Originally posted by ahsoisee:
71YJ,
I agree, the sudden move was startling, but it is the call of the coaches (Nix, Geiss, Gailey, and to a lesser extent, the remaining coaches.) to make and not the casual observer.
I seriously doubt Gailey made the decision unless it was discussed with Nix and Geiss, and they all pretty much agreed.
Each coach has his own motivational ideas regarding players. I doubt if any two of us on the board would always agree on everything.
If I was the coach, I would declare someone as the number one quarterback when he needed the confidence factor to see how he performs under less pressure.
At another time, I might declare the job wide open, to goad the player into working harder if I saw he was not exerting enough effort. I think you can vary your statements and demands to your players according to the results you are trying to accomplish.
Thus, I can see the different tactics at different times. The main gist of this is that it is the call of the coach that is important and not the call of the casual observer.
I can see Gailey announcing Bilbo to be number one in Spring practice and giving him the most reps. It boosted Bilbo's deflated ego, it gave Nix time to work with him, and put him more at ease. It gave the staff a further chance to evaluate his progress.
I can see the wisdom in opening the position up for the Fall practice with some good candidates coming into the picture.
If the coaches saw the team would have a better chance with Ball and Bilbo was not progressing as required, I can see the wisdom in not delaying any longer. It would be imperative to let Ball have the rest of Fall practice to get ready with the team for the coming season.
It would also give Bilbo a better chance of playing time this year at another position, if the move was made now instead of later. It gives Bilbo time to decide what his options would be should he decided to leave.
It is also a smart move to move Bilbo instead of Suggs to another position. Bilbo is more athletic and could help at another position. He might even star at another position, and he has two years left.
Suggs on the other hand is a capable back-up, but could not give you any help at another position. He has only one year left. I might have taken the same action if I was in control.
One thing is for sure. Having a successful season is making sure you have the right players in the right positions. This gives you the best chance to succeed. It is a very important aspect of coaching.
You, I, nor any other poster is responsible for the results of the team. It is all on the shoulders of the head coach and the assistant coaches. The only decisions that are important are the ones made by the coaches. Our decisions have no effect on the team or their results.
One thing you can trust, the decisions made by the coaches results in the effectiveness of the team. You can bet your last dollar, they will make the decisions based on their observation and knowledge that will give them the best chance of success. It is their A$$, and they know it.
These coaches are exercising their options. At the end of the year, the AD will exercise his options. We can only wait and see the results.
Father Time
