NW and Iowa were the 2 I really watched and it was evident that Tenn. and Stanford were obviously faster and more athletic. But then I thought about the difference in coaching. Other than Michigan and Ohio State, other BIG teams don't have the top caliber assistants that you find in the South. Other than assistants leaving for head coaching jobs, when have other college teams taken assistants from the BIG? Dave Aranda may leave Wisconsin for another DC position, but I can't remember an ACC/SEC team hiring a coordinator from the BIG for the same position (not saying it hasn't happened, just don't remember it happening). SEC teams have no problem stealing each other's assistants, but does it happen in the BIG?
Looking at Harbaugh and Meyer, they understand the importance of top quality assistants. Harbaugh hired John Baxter, one of the best special team coordinators in college football, and he doesn't have to also coach a position. Meyer hires Schiano to be the co-defensive coordinator and when have you heard of a former head coach of a pro team becoming a coordinator at the college level? I realize Schiano took the position to work his way back to being a college head coach again, but it shows that Meyer understands the value of having the best coaches possible. I wish Cubit would have hired Al Golden to be the co-defensive coordinator and LB coach. That would have made a statement, plus it would have helped make the Illini defense better. Until Illinois hires a HC that understands it is more important to have 9 excellent assistants rather than hiring assistants that he knows, but aren't the best, it will be a long time before the Illini are in position to be a competitive football team again.
Looking at Harbaugh and Meyer, they understand the importance of top quality assistants. Harbaugh hired John Baxter, one of the best special team coordinators in college football, and he doesn't have to also coach a position. Meyer hires Schiano to be the co-defensive coordinator and when have you heard of a former head coach of a pro team becoming a coordinator at the college level? I realize Schiano took the position to work his way back to being a college head coach again, but it shows that Meyer understands the value of having the best coaches possible. I wish Cubit would have hired Al Golden to be the co-defensive coordinator and LB coach. That would have made a statement, plus it would have helped make the Illini defense better. Until Illinois hires a HC that understands it is more important to have 9 excellent assistants rather than hiring assistants that he knows, but aren't the best, it will be a long time before the Illini are in position to be a competitive football team again.
