[washingtonismoney]

[quote author=Big Brother link=topic=5308.msg38431#msg38431 date=1325607469]
I have to point a finger at Brian Polian.  This is the second straight year out special teams were terrible in a bowl game, and he's been our special teams coach for both those years.  There were countless mistakes last year in the Orange Bowl causing Harbaugh to comment "This is a special teams disaster". 

I don't think all the blame goes to the kicker for missing those shots, he clearly wasn't prepared.  I don't believe Ty Montgomery was briefed well enough either (Jeremy Stewart gave him some quick coaching).  And our coverage units seemed to rely on one person too much instead of gang-tackling, those kickoffs were tough to watch.

I agree that the special teams has taken a step back the last two years with Polian in charge.  I'm not sure how to measure this, but when Polian came from the University of South Bend, he had a reputation as a top-notch recruiter, particularly on the west coast.  I'm not sure if the coaching staff is balancing his ability to coach against his ability to recruit, or if they are not seeing the same thing on special teams that we are.  But that is definitely one area in which we can step up next year, as the team fights to near in the national rankings.
[/quote]

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.

[washingtonismoney]

[quote author=Big Brother link=topic=5308.msg38431#msg38431 date=1325607469]
I have to point a finger at Brian Polian.  This is the second straight year out special teams were terrible in a bowl game, and he's been our special teams coach for both those years.  There were countless mistakes last year in the Orange Bowl causing Harbaugh to comment "This is a special teams disaster". 

I don't think all the blame goes to the kicker for missing those shots, he clearly wasn't prepared.  I don't believe Ty Montgomery was briefed well enough either (Jeremy Stewart gave him some quick coaching).  And our coverage units seemed to rely on one person too much instead of gang-tackling, those kickoffs were tough to watch.

I agree that the special teams has taken a step back the last two years with Polian in charge.  I'm not sure how to measure this, but when Polian came from the University of South Bend, he had a reputation as a top-notch recruiter, particularly on the west coast.  I'm not sure if the coaching staff is balancing his ability to coach against his ability to recruit, or if they are not seeing the same thing on special teams that we are.  But that is definitely one area in which we can step up next year, as the team fights to near in the national rankings.
[/quote]

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.

[washingtonismoney]

[quote author=Big Brother link=topic=5308.msg38431#msg38431 date=1325607469]
I have to point a finger at Brian Polian.  This is the second straight year out special teams were terrible in a bowl game, and he's been our special teams coach for both those years.  There were countless mistakes last year in the Orange Bowl causing Harbaugh to comment "This is a special teams disaster". 

I don't think all the blame goes to the kicker for missing those shots, he clearly wasn't prepared.  I don't believe Ty Montgomery was briefed well enough either (Jeremy Stewart gave him some quick coaching).  And our coverage units seemed to rely on one person too much instead of gang-tackling, those kickoffs were tough to watch.

I agree that the special teams has taken a step back the last two years with Polian in charge.  I'm not sure how to measure this, but when Polian came from the University of South Bend, he had a reputation as a top-notch recruiter, particularly on the west coast.  I'm not sure if the coaching staff is balancing his ability to coach against his ability to recruit, or if they are not seeing the same thing on special teams that we are.  But that is definitely one area in which we can step up next year, as the team fights to near in the national rankings.
[/quote]

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.

[washingtonismoney]

[quote author=Big Brother link=topic=5308.msg38431#msg38431 date=1325607469]
I have to point a finger at Brian Polian.  This is the second straight year out special teams were terrible in a bowl game, and he's been our special teams coach for both those years.  There were countless mistakes last year in the Orange Bowl causing Harbaugh to comment "This is a special teams disaster". 

I don't think all the blame goes to the kicker for missing those shots, he clearly wasn't prepared.  I don't believe Ty Montgomery was briefed well enough either (Jeremy Stewart gave him some quick coaching).  And our coverage units seemed to rely on one person too much instead of gang-tackling, those kickoffs were tough to watch.

I agree that the special teams has taken a step back the last two years with Polian in charge.  I'm not sure how to measure this, but when Polian came from the University of South Bend, he had a reputation as a top-notch recruiter, particularly on the west coast.  I'm not sure if the coaching staff is balancing his ability to coach against his ability to recruit, or if they are not seeing the same thing on special teams that we are.  But that is definitely one area in which we can step up next year, as the team fights to near in the national rankings.
[/quote]

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.

[washingtonismoney]

[quote author=Big Brother link=topic=5308.msg38431#msg38431 date=1325607469]
I have to point a finger at Brian Polian.  This is the second straight year out special teams were terrible in a bowl game, and he's been our special teams coach for both those years.  There were countless mistakes last year in the Orange Bowl causing Harbaugh to comment "This is a special teams disaster". 

I don't think all the blame goes to the kicker for missing those shots, he clearly wasn't prepared.  I don't believe Ty Montgomery was briefed well enough either (Jeremy Stewart gave him some quick coaching).  And our coverage units seemed to rely on one person too much instead of gang-tackling, those kickoffs were tough to watch.

I agree that the special teams has taken a step back the last two years with Polian in charge.  I'm not sure how to measure this, but when Polian came from the University of South Bend, he had a reputation as a top-notch recruiter, particularly on the west coast.  I'm not sure if the coaching staff is balancing his ability to coach against his ability to recruit, or if they are not seeing the same thing on special teams that we are.  But that is definitely one area in which we can step up next year, as the team fights to near in the national rankings.
[/quote]

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.

[washingtonismoney]

[quote author=Big Brother link=topic=5308.msg38431#msg38431 date=1325607469]
I have to point a finger at Brian Polian.  This is the second straight year out special teams were terrible in a bowl game, and he's been our special teams coach for both those years.  There were countless mistakes last year in the Orange Bowl causing Harbaugh to comment "This is a special teams disaster". 

I don't think all the blame goes to the kicker for missing those shots, he clearly wasn't prepared.  I don't believe Ty Montgomery was briefed well enough either (Jeremy Stewart gave him some quick coaching).  And our coverage units seemed to rely on one person too much instead of gang-tackling, those kickoffs were tough to watch.

I agree that the special teams has taken a step back the last two years with Polian in charge.  I'm not sure how to measure this, but when Polian came from the University of South Bend, he had a reputation as a top-notch recruiter, particularly on the west coast.  I'm not sure if the coaching staff is balancing his ability to coach against his ability to recruit, or if they are not seeing the same thing on special teams that we are.  But that is definitely one area in which we can step up next year, as the team fights to near in the national rankings.
[/quote]

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.

[washingtonismoney]

[quote author=Big Brother link=topic=5308.msg38431#msg38431 date=1325607469]
I have to point a finger at Brian Polian.  This is the second straight year out special teams were terrible in a bowl game, and he's been our special teams coach for both those years.  There were countless mistakes last year in the Orange Bowl causing Harbaugh to comment "This is a special teams disaster". 

I don't think all the blame goes to the kicker for missing those shots, he clearly wasn't prepared.  I don't believe Ty Montgomery was briefed well enough either (Jeremy Stewart gave him some quick coaching).  And our coverage units seemed to rely on one person too much instead of gang-tackling, those kickoffs were tough to watch.

I agree that the special teams has taken a step back the last two years with Polian in charge.  I'm not sure how to measure this, but when Polian came from the University of South Bend, he had a reputation as a top-notch recruiter, particularly on the west coast.  I'm not sure if the coaching staff is balancing his ability to coach against his ability to recruit, or if they are not seeing the same thing on special teams that we are.  But that is definitely one area in which we can step up next year, as the team fights to near in the national rankings.
[/quote]

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.

[washingtonismoney]

[quote author=Big Brother link=topic=5308.msg38431#msg38431 date=1325607469]
I have to point a finger at Brian Polian.  This is the second straight year out special teams were terrible in a bowl game, and he's been our special teams coach for both those years.  There were countless mistakes last year in the Orange Bowl causing Harbaugh to comment "This is a special teams disaster". 

I don't think all the blame goes to the kicker for missing those shots, he clearly wasn't prepared.  I don't believe Ty Montgomery was briefed well enough either (Jeremy Stewart gave him some quick coaching).  And our coverage units seemed to rely on one person too much instead of gang-tackling, those kickoffs were tough to watch.

I agree that the special teams has taken a step back the last two years with Polian in charge.  I'm not sure how to measure this, but when Polian came from the University of South Bend, he had a reputation as a top-notch recruiter, particularly on the west coast.  I'm not sure if the coaching staff is balancing his ability to coach against his ability to recruit, or if they are not seeing the same thing on special teams that we are.  But that is definitely one area in which we can step up next year, as the team fights to near in the national rankings.
[/quote]

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.

[oman]

This has been the best three years of Stanford football in my life and today I was feeling great about the season and the game.  We are lucky to have been part of it, and JW has been part of it, and I am hoping he comes to terms and is at peace as soon as he can with yesterday.

[oman]

This has been the best three years of Stanford football in my life and today I was feeling great about the season and the game.  We are lucky to have been part of it, and JW has been part of it, and I am hoping he comes to terms and is at peace as soon as he can with yesterday.

[oman]

This has been the best three years of Stanford football in my life and today I was feeling great about the season and the game.  We are lucky to have been part of it, and JW has been part of it, and I am hoping he comes to terms and is at peace as soon as he can with yesterday.

[oman]

This has been the best three years of Stanford football in my life and today I was feeling great about the season and the game.  We are lucky to have been part of it, and JW has been part of it, and I am hoping he comes to terms and is at peace as soon as he can with yesterday.

[oman]

This has been the best three years of Stanford football in my life and today I was feeling great about the season and the game.  We are lucky to have been part of it, and JW has been part of it, and I am hoping he comes to terms and is at peace as soon as he can with yesterday.

[oman]

This has been the best three years of Stanford football in my life and today I was feeling great about the season and the game.  We are lucky to have been part of it, and JW has been part of it, and I am hoping he comes to terms and is at peace as soon as he can with yesterday.

[oman]

This has been the best three years of Stanford football in my life and today I was feeling great about the season and the game.  We are lucky to have been part of it, and JW has been part of it, and I am hoping he comes to terms and is at peace as soon as he can with yesterday.

[oman]

This has been the best three years of Stanford football in my life and today I was feeling great about the season and the game.  We are lucky to have been part of it, and JW has been part of it, and I am hoping he comes to terms and is at peace as soon as he can with yesterday.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[Hurlburt88]

Polian's South Bend special teams consistently underperformed. 

[Hurlburt88]

Polian's South Bend special teams consistently underperformed. 

[Hurlburt88]

Polian's South Bend special teams consistently underperformed. 

[Hurlburt88]

Polian's South Bend special teams consistently underperformed. 

[Hurlburt88]

Polian's South Bend special teams consistently underperformed. 

[Hurlburt88]

Polian's South Bend special teams consistently underperformed. 

[Hurlburt88]

Polian's South Bend special teams consistently underperformed. 

[Hurlburt88]

Polian's South Bend special teams consistently underperformed. 

[81alum]

This may have been posted elsewhere, but there is now a growing "We still love you Jordan Williamson" page on Facebook.

http://www.facebook.com/?sfrm=1#!/pages/...7952654027

It currently has 444 "likes."  I'm not a big Facebook type, but you have to think that 10,000 or so responses might--just might--help to put a smile back on that young man's face.  Consider spreading the word.

[81alum]

This may have been posted elsewhere, but there is now a growing "We still love you Jordan Williamson" page on Facebook.

http://www.facebook.com/?sfrm=1#!/pages/...7952654027

It currently has 444 "likes."  I'm not a big Facebook type, but you have to think that 10,000 or so responses might--just might--help to put a smile back on that young man's face.  Consider spreading the word.

[81alum]

This may have been posted elsewhere, but there is now a growing "We still love you Jordan Williamson" page on Facebook.

http://www.facebook.com/?sfrm=1#!/pages/...7952654027

It currently has 444 "likes."  I'm not a big Facebook type, but you have to think that 10,000 or so responses might--just might--help to put a smile back on that young man's face.  Consider spreading the word.

[81alum]

This may have been posted elsewhere, but there is now a growing "We still love you Jordan Williamson" page on Facebook.

http://www.facebook.com/?sfrm=1#!/pages/...7952654027

It currently has 444 "likes."  I'm not a big Facebook type, but you have to think that 10,000 or so responses might--just might--help to put a smile back on that young man's face.  Consider spreading the word.

[81alum]

This may have been posted elsewhere, but there is now a growing "We still love you Jordan Williamson" page on Facebook.

http://www.facebook.com/?sfrm=1#!/pages/...7952654027

It currently has 444 "likes."  I'm not a big Facebook type, but you have to think that 10,000 or so responses might--just might--help to put a smile back on that young man's face.  Consider spreading the word.

[81alum]

This may have been posted elsewhere, but there is now a growing "We still love you Jordan Williamson" page on Facebook.

http://www.facebook.com/?sfrm=1#!/pages/...7952654027

It currently has 444 "likes."  I'm not a big Facebook type, but you have to think that 10,000 or so responses might--just might--help to put a smile back on that young man's face.  Consider spreading the word.

[81alum]

This may have been posted elsewhere, but there is now a growing "We still love you Jordan Williamson" page on Facebook.

http://www.facebook.com/?sfrm=1#!/pages/...7952654027

It currently has 444 "likes."  I'm not a big Facebook type, but you have to think that 10,000 or so responses might--just might--help to put a smile back on that young man's face.  Consider spreading the word.

[81alum]

This may have been posted elsewhere, but there is now a growing "We still love you Jordan Williamson" page on Facebook.

http://www.facebook.com/?sfrm=1#!/pages/...7952654027

It currently has 444 "likes."  I'm not a big Facebook type, but you have to think that 10,000 or so responses might--just might--help to put a smile back on that young man's face.  Consider spreading the word.