Not buying that statement all that much,what has hurt Syracuse was their willingness not to really open up the checkbook. As soon as we decide to offer a little bit better than average P-5 money there will be a lot of coaches who would be willing to relocate. Improvement in facilities will open eyebrows,but need to up the paycheck to go along.
Totally agree. We no longer lag far behind in facilities. We actually have a lot of offer a new HC. More then the last 3 times the job came open. If you were PJ Fleck, or Dino Barbers and you were weighing your options here is how I think Syracuse should be viewed.
Positives
- Newly renovated facilities, and even signs pointing to renovation of Dome. We'd probably rank smack dab in the middle of the ACC if we were to rank them. No longer a negative.
- ACC affiliation. Firmly settled in as a P5 program.
- Strong history, and tradition.
- Some recent success (Another reason to make move now. Can't take a chance of that recent success becoming irrelevant).
- Decent foundation of talent, especially Dungey. I think this selling point can't be understated. These guys who are going to have their pick of schools will be very enticed by the youth we have on this team. Knowing this isn't a total rebuild, and has a team ready to compete immediately can't be overlooked.
Negatives
- Recruiting territory. Obviously locally is pretty poor, but there is good talent in surrounding states. Personally i'm not too worried about recruiting. We now have the resources where any coach who can recruit will bring the talent in.
Variables
- HC salary. We may have to over pay a bit to get one of these up and comers, but we just might have to do it if we are serious about winning. The day of low balling has to end. Either that, or expect to continue to see 25k in the seats at the Dome.
- Assistants salary pool. Not only must we be willing to pay the HC, but we better be ready to pony up for his assistants. This could turn some coaches away, even if we are willing to pay them. They want to be able to bring in a talented staff, and support staff, which they should.
Out of the 9 current openings i really only see 3 schools we will be competing with. Whoever we are looking at, won't be the same people USC, Miami, Maryland, South Carolina, and probably VT are looking at.
Basically we will be fighting Illinois, Minnesota, and UVA for coaching candidates. In that pecking order I think we could be #2 if we are willing to pay a fair salary.
I really think a move needs to be made this year. The only thing worse could be not making a move, and having another down year. The job will only get less attractive the longer we wait. We have some young talent, and most importantly a young QB to sell this year. Let's not waste it.
