The Tomahawk Nation podcast hotcast returns this week to discuss Jeremy Pruitt leaving Tallahassee for Athens, a curious decision in light of our sources indicating FSU was matching the offer had Pruitt given Florida State a chance to do so. What will the hiring process be? Who are good candidates? More importantly, what traits will the new candidates have?
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I thought I would write out how Jimbo Fisher needs to go about picking the new defensive coordinator.
As I put on the Tomahawk Nation facebook page, this is a very good job.
WANTED: Defensive Coordinator*
Team has veteran personnel, including great young pass rushers, plenty of size, the best pair of cornerbacks in the country and a sophomore phenom at safety. Low pressure, as the offense potentially has 10 senior starters and Jameis Winston. You are almost guaranteed a top-10 defense playing with these toys in the ACC. Compensation ~$750,000. Must work weekends.Apply within
Serious inquiries only. *Must run Nick Saban's defensive scheme or similar.
So, the steps. We discuss this on the podcast but I wanted to make sure it was clear.
Make sure Pruitt did not leave because of something in your control (I don't believe this to be the case. This was not a rocky relationship between Fisher and Pruitt, like occasionally existed between Fisher and Stoops).
Evaluate your current defensive staff. Is there someone on the staff whom you feel would be the best coordinator?
If so, make that hire and then fill the vacant position coach spot (ends, backers or defensive backs).
If not, consider going outside. But remember, coaches are humans and you must consider the balance of ego and feelings if you go outside. Would the best defensive coordinator really be the best if current veteran coaches feel slighted or passed over?
In reality, it's not about picking the best coordinator. It's about picking the best overall defensive staff. If the best defensive coordinator would not result in the best overall staff, then he is really not the best defensive coordinator for the job.
We also talk about recruiting and agree that while Pruitt is an excellent recruiter, his actual impact on this class might not have been quite as much as some would lead you to believe.
