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Coach Shaw staying the course - Spiny_Norman - 12-06-2019

Jacob Rayburn sat down with David Shaw and asked some of the questions that we as fans might want to ask. In two main areas, recruiting and assistant coaches, he seems likely to make no significant changes.

Part 1 - https://stanford.rivals.com/news/david-shaw-recaps-season-and-more-in-part-i-of-extensive-q-a

Part 2 - https://stanford.rivals.com/news/part-ii-of-postseason-q-a-with-david-shaw

RE: Coach Shaw staying the course - SamuelMcF - 12-06-2019

To those who ask "why is nobody asking Shaw about XYZ issue," Jacob has been doing so for a while. But it hasn't been free :)

Lots of interesting tidbits in here.

RE: Coach Shaw staying the course - BostonCard - 12-06-2019

Although that particular set of articles is not behind the paywall, so a good preview of what you would get for $9.99 a month, if that's your jam (it's not mine, I gave up my subscription to TOS many years ago and haven't missed it, but many others have found it well worth it).

Some of the issues touched upon:
main non-injury challenges
Costellos decision
Assessment of Mills
Turley's departure and injuries
Effect of injuries on practices
Official visits before big visit
Offensive changes in the prior off season
Injury outlook
Staff changes (or lack thereof)
Contract extension (no comment)

My insight from reading the interview is that Shaw is good at revealing only the information he wants to reveal, and that those looking for a major self-flagellation or sign that there are going to be major changes will be very disappointed.  That being said, I don't know that even if there were planned changes that Shaw would reveal them at a forum like this, and he is very careful with how he chooses his words.

BC

RE: Coach Shaw staying the course - d4cohn - 12-06-2019

One interesting point from the interviews, particularly with the players joining the portal on defense,
is that it appears Walker Little will be returning next season, along with Devery Hamilton.

So that is a very good sign on offense re recruiting our seniors.

RE: Coach Shaw staying the course - cardcrimson - 12-06-2019

Do you anticipate the entire staff returning for next season?

“Yeah, as far as I know. . . ."

I guess the concept of upgrading staff hasn't occurred to him.

RE: Coach Shaw staying the course - GK3 - 12-06-2019

(12-06-2019, 03:14 PM)cardcrimson Wrote:  Do you anticipate the entire staff returning for next season?

“Yeah, as far as I know. . . ."

I guess the concept of upgrading staff hasn't occurred to him.
Maybe, but it also may be that he has considered and doesn't feel it is necessary, or he knows some of the staff may get offers to move somewhere else or want to do so, so he is staying mum.

RE: Coach Shaw staying the course - BostonCard - 12-06-2019

I don't think that Shaw is going to make any changes.  But I also don't think that if he was planning to make changes he would say it in an interview with Jacob Raybourn.

BC

RE: Coach Shaw staying the course - cardcrimson - 12-06-2019

(12-06-2019, 03:57 PM)BostonCard Wrote:  I don't think that Shaw is going to make any changes.  But I also don't think that if he was planning to make changes he would say it in an interview with Jacob Raybourn.

BC

Probably not. However, you could say:

After a 4 and 8 season, you need to re-evaluate everything. . . .

RE: Coach Shaw staying the course - BostonCard - 12-06-2019

(12-06-2019, 04:05 PM)cardcrimson Wrote:  
(12-06-2019, 03:57 PM)BostonCard Wrote:  I don't think that Shaw is going to make any changes.  But I also don't think that if he was planning to make changes he would say it in an interview with Jacob Raybourn.

BC

Probably not. However, you could say:

After a 4 and 8 season, you need to re-evaluate everything. . . .

Scene: Arillaga Family Sports Center water cooler
Graduate Assistant: Hey coach, did you see that interview Coach Shaw did with Jacob Rayburn on the Cardinal Sports Report?
Assistant Coach: Nah, I don't have time to read that crap; what did he say?
GA: Rayburn asked him if he was anticipating any coaching changes?
AC: And what did David say?
GA: Said he was "evaluating everything". What do you think that means?
AC: I don't know, but if I were you I'd make sure my resume was updated, just in case
GA: Thanks.  What are you going to do?
AC: Well, maybe I should call back that HC from the ACC that was wondering if I'd like a change in scenery

Remember, we are only the target audience in Rayburn's mind, not in coach Shaw's.

BC

RE: Coach Shaw staying the course - gailtate - 12-06-2019

OK, I'll go first: He's "on course" for another sub-.500 season. Middling talent almost everywhere you look and a staff to go along with it.

RE: Coach Shaw staying the course - BostonCard - 12-06-2019

(12-06-2019, 04:27 PM)gailtate Wrote:  OK, I'll go first: He's "on course" for another sub-.500 season. Middling talent almost everywhere you look and a staff to go along with it.

A lot will depend on who comes back and who departs.  Early returns are not great.

But strangely I'm tempted to take the over on that one.  I'd be hard pressed to say we are likely to wind up with a good season, but I could see us ending the year at 6-6.

BC

RE: Coach Shaw staying the course - 81alum - 12-06-2019

(12-06-2019, 04:05 PM)cardcrimson Wrote:  
(12-06-2019, 03:57 PM)BostonCard Wrote:  I don't think that Shaw is going to make any changes.  But I also don't think that if he was planning to make changes he would say it in an interview with Jacob Raybourn.

BC

Probably not. However, you could say:

After a 4 and 8 season, you need to re-evaluate everything. . . .

I applaud Jacob for once again doing a fantastic interview, asking all the questions we have wanted to have asked.

I thought many of Shaw's answers were persuasive.  Once again I am impressed that he understands what makes Stanford different from other schools and explained how this affects recruiting, visits, etc. 

I still wonder whether he should replace some assistants.  But I agree that if he were considering it he would hardly let the press be the first to know.

RE: Coach Shaw staying the course - cardcrimson - 12-06-2019

(12-06-2019, 04:20 PM)BostonCard Wrote:  
(12-06-2019, 04:05 PM)cardcrimson Wrote:  
(12-06-2019, 03:57 PM)BostonCard Wrote:  I don't think that Shaw is going to make any changes.  But I also don't think that if he was planning to make changes he would say it in an interview with Jacob Raybourn.

BC

Probably not. However, you could say:

After a 4 and 8 season, you need to re-evaluate everything. . . .

Scene: Arillaga Family Sports Center water cooler
Graduate Assistant: Hey coach, did you see that interview Coach Shaw did with Jacob Rayburn on the Cardinal Sports Report?
Assistant Coach: Nah, I don't have time to read that crap; what did he say?
GA: Rayburn asked him if he was anticipating any coaching changes?
AC: And what did David say?
GA: Said he was "evaluating everything". What do you think that means?
AC: I don't know, but if I were you I'd make sure my resume was updated, just in case
GA: Thanks.  What are you going to do?
AC: Well, maybe I should call back that HC from the ACC that was wondering if I'd like a change in scenery

Remember, we are only the target audience in Rayburn's mind, not in coach Shaw's.

BC

If it were me, I'd want that conversation to happen. I'd want to light a fire, with a blow torch if necessary. If my staff, after an 8 loss season, weren't concerned about their future and the future of the team, I'd be looking for a new staff. I'd be looking for people to say, "yeah, this season sucked, I didn't do my job well enough, but that's not going to happen again. Here's what I'm going to do to fix it. And I need your help for X Y and Z--go ask Muir for it, then let me do my job."

RE: Coach Shaw staying the course - 82lsju - 12-06-2019

(12-06-2019, 03:14 PM)cardcrimson Wrote:  Do you anticipate the entire staff returning for next season?

“Yeah, as far as I know. . . ."

I guess the concept of upgrading staff hasn't occurred to him.

or he might wait to make changes until after the early signing period (18-20 Dec 2019)

RE: Coach Shaw staying the course - teejers1 - 12-06-2019

(12-06-2019, 05:04 PM)81alum Wrote:  I thought many of Shaw's answers were persuasive.  Once again I am impressed that he understands what makes Stanford different from other schools and explained how this affects recruiting, visits, etc.  

And herein lies part of the problem, imo,, . . .  perhaps a big part.  

If the fan base doesn't care that Shaw is leading a program drain circle (and we know the AD does not - he just re-upped the guy for many years, if reports are to be believed), then what hope is there that Coach will feel any need to make the necessary changes to restore program to respectability/health?  (And I'm not talking about NY6 great - or CFP lunacy (that window ain't coming back open under this regime).

Shaw is a good representative of the university.  When the team was good/great, that's a brobdingnagian bonus.  But when the team sucks canal water . . . well, pardon me for not thinking "good representative" is sufficient for a guy making $4-$5M per.

RE: Coach Shaw staying the course - BostonCard - 12-06-2019

(12-06-2019, 05:16 PM)cardcrimson Wrote:  If it were me, I'd want that conversation to happen. I'd want to light a fire, with a blow torch if necessary. If my staff, after an 8 loss season, weren't concerned about their future and the future of the team, I'd be looking for a new staff. I'd be looking for people to say, "yeah, this season sucked, I didn't do my job well enough, but that's not going to happen again. Here's what I'm going to do to fix it. And I need your help for X Y and Z--go ask Muir for it, then let me do my job."

That conversation is fine, but in the context of Shaw talking to the assistants directly.  If they need to shape up, they should hear it from the head coach, not by reading it on a website.

BC

RE: Coach Shaw staying the course - winflop - 12-06-2019

(12-06-2019, 02:43 PM)BostonCard Wrote:  Although that particular set of articles is not behind the paywall, so a good preview of what you would get for $9.99 a month, if that's your jam (it's not mine, I gave up my subscription to TOS many years ago and haven't missed it, but many others have found it well worth it).

Some of the issues touched upon:
main non-injury challenges
Costellos decision
Assessment of Mills
Turley's departure and injuries
Effect of injuries on practices
Official visits before big visit
Offensive changes in the prior off season
Injury outlook
Staff changes (or lack thereof)
Contract extension (no comment)

My insight from reading the interview is that Shaw is good at revealing only the information he wants to reveal, and that those looking for a major self-flagellation or sign that there are going to be major changes will be very disappointed.  That being said, I don't know that even if there were planned changes that Shaw would reveal them at a forum like this, and he is very careful with how he chooses his words.

BC

I was just happy to read him FINALLY taking clear responsibility for the execution errors throughout the season. I wish he had been this clear in his postgame pressers.

Really frustrated that he doesn't seem to plan to make any changes in his staff, despite all the execution errors that they are presumably responsible for, as well as the recruiting whiffs over multiple years in key positions, and now key DL members transferring with some confirmation that it's not because they aren't admitted to grad school at Stanford. It boggles the mind that Shaw doesn't see the need to make changes in his staff...

I guess 6-6 is what we should expect next season

RE: Coach Shaw staying the course - Beeg_Dawg - 12-07-2019

(12-06-2019, 03:53 PM)GK3 Wrote:  
(12-06-2019, 03:14 PM)cardcrimson Wrote:  Do you anticipate the entire staff returning for next season?

“Yeah, as far as I know. . . ."

I guess the concept of upgrading staff hasn't occurred to him.
Maybe, but it also may be that he has considered and doesn't feel it is necessary, or he knows some of the staff may get offers to move somewhere else or want to do so, so he is staying mum.

Catch 22.  If there is someone on this staff anyone else wants, it is someone we can't afford to lose.


RE: Coach Shaw staying the course - StanfordMatt - 12-07-2019

The quality of life that comes with being an assistant coach on a David Shaw staff is so high that assistants generally don't leave unless it's for a job that represents a significant promotion. Several have turned down big pay raises from other schools (Harbaugh essentially offered blank checks to Lance and Turley). Below is a list of the assistants who have moved on to other jobs since Shaw took over in 2011:

2011 DC Jason Tarver - Raiders DC
2011 STC Brian Polian - Texas A&M STC (the one quasi exception - Polian was a Harbs guy and didn't mesh with DS personality (i.e. he's a jerk just like Harbs))
2012 OC Pep Hamilton - Colts OC
2012 TE Ron Crook - West Virginia OL (WV native, more responsibility and big pay raise)
2013 DC Derek Mason - Vandy HC
2013 ILB David Kotulski - Vandy DC
2013 QB/WR Mike Sanford, Jr. - Boise OC (Boise alum and more responsibility)
2017 OC Mike Bloomgren - Rice HC
2017 RB Lance Taylor - Panthers WR

Those nine moves plus Randy Hart's retirement in 2015 represent the totality of full-time coaching moves (not counting QC's like Picazo and Ashfield) since Shaw was promoted to head coach in 2011. As I mentioned in another thread, DS has never fired an assistant coach. Sure, one of our ten assistants might have an opportunity to make a lateral move to another job but I doubt they'd take it. Anything can happen but the chances of another head coach out there eyeing a Stanford assistant for a job that would represent a significant promotion coming off the season we just had is marginal at best. Moreover, most job offers come as a result of coaches' networks. Several of our guys have been at Stanford for so long that their coaching networks are pretty limited.

TL;DR barring Akina retiring, I'm fully expecting Shaw to walk out on the field for our opener next year with the same 10 assistants as we have now.

RE: Coach Shaw staying the course - Austroturf - 12-07-2019

(12-07-2019, 01:31 AM)StanfordMatt Wrote:  The quality of life that comes with being an assistant coach on a David Shaw staff is so high that assistants generally don't leave unless it's for a job that represents a significant promotion. Several have turned down big pay raises from other schools (Harbaugh essentially offered blank checks to Lance and Turley). Below is a list of the assistants who have moved on to other jobs since Shaw took over in 2011:

2011 DC Jason Tarver - Raiders DC
2011 STC Brian Polian - Texas A&M STC (the one quasi exception - Polian was a Harbs guy and didn't mesh with DS personality (i.e. he's a jerk just like Harbs))
2012 OC Pep Hamilton - Colts OC
2012 TE Ron Crook - West Virginia OL (WV native, more responsibility and big pay raise)
2013 DC Derek Mason - Vandy HC
2013 ILB David Kotulski - Vandy DC
2013 QB/WR Mike Sanford, Jr. - Boise OC (Boise alum and more responsibility)
2017 OC Mike Bloomgren - Rice HC
2017 RB Lance Taylor - Panthers WR

Those nine moves plus Randy Hart's retirement in 2015 represent the totality of full-time coaching moves (not counting QC's like Picazo and Ashfield) since Shaw was promoted to head coach in 2011. As I mentioned in another thread, DS has never fired an assistant coach. Sure, one of our ten assistants might have an opportunity to make a lateral move to another job but I doubt they'd take it. Anything can happen but the chances of another head coach out there eyeing a Stanford assistant for a job that would represent a significant promotion coming off the season we just had is marginal at best. Moreover, most job offers come as a result of coaches' networks. Several of our guys have been at Stanford for so long that their coaching networks are pretty limited.

TL;DR barring Akina retiring, I'm fully expecting Shaw to walk out on the field for our opener next year with the same 10 assistants as we have now.

It's perhaps also worth noting that, of the coaches on that list above, only Sanford, Bloomgren and Taylor were hired by Shaw.  Taylor is now RB coach at Notre Dame (same job he had at Stanford); Sanford, after a short HC stint at Western Kentucky, is now OC at Utah State.  Kotulski was hired by Mason at the start of 2012 and then left with Mason to Vandy after the following season.   

All the rest of the coaches in that list were inherited from Harbaugh; and none stayed longer than three seasons in the Shaw era.  Lance Anderson and Tavita Pritchard are the lone holdovers from the Harbaugh era, and neither one is HC material.    

In short, Shaw's direct coaching tree is sparse (Sanford, Bloomgren -- coaches he hired that went on to be HCs elsewhere), and he does not appear to have a great eye for coaching talent.  It is a bad sign when your coaches are NOT being poached for bigger opportunities.  If they all come back next year, it is a negative sign for the quality of the staff (nobody wants them, even for lateral opportunities) and casts a suspect light on Shaw's own performance expectations of that staff (i.e., there are no negative consequences for poor performance).