Reactions

Users go in many directions to find 'Bama's next coach

SI.com's Stewart Mandel and B. Duane Cross went Head2Head over what direction Alabama should take in hiring a new head coach. Here are some of your reactions:

Mike Shula to me is the obvious choice. He's young, energetic, charismatic, and the type of coach players will relate to. Although he has no previous coaching experience, Mike Shula can surround himself with a staff that can help him recruit and bring Alabama back to national prominence.
-- Ashley Chase, St. Louis

Alabama should hire Sylvester Croom, for several reasons. 1. He's a reputable coach. 2. He's been with the Packers for quite a while and done a great job, so he's demonstrated stability. 3. He's got no skeletons in the closet (that I know of). 4. He's got the ties to the program people are desperate for after recent events, and 5. It certainly wouldn't hurt Alabama's PR to be the first school in the SEC to hire a black head coach. For my money, Sylvester Croom is the way to go.
-- Joshua, Huntsville, Ala.

I agree with Duane Cross, but I don't believe that Mike Shula, or someone else who is an alum is the way to go. Anyone who goes there will have almost unbelievable expectations placed on the, and if they are an alum, I think it will only be worse. The faithful will think that things can be turned around that much sooner if the new coach has even the scent of Bear Bryant about them. What they need is a total fresh start: a young coach who will commit for the long term and who has never been on a Bama team. Someone who is eager to build their reputation, not polish it. The situation at Bama will make a young coach a legend if he commits to fixing it, no matter how many (or how few) national titles he wins.
-- Kevin Clark, Austin, Texas

Mike Shula would be the absolute worse hire Alabama could make. This man has done nothing to distinguish himself as an assistant in the NFL. One of the main problems for Alabama is trying to find the nest Bear. Always have to have Alabama ties in order to coach Alabama. Dennis Franchione was the best hire Alabama made since Gene Stallings and had the program going in the right direction. Alabama could not keep him. Mike Shula would be the worst hire. Tom Coughlin should be the only candidate.
-- Thomas Sears, Montgomery, Ala.

Coughlin is the man for this job. Perhaps people are forgetting what a hot commodity Tom Coughlin was when he was coaching in the college game. His interaction and approach to discipline with players are tailor-made for the NCAA, not the NFL. He is a class act, a tough-nosed guy who can handle pressure, and would be the ideal remedy for bringing back the Alabama program. Shula is a great football mind, but the program needs toughness and discipline as much as it needs football genius at this point, and Coughlin provides the best mix of both.
-- Chris Roney, Grafton, Mass.

We need Gene Stallings, for a two-year period, for stability and hire Mike Shula, to train during the two-year period as the next coach, if he proves out. -- C.H. Barnard, Mobile, Ala.

Why is Alabama not going after Mike Stoops, Assistant Head Coach/Co-Defensive Coordinator, from Oklahoma? A defensive-minded coach at an elite school, he would be at least semi-prepared for the pressure. As an aside, what are the chances of an Alabama/Oklahoma rivalry getting started. The non-conference boost would benefit both schools in football and basketball, as seen this past year.
-- David Gilliam, Nashville, Tenn.

R.C. Slocum is the logical choice. Here is a man that won over 90, yes 90 football games in the 1990's. It would also give Alabama a coach who knows how to clean up a mess, remember he took over A & M after Jackie Sherill. Finally, Alabama could say they are following history, the last time they hired a coach from A & M, it didn't work out too bad.
-- Paul Pinter, Angier, N.C.

Until Bear Bryant is stood up in his casket on the side lines, Bama fans won't be satisfied with anyone else.
-- Bill Bassett, Montgomery, Ala.

A toothless moron would be a very natural fit. Or Forrest Gump, perhaps? He played for Alabama, as I recall. Certainly, it would be great if more schools and fans insisted on honorable and decent behavior of coaches and players both on the field and off. But, sadly, college football has descended far past a level where that will happen. So - why the hypocrisy? Why scapegoat Price? Does anyone anywhere other than Alabama think there is a shred of decency and integrity in that program?
-- Bob, Bainbridge Island, Wash.

It is not going to matter what coach comes to town if the retarded alumni and boosters don't pull their heads out of the rear ends. Let's face it: Bear is dead and is not coming back. Being a 'Bama fan I can say that. Whoever they get better have one thing in mind -- stability and loyalty, not tongue and cheek lip service. I think both would be good choices. But it ain't going to matter either way if those morons called alumni and boosters do not keep their freaking mouths shut.
-- Michael, Roanoke, Ala.

This is a no-brainer! Alabama needs to hire Mike Shula. They need someone who is from Alabama and someone that understands what that program means to the people in that state. They need to stay in-house and build with someone who is young and energetic. Shula will fit the mould.
-- Alan, Vancouver, B.C., Canada

First they should fire Mal Moore, who was in charge for the last three coaching changes -- DuBose, Franchione and Price. Then I believe they need to hire a young head coach who would be willing to stay for more than two years. It will be a dificult situation for any head coach and not one that an experienced, winning coach would find enjoyable.
-- Terry, Arab, Ala.

An Alabama man needs to come in. Shula or Sly Croom would be benefits to the program. We need someone who understands the passion of football in the state. Many people outside the state of Alabama can't fathom the thirst of football in the deep South. Bill Curry once said that football in Alabama is a religion; Only an Alabama man understands the importance of the program. Shula or Croom will put the program where it needs to be. I would love to see Croom come in; Shula will be another outstanding fit.
-- Kevin, Dover, Del.