Work hard, demand excellence and stay focused on the details has been preached as a sure path to success in America. While a good prescription for obtaining success, and except for the case of Kentucky basketball coach Joe B. Hall in the 80’s, is generally an absolute necessity. Not always though. In business you can sometimes do everything just right and still not create success. The same is true in coaching college football. You can make all the right moves, but still fail because the pieces were just not there when you arrived to make things go in the time available to you. The other day we looked at coaches who look like they are the right guy, in the right place, at the right time. Today, we glance at coaches who may or may not be the right guy, in the right place at the right time. Wednesday we will pay regards to the ones that are just in the wrong place no matter what their skills might be.
Lane Kiffin, Tennessee-Remember Al Davis? The crazy owner of the Oakland Raiders where Kiffin coached before the two proved they could not work together. Given Kiffin’s antics since arriving in Knoxville you actually have to scratch your head and wonder if this time Davis might be the one who is sane. On the plus side for the Vol’s coach: His dad is a proven defensive innovator, he has assembled a staff of talented recruiters and pulled in some dynamic players. On the negative side: He has alienated every coach in the conference, played loose with NCAA rules and beyond his dad, has not assembled a staff full of great x and o’s people. Kiffin has thirteen returning starters, including the incredible Eric Berry. He has a rabid fan base. Does he have the ability to pull everything together fast enough to keep from being bitten? His own actions have put him on a pretty short leash.
Frank Spaziani, Boston College-If Spaziani wins he might just become the true BC man the school wants for a head coach. He has been on staff for thirteen years coaching defense for the Eagles, and has waited patiently for his opportunity. Last season Boston College won nine games. ACC champ Virginia Tech beat them twice and there was a tough loss to North Carolina that was surprising. The Eagles will have fourteen starters back with an equal number on both sides of the ball. What Spaziani has going his way is the potential for an improved offense. Working against him will be road games at Clemson, Virginia Tech and Notre Dame.
Dabo Swinney, Clemson-Swinney is a passionate coach who works hard at recruiting talent. Last year the players responded during his interim tenure by winning big games against Boston College and in- state rival Gamecocks. To help him be a success at Clemson he will have a solid offense taking care of the ball and a defense that should improve as the season progresses. The challenge will be getting the program to rise above the mediocrity that has enveloped the Tigers the last several seasons. If Swinney can produce as he is capable, then Clemson should make their way to the ACC Championship. A first for the program.
These guys are fortunate. Their success or failure is tied in many ways to what they do with the situation they are in. The jury is out on if they can actually get it done. The coaches we will take a look at on Wednesday might be better technicians than these guys, but their situation indicates they should not get to comfortable in their new offices.
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