What is Spaz leaving in the cupboard?

We won't know Spaz's fate until the new AD is in place, but I think most can agree Spaz will not be coaching BC five years from now. That prediction is not based on wins and losses. It is simply about age. Spaz must know this too. That's why I am glad he is still keeping some of our current true freshman on the sidelines, preserving their fifth year of eligibility. Obviously under pressure, Spaz could play everyone with the hope that one of the guys might make a difference. But he doesn't seem to be in a full "win now" mode yet.

Last year's recruiting class consisted of 17 players. Eight have yet to play and look like they are headed towards redshirts. Those eight are Jim Cashman,  George Craan, Win Homer, Malachi Moore, Mike Strizak, Frank Taylor, Nigel Matthews, and Joel Karim Zoungrana. Now preserving their eligibility is not Spaz simply looking out for their best interests or wanting to help his successor. Spaz may have good intentions, but most of the redshirts are lineman who are physically not developed enough to play the positions for which they were recruited. Others like Craan have been battling injury and some like Matthews and Strizak would break the depth chart at their positions.

Eight players might not mean much and it is unlikely that all will hang around for five years. But at least it is one less excuse for the 2015 and 2016 seasons (of course Spaz used the excuse for himself when talking to Avidon). The key for BC's future success is to get back to redshirting the majority of the class. I know that concept is becoming dated as players arrive on campus more mature and developed, but that added time can still be advantageous to a program like BC. A fifth year, 23-year-old marginal recruit is always going to be more valuable than he was as a true freshman. We just need a head coach who sees himself at BC long enough to invest in their and BC's future.

Season Prediction Part II: best case scenario

This team should be better than expected. If TOB or Jags were still around, I know we would surprise people, challenge for the division and certainly go bowling. I don't feel that way about Spaz. I don't trust him to have the team ready (look at our past starts) nor do I trust him to lead BC to victory in tight games. Still, the schedule is not overly tough. I think Rettig is due for a break out and I think our Defense will be very good. If Spaz doesn't get in his own way, if we get a few lucky bounces and if a few key guys finally reach their potential, this is how the season could play out.

Best Case Scenario 

Miami. Win. The 'Canes are hurting as much, if not more than we are. We are better than we were last November and they are worse. Plus it is at home. We win comfortably.

Maine. Win. Never in doubt. All the QBs get to play in a BC romp.

at Northwestern. Win. This games makes up for one of Spaz's most frustrating losses from 2011. This time BC is ready for their offense and slows them down most of the game.

Clemson. Win. This is a shocker and catches the college football world by storm. BC steals the game by forcing multiple turnovers. The team enters the top 25.

at Army. Win. BC has some trouble staying focused following the huge upset of Clemson. The game is sloppy, but we hold on for the win.

at Florida State. Loss. Because of the teams' rankings and records, this becomes a prime time national game. FSU proves to be too much and hands BC its first loss of the season.

at Georgia Tech. Loss. Like BC, Georgia Tech comes into the game ranked and one of the surprises of the season. BC has fits with their offense and losses two in a row.

Maryland. Win. The Terps come to town at just the right time. Rettig has a strong day and BC shuts out their offense. This ends BC's skid. BC is now bowl eligible again.

at Wake Forest. Win. Although struggling on the season, Wake Forest still gives us a game. We hold on and get back into the rankings.

Notre Dame. Loss. This is the game that empties out the Spaz bandwagon. We lose an ugly game to the Irish as they run up the score and we look lost.

Virginia Tech. Loss. It is a sloppy, ugly game. Neither team plays well. Virginia Tech makes fewer mistakes and wins. This ends any hope BC had of winning the division.

at NC State. Win. With Gene out of the picture, the pressure to beat TOB not what it was, but Spaz still ends the regular season on a high note.

This leaves BC 8-4 (5-3). Not elite, but certainly better than last year. BC gets invited to the Belk Bowl and loses to Cincinnati. The new AD has seen enough and Spaz is "retired," gets all the money owed to him and some ceremonial role with the school for a few years.

Why don't you just watch the games from the booth, Spaz

Until the Sandusky news broke Spaz was always quick to remind people of his connection to Penn State and Joe Paterno. His loyalty to the school is one of the reasons BC hasn't poached any Penn State recruit (despite having plenty of potential scholarships). So now as we near the end, I hope Spaz follows his former role model into the coaches booth this season. Do we really need him on the sidelines managing games? He never uses his timeouts. He seems to hate the obligatory halftime interview. The players seem to check out any time he gives a "rah rah" peptalk. I have more faith in Doug Martin and Bill McGovern winning games with Spaz removed from the situation than I do with Spaz involved.

Spaz's protector is gone and he's probably next. I am sure the man has pride and wants to go out on top, but I am not sure he can be a positive influence. I would prefer if like JoePa's final seasons, he was head coach in name only. This works for everyone. Spaz keeps his paycheck and title and yet doesn't put up with the stress or grind of the job.

This season hasn't begun and we are already off to a weird start. Why not go full tilt boogie and go without a head coach? In my mind, it's a win-win that might lead to a few more wins.

We have no running backs and that's a good thing

We held a situational scrimmage Sunday and are down to one healthy running back. While Spaz's amateur roster management frustrates me to no end, I do think there is a silver lining to the situation. If we are forced to be one dimensional, we might finally use a modern college football offense and actually score some points!

BC has a pocket passing QB and an inconsistent offensive line. It is time for Rettig to be in the shotgun and start flinging the ball quickly. Under three different coordinators Spaz's offenses rarely score more than 20 points. Yet we never open things up. I don't know if it is Spaz's edict or lack of faith in the QBs, but for whatever reason we have not done something most other college teams can. Maybe now that we have an OC that likes to pass, a Junior QB and one legitimate running back, we will finally throw.

What Spaz doesn't seem to understand is that his conservative nature has barely paid off in wins (20-19) and has been beyond boring to watch. BC fans are going to complain after any Spaz loss, so why doe he care if he can keep it close. If we lose to Miami 48-45 and throw it 50+ times, I know fans will gripe, but some of us will welcome the new look and feel.

Spaz now an even lamer Lame Duck

Given his public and private actions, I don't believe Gene DeFilippo had any intention of stepping down now.  I believe that he planned to serve as AD for years to come and conclude his reign by hand picking BC's next head football coach. That won't be happening now. BC's actions are clear signal that the school did not want Gene's fingerprints on the next hire. I think it also signals that Spaz's days are numbered.

The role of an Athletic Director is broad, but the biggest issue and focus will always and should always be football. Any new AD worth his or her while will insist on the power to fire or keep Spaz. Firing the already unpopular Spaz will be an easy first step for the new leader. A move like that signals change, wins over the unhappy donors and energizes the marketing of the program.

Even if Spaz pulls out a winning season, I think he's still a goner. His age, his lackluster recruiting and fan apathy are enough justification for some new blood. All the winning or losing will change is how BC packages his departure. If he wins, Spaz will "retire." If he loses, Spaz will be fired.

Gene DeFilippo stepping down

Long-time Boston College Athletic Director is stepping down. Regardless of how you feel about Gene or his recent actions, his total tenure at BC was certainly positive. He ran the Department during some of its most successful times. He loved BC and loved being AD.

John Kane will serve as acting AD. I expect a new, permanent Athletic Director to be named this fall.

There are multiple implications, but for now I will say this is a very good thing. I also thank Gene for his service to BC.

Will Spaz let Bill McGovern really be Defensive Coordinator?

Spaz's issues with his offensive coordinators are well known. Supposedly Doug Martin will have autonomy and unrestricted play calling. We'll see if it actually becomes a reality. The less discussed coordinator is on the defensive side. Although Bill McGovern's first stint at BC predated Spaz's arrival, the two are tied together in most BC fans' minds. After Gene promoted Spaz, Spaz named McGovern DC. There are times though when McGovern is coordinator in name only. Gameplan preparation and calls within the game still have Spaz's fingerprints. Gossip says that McGovern is frustrated but didn't leave like the other disgruntled staffers because of his ties to the school and hopes of being a head coach somewhere. 

I think McGovern was a fantastic linebacker coach and a valuable recruiter. I don't know what to think of him as a DC. We added new wrinkles last year -- including extensive use of a three-man front. But how much of that was McG and how much was Spaz? We'll never know. I hope Spaz learns from the offensive issues and gives McGovern more autonomy. I don't think it can hurt the actually defense and it might improve staff morale. 

Things I don't want to hear as practice officially starts

Practice begins Monday.The offseason issues we've been dissecting will now get that much more attention locally and nationally. Although I know we will hear about the following endlessly, I hope the media at least tries to come up with something new and avoid the hollow excuses of seasons past.

1. Spaz finally has his guys. This was used as a major excuse last year. If we win this year or lose this year it won't be because of "Spaz's guys." Spaz and his recruiting coordinator have been around for the recruitment of every player on the roster.

2. New vibe around the offense. I like Doug Martin and think he'll be a breath of fresh air. But we won't know what the offense is really like until Miami. Let's not forget the "new" offense and the great feel the players had for Gary Tranquill, Kevin Rogers and Dave Brock.

3. Injuries. We will lose players in practice. Someone will get lost for the season.You know who else will deal with those issues? Every other team in college football.

4. Replacing Luke Kuechly. We will miss him but every college in the country is replacing a great player. Linebacker is our deepest position and the front seven is much improved. Kuechly will be missed but he shouldn't be an excuse for losing.

Spaz Uncut

Every year at the ACC Media Days, accfootballnews.com plops down a camera at each coach's table and hits record. It's barely edited. What I appreciate about the clips are how the coaches come off in their most natural state. Usually by the time they get to the table interviews they are tired of talking and repeating the same cliches. There are fewer cameras and plenty of tape recorders around but the interactions are much more casual. He's still "on" but for a guy like Spaz you get a better feel for what he can be like in private. Here are the two videos. In the first he mainly discusses Penn State. While Spaz doesn't really say much about Paterno or the NCAA decisions, I am glad he always says the focus should be on the victims.

In this second clip, he's asked about Penn State again, but mostly he talks about improving on last year. Of course he takes a short shot at the bloggers and the twitterers and people on the internet. It's similar to the quip Blauds made this week. This just reinforces what I've told people before: all of these coaches have thin skin and definitely follow what is being said and written. (The only exception to this is Al Skinner, who really didn't follow it.)

Overall Spaz comes across perfectly fine here. He's not embarrassing. He's not exciting. He's Spaz. What else should we expect at this point?

Why Spaz's recruiting doesn't matter anymore

After BC picked up another below the radar recruit, Spaz's most vocal critics were out again disparaging his recruiting class. I don't trust the recruiting rankings, but it does concern me that our commitments aren't drawing more interest from BCS teams. There is a similar concern on the Penn State front. There's plenty of speculation, but BC is not a factor among the rumored PSU transfers. But really none of it matters. Spaz is going to wrap up most of the recruiting this summer and then focus on the games come fall. While not inspiring, the plan is practical. There are two outcomes:

1. Spaz has a losing season and gets fired. If this happens, our 2013 recruiting class will be a hodgepodge of current commits, a transfer or two and whatever our new coach can uncover. For a new guy Spaz's lower profile recruits might be an advantage. If they aren't valued, they are less likely to be poached by other programs. A new Head Coach can then exert a little effort in getting the Spaz commits to stay committed and spend more time on filling out the class.

2. Spaz has a winning season and keeps his job. In this scenario Spaz stays off the hot seat and has to finish filling out the 2013 recruiting class. With a little more job security he can use his last few scholarships on bigger names. He may even luck into a decent prospect who suddenly becomes available due to another school's coaching change (like he did with Rutgers last year). In this case Spaz doesn't waste time recruiting during the season and then picks up some low-hanging fruit.

Spaz is never going to recruit an elite class. There are many contributing factors as to why, but mostly it is because Spaz is not a salesmen. And we shouldn't care. He's not going to change. It is just a matter of who will finish out this class four months from now.

Questions I want asked at the ACC Media Days

The ACC convenes this weekend in Greensboro for the annual ACC Media Days. I am not going. But I do have questions I would ask. 

Questions for Frank Spaziani

-- Is he aware of the "hot seat" talk? Does he feel the pressure. How does he get the team and staff to focus? Is it impacting recruiting?

-- What are his expectations for the season? Does he see the team competing for a division title? 

-- What attracted him to Doug Martin's offense? What are his expectations for the offense? Does he think the increased tempo will impact the defensive side of the ball? 

-- What will Bollman's role be as "running game coordinator"? Is Bollman using different techniques and or approaches to the offensive line play?

-- What traits was he looking for as he hired new coaches to replace the departed? 

-- As a Penn State alum and former player, what are his thoughts on the Freeh report? Are the former players talking among themselves about what they can do to help rebuild the Penn State football reputation? What does he want done with the Paterno statue?

Emmett Cleary

-- When did the staff approach him about moving to the left side? How is he preparing for the new position? 

--Who is leading the OL drills in the offseason? 

-- How are things different with a new position coach? What will fans see?

-- What aspects of his game is he focusing on this year?

-- How is Chase Rettig adjusting to the new offense? 

-- Which offensive player will surprise BC fans this year? Who is going to make a big leap?

-- What are his expectations for the season? How important is it to the Seniors to get back to a winning record and a bowl game?

Kaleb Ramsey

-- How is his health? 

-- What was it like to sit out a season?

-- Earlier in his career there was speculation that he might transfer from BC. How does it feel to be a 5th year senior at BC now?

-- Last year BC played more three man fronts than ever before. Will we see more of that this year?

--  Does the talk of an NFL career add any extra motivation?

We know Blauds and HD will be in Greensboro. Hopefully they or others will slip in one or two of these questions. I don't expect anything particularly revealing, but I would like to hear Spaz talk about the pressure of the season. 

How I talk myself into thinking we are going to be good...

You can see it on the BC message boards. You can see it on twitter and on the blogs. Optimism is rising. People are looking forward to the BC Football season. On Eagle Outsider they sarcastically call this "10-2 season." It is that time of year when every aspect of the team and season still has hope and promise. Despite my best judgement and spending half of my posts speculating on Spaz's future, I am falling into this same trap. The closer we get to kickoff and the more I read, the more I think BC might surprise people this year. I am not ready to post my predictions for the season, but here are a few reasons why I do think this team should be bowl bound.

The Schedule
It looks tougher on paper than it really is. Our toughest opponents come to us. We play three of our first four at home. Playing FSU and Georgia Tech on back-to-back weeks is a bit rough, but playing Georgia Tech any time forces a team to regroup. If you have to play a gimmick offense, you might as well do it after facing a top 10 team. Maybe it will serve as a rally point after playing the 'Noles.

Underrated talent
Look at that depth chart again. It is not an all star lineup, but I think our front seven will be better than last year. I love some of the young DBs (Keyes, Asprilla) and think with a healthy Noel and improved ALJ, we can be solid defensively. I still think Chase Rettig can be great. I have real hope for Doug Martin and think our WR and TE talent is good enough. The biggest question is the offensive line. But as someone who has preached for a OL coaching change, I keep telling myself that Bollman will make a difference.

Emotion and Pride
Football is an emotional game and emotional sport. Point fingers at whomever you like, but BC had awful team and coaching chemistry last season. When I see Al Washington posting on Facebook about his excitement, when I hear about the 5th year Seniors wanting to end their careers on a high note, when I look at the new field, I think that positive energy and emotion will carry us to an extra win or two.

As long as these two (see pic below) stay out of the way and Spaz coaches to win, I think this might be a fun season. Is anyone else talking themselves into a big year?

BC using coordinators as face(s) of the program?

BC posted this "thank you" video as an invite to a special practice for season ticket holders. Notice anyone missing? It is just a silly Youtbue video but I find it very telling that the school left out the Head Coach. This is college football. Your head coach is the face of the program. Ours isn't even mentioned in a direct marketing message to our most loyal customers.

There are many likely explanations for Spaz's absence. He's not particularly good on camera. He's never really shown any sort of enthusiasm for this sort of thing. And I think BC has heard enough to know that Spaz is not very popular with our fan base. No reason to trot him out when it will just dampen excitement about the upcoming season.

I like Bill McGovern and Doug Martin. Both are capable coordinators and leaders. Martin's been a head coach and I know McGovern wants to be one, so giving them face time is not a bad idea. Let's hope they are also given autonomy this year (which hasn't been Spaz's strong suit with coordinators). If these two are given real power, season ticket holders will probably be happy they renewed.

What would Spaz need to do to hold on?

I've been speculating about new coaches all summer, but what if Spaz actually pulls through? Crystal Ball Run thinks it could happen. Ultimately it will come down to our record. In my opinion, this is how it would play out. Let me know your thoughts in the comments.

4-8 or worse...
Spaz is gone. Back to back 8 loss seasons would be too much. The diehards are already calling for his head. Another embarrassing and hard to watch season would kill goodwill among the casual BC fans.

8-4 or better...
Spaz is safe. We have the talent and the schedule to be this good. I don't think it will happen, but if it does we will see Year 5 of the Spaz era.

6 or 7 wins...
Spaz "retires." He gets his money. He gets to go out with a winning record. He saves face. This is probably the best outcome for everyone.

5-7...
This is the unknown in my opinion. I could see the powers that be wanting to keep him one more year. Especially if we end on a high note.

Coaches to Watch this fall Part 3: Current Defensive Coordinators

Since everyone has Spaz on the Hotseat List, now is as good a time as any to look at future BC head coaching candidates. Unlike our past profile series, the timing and style on these posts will be a little different. Instead of being weeks or days away from a potential change, we have the benefit of a whole season to evaluate these guys. Some stocks will rise, while others will fall and it will make our usual scoreboard watching that much more interesting.

BC has turned to college coordinators in the past to step up as Head Coach. While there is risk with any hire, the nice thing about a rising coordinator is that they've usually proven themselves adapt at one phase of the game and you have the chance to hire the next great football mind. Plus most coordinators come in hungry and hard working, looking to make the most of their first chance as a head coach. Because Spaz is a a defensive coach, I am sure BC fans will want a replacement with an offensive background, but that doesn't mean we should overlook these guys.

Pat Narduzzi
Defensive Coordinator, Michigan State
Until Bruce Feldman dropped his name as a Spaz replacement, I don't think many BC fans were even thinking about Narduzzi. On paper he's a very solid candidate. He's got BCS experience at Michigan State. The Spartans love him and recently gave him a huge raise. While they haven't been elite, I like what Michigan State has done under Dantonio (and Narduzzi). They overachieve given their talent base and work hard on the recruting front. Because of his stops in Cincinnati and growing up in northeast Ohio, Narduzzi has ties to our important midwest recruiting territories. What I like most about him as a candidate is his time at Rhode Island. I don't think our new head coach needs ties to BC, but I do think it helps if he comes in with an understanding of what BC is and can be. If you've coached at URI, you know what New England football is like. You know about the difference in fan interest and the space crunch BC is under. And you'll know that BC can be successful with the right coaching.
What to Watch for in 2012: How high Narduzzi's profile rises. He interviewed for head coaching jobs last year. If Michigan State continues to improve and Narduzzi earns more accolades, other schools will have interest.

Mark Stoops
Defensive Coordinator, Florida State
Normally I would worry about the fit of a guy like Stoops. He's coming from a football factory. His last name brings some good and bad baggage. But I do think there are some strong pluses in his candidacy at BC. Like Narduzzi, Stoops has deep ties to the Ohio Catholic high school circuit. He also has a good understanding of the ACC landscape after stops in Miami and Florida State. His FSU defenses still begin with the 4-3, so he could take our current roster and install his own system. Although the Stoops name isn't a household name in Boston, his track record, name and personality would be an easy sell to the BC faithful.
What to Watch for in 2012: How Florida State handles their expectations. If this is the year they finally return to being "Florida State" Stoops will get much of the credit and be a hot name. Even if they are good, not great, he's still viable at BC.

Manny Diaz
Defensive Coordinator, Texas
Due to his unusual path into coaching and his sudden rise, Diaz is a very hot name among coordinators. Aside from his time coaching at other ACC schools, there's not much tying him to BC. But I think his ability to recruit, his Xs and Os and the ability to be the face of the program deserve consideration. Diaz is young, but serving as a coordinator at Texas is a good proving ground. Mack Brown is in CEO mode, so his coordinators do much of the heavy lifting. It's great preparation for making the jump to head coach.
What to Watch for in 2012: TOB's potential retirement. Diaz is one of the names on many NC State wish lists. If TOB steps down, some in their fan base will make a big push for Diaz to return to Raleigh.

Bob Diaco
Defensive Coordinator, Notre Dame
Diaco is one of the most relentless recruiters in college football. If he took over at BC, I think we could upgrade our talent quickly. The New Jersey native has plenty of ACC experience and has recruited at schools with academic restrictions. I don't love his scheme (3-4) and have a few concerns about his defenses being good but never dominant. But he would be a very good fit at BC and worth the risk.
What to Watch for in 2012: An Irish implosion. Although his seat is not as hot as Spaz's, Kelly needs to win this year. If he's fired, we can't hire his fired defensive coordinator. The perception would be terrible among fans and recruits.

Coaches to Watch this fall Part 2: Current Head Coaches that need winning 2012 seasons

Since everyone has Spaz on the Hotseat List, now is as good a time as any to look at future BC head coaching candidates. Unlike our past profile series, the timing and style on these posts will be a little different.  Instead of being weeks or days away from a potential change, we have the benefit of a whole season to evaluate these guys. Some stocks will rise, while others will fall and it will make our usual scoreboard watching that much more interesting. 


The second part of the series will look at current head coaches who don't have the resumes to take the job now, but could get consideration if they win this fall. The added twist is that all the guys have some tie to BC or Gene. Our past three head coaches had zero head coaching experience prior to taking the BC job, so prior head coaching experience is not a prerequisite. But I do think it will help any potential transition to BC. In fact if we hire a guy who lost at a previous school until this year, we receive the benefit of his head coaching learning curve without all the loses. 


Dave Clawson
Head Coach, Bowling Green
This name should be familiar to most since Clawson was a surprise candidate during the 2007 search. At the time he was a rising star in DIAA and had worked with Gene back in the Villanova days. BC fans were surprisingly receptive to his candidacy then. The years since have been a rollercoaster for Clawson. He left Richmond to take over play calling at Tennessee. Richmond won a National Championship and Clawson became a scapegoat for all that went wrong in the final Fulmer days. He landed the Bowling Green job, had a great first year, terrible second and losing third. Even if Clawson has a strong year in 2012, I don't think he'll be a hot name nationwide. The stink from Tennessee is still too strong. But I do think Gene would revisit the potential fit. One thing we've learned in this process is that personal relationships with Gene carry a lot of weight (if Gene is still calling the shots).
What to watch for in 2012: Clawson needs to win. Not blow the doors off, MAC Champion type winning, but prove that he can turn a FBS program around. If he goes 8-5 or 7-6, he might be a tolerable replacement for Spaz. If he does really well, that makes it even better. Bowling Green is expected to improve this year, so that will give his candidacy some momentum. If Gene is not involved in the hiring process, Clawson's going to need 10 or 11 wins to even get on BC's radar.




Mike Macintyre
Head Coach, San Jose State
Despite his losing record Macintrye enters 2012 as a "hot" name. He was a well respected assistant and impressed people with how competitive the Spartans were last season. If he has a winning third season, multiple programs will be interested. As far as being a fit at BC, Mac's got ties to the ACC, coached in the northeast at Temple, coached at schools with tough admissions departments, and worked for Parcells. He'd be pretty ideal except for one looming issue -- his ties to Gene. Macintyre's first offensive coordinator at San Jose State was John Defilippo. If Macintryre interviews there will be the perception that he's another Gene puppet. That might not be fair to Mac, John D or Gene, but that is the reality. 
What to watch for in 2012: Winning primarily but also how their offense changes now that John D has returned to the NFL. The young Defilippo actually has a pretty good reputation in coaching circles. If his last name was Smith, BC fans wouldn't care one bit about Macintrye's former OC. But I do think the offense will play a part in his BC candidacy. If they explode will it impact how Gene views Mac? Will it mean that Mac knows how to build a staff and find good replacements? Will it mean that he can bring his new OC with him to the Heights? I actually like the idea of Macinyre right now, but he does need to win this year.

Don Treadwell

Head Coach, Miami (Ohio)

Another familiar name to BC fans. Not only did he interview in 2009, but he was on TOB's first BC staff. The long time assistant finally got a shot at a Head job when he took over Miami of Ohio last season. The Redhawks finished a disappointing 4-8, but they are expected to rebound this year. Treadwell was never the most exciting guy in the room, but he has a solid reputation and could probably have a TOB like career if BC hired him and gave him time to build a program.

What to watch for in 2012: Can Treadwell win enough to leave after just two years? Miami is his alma mater, so walking away won't be easy. If they win seven or eight games and he bails, that will be a burnt bridge and follow him on the recruiting trail. It they win the MAC, he can claim "I've won a championship and now I am ready to move on." Miami is known as the "Cradle of Coaches", but you still have to leave in the right way.

Jason Swepson
Head Coach, Elon
Swepson is a long-time BC assistant who followed TOB to NC State. Last year he became a head coach for the first time at FCS school Elon. Swepson also has the added benefit of being a BC grad and former player.
What to watch for in 2012: Winning big. Real big. That is the only way a Swepson candidacy becomes tolerable. Let's face it, no other BCS program in the country would even consider Swepson after just two years at Elon. The only reason we might is because he's one of us. Swepson's first year was okay (5-7) but he needs to get to 10 wins for this hire not to leave people feeling empty. If he is hired after a seven win season, then you know that our coaching search was a disaster. 

Phil Steele likes BC more than most

Phil Steele made his name by publishing the most thorough, analytical and detailed college preview annually. He boasts that he's right when everyone else is wrong. In his latest edition, one of the teams Phil thinks will surprise is BC.

Phil's not behind BC for just some random reasons. He's always put an emphasis on returning starters and BC's rates high in that department. Steele also likes that BC faces most of its toughest opponents at home. BC's close losses from last season are also factored in (Steele think luck tends to revert to a mean -- so BC will do better in close games this year). Steele also predicts improvement from Rettig (due to Martin and maturity) and thinks our offensive line will be better than it has been in years.

Although he touts BC as a +3.5 on his new Stock Market metric, Steele's not predicting greatness for our Eagles. The magazine has us 4th in the division and playing Army in the Military Bowl. Still, that is relatively high praise when most magazines expect us to have another losing season.

I understand where Steele is coming from. All his factors give me some optimism. We should be better on offense. The defense does have some good returning talent. I like Doug Martin and what he represents. Yet I don't think it is that simple. Steele believes that some of the bad losses will even out this year. I'm not there ready to take that leap. Many of the reasons we've been in so many close games under Spaz is because he manages the games that way. He doesn't put teams away and doesn't go for broke when we trail. Is that suddenly going to change this year?

I want BC to win. I want to make a bowl game. I may not care for Spaz, but I love BC and watching winning football is fun. I hope Steele is right, but I still think this year will be as frustrating as last year.

Coaches to Watch this fall Part 1: The A List

Since everyone has Spaz on the Hotseat List, now is as good a time as any to look at future BC head coaching candidates. Unlike our past profile series, the timing and style on these posts will be a little different.  Instead of being weeks or days away from a potential change, we have the benefit of a whole season to evaluate these guys. Some stocks will rise, while others will fall and it will make our usual scoreboard watching that much more interesting. 

The first series of names are guys BC should call regardless of what happens in 2012. This is the A List. They are all high-profile and could probably wait on bigger or better job. But there is a chance that this season could make BC seem that much more appealing in December.

Dan Mullen 
Head Coach, Mississippi State
If you were to make a list of all the attributes you would want in a BC coach, Mullen has them. Major college head coaching experience, innovative offense, fiery personality, local ties, experience working at a school that takes academics seriously, aggressive recruiter, youth and a winning record are all there on paper. The challenge with approaching Mullen is that he doesn't need BC right now. He's got an SEC job. He's getting paid well (more than BC pays Spaz) and he can probably wait on a bigger better job than BC or Mississippi State.
What to watch in 2012: Potential losing. Mullen's name has floated for enough jobs in the past few years that you know he or his agent has a wandering eye. He knows that Mississippi State is not a destination job. No one wants to battle LSU, Alabama and Auburn just to win the division. If the Bulldogs stumble a bit this year -- say 5-7 -- Mullen is not going to be a hot name for the big jobs. However, we would still be interested. BC could offer him a few years security, a chance to rebuild again and do it without having to buy off the next Cam Newton. Mullen's mentor Urban Meyer has shown that he likes the climb to greatness better than trying to maintain it. Maybe Mullen is of the same mold. And maybe BC will offer that chance at the right time. It's a long, long shot, but BC has to make that call.

Troy Calhoun
Head Coach, Air Force
Calhoun shares many of the same qualities we would desire in Mullen, only with a slightly longer track record and with the added benefit of NFL experience. The big difference from Mullen -- who is from New Hampshire -- is that Calhoun has no local ties. Plus he's coaching at his Alma Mater! If this guy is going to leave his school, why would it be for the BC job? It's a long shot that he would end up at BC, but there are some things in our favor. Calhoun wanted the job when Jags got it and BC never even called him. He wants a shot at a big conference job, but without putting up with the nonsense that might go into most BCS programs. He's worked at Wake Forest, so he knows it can be done in the ACC and done the right way.
What to watch in 2012: What other schools have interest. Calhoun's enough of a name that he should appear on most teams' short lists. Oregon State will come calling. I could see Cal being interested too. BC's hope would be catching him at the right time with the right pitch. Another season above .500 isn't going to make him unattainable to BC, but it will make him seem like a solid hire to all the programs that have money and openings.

Pete Carmichael, Jr.
Offensive Coordinator, New Orleans Saints
Right now he's probably the most popular name among the speculators. Even if you ignore the lack of head coaching experience, his minimal time in college, or the questions surrounding how much of his success is tied to Payton and Brees, if BC were to land a young, Super Bowl winning offensive coordinator -- who happens to be a BC grad -- as our next coach, most parties would find the result more than satisfactory. When it appeared that Carmichael would serve as the Saints Interim Head Coach, I thought that the new position would prevent him from being a BC candidate in 2012. Like all things with the Saints and the NFL, the situation remains complicated, but I don't think we can rule out a return to the Heights.
What to watch in 2012: How Carmichael handles himself calling the plays. There is enormous pressure on him this year. If the Saints don't miss a beat, everyone in football will want him. If they struggle, he might be one of the scapegoats. For him to end up at BC and not being damaged goods, I think we have to hope for the Saints to miss the playoffs but not due to the offense. Things are enough of a circus that they could easily go 7-9 while still being one of the top 10 offenses in football. And if that happens, maybe the idea of being a head coach for the first time at a place he knows will be an appealing escape from New Orleans.

Greg Roman
Offensive Coordinator, San Francisco 49ers
Roman was already being talked about as a good fit even before Bruce Feldman dropped his name as a potential Spaz replacement. Gossip says that he wants to return to college, return to the northeast and coach at a program "where things are done the right way." How much of that is true is anyone's guess, but his mix of recent college success and NFL credibility are very appealing. If he wants to be a college coach, he will get a shot soon.
What to watch in 2012: How his profile rises among NFL teams. The 49ers surprised everybody last year. The defense carried the team, but Roman's rehab project on Alex Smith was equally impressive. If Smith improves this year, Roman will be a very popular name on NFL short lists. Timing will be a factor again. If BC makes a move, we will still be hiring before most NFL teams. We will have a chance to talk to Roman before he even knows his NFL options. If he really wants a college job, BC should make the call.

Dinich thinks BC could turn things around this year

With most of the media and fans predicting a long season that ends in Spaz's firing, ESPN's ACC blogger Heather Dinich took a different stance today.

2. Boston College: The Eagles could be one of the surprise teams in the ACC in 2012. Last year's roster was filled with underclassmen, including quarterback Chase Rettig. The running back position has enough depth even without Montel Harris, and first-year coordinator Doug Martin said the offensive line should be one of the team's most improved groups. The receivers remain a question. The defense -- and entire team -- will miss linebacker Luke Kuechly, but with 16 starters back, including seven on defense, the Eagles should be able to still show improvement.

I don't share her optimism, but I do see her point. But I think the optimists are overlooking some key aspects of last season's record. We didn't just lose because of injuries, talent and experience. We lost games because some of them were grossly mismanaged. That's not going to change this year. Spaz is still in charge of the clock and timeouts and our overall game plan. Northwestern and Duke games swung due to some head scratching decisions. We gave up way too early against Clemson and had numerous other issues in different games.

As long as Spaz is in charge, we will continue to play close games. That's the nature of his game management. And if you play enough close games some of them are going to break the wrong way.

Will BC be one of the more desirable open jobs this season?

While finding the right coach is never easy, timing may help if BC makes a change this offseason. Due to recent coaching changes at other schools, very few elite jobs will be open this fall. For the first time in a long time, BC may be able to bring in an established name.

The supply and demand dynamic of college coaching is fairly unique. If you consider college and NFL assistants, there are literally more than 1,000 qualified coaches for 120 positions. And if you narrow the scope even further, there are only 60 jobs among the five power conferences. The industry is full of hyper-competitive guys looking to get their shot. That is why you still see people risk taking career killing jobs (like Al Golden going to Temple). Everybody wants a chance to be in charge. But if a school like BC doesn't want to take a flyer on an unproven or lessor known assistant, they usually have to wait in line. Because once a good coach gets a good job, he's not going to move unless the next job is clearly better. That pecking order comes into play when BC is looking for a coach at the same time as a power program.

Look at last season as an example. Both Ohio State and Penn State filled openings. Pretty good Pac 12 jobs at UCLA, Arizona and Arizona State all made new hires. UNC -- despite unresolved NCAA issues -- snagged an experienced coach. Plus there were a half a dozen other BCS conference openings filled this past offseason. If BC had made a change then, we probably would have competed for many of those same candidates and lost out.

But the mass changes the past two college football offseasons has created a new hiring cycle. Fewer elite football schools will be making a change this year. Look at the Hot Seat Ranking. What potentially open job is that much better than BC? Tennessee for certain. Maybe Cal. Texas Tech, Oregon State and Indiana may offer more money, but I think we offer a better "fit" for some coaches.

We feel the need to apologize for what BC is as a football school, but a shrewd coach will know what it can be. They see that TOB and Jags won at BC and know that it doesn't take a rocket scientist to win here. Heck, even Spaz has two winning seasons and is over .500 for his career. BC offers low expectations in a low pressure media environment. While not sitting in Florida or Texas, BC has access to decent recruiting territories. You can get enough talent to compete in the ACC. Recruiting is more restrictive than it might be at most BCS schools, but there is a flipside benefit to that. BC kids in general are coachable and hard working. Stanford and Baylor are the most recent examples that with the right guy leading the charge, you can sell academics and recruiting successfully.

The drawbacks to BC...we know them already: facilities, potentially meddlesome AD, smaller fanbase, obstacles to elite recruits, and money. Even though I think BC would pay more for an established name, we are never going to have the highest paid coach in the ACC. Rarely will our coach be in the top half of ACC salaries.

But none of those issues are insurmountable. If a coach wins, better facilities and money will come (see Coughlin, see TOB). Gene's reputation is for being Coach Flip, but I think a rough season from Spaz will neuter some of his power related to football. An established coach will demand more freedom.

Then there is the stepping stone issue. Once a guy wins at BC either other people come calling or the place starts to feel small. That's not going to change. What I hope does change is BC's approach. Let a new guy come in and win. We don't need a lifer or the next TOB. Just leave BC in a better place, give us some exciting football and keep close ties after you're gone. Call it the Tom Coughlin model.