Spoke to a source today that indicated that Butch Davis is really making himself seem interested in the Texas A&M job. The problem is that, at the same time, he’s throwing in his hat for the Arkansas post. Here’s what’s been laid out for me on it:
1. Davis will leave if the money is right.
2. Davis prefers Arkansas. Not only did he play there, but he is concerned somewhat with the situation Texas A&M finds itself in. Specifically, they are recruiting directly against OU, UT, and LSU – 3 schools with recent national championships. While A&M is a good job with money and facilities, they don’t have control of their state like some other schools. However, having coached at Miami, Davis is used to having other powerful schools in state to recruit against (and I basically count OU and LSU as in-state).
3. While Davis would go to either place, this is likely a game to try to get the maximum amount of money out of Arkansas.
However, Houston Nutt only makes around $1 million. If A&M decided they really wanted Davis (and are able to get out of the Franchione contract for about $2M), then Arkansas likely couldn’t keep up. So then the question is, if Arkansas offers in the neighborhood of $2M, and A&M offers $3M, does Davis’s preference of Arkansas outweigh $1M?
Bottom line is that I have no doubt Davis would go to either place next year.
12 responses so far ↓
Aston94 // November 13, 2007 at 10:21 pm |
The Problem with your theory on Ark being a better situation for recruiting is that Ark has to recruit in Texas too. They are a notch below A&M in recruiting Texas, so if that was the key factor I would say A&M would be preferable to Ark. Ark has 29 guys on their roster from Texas
Now he is an Ark guy so I would have to say that would be more of a reason for him to go to Fayetteville.
Ben // November 13, 2007 at 10:33 pm |
Thanks for the update Mr. Lopez
Eric // November 13, 2007 at 10:36 pm |
Isn’t Arkansas recruiting against UT, OU, LSU, and A&M, too? I have no doubt, everything equal, Davis would probably choose Arkansas over A&M solely b/c he’s an alumnus of Arkansas, but that being said, is he Arkansas #1…..and is Arkansas willing to even get up to the $2 million range? I don’t think A&M will offer $3 million for him.
I don’t want to claim to have all sorts of great sources, but I do have several and they are from all different corners of the sports world, and if I had to make a list of possibilities for A&M, I would give you this list (in order of interest and hopefully probability):
Spurrier
Davis
Sherman
Tedford
Spurrier and Davis may just be using us, and/or may be more interested in LSU and Arkansas, respectively. Sherman, I’m not too high on, but it seems many others are. Tedford has been my #1 all along, and I have a feeling he is realizing if he wants to go to a true football school, he better jump while he can—-not to mention many other things going in A&M’s favor with him (as much as others want to say he would have no interest). The thing is, if Spurrier is serious about us, we’ll get him, if he’s just looking for a raise, or is more interested in LSU, then we won’t get him. I for one think we can make the Spurrier thing happen.
coachspeak // November 13, 2007 at 11:07 pm |
Eric,
I agree that of course Arkansas recruits Texas. However, it is not their main base. They have mostly Arkansas kids, with some from TN, GA, FL, and TX (plus a few others).
In a way, getting Texas kids is a luxury for Arkansas. It’s a necessity for A&M. Davis knows that Arkansas can always pull their few from Texas, or can supplement from other states if necessary. He’s not sure A&M can supplement from other states as well.
- coachspeak
coachspeak // November 13, 2007 at 11:14 pm |
Sherman is a name that is really getting some play, and I’m trying to track down some information about that. I’ll post it when I have something solid.
Forget about Spurrier. I’m trying to do you a favor by telling you that.
Tedford is playing things pretty close to the vest right now.
- coachspeak
Eric // November 13, 2007 at 11:24 pm |
Any chance you can put to rest all the people saying Tuberville, too, then? It’s really frustrating to see people continue to post his name b/c unless Auburn is willing to forfeith $4 or $5 million of the $6 million buyout, we would have ZERO interest in him. I don’t understand why so many people value him so high that they are basically willing to pay Auburn in essence a $6 million sign-on bonus, then have to offer Tuberville $3-4 million/year (which would be #2 money)……Has he really accomplished that much that he is worth that type of investment? I don’t think he even comes close. I’m not saying he’s a bad coach, just saying he’s nowhere near worth a $6 million buyout, and #2 salary, especially after paying ole Fran off.
Eric // November 13, 2007 at 11:47 pm |
If you were a bookie, and had to come up with a list of names for the A&M job, and put odds on them— who would be on the list and what odds would you give them?
Aston94 // November 13, 2007 at 11:58 pm |
I think you underplay the importance of Texas recruiting to Arkansas’ program. 29 kids on their roster is a lot. They have a lot of Ark kids, but many are walk-ons.
WC87 // November 14, 2007 at 12:42 am |
Thanks for the updates, and Gig Em.
JJ Bonham // November 14, 2007 at 5:39 am |
Its going to be a showdown with Davis. Arkie vs. A&M. Just like old times in the SWC. While recruiting for A&M he does have to compete against Stoops and Mac, but as you said, he did that at Miami. One slant you should check on is how close does Butch feel with the new AD and a few members of their board. That is something some have not looked into.
Regarding Sherman, where there is smoke, there is a fire. And it is right where Sherman is now. Look no further than Houston. Fellas down there are pushing his name out just like they did for Franchione. Another big mistake those boys are making. Just because you know and like someone does NOT mean that they are right for the job.
Great site. Keep up the good work. Will be back in touch. But before I go, wonder what Butch would look like in Maroon?
JJ
David // November 14, 2007 at 8:52 am |
Have you heard anything, or have a hunch, about WVU’s Rich Rodriguez? I’m a Mountaineer alumnus and big fan, so I hope he stays. I haven’t heard a peep of him being interested in other jobs this year, but I’m wondering if we are being lulled into oblivion. Any news you have on him will be very welcome – Thanks!
bubba // May 5, 2009 at 10:07 pm |
Boy do you feel like a moron. He’s still at UNC 2 years later and he even turned down Tennessee. Butch ain’t going nowhere son.