[winflop]

In general, I think it's not very useful to spend much time analyzing Shaw's press conferences because I don't think he reveals much about what he's really thinking.

In Shaw's post-ND press conference, he indicated that he is turning his focus to recruiting. I got the impression that Shaw was trying to be as positive as circumstances would allow in an attempt to support his recruiting efforts. I think maybe he wanted to avoid scaring recruits away by being too negative about the program. I would view his comments in that context.

That said, I thought Shaw made a couple of brief comments that I found interesting:

"A lot of things we have to do, a lot of discussions we have to have, some difficult discussions. . . ."

"Some things coaching-wise, which I won't go into detail, that we need to look at. . . ."

I think my frustration with Shaw's press conferences comes down to issues with style. I would prefer that he be more explicitly accountable and not just drone on with platitudes about execution and opportunities. Even if it's just stating the obvious, the margin between success and where this team is at is NOT a couple of plays here and there. and I think not being honest about that and not owning it at the mic is detrimental to him.

I would also prefer that he not get so defiant & defensive in those rare occasions where the media who cover him come anywhere close to questioning him. I'd prefer that he acknowledge the validity of the question and not be so defensive in his answers. It's OK to admit that you don't have the answers and that you'll look into it. But to just flat out deny the issues and make the questioner feel like they've crossed a line isn't OK with me.

[winflop]

In general, I think it's not very useful to spend much time analyzing Shaw's press conferences because I don't think he reveals much about what he's really thinking.

In Shaw's post-ND press conference, he indicated that he is turning his focus to recruiting. I got the impression that Shaw was trying to be as positive as circumstances would allow in an attempt to support his recruiting efforts. I think maybe he wanted to avoid scaring recruits away by being too negative about the program. I would view his comments in that context.

That said, I thought Shaw made a couple of brief comments that I found interesting:

"A lot of things we have to do, a lot of discussions we have to have, some difficult discussions. . . ."

"Some things coaching-wise, which I won't go into detail, that we need to look at. . . ."

I think my frustration with Shaw's press conferences comes down to issues with style. I would prefer that he be more explicitly accountable and not just drone on with platitudes about execution and opportunities. Even if it's just stating the obvious, the margin between success and where this team is at is NOT a couple of plays here and there. and I think not being honest about that and not owning it at the mic is detrimental to him.

I would also prefer that he not get so defiant & defensive in those rare occasions where the media who cover him come anywhere close to questioning him. I'd prefer that he acknowledge the validity of the question and not be so defensive in his answers. It's OK to admit that you don't have the answers and that you'll look into it. But to just flat out deny the issues and make the questioner feel like they've crossed a line isn't OK with me.