[socalstanfan1]

[quote author=socalstanfan1 link=topic=5308.msg38487#msg38487 date=1325654733]
[quote author=Big Brother link=topic=5308.msg38431#msg38431 date=1325607469]
Concluding anything other than special teams ineptitude would represent troubling signs of ineptitude on Shaw's part. If he's made the judgment that Polian's recruiting expertise outweighs his special teams inability, that's something I suppose I can respect though I think it's pretty wrong. Coaches exist who are both good at special teams and recruiting--for example, Polian's predecessor. With new Pac-12 media money, there's no reason we can't make a compelling, attractive offer to just such a proven individual--or try to unearth one with potential, a la a Mike Bloomgren, Mike Sanford or Derek Mason.

I absolutely agree, WIM.  I should clarify that I have no idea if Shaw is thinking about balancing recruiting and on-field performance, or even if Polian's reputation as a recruiter is deserved.  I was just recalling some info. I had heard when he was first hired at Stanford.  But, overall, so far I would have to say Shaw's record with hiring assistant coaches and coordinators has been pretty good (though with just a one season body of evidence).  Promoting Mason to DC and bringing in Tarver seemed to work out; the play calling seemed pretty conservative, but I'm not sure if that responsibility falls more on Pep Hamilton or Shaw himself; and the OL seemed to progress througout the year under the new coaches.  I certainly wouldn't mind if he found himself another good recruiter who could also improve the quality of special teams play.  One would think that, with the improved depth of talented players on the team that the special teams would be getting better, not regressing.

[socalstanfan1]

[quote author=socalstanfan1 link=topic=5308.msg38487#msg38487 date=1325654733]
[quote author=Big Brother link=topic=5308.msg38431#msg38431 date=1325607469]
Concluding anything other than special teams ineptitude would represent troubling signs of ineptitude on Shaw's part. If he's made the judgment that Polian's recruiting expertise outweighs his special teams inability, that's something I suppose I can respect though I think it's pretty wrong. Coaches exist who are both good at special teams and recruiting--for example, Polian's predecessor. With new Pac-12 media money, there's no reason we can't make a compelling, attractive offer to just such a proven individual--or try to unearth one with potential, a la a Mike Bloomgren, Mike Sanford or Derek Mason.

I absolutely agree, WIM.  I should clarify that I have no idea if Shaw is thinking about balancing recruiting and on-field performance, or even if Polian's reputation as a recruiter is deserved.  I was just recalling some info. I had heard when he was first hired at Stanford.  But, overall, so far I would have to say Shaw's record with hiring assistant coaches and coordinators has been pretty good (though with just a one season body of evidence).  Promoting Mason to DC and bringing in Tarver seemed to work out; the play calling seemed pretty conservative, but I'm not sure if that responsibility falls more on Pep Hamilton or Shaw himself; and the OL seemed to progress througout the year under the new coaches.  I certainly wouldn't mind if he found himself another good recruiter who could also improve the quality of special teams play.  One would think that, with the improved depth of talented players on the team that the special teams would be getting better, not regressing.