First, this is not intended to be a "bash Butch" thread. I like Butch, I just can't figure him out. So please, no "fire Butch" posts ITT and no "things are better, so you can't criticize him" posts. Please, Thanks.
Here's the stuff I can't figure out, which is all centered around the things most folks think it takes to be a great coach: recruiting, player development, program management, attracting and managing a great staff, scheme, and game strategy/adjustments.
1. Recruiting - A year ago, I'd have said Butch was a great recruiter. Lately though, I'm beginning to question that. 2014 and 2015 were great, but was there a lucky set of dominoes there? Last year's class was mediocre, and this year's class might be too, and more and more of his prized recruits are flaming out (Preston, Martin, Bates, Richmond, and Phillips), just to name a few. Is Butch a great evaluator and recruiter or not? Heck, USCe is out-recruiting us so far this year.
2. Player Development - Mixed results. Do we think Butch and staff are making these guys better? Again, mixed results. Just look at the names above. Also look at turnovers and penalties. In previous years, I thought our Butch-coached teams looked well-disciplined and well-coached. And of course, there's something fishy about this avalanche of injuries. ??? Last year, I'd have also given Butch credit for doing great things with special teams. Berry's still great, but we're now turning the ball over and giving up touchdowns
3. Gameday strategy - A year ago, I'd have sung Butch's praises in terms of game preparation. We always won early. Later in games though, we struggled, so I'd have said adjustments were poor. This year, the opposite is true. We struggle early and look great late. What gives?
So who is Butch? A great recruiter? Can he develop players? Is he an effective game planner and adjustments-maker? I think he's made us better, but I'm not really even sure of that. Are UF, UGA, and USCe just down and that's making us look better? .
Our weaknesses have seemingly become our strengths and vice versa. Assessing Butch has become murkier rather than clearer as time goes by. Your take on his strengths and weaknesses
Here's the stuff I can't figure out, which is all centered around the things most folks think it takes to be a great coach: recruiting, player development, program management, attracting and managing a great staff, scheme, and game strategy/adjustments.
1. Recruiting - A year ago, I'd have said Butch was a great recruiter. Lately though, I'm beginning to question that. 2014 and 2015 were great, but was there a lucky set of dominoes there? Last year's class was mediocre, and this year's class might be too, and more and more of his prized recruits are flaming out (Preston, Martin, Bates, Richmond, and Phillips), just to name a few. Is Butch a great evaluator and recruiter or not? Heck, USCe is out-recruiting us so far this year.
2. Player Development - Mixed results. Do we think Butch and staff are making these guys better? Again, mixed results. Just look at the names above. Also look at turnovers and penalties. In previous years, I thought our Butch-coached teams looked well-disciplined and well-coached. And of course, there's something fishy about this avalanche of injuries. ??? Last year, I'd have also given Butch credit for doing great things with special teams. Berry's still great, but we're now turning the ball over and giving up touchdowns
3. Gameday strategy - A year ago, I'd have sung Butch's praises in terms of game preparation. We always won early. Later in games though, we struggled, so I'd have said adjustments were poor. This year, the opposite is true. We struggle early and look great late. What gives?
So who is Butch? A great recruiter? Can he develop players? Is he an effective game planner and adjustments-maker? I think he's made us better, but I'm not really even sure of that. Are UF, UGA, and USCe just down and that's making us look better? .
Our weaknesses have seemingly become our strengths and vice versa. Assessing Butch has become murkier rather than clearer as time goes by. Your take on his strengths and weaknesses
