's post; I'm sure, since CNS' salary comes from sources other than the state ( AD funds, I think, and this includes revenue provided by boosters, fans and many other sources), that even though the BOT doesn't give marching orders to CNS, it's a good thing if they are on the same page. I have no idea how much influence the "advocating" had, but if CNS had had major issues with LT he wouldn't have hired him back. JMO
But, even if given tons of leeway and little oversight, you still answer to the one who signs your checks. :biggrin:

 

[bamaga]

I know he was just pumping the UT fanbase, But the comments attributed to him on the way out really did not sit well with me.
excuse me if I don't welcome him back with open arms. I can afford to do that as a fan.

 

[bamacon]

Perhaps all the stuff that was causing problems has been dealt with. I'm pretty sure it has been. He does at least know exactly what he is getting because he has worked with CNS before. He is a great recruiter and that was an area of need. Perhaps he groveled which wouldn't be unexpected after some of his bridge burning when he left. If CNS thought he was going to be a distraction to the "process" (oil in the water if you will) CLT would not have even gotten a sniff.

 

[teamplayer]

I will just say that I am very surprised by this, very surprised.

 

[RobK]

A couple of additional thoughts:

1. I would assume CKS would have significant input into this hire, and would assume that any move that enhances his comfort level and satisfaction with the situation here is a plus if we want to keep CKS around as long as possible.

2. Given the fact that a new offensive coordinator is coming to town very soon which will require an adjustment period and time to acclimate in terms of the playbook, working with assistants, and recruiting, perhaps it is possible that CNS wants to keep changes on the defensive side as minimal as possible, and therefore CLT is the easiest fit with minimal disruption or learning curve due to his recruiting prowess and knowledge of the system.

 

[bamaslaw]

I will say this. With Saban, my policy is that if Nick Saban wants something, I want something - be it a recruit, co-ordinator, upgraded facilities, etc. I am sticking with that.

But I don't like it.