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Guz Malzahn Defensive Coaches Tree

SunDevilRob

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Sep 29, 2004
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I had posted this elsewhere among the threads - but the more I thought about it - it's actually a good piece of research. I absolutely want to make it clear - I am not saying anything about KP's future - this is more about Coach Graham's comfort zone with new hires and potentially, giving Guz Malzahn a call about his potential recommendations from staff he had hired and moved on. I'd rather not guess on us poaching current Auburn coaches - and Muschamp is not in our budget. Same with Travaris Robinson, the current DC at South Carolina who is already potentially out of our budget ($750k a year) and who I would suspect would put us in a bidding war with USC putting him out of our budget as well.

I said I believed we will not go with someone younger (and I mean coaching experience, not actual age) from the assistant ranks. We did with Chip Lindsey - largely because I think Coach Graham had a lot more "comfort zone" space to work with. Malzahn gave him a good review and he had a pretty impressive record to go with an offense that eearily looked close to what we had with the players that fit.

It isn't quite as easy with assistants from the defensive side. At least to me, I can't see any of these potential Malzahn "approved" type coaches really able to step up to Power division level football at the DC level. Maybe as an additional hire, but certainly not as a hands-off DC calling plays on the sidelines in my opinion - except for one - Lance Thompson.

Guz Malzahn Coaching Tree Available Candidates (Defense)

Not including any active Auburn coaches or Muschamp or Travaris Robinson at South Carolina on this list. Just can't see that happening with Coach Graham being able to realistically get.

Anyone comfortable with an FCS DC? Brandon Hall, Jacksonvillle State DC http://www.jsugamecocksports.com/coaches.aspx?rc=530

Al Pogue, Troy CBs Coach http://www.troytrojans.com/coaches.aspx?path=football&rc=821

(I would take this guy off the list, he was more along the lines of "inherited" by Malzahn then hired. Just including for information.) Phillip Lolley, Edmonton CFL LB Coach http://www.esks.com/profile-phillip-lolley/

Kenny Ingram, Cinncinati DB Coach http://www.gobearcats.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/kenny_ingram_950538.html

The only guy I think may have a shot at DC coming off the Malzahn coaching tree is Lance Thompson DL Coach/Asst Coach from South Carolina. http://www.gamecocksonline.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/lance_thompson_996950.html

What's worth watching is Lance Thompson. He wanted and would have stayed at Auburn with Malzahn had he been chosen to succeed Muschamp and said it. He joined both Muschamp and Travaris Robinson to South Carolina - I'd love Robinson but he's untouchable - he's an elite recruiter and makes $750k a year.

Lance Thompson currently is at $500k a year and his contract runs throung 2017 which should be no big deal. But most importantly, he wants to be a DC for a Power conference team it seems. Would $600k over 3 years suffice? Or $650k? I give us a 50% chance at that range - guy also seems confortable in the SEC as well. But, the guy has LITTLE experience as an actual DC - and do we do this? Give a guy total control with no experience? Probably not in my own personal opinion.

Salary information http://www.thestate.com/sports/coll...th-carolina/usc-football/article61330907.html

Does anyone like any of these guys?

I don't know if that salary range is possible but if not - we're probably looking for an NFL assistant or advisor then.
 
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