VTTW Board Index

That's interesting

I like it. 

That fits with his comments about his experience in this area and his network of people he trusts who are in the know and connected.  I'd be willing to bet a search firm would get him the same names as his existing networking contacts.  For some reason I find the lack of a search firm reassuring.

Difference between an experienced and inexperienced AD

Hubbs has been saying this would be the case for at least a week

I like it also.  DIDN'T like it when Hamilton hired one.   It seems to me the AD would have the best pulse on what his program needs, not some outsider firm.

So I could see a firm putting Kiffin on a short list or even at the top if Hamilton's criteria over-stressed recruiting, or said something about shaking things up, etc.   Whereas a seasoned football guy would look at, you know, his RECORD, or something silly like that.

Pure speculation....but the search firm approach may have been part of the problem before.

If this means he already has a great short list of likely willing candidates, great.  But if not:

1.  A search firm can have conversations he cannot.  Failure to use one limits how the dance can be played.
2.  A search firm gives you a lot more bandwidth to conduct the search so you can move faster and are less tempted to take the easy short cut.  As much as Hart may prioritize this hire, he still has unavoidable demands.
3.  People who do searches (if you get the right one) have deep skill sets relevant to a search Hart surely does not.  Again, if Hart already has a Gruden on the line, that doesn't matter.  But if he is out to fish, I'd rather he hired professional fishermen to help rather than go it alone with his cane pole.

Those professional fishermen went out looking for rainbow trout in 2010 and came back with a chub minner.

I haven't been impressed with Parker Search. UT uses them in all sorts of searches for upper level administrators and it seems like they are very hit and miss with getting a good pool of candidates . . . to the point where I don't think UT gets its money's worth.

But what I really wondered when he said that is if they already have their guy and are just working out details and timing. Probably wishful thinking.

That's my hope too.