Why doesn't Pete get offered I-A Job opportunities
- Thread starter Jagman
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JR
Well-Known Member
There was an article about 4-5 years ago in the Times-Picayune during Classic that talked about this same thing. At the time Pete had ran off 3 straight SWAC titles and gone undefeated all those years in the SWAC and had 2 11-1 seasons and Heritage Bowl wins, and a couple of Black College Championships. But no looks from 1-A. Pete was quoted at the time that he felt like 1-A probably thought he was too old by 1999 to draw any interest. I really didn't buy that excuse. But there was really no explanation on why he did not get any looks other than black coaches were not getting looked at anyway. I think Ron Cooper and Dickerson had just came to the SWAC fresh off their firings in 1A and that didn't make it any easier. When a black coach fails to win at the 1A or NFL level. It makes it hard for the next brother.
That's really the bottom line. Unless you have 1A white head coaches pumping you up for a job or have a famous name like Doug does. You don't get 1A head coaching opportunites or interviews. If Doug had not played pro ball and won the SB. He could go 11-0 every year at GSU and not even get a phone call. Hell the great Eddie didn't get phone calls from the NFL until he had won over 200+ games and was in his 50's and I can't remember if any 1A school ever contacted him. Maybe Mike Bigg can shed some light on that.
Look at Ty Willingham, he has the Bill Walsh factor going for him. So did Denny Green when he coached in college. They had Walsh making calls for them. Just like Ron Cooper landed on his feet working for his old boss Lou Holtz who has made some calls in Cooper's behalf in the past. It is still hard for the black coach to even get an interview just based on his own merit.
That's really the bottom line. Unless you have 1A white head coaches pumping you up for a job or have a famous name like Doug does. You don't get 1A head coaching opportunites or interviews. If Doug had not played pro ball and won the SB. He could go 11-0 every year at GSU and not even get a phone call. Hell the great Eddie didn't get phone calls from the NFL until he had won over 200+ games and was in his 50's and I can't remember if any 1A school ever contacted him. Maybe Mike Bigg can shed some light on that.
Look at Ty Willingham, he has the Bill Walsh factor going for him. So did Denny Green when he coached in college. They had Walsh making calls for them. Just like Ron Cooper landed on his feet working for his old boss Lou Holtz who has made some calls in Cooper's behalf in the past. It is still hard for the black coach to even get an interview just based on his own merit.
Robber
Consigliere
Man the Indianapolis newspaper did this huge story on James Bell and him one day getting the opportunity to coach at the I-A level. No lie. It ran the day of the Circle City Classic. I say that to say that it's obvious not always about results on the sidelines. It's name, who you know and timing.
ZNSPR8502
Meet, act & depart...
I'm glad it isn't. As long as he wants to be a Jaguar, our situation is stable. We just need to do all we can to support him and the other great SU Coaches (Cador, Thomas, etc...), so they can have the facilities and support they need to continue to take our program to even higher levels of excellence. I wouldn't want a Doug as my head coach because GSU will have to deal with whether he will be back EVERY YEAR.
Next, keep in mind WHITE FOLKS don't hire you from BLACK FOLKS in athletics. If you come from their ranks (Head Coach/Coordinator at a WHITE SCHOOL or the pros), they MAY CONSIDER you (A BLACK). A BLACK head coach at a BLACK High School ain't got a chance to be hired at a WHITE SCHOOL and a BLACK head coach at a HBCU ain't got a chance to be hired at a WHITE SCHOOL.
Next, Pete is in that age range where they will use that against him also. He is a much better coach than Doug. Doug will be mentioned due to him being a Super Bowl MVP and as long as his GSU team is successful. But, notice which WHITE School mention him (the likes of Kentucky). Who do you know can turn Kentucky into a competitive football team in the SEC? Have you been to the University of Kentucky and noticed the role of blacks around there? Come on man.
Let us stop hoping the Man excepts us and let us start supporting our own at our own school's. Stop sending our top talent to the man believing it is better for him/her to go their than that which is designed for you to become the best you can become.
Peace!!!
MikeBigg
Well-Known Member
Yall asked...
I think Doug gets interviews because of the name recognition (his and Grambling). I think teams take note of the recruiting that he has done in getting the talent level back up. I don't think he was a serious candidate in any of the jobs that have come up, but those folk (and the media that covers them) use his name to "spice up" the articles and discussions.
In addition to his age and race, Pete's persona and personality might hurt his chances. The man is a good X and O's coach and does a good job developing his staff and players...BUT, he is as bland as boiled potatoes. I don't see Pete "holding" court with the various booster groups and dealing with the public relations aspect of D1 coachng. Not that he doesn't have the intellect, I just don't think he's comfortable in those situations.
In terms of Doug Williams, I think it would be the opposite. Doug would be comfortable dealing with the off the field stuff (something he probably likes doing more than actually the X and O's). However, I don't think those off the field groups would be comfortable with Doug!
I think Doug gets interviews because of the name recognition (his and Grambling). I think teams take note of the recruiting that he has done in getting the talent level back up. I don't think he was a serious candidate in any of the jobs that have come up, but those folk (and the media that covers them) use his name to "spice up" the articles and discussions.
In addition to his age and race, Pete's persona and personality might hurt his chances. The man is a good X and O's coach and does a good job developing his staff and players...BUT, he is as bland as boiled potatoes. I don't see Pete "holding" court with the various booster groups and dealing with the public relations aspect of D1 coachng. Not that he doesn't have the intellect, I just don't think he's comfortable in those situations.
In terms of Doug Williams, I think it would be the opposite. Doug would be comfortable dealing with the off the field stuff (something he probably likes doing more than actually the X and O's). However, I don't think those off the field groups would be comfortable with Doug!
Tigerpride
THE Logical ONE
I don't think Pete is too old but it does appear that the BCF ranks is not a stepping stone to a HC position in 1A. Any coach who gets those jobs are typically successful PWC 1AA coaches (Donnan/Tressel), 1A assistants, or NFL assistants. Even if Pete did land 1A job, it would likely not be with a major conference.
MikeBigg
Well-Known Member
Doug's interviewing with other major college programs is not viewed as a distraction...at least not to me. Actually, I see it as recognition for the program. It shows an awareness of the winning legacy that's at Grambling and as a Gramblinite and Black man, I am proud for Doug and the opportunities that he receives to interview. If an offer is ever made, I would like to see him take the job (provided that's in this best interest).
How would that affect Grambling? I once heard Coach Robinson tell a disgruntled player: "Son, Grambling will be here after I'm gone. I know it will be here after you're gone". The same thing applies if Doug leaves. A lot of folk would leap at the chance to coach at Grambling. In fact, (it's been many years ago) but Pete told me that Grambling was always a dream job of his. At that time, Coach Robinson was in his last years. I asked Pete if he would leave Baton Rouge to live in Grambling. It was at that time that he mentioned he would actually prefer certain aspects of the Grambling job. He was speaking primarily of the politics involved...he also mentioned that it would be easier to recruit nationally from Grambling.
However, that was many years ago. I'm sure that if Pete was to relocate somewhere it would be either North Carolina or Ohio. But I expect him to remain in Baton Rouge into retirement (unless you jags run him off once his Classic streak ends...and the end is coming soon!)
How would that affect Grambling? I once heard Coach Robinson tell a disgruntled player: "Son, Grambling will be here after I'm gone. I know it will be here after you're gone". The same thing applies if Doug leaves. A lot of folk would leap at the chance to coach at Grambling. In fact, (it's been many years ago) but Pete told me that Grambling was always a dream job of his. At that time, Coach Robinson was in his last years. I asked Pete if he would leave Baton Rouge to live in Grambling. It was at that time that he mentioned he would actually prefer certain aspects of the Grambling job. He was speaking primarily of the politics involved...he also mentioned that it would be easier to recruit nationally from Grambling.
However, that was many years ago. I'm sure that if Pete was to relocate somewhere it would be either North Carolina or Ohio. But I expect him to remain in Baton Rouge into retirement (unless you jags run him off once his Classic streak ends...and the end is coming soon!)
Tigerpride
THE Logical ONE
Billy Joe was trying to hold out for the Grambling job too but Eddie would never retire. FAMU was actually his second dream job.
JaguarNationAJL
Aquarius Man
We will not run him off and the classic streak will continue
JR
Well-Known Member
Mike,
Its going to carry weight at GSU as well. Eddie Rob had a free pass due to all he has done for GSU and College Football in general. But even Doug will feel the heat from GSU alums if he don't start winning Classic. The SCG wins sugarcoated those BC losses. If future BC losses keep GSU out of the SCG. Then we'll see how much weight the BC carries to retain any post Eddie coach at GSU.
I think it is perceived that Pete's job was saved by those 2 BC wins. The people on the street in BR may have wanted Pete's job during the last 3 years prior to this one and even some alums. But I don't think the SU folks who make discisions were ever contemplating firing Pete. But sure, a BC win don't hurt to soften the blow of mediocre seasons.
Ask John Cooper about losing to your rival despite going 9-2 and 10-1 alot. Let Mack Brown continue to lose to Oklahoma or lose to Texas A&M. He could go 9-2 or 10-1 every year. But if the 1 or 2 losses are to your heated rival. Then it's bye-bye.
Pete will be fine. I am sure there are SU folks who want Pete gone even though we won this year. Just typical can't please everybody syndrome.
MikeBigg
Well-Known Member
No doubt...there were some pissed off Gmen after this year's loss. Winning the SCG in previous years helped take the sting away...folk always want to win the last game (especially if it's for a championship).
You're right about detractors. I know a guy who has been a Pete basher for years. I saw him at SU's homecoming for the first time in nearly two years. I said, "man seems you were wrong about Pete...he's having a good year". His reply was..."Yeah, he's doing allright but I still don't like him. He really can't coach...we just ain't playing nobody". I then said..."Man, you just don't care for Pete do you". The guy point blank said "NO".
Even as a Grambling fan, I found that disturbing. For a fan to take a dislike for a coach (and I doubt Pete even knows him personally) to this level is sad. Wanting your alma mater to lose simply so you can tell your peers "I told you so" (he didn't want Pete...he was a Cooley fan) is ridiculous.
You're right about detractors. I know a guy who has been a Pete basher for years. I saw him at SU's homecoming for the first time in nearly two years. I said, "man seems you were wrong about Pete...he's having a good year". His reply was..."Yeah, he's doing allright but I still don't like him. He really can't coach...we just ain't playing nobody". I then said..."Man, you just don't care for Pete do you". The guy point blank said "NO".
Even as a Grambling fan, I found that disturbing. For a fan to take a dislike for a coach (and I doubt Pete even knows him personally) to this level is sad. Wanting your alma mater to lose simply so you can tell your peers "I told you so" (he didn't want Pete...he was a Cooley fan) is ridiculous.
Seeing Spots
Joyful Woman!
Cooley? :lol: Some people huh?
I remember when Coach Richardson came and the first year was 11-1, SWAC undefeated champs, BCF Champs and I heard two guys at a basketball game say they really just didn't like him, he did okay, but they thought Cooley would have done better! Done better? 
And then the two guys proceed to talk down about Coach to my godson. Now you know that wasn't going to happen...he STILL very much respects him. He just shook his head and got up. He later said other people had approached him that first year trying to get him to say that Coach Richardson was not a good coach. Some folk, I tell! Never satisfied!BTW, your frat is not the Board president, Sam Jenkins from Shreveport is!
MikeBigg
Well-Known Member
Yall need to be forever grateful to Dr. Spikes for getting away from "the politics" and hiring the best man. Some folk even tried to get her to hire Jerry Baldwin who was at LSU. Even the LSU folk were on talk shows touting Baldwin...he later bombed at USL.
Speaking of Baldwin...when the GSU job went to Doug, the LSU folk said we should have hired Baldwin because he would be the best coach in the SWAC. When they had an opening for DC, I called and asked why didn't they consider Baldwin. They said, "he would be good for the SWAC, but wasn't coordinator material for the SEC". I told them they were hypocrites and dumb as hell. I no longer even call the Sports shows anymore.
Speaking of Baldwin...when the GSU job went to Doug, the LSU folk said we should have hired Baldwin because he would be the best coach in the SWAC. When they had an opening for DC, I called and asked why didn't they consider Baldwin. They said, "he would be good for the SWAC, but wasn't coordinator material for the SEC". I told them they were hypocrites and dumb as hell. I no longer even call the Sports shows anymore.
Jag Voice
Well-Known Member
Originally posted by bluedog
Those types of people are one of two things, either they didn't get the flukie they wanted so they could have some type of free ride or Pete didn't recruit their kin. Then it also could be a third reason too...they're just plain stupid.
LOL.
Also, you have a lot of fans, especially BCF fans, that talk a lot but don't have any hand in the decison making, Better yet, they often are the ones who are NOT donating money to SU but complain about anything.
I take their opinion with a grain of salt and the admnistration does the same thing.
These neegrows need to just sit on the sideline, occasionally call into the Jaguar Journal to vent and realize their opinion is totally worthless.
MikeBigg
Well-Known Member
Jag Voice, you just spoke volumes. When it's not someone that they can "connect" with their feelings are hurt and they start criticizing the program.
One thing that Pete does a good job of is developing his coaches. Several members of his staff have gone on to other opportunities. That speaks well to how much they have learned under Richardson.
I know one thing...yall get your money worth. I know one of your coaches very well and my podnuh (dayum, a yella for a friend) works his azz off breaking down film for both pre-game preparation and post game analysis. Some folk don't realize how much work these guys put in on a constant basis. It ain't just showing up on Saturdays.
One thing that Pete does a good job of is developing his coaches. Several members of his staff have gone on to other opportunities. That speaks well to how much they have learned under Richardson.
I know one thing...yall get your money worth. I know one of your coaches very well and my podnuh (dayum, a yella for a friend) works his azz off breaking down film for both pre-game preparation and post game analysis. Some folk don't realize how much work these guys put in on a constant basis. It ain't just showing up on Saturdays.
....and it ain't like they're making a mint either. I'm not sure what the assistants' salaries are in relation to those at other schools, but I can't believe only the AD, head coaches, and recruiting coordinator get cars from dealerships. The other coaches have to drive their own and get rentals to go recruiting.....
Seeing Spots
Joyful Woman!
YES LORD! :nod: