...NOW comes word that somehow recently Will MUSCHAMP quietly inquired as to the possibility of him being considered for the about-to-be-open Gator Defensive Coordinatior job--that THIS was the "bombshell hire" Zack Abolverdi hinted might be "in the works" when he was on Hightop a week or so back...only now he was fulfilling his promise to disclose the actual identity of the individual involve if it did NOT materialize--In other words, the talks did happen, but the hire is "no longer being discussed"...leading to the inevitable question, "Did we just turn down Will Muschsmp as our possible DC??!"
This is somewhat sensational only because so many of us, back when HD qasour Coach, came to believe (and in fact as in my case, come right out and SAY) that while Muschamp had some clear holes as an SEC Head Coach (after years at the top of the SEC offensively, we suddenly SUCKED in just about every offensive category with him in overall charge), "He'd sure make an outstanding Gator DC!!!".
So, not surprisingly, first reaction among many fans (again, myself included) was along lines of "WHAT THE FUH---???!", or something similar.
Upon further investigation and reflection though, it is reported in thd aftermath that the main sticking point wassimply that Will, who IS interested in returning to bigtime coaching after backing away for a time for the sake of desired time and focus on his family and private life, he naturally wanted to bring in his own group of assistants to run that defense--which would have not only greatly smdisturbed the overall chemistry of the whole coaching staff that Billy has been assembling here, but perhaps more importantly have had immediate effect on the onfield talent and chemistry: The adjustments already in the works for this staff (presumably on BOTH sides of the ball) were already a careful process meant to as much as possible KEEP that growing "talent and chemistry"!
That kind of drastic wholesale change in the whole defensive staff, basically all the guys outside of Napier himself whom have recruited and coached these kids, would have likely led in turn to a slew of losses to the portal.
It seems that THAT, as much as anything else in particular (NOT money--which it is true, by the time you add in all the top-paid Assistants he was insisting as part of his "team", would indeed have amounted to no small total amount), was apparently the main concern from the Program's P.O.V. And when one fully considers that and everything that flows from it--how the steady, strong and careful assembly and maturation of this TEAM (both on the field and on the sidelines, its STARS AND its depth) finally began to yield real tangible results as this 3rd season went on, culminating in the 4-game streak to end the 2024 season--BUT nonetheless STILL an absolute "WORK IN PROGRESS", and one which is yet to be completed...Well, we are definitely on a strong upward track, but there are still pitfalls, potential minefields as we go forward from here.
We are not "THERE" yet.
I cannot say it again strongly enough, for example, how badly we need someone who can maximize the growing potential of the talent we have on the offensive side , in calling the plays and exploiting our inevitable advantages against the squads shaping uo before us just on NEXT season's schedule...and we sure as HELL didn't want to lose a chunk of what is growing to become one frightening defense just as we are realizing we have one--and THEY are realizing that they ARE JUST THAT: "Frightening."
Anyway, if I understand things correctly, it was, more than anything, a matter of "staying on our confident, upward track" that was and is the determining ethos for hiw this team continues to evolve. If that is the case, and we continue to see things through in this way, then hey--Trust is warranted.
But "TRUST" is a delicate thing, especially in its early phases of growth. One earns it, and keeps ON "earning it". We are still at the "OK...but NOW what?" stage with Coach Billy now. I'm beginning to see the sense of his own unique way of doing things...but there are still some "issues", things that need to be clarified, rough spots that need completion and polishing.
I think that on on Special Teams and defense changes have brought and are bringing steady, even dramatic improvement, and there are plans in place for more.
On offense of course we are more sbd more assembling the PARTS that can take us TO THE TOP...All that seems lacking is the right OC--or whatever title you want to put on him:
"The guy who, in concert with the QB, calls and runs the plays that ultimately comprise THE FLOW OF THE GAME", from an offensive point of view"
Billy is overseeing the construction of this team. He creates the kind of offensive philosophy, and the overall approach against each defense, based on the personnel he has brought to hand here.
But he also similarly to a great degree oversees a hurricane of details in all areas of the game as it unfolds in the course of 4 quarters and halftime.
He can and WILL be in close touch and control in communicating with his Assistants throughout the game, on BOTH sides of thd ball and in every phase of the game...
But he NEEDS a great and creatively aggressive OC to run things HANDS ON play-to-play as that offensive game unfolds.
Billy: FIND someone you trust and can work closely with, someone who understands not just your offense but your inner emotional drive with respect to that offense--and then, for the most part, TURN HIM LOOSE!
Give to him, along with all your Coaches, the trust and support you iresumanly felt they deserved when you HIRED them. THEY are part of this "TEAM" and program too. The results will be everything you preach and AIM for, and MORE.
