I don't know that anyone "knows" that he is going. But being a sports fan, and a betting man, I'd say the odds that he goes are 75%+. There are 32 NFL jobs in the world. An NFL head coaching role is the highest level you can go in BoB's profession. But the kicker is that he is a highly regarded former NFL assistant coach. Much like Marrone. Even some of the best "career" college head coaches wanted to try their hand in the "show" of the NFL (Spurrier, Saban-who started in the NFL, even coach Mac). Add to that that Penn State is not as deep as a coach would like to make a run at a championship (due to past sanctions and the cloud over it the past 2 years). His stock for the for-seeable future will never be as high as it is now if they take a dip the next couple of years (very relistic possibility). Heck, saying all that I'd say 85% chance he goes.
One more thing. Too many of our fans are saying things like "you can't blame him for choosing Penn State." Stop saying that crap on this board. Our schools are different, but if I had the chance to choose all over, I'd choose the 'Cuse 100 times out of 100. And I'm sure many here would overwhelmingly do it again. I'm disappointed FOR him, and think Cabinda made a mistake. I won't root against or for him, but I think he lost out on a great opportunity to shine with this coacing staff.
Our schools are different, to be sure. But there is a reason that Penn State had the issues they had recently. They have an imbalance in priorities. Syracuse does not have the 100K seat stadium and whatnot. But our stadium gets VERY loud when the team gives a reason to. We're looking for the kids that can re-build that culture.
Take a look at the levels that Syracuse players have gone to in the NFL versus Penn State the last 15-20 years (McNabb, Harrison, Jones', Freeney, Bullough, etc, etc etc). If they want to achieve the highest level in football, we'll enable that. If they want a balanced University life, we provide that too.
Hey, PSU fan coming in peace. Just wanted to lend my two cents.
First, we are really happy to have Cabinda on board, but we know how it stings when kids decommit. We've had more than our fair share the past two years (for obvious reasons, most of the time). Can't blame the kids. Moving on:
O'Brien certainly might leave for the NFL, but I would put that likelihood way below 75%. Maybe 10% this year. Last year, you can't blame him for looking, but reports were that was more to leverage a new contract that was a bit shorter (from 9 to 5 years) and better for his assistants. There is also this quote from recently committed Mike Gesicki:
"Coach O'Brien said he'll be there for at least my career because that's what his contract has him as... He's not leaving Hack. He's going to do everything he can for Hack to get him to be somewhat like the other quarterbacks he has coached... he just wants to evolve this offense... he loves this school. He loves the University and the people there. He can't talk enough about it... he told me he's not going anywhere so I trust him."
Now, I know coaches will always say they want to stay, but that's some pretty definitive stuff.
A note on putting players in the NFL, 'Cuse has done a fine job. But PSU has, as well, especially at Cabinda's position: Sean Lee, Paul Posluzny, and Navarro Bowman are stars, while Dan Connor, Mike Mauti, Derek Wake, and Gerald Hodges are all in the League. Some players with lesser talent were molded into NFL linebackers, as well (Tim Shaw, Nate Stupar, run-on Josh Hull). Gotta admit, that's a pretty attractive track record, all in the past ten years.
In closing, good luck on the rest of your class and your season, but GO STATE, BEAT THE BUCKEYES!
