Culture Shock, Part I: inside the Florida Gators’ implosion under Dan Mullen

Imagine if we had Trask for 18, 19, and 20...

 

We could learn more about what went wrong there, but to use that as the end all reason not to do our own version is still debatable. One football operations AD will have final say in football operations... so it should be a person with head coaching knowledge that wants the Gators to win... within the framework of the rules. He can only suggest football spending. Those duties remain with the Sports AD, and others above him.

 

Let's not confuse the issue re SS.
The coaching search has now been well-documented.
Kelly was first choice- he declined.
Scott Frost was on the radar- he wouldn't return SS's call.
UT would have hired Mullen if we had not.

So SS went with Mullen- taking a good candidate away from UT but also securing the best available candidate (on paper at least.)

From the article- it frankly sounds like Mullen the person was not the problem.
It was his guys who he WOULD NOT REPLACE in some kind of weird head scratching show of loyalty?
Unless he also did that at MSU- then SS wouldn't have known.

I DO blame Mullen for not being a CEO and hiring and firing the right guys.
But I don't blame SS for this one.

 

It seems even more amazing that DM refused to move along from Hev and TG at the very least. Many felt Knox was an empty suit as well as the TE/Special teams coach. Head scratcher. Maybe too much ego & had issue with people suggesting he make changes. Kinda like beeping your horn at me in a parking lot and me waiting there until one of us die kinda thing. I’ll go back in the store.

 

It’s funny - Gator baseball coming off a CWS final — if Napier works out like all indications suggest he will, and Golden produces with his talented squad, people will soon be talking about what a good job SS is doing as our AD.

 

Well yeah, that’s how it works

SS put his neck out for CBN and his limbs for CTG. If they hit he’s a hero, if they don’t he’s a zero.

 

Hi antny1 - (Hows that big ole Burnese doing?) .......... thats the most important thing!

Anyway - It would seem almost EVERYONE is happy with CBN from a structural / foundational / and CEO point of view. (I think). Obviously recruiting is headed in a very good direction.

The question of W-L success and play calling is still an open book. Last year coach did take some heat about clock management and a few game decisions however I believe coach was heavily influenced by what he saw, the capabilities (or lack thereof) of personnel and the situation in general.

After reading "part 1" I also believe CBN was also confronted with "Locker-Room" issues related to the carry-overs and attitudes from the Mullen, Hev and of course Grantham regime.

Regarding players, Brenton Cox immediately comes to mind. His departure was swept under the rug a bit but I suspect he was dismissed for reasons associated with "Part - 1". No evidence or proof, purely conjecture on my part.

I still have trouble getting my mind around a squad that pounded A&M and S Carolina to dust, in what finally appeared to be some team cohesion, only to fall apart and get whipped at Vandy and losing 3 straight.

FSU was decent and in Tally so that loss is somewhat explainable. It was a basketball game and the AR show ran out of gas in the second half, the defense of course was it's predictable self.

Oregon State was, well a disgrace. UF is on a bit of a precepice when it comes to "bowls". The last two have been completely unacceptable. I would rather UF DECLINE bowl invitations than showing up with no intention of playing or winning. CBN needs to get that stain corrected real quick.

Having said all that, the word from the pundits and "football people" is this squad is deeper and more talented than last years. Alot of folk are also saying Mertz will be much better than predicted.

Myself, I am not as concerned with W-L (THIS SEASON) as I am with recruiting, the culture and a disciplined locker room. Lets face it, if we win 5 or less we don't get a bowl. If we win 6 - 8 we get some middling bowl. Most folks are thinking thats UF's cap - 7 or 8 wins.

I'm not prepared to sabotage CBN this campaign over W-L record provided recruiting and the locker room holds together.

If CBN brings this class home and brings in a similar class next cycle THEN the gloves will come off regarding record.

UF has very tough schedules this year and next. Honestly, I think Gator nation should not expect much in the way of high rankings and rings until CBN's 4th season and beyond.

If part 1 is factual and I believe it is, CBN has and continues to have, one hell of a deep hole to lift UF out of.

The question is, will the fan base be patient enough?

 

Yeah, thats the deal. The question is how long will each have? IMO if CBN continues to recruit well, (and keeps the locker room in order) he deserves at least 4 seasons. This year and next year is a gauntlet schedule wise.

Having said that, coaches who have a roster that almost 100% their own players need to perform, especially in season 4.

 

Coaches are typically strong on the technical aspects of what they do - it’s their profession.

This article highlights how the weaknesses of the Leader so strongly impact the organization.

Mullen knows offense
Mullen did not lead nor manage people well.
CBN appears to be able to do the latter.
CBN can hopefully learn to have smart play calling on both sides of the ball either by himself or someone else.

 

Would be interested to read this from the coaches perspective. Not interested in defending them but would be curious how they saw things/defend their actions. I know it won’t happen but if they were willing to trash outgoing players who knows.

 

She's doing well as always. Happy girl.

I think this guy put this story out when he did to quell any negativity if we struggle somewhat this year especially early on. I think his 2nd part will show how much support he has for Napier and company despite whatever record we end up with as long as we show growth and continue building all aspects of the program. I'm not a fan of this guy's page as he tends to be a bit Fairweather at times however he did well with this one.

 

She looks like a very good girl.

 

What a darling! I have a Keshond and a rescue. I go to an awesome dog park and "come a running" when people with a Burnese show up! They are marvelous!

Appreciate the info and GO GATORS!

 

Keshonds are cool dogs and remind of pomskis. Looked it up and low and behold they are related to pomeranians. Go Gators!

 

Agree. Our athletic department is well run and wins a lot of championships. To blame SS for Mullen, while overlooking the entire AD, is lame. Glad you pointed out Golden -- I believe he is a good one.

 

Is it warts or is it herpes?

 

Foley gets credit for baseball unless I am mistaken, as I don't think SS hired O'Sullivan.

 

I’m my uncles case it was probably herpes.

 

Interesting Keshond fact -

They were the "comfort-dogs" used during the 9/11 recovery program at the world trade center site.

They really are wonderful. Kinda reminds me of having a minature black bear! lol

Lots of brushing, but I don't mind, a labor of love. Duke loves it too.