[Mick]

How would you rank these potential occurrences during the time between now and the Spring Game, in order of subjective importance to you as a fan?

A) Bowl: Finish at least 6-6 and go to a bowl game (keep streak alive, benefit from extra practices, etc.)
B) QBs: See visible signs of a healthy, performing, returning QB (or two) for next season.
C) Cal: Win Big Game - as a non-alum, this isn't as important to me, but I get why ceding dominance in the rivalry would be a bad thing.
D) ND: Beat the Irish - always fun. 
E) OL: See development on the OL and signs of healthy, performing linemen for next season.
F) Retention: Retain one or more of Costello, Parkinson, Adebo and Little.  
G) Recruiting: Sign all committed 2020 recruits and add one or two surprises, particularly on defense.  I would rank this higher, but I'm considering it mostly predetermined at this point.
H) OC: See more creative or effective play-calling - not my favorite gripe, but I included it for some of y'all.
I) Other: fill in the blank.

G, H, C, B, E, A, F, D.  F&D, I don't care much about.  We need better recruiting ASAP.  Also need better coordinators and assistants and STRENGTH COACH.

[Mick]

How would you rank these potential occurrences during the time between now and the Spring Game, in order of subjective importance to you as a fan?

A) Bowl: Finish at least 6-6 and go to a bowl game (keep streak alive, benefit from extra practices, etc.)
B) QBs: See visible signs of a healthy, performing, returning QB (or two) for next season.
C) Cal: Win Big Game - as a non-alum, this isn't as important to me, but I get why ceding dominance in the rivalry would be a bad thing.
D) ND: Beat the Irish - always fun. 
E) OL: See development on the OL and signs of healthy, performing linemen for next season.
F) Retention: Retain one or more of Costello, Parkinson, Adebo and Little.  
G) Recruiting: Sign all committed 2020 recruits and add one or two surprises, particularly on defense.  I would rank this higher, but I'm considering it mostly predetermined at this point.
H) OC: See more creative or effective play-calling - not my favorite gripe, but I included it for some of y'all.
I) Other: fill in the blank.

G, H, C, B, E, A, F, D.  F&D, I don't care much about.  We need better recruiting ASAP.  Also need better coordinators and assistants and STRENGTH COACH.

[Austroturf]

Shaw should surround himself with the same caliber of coaches that he worked with back in those days as a member of Harbaugh's staff -- individuals who have their sights set high and are burning to win and prove themselves and take the next step.

I think you are confusing caliber with aspiration. It is perfectly possible to be a very high caliber OC, or Running Backs coach, or any other kind of coach without having any aspirations at all to be a head coach. It is often true that people who have aspirations to advance to the next level are very good at their current position. If you aren't good in your present position, you will very probably not advance, so that can be motivation. However, it is not the only possible motivation. Loving what you do can be equally powerful.

There are lots of coaches who spend their entire career as coordinators, are very good at it, and willingly stay there. There are also many who aspire to be head coaches, get the job, and fail at it. Those guys often go back to being coordinators and are excellent.

First, your views and statements are valid; but, no, I am not confusing caliber and aspiration: they are distinct, but my experience in life (and I have managed very senior people for much of my career) indicates that you will get a stronger edge and an extra mile of performance from those who want to prove themselves for the next level.  Those with strong caliber but little aspiration often don't have the same level of passion.  They do their work and often do it well, but the fire is absent.  Ideally, an assistant coach will have both the requisite caliber and aspiration.  The staff of Stanford football 2009 was loaded with that kind of coach.  Today, that profile appears to be missing.  And Shaw, who is Mr. Even-Keel, could probably use a few young, ambitious, capable firebrands to spark the team to a higher level of performance.  The players do not seem as switched on as they once were.

[Austroturf]

Shaw should surround himself with the same caliber of coaches that he worked with back in those days as a member of Harbaugh's staff -- individuals who have their sights set high and are burning to win and prove themselves and take the next step.

I think you are confusing caliber with aspiration. It is perfectly possible to be a very high caliber OC, or Running Backs coach, or any other kind of coach without having any aspirations at all to be a head coach. It is often true that people who have aspirations to advance to the next level are very good at their current position. If you aren't good in your present position, you will very probably not advance, so that can be motivation. However, it is not the only possible motivation. Loving what you do can be equally powerful.

There are lots of coaches who spend their entire career as coordinators, are very good at it, and willingly stay there. There are also many who aspire to be head coaches, get the job, and fail at it. Those guys often go back to being coordinators and are excellent.

First, your views and statements are valid; but, no, I am not confusing caliber and aspiration: they are distinct, but my experience in life (and I have managed very senior people for much of my career) indicates that you will get a stronger edge and an extra mile of performance from those who want to prove themselves for the next level.  Those with strong caliber but little aspiration often don't have the same level of passion.  They do their work and often do it well, but the fire is absent.  Ideally, an assistant coach will have both the requisite caliber and aspiration.  The staff of Stanford football 2009 was loaded with that kind of coach.  Today, that profile appears to be missing.  And Shaw, who is Mr. Even-Keel, could probably use a few young, ambitious, capable firebrands to spark the team to a higher level of performance.  The players do not seem as switched on as they once were.

[martyup]

How about bringing in Shayne Skov to coach linebackers and fire up the team?  He's done with NFL, right?

[martyup]

How about bringing in Shayne Skov to coach linebackers and fire up the team?  He's done with NFL, right?

[Goose]

How about bringing in Shayne Skov to coach linebackers and fire up the team?  He's done with NFL, right?

Something like that may be a very good move. It appears that Gaffney was a good influence at the UW game, so having an on-staff injection of EUTM could be just what we need. I don't know if Skov is interested or available, but I am sure there are other credible possibilities. OTOH, we probably will get dinged for not going outside the program with such a hire.

[Goose]

How about bringing in Shayne Skov to coach linebackers and fire up the team?  He's done with NFL, right?

Something like that may be a very good move. It appears that Gaffney was a good influence at the UW game, so having an on-staff injection of EUTM could be just what we need. I don't know if Skov is interested or available, but I am sure there are other credible possibilities. OTOH, we probably will get dinged for not going outside the program with such a hire.

[Hank 91]

For the first time in a long time, it's really important to me that we beat Cal. For specifically, it's important that we not LOSE to Cal. As disappointing as this season has been, that would be the final indignity. I hate feeling like we've gotten to that point -- where a meaningless rivalry game is the only thing that can salvage the season, but that's where we are right now.

And for the record, all the other items on the list are also important, but retaining the Axe feels more important right now.

[Hank 91]

For the first time in a long time, it's really important to me that we beat Cal. For specifically, it's important that we not LOSE to Cal. As disappointing as this season has been, that would be the final indignity. I hate feeling like we've gotten to that point -- where a meaningless rivalry game is the only thing that can salvage the season, but that's where we are right now.

And for the record, all the other items on the list are also important, but retaining the Axe feels more important right now.

[Spiny_Norman]

For the first time in a long time, it's really important to me that we beat Cal. For specifically, it's important that we not LOSE to Cal. As disappointing as this season has been, that would be the final indignity. I hate feeling like we've gotten to that point -- where a meaningless rivalry game is the only thing that can salvage the season, but that's where we are right now.

How retro! That's how it used to be for so many years of Stanford football fandom.

[Spiny_Norman]

For the first time in a long time, it's really important to me that we beat Cal. For specifically, it's important that we not LOSE to Cal. As disappointing as this season has been, that would be the final indignity. I hate feeling like we've gotten to that point -- where a meaningless rivalry game is the only thing that can salvage the season, but that's where we are right now.

How retro! That's how it used to be for so many years of Stanford football fandom.

[CardinalSagehen]

How about bringing in Shayne Skov to coach linebackers and fire up the team?  He's done with NFL, right?

Something like that may be a very good move. It appears that Gaffney was a good influence at the UW game, so having an on-staff injection of EUTM could be just what we need. I don't know if Skov is interested or available, but I am sure there are other credible possibilities. OTOH, we probably will get dinged for not going outside the program with such a hire.

Since July, it appears that Shayne has been an associate at McKinsey.  I just Googled his name and his LinkedIn appears: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shayneskov/

Good for him! If he ever gets burnt out and wants to try coaching, he would have a lot of fans here...

"I am a 5 year NFL veteran who played for the San Francisco 49ers and New Orleans Saints.

I graduated from Stanford University with a B.S. in Management Science & Engineering (2014). During my time at Stanford, I was a five-year member on the Stanford Football Team (2009-2014), a member of teams that won BCS Orange and Rose Bowls. Additionally, I earned two PAC-12 All-Academic Team awards, was voted an Associated Press All-American, selected as a captain by my peers, and recipient of the Stanford University Award for Senior Excellence.

Founded DAC Foundation (Divierte Aprende y Convive) focused on youth development via education and athletics. Foundation operates in Guadalajara Mexico providing clinics and seminars nationally across Mexico. Negotiated deals with Nike and Gatorade to sponsor foundation events."

[CardinalSagehen]

How about bringing in Shayne Skov to coach linebackers and fire up the team?  He's done with NFL, right?

Something like that may be a very good move. It appears that Gaffney was a good influence at the UW game, so having an on-staff injection of EUTM could be just what we need. I don't know if Skov is interested or available, but I am sure there are other credible possibilities. OTOH, we probably will get dinged for not going outside the program with such a hire.

Since July, it appears that Shayne has been an associate at McKinsey.  I just Googled his name and his LinkedIn appears: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shayneskov/

Good for him! If he ever gets burnt out and wants to try coaching, he would have a lot of fans here...

"I am a 5 year NFL veteran who played for the San Francisco 49ers and New Orleans Saints.

I graduated from Stanford University with a B.S. in Management Science & Engineering (2014). During my time at Stanford, I was a five-year member on the Stanford Football Team (2009-2014), a member of teams that won BCS Orange and Rose Bowls. Additionally, I earned two PAC-12 All-Academic Team awards, was voted an Associated Press All-American, selected as a captain by my peers, and recipient of the Stanford University Award for Senior Excellence.

Founded DAC Foundation (Divierte Aprende y Convive) focused on youth development via education and athletics. Foundation operates in Guadalajara Mexico providing clinics and seminars nationally across Mexico. Negotiated deals with Nike and Gatorade to sponsor foundation events."

[Austroturf]

How about bringing in Shayne Skov to coach linebackers and fire up the team?  He's done with NFL, right?

Something like that may be a very good move. It appears that Gaffney was a good influence at the UW game, so having an on-staff injection of EUTM could be just what we need. I don't know if Skov is interested or available, but I am sure there are other credible possibilities. OTOH, we probably will get dinged for not going outside the program with such a hire.

Since July, it appears that Shayne has been an associate at McKinsey.  I just Googled his name and his LinkedIn appears: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shayneskov/

Good for him! If he ever gets burnt out and wants to try coaching, he would have a lot of fans here...

"I am a 5 year NFL veteran who played for the San Francisco 49ers and New Orleans Saints.

I graduated from Stanford University with a B.S. in Management Science & Engineering (2014). During my time at Stanford, I was a five-year member on the Stanford Football Team (2009-2014), a member of teams that won BCS Orange and Rose Bowls. Additionally, I earned two PAC-12 All-Academic Team awards, was voted an Associated Press All-American, selected as a captain by my peers, and recipient of the Stanford University Award for Senior Excellence.

Founded DAC Foundation (Divierte Aprende y Convive) focused on youth development via education and athletics. Foundation operates in Guadalajara Mexico providing clinics and seminars nationally across Mexico. Negotiated deals with Nike and Gatorade to sponsor foundation events."

Thanks for the LinkedIn link: Shayne doesn't look nearly as menacing posing in a bow-tie and without his trademark eye-black.  Still savor that image of him after the 2012 Oregon victory when he and his teammates were wearing nerd glasses in the post-game presser.

[Austroturf]

How about bringing in Shayne Skov to coach linebackers and fire up the team?  He's done with NFL, right?

Something like that may be a very good move. It appears that Gaffney was a good influence at the UW game, so having an on-staff injection of EUTM could be just what we need. I don't know if Skov is interested or available, but I am sure there are other credible possibilities. OTOH, we probably will get dinged for not going outside the program with such a hire.

Since July, it appears that Shayne has been an associate at McKinsey.  I just Googled his name and his LinkedIn appears: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shayneskov/

Good for him! If he ever gets burnt out and wants to try coaching, he would have a lot of fans here...

"I am a 5 year NFL veteran who played for the San Francisco 49ers and New Orleans Saints.

I graduated from Stanford University with a B.S. in Management Science & Engineering (2014). During my time at Stanford, I was a five-year member on the Stanford Football Team (2009-2014), a member of teams that won BCS Orange and Rose Bowls. Additionally, I earned two PAC-12 All-Academic Team awards, was voted an Associated Press All-American, selected as a captain by my peers, and recipient of the Stanford University Award for Senior Excellence.

Founded DAC Foundation (Divierte Aprende y Convive) focused on youth development via education and athletics. Foundation operates in Guadalajara Mexico providing clinics and seminars nationally across Mexico. Negotiated deals with Nike and Gatorade to sponsor foundation events."

Thanks for the LinkedIn link: Shayne doesn't look nearly as menacing posing in a bow-tie and without his trademark eye-black.  Still savor that image of him after the 2012 Oregon victory when he and his teammates were wearing nerd glasses in the post-game presser.

[CardinalSagehen]

How would you rank these potential occurrences during the time between now and the Spring Game, in order of subjective importance to you as a fan?

A) Bowl: Finish at least 6-6 and go to a bowl game (keep streak alive, benefit from extra practices, etc.)
B) QBs: See visible signs of a healthy, performing, returning QB (or two) for next season.
C) Cal: Win Big Game - as a non-alum, this isn't as important to me, but I get why ceding dominance in the rivalry would be a bad thing.
D) ND: Beat the Irish - always fun. 
E) OL: See development on the OL and signs of healthy, performing linemen for next season.
F) Retention: Retain one or more of Costello, Parkinson, Adebo and Little.  
G) Recruiting: Sign all committed 2020 recruits and add one or two surprises, particularly on defense.  I would rank this higher, but I'm considering it mostly predetermined at this point.
H) OC: See more creative or effective play-calling - not my favorite gripe, but I included it for some of y'all.
I) Other: fill in the blank.

G, H, C, B, E, A, F, D.  F&D, I don't care much about.  We need better recruiting ASAP.  Also need better coordinators and assistants and STRENGTH COACH.

Good stuff. I'm right there with you about prioritizing the future over this season, but my rankings are different because I thought of this year's record as having a significant impact on recruiting momentum for 2021-2022. 

Sure, Notre Dame improved after a really bad 4-8 season, but they have quite a bit more margin for error in recruiting than we do.  For a long time, we've been telling recruits that you can have both elite academics and elite football at Stanford. But if you post a losing record and don't go to a bowl, it's just an obvious and blatant sign that the football eliteness might be waning.  At 6-6, maybe with a bowl win, a recruit can at least tell himself that the team faced some bumps but overcame them toward the end - kind of like 2014.

I know we know the team has been declining for several years, but a losing record would seem to put a bookend on this period of eliteness in most people's eyes.  I don't care what most people think, other than recruits in the next couple classes that could be impacted by the ugliness of our 2019 performance.  

That's not to say we can't bounce back next year - in fact, I'm expecting it, depending on the QB outlook.  (This is why I ranked 2020 QB clarity second.)  But it could be too late to impact most 2021 recruits.

Sadly, it now looks like a stretch to make it to 6-6 this season... a lot depends on tomorrow's outcome and QB health the rest of the way.

[CardinalSagehen]

How would you rank these potential occurrences during the time between now and the Spring Game, in order of subjective importance to you as a fan?

A) Bowl: Finish at least 6-6 and go to a bowl game (keep streak alive, benefit from extra practices, etc.)
B) QBs: See visible signs of a healthy, performing, returning QB (or two) for next season.
C) Cal: Win Big Game - as a non-alum, this isn't as important to me, but I get why ceding dominance in the rivalry would be a bad thing.
D) ND: Beat the Irish - always fun. 
E) OL: See development on the OL and signs of healthy, performing linemen for next season.
F) Retention: Retain one or more of Costello, Parkinson, Adebo and Little.  
G) Recruiting: Sign all committed 2020 recruits and add one or two surprises, particularly on defense.  I would rank this higher, but I'm considering it mostly predetermined at this point.
H) OC: See more creative or effective play-calling - not my favorite gripe, but I included it for some of y'all.
I) Other: fill in the blank.

G, H, C, B, E, A, F, D.  F&D, I don't care much about.  We need better recruiting ASAP.  Also need better coordinators and assistants and STRENGTH COACH.

Good stuff. I'm right there with you about prioritizing the future over this season, but my rankings are different because I thought of this year's record as having a significant impact on recruiting momentum for 2021-2022. 

Sure, Notre Dame improved after a really bad 4-8 season, but they have quite a bit more margin for error in recruiting than we do.  For a long time, we've been telling recruits that you can have both elite academics and elite football at Stanford. But if you post a losing record and don't go to a bowl, it's just an obvious and blatant sign that the football eliteness might be waning.  At 6-6, maybe with a bowl win, a recruit can at least tell himself that the team faced some bumps but overcame them toward the end - kind of like 2014.

I know we know the team has been declining for several years, but a losing record would seem to put a bookend on this period of eliteness in most people's eyes.  I don't care what most people think, other than recruits in the next couple classes that could be impacted by the ugliness of our 2019 performance.  

That's not to say we can't bounce back next year - in fact, I'm expecting it, depending on the QB outlook.  (This is why I ranked 2020 QB clarity second.)  But it could be too late to impact most 2021 recruits.

Sadly, it now looks like a stretch to make it to 6-6 this season... a lot depends on tomorrow's outcome and QB health the rest of the way.