[socalstanfan1]

Now the question is whether Shaw can coach or if last year's success was based on left over Harbaugh EUTM and the senior class leadership. Player personnel clearly is not an excuse, should things decline. I'm cautiously optimistic on Shaw's abilities. I won't hold the few lapses in judgement against him from his rookie season (Harbaugh certainly had his share during his first few years), but he's got all the tools to keep the program in the upper echelon. Let's hope he's up to the task.

Agreed, though I think what Shaw really needs to do, as much as anything, is hire the right coaches and set the general tone.  So far, he seems to have a pretty good track record with the coaches: the new OL coaches seemed to work pretty well, based on the development of three new OL starters who were very good by the end of the season; Tarver at LB (granted, he now has to be replaced), who helped create a stellar group even after the loss of its acknowledged leader, Skov; didn't notice any drop off at RB with Sanford coaching.  If Shaw keeps evaluating and hiring the right coaches, I think the fundamentals of the team will be sound. 

[socalstanfan1]

Now the question is whether Shaw can coach or if last year's success was based on left over Harbaugh EUTM and the senior class leadership. Player personnel clearly is not an excuse, should things decline. I'm cautiously optimistic on Shaw's abilities. I won't hold the few lapses in judgement against him from his rookie season (Harbaugh certainly had his share during his first few years), but he's got all the tools to keep the program in the upper echelon. Let's hope he's up to the task.

Agreed, though I think what Shaw really needs to do, as much as anything, is hire the right coaches and set the general tone.  So far, he seems to have a pretty good track record with the coaches: the new OL coaches seemed to work pretty well, based on the development of three new OL starters who were very good by the end of the season; Tarver at LB (granted, he now has to be replaced), who helped create a stellar group even after the loss of its acknowledged leader, Skov; didn't notice any drop off at RB with Sanford coaching.  If Shaw keeps evaluating and hiring the right coaches, I think the fundamentals of the team will be sound.