Kalen Deboer

[SinisterCane]

I cannot co-sign RVA’s sentiment enough and will go even further. I am a known and self-proclaimed Mario fan. I think there’s an outside chance that he can catch lightning in a bottle one year and win a national championship, but I think a lot of my big problems with the mopes is that they don’t appreciate what he is.

He is literally Mark Richt at Georgia. He’s raising the standard of a program that has been a joke for the past 20+ years. Not just a “down program” — a ******* joke.

If Mario takes all ten years to build up a roster and a program that “can’t quite get there,” that’s absolutely fine because he will at the VERY LEAST put us in an attractive enough position to land our Kirby Smart.

That’s worth every cent of his contract if you are a Miami fan who can take a realistic assessment of our program.

I stopped reading at “If Mario takes all ten years to build up a roster”

 

[RVACane]

I stopped reading at “If Mario takes all ten years to build up a roster”

It shouldn’t take long in today’s world of Portal and NIL if we’re talking about a really good coach. I’m only saying the consolation prize is stability here which is the most basic thing we need. As a fan that’s not where I hoped we’d be but I recognize the importance of the step. As he or someone said before this, we were a 6-8 plateau team before and the floor has been raised. I think we were a 5-8 team and now we are a 7-8 floor with an 11 win ceiling.

 

[JamesQuall]

Kalen DeBoer > Mario St. CoRchibal

Still.

Have I ever told you youre one of my favorite posters???

 

[JamesQuall]

It’s definitely Jacurri Brown

“I’ll take the **** pie over **** cake since I’m more of a pie person.”

That’s the entire essence of Williams vs Brown.

 

[JamesQuall]

I cannot co-sign RVA’s sentiment enough and will go even further. I am a known and self-proclaimed Mario fan. I think there’s an outside chance that he can catch lightning in a bottle one year and win a national championship, but I think a lot of my big problems with the mopes is that they don’t appreciate what he is.

He is literally Mark Richt at Georgia. He’s raising the standard of a program that has been a joke for the past 20+ years. Not just a “down program” — a ******* joke.

If Mario takes all ten years to build up a roster and a program that “can’t quite get there,” that’s absolutely fine because he will at the VERY LEAST put us in an attractive enough position to land our Kirby Smart.

That’s worth every cent of his contract if you are a Miami fan who can take a realistic assessment of our program.

Mario has a long way to go to prove he’s Mark Richt. I do think he could be the “guy before the guy” though.

The other problem is there is no guarantee we will continue to see the money we are currently seeing after Mario.

 

[DubCaliCane]

Mario has a long way to go to prove he’s Mark Richt. I do think he could be the “guy before the guy” though.

The other problem is there is no guarantee we will continue to see the money we currently seeing after Mario.

Yeah, I moreso meant I think Mario’s “final form” is Mark Richt Georgia — the guy before the guy who’s team is winning conference championships and playing meaningful games down during playoff/bowl season.

This (unfortunately) would still be a better position for us as fans given the misery and laughingstock status we’ve endured over the past two decades.

You’re spot on about the money. As a donor, it’s the biggest shift of the Mario era — for the first time, I actually feel like my money is actively building towards something and being deployed with a plan and vision, not just being pocketed by Blake James to build a ping pong set outside of Richter.

If Mario gets us to the “doorstep state,” which is MULTIPLE conference championships and deep runs into the playoff, the money will still be there for the next guy.

The problem would then be, if the next guy can’t do it, it’s over. Straight up. If Miami can’t sustain success by the end of Mario’s tenure into the next guy, the program is done.

I’m a Mario fan — not because he’s the best coach in college football (not even close) — but because he’s the right coach at the right time.

 

[JamesQuall]

To just be another voice, I think this was a bigger step then people think.
We were a team with a plateau of 6-8 wins, and painfully mediocre, and now we'll range between 9-11 pending year.
This is essentially the Clemson/Swinney model, hope you hit a great QB and you go a great run. And our down years became 9-3 which is be ok with cause we'd still be challenging for the ACC championship.

I think with the NIL money, I think that may be one of the only ways. There are odd programs that rise above it, UGA happen to be at the top at the time, OSU, Texas, Oregon is gonna be there.

We just have to battle Clemson for ACC supremacy, if we can keep up and make the ACC a two teams race then, I think long term we'll be ok cause we'll get CFB playoff money or high end Bowl money, which is turn can be reinvested.

We had a QB that was at least on Watson/Lawrence level and couldn’t even make it to the ACCCG.

Mario is just about the polar opposite of Dabo. Dabo had a staff that was largely the same for the better part of a decade and took small quality classes filled with elite talent at key positions and focused on player retention and development. They squeezed the most out of every player.

Mario’s approach is to take a lot of talent and try to stack talent then let them duke it out. Whoever doesn’t make it transfers out. However, as we have seen most of his classes have big holes at positions and development has been lacking.

 

[grover]

I’m a Mario fan — not because he’s the best coach in college football (not even close) — but because he’s the right coach at the right time.

I'm in the minority here as an "absolute" Mario fan, not a relative one. The guy has major flaws. But he's able to keep moving forward relentlessly, and we need that at this program. People discount what he did at FIU, Bama and Oregon, they discount what he's done so far at Miami. When's the last time we had Top 15 classes 4 years in a row, on our way to a 5th? Or the first guy taken in the NFL? Or an offense like we produces last season?

I expect us to win 10 games again this season, which will be the first back-to-back 10 win season in 20 years. I think Hetherman is going to build a superior defense, and I believe we will be in the playoff picture from now on. Can we win the Natty with Mario? TBD. But just getting to Top 12 every year after decades of ignominy is a near miracle.

 

[grover]

We had a QB that was at least on Watson/Lawrence level and couldn’t even make it to the ACCCG.

Mario is just about the polar opposite of Dabo. Dabo had a staff that was largely the same for the better part of a decade and took small quality classes filled with elite talent at key positions and focused on player retention and development. They squeezed the most out of every player.

Mario’s approach is to try to stack talent and let them duke it out. Whoever doesn’t make it transfers out. However, as we have seen most of his classes have big holes at positions and development has been lacking.

I get the arguments, yet I think the Clemson way is really hard to pull off in the NIL era, and the other top programs got there through bags and stacking. I think Mario needs to stack until he gets it right. And I also think his replacing his staff until he gets that right was necessary, too.

That said, I'd be surprised if either continues going forward. With player personnel, we're weak at DT and S, not across the board. And with staff, I think Hetherman is the right guy for us, and will be locked in for a few years. Dawson leaving is the biggest potential disruption. I don't see much impact if Beard or another position coach leaves.

 

[DubCaliCane]

I'm in the minority here as an "absolute" Mario fan, not a relative one. The guy has major flaws. But he's able to keep moving forward relentlessly, and we need that at this program. People discount what he did at FIU, Bama and Oregon, they discount what he's done so far at Miami. When's the last time we had Top 15 classes 4 years in a row, on our way to a 5th? Or the first guy taken in the NFL? Or an offense like we produces last season?

I expect us to win 10 games again this season, which will be the first back-to-back 10 win season in 20 years. I think Hetherman is going to build a superior defense, and I believe we will be in the playoff picture from now on. Can we win the Natty with Mario? TBD. But just getting to Top 12 every year after decades of ignominy is a near miracle.

I can amend that statement a little as well. I’m an absolute Mario fan too. But for the sake of argument and honest assessment, I do think his flaws keep him out of the “best coaches” conversation from just a pure X and O/game management perspective. So I can understand why mopes pounce on that.

You look at all the coaches at all the top programs and for the most part they have deep coordinator backgrounds. They can step in on one side of the ball or another and be a top coordinator if they want to. Mario doesn’t have that. He’s an OL guy, which is amazing (just look at that room now), but his lack of X and O expertise hurts him in the game management aspect.

 

[Arehel]

We had a QB that was at least on Watson/Lawrence level and couldn’t even make it to the ACCCG.

Mario is just about the polar opposite of Dabo. Dabo had a staff that was largely the same for the better part of a decade and took small quality classes filled with elite talent at key positions and focused on player retention and development. They squeezed the most out of every player.

Mario’s approach is to take a lot of talent and try to stack talent then let them duke it out. Whoever doesn’t make it transfers out. However, as we have seen most of his classes have big holes at positions and development has been lacking.

I don't disagree
You're right regarding the Dabo comparison of polar opposites, but that's general roster make up.

Im referring to just building a team that's going to be mid and long term successful.
Listen Miami was trash for 20 years, during that time Clemson was still winning 9-10 a year with Bowden, so it's not like he took over a dumpster fire.

This was a complete re build from adminstration, inside and outside culture, alumni relations and general excitement of the program.

I agree this last year was a bit of a disappointment since we had that years best QB. I would still argue we would have fared better then both Clemson and SMU amongst other teams in the playoff, just because we could hang with any team in the country because we could put as many pts up as we wanted.

It sucked, but one has to appreciate the fact that every game Miami plays, they play hard and we're in it, with a chance to win.
Heck were playing Notre Dame who was too.4 last year and ranked next, and there's positive vibes going into it, like we're gonna win. 5 years ago not a chance. That's all I'm saying.

I'm not a moper or a sunshine pumper, just seeing what ahead of me.

 

[JamesQuall]

I get the arguments, yet I think the Clemson way is really hard to pull off in the NIL era, and the other top programs got there through bags and stacking. I think Mario needs to stack until he gets it right. And I also think his replacing his staff until he gets that right was necessary, too.

That said, I'd be surprised if either continues going forward. With player personnel, we're weak at DT and S, not across the board. And with staff, I think Hetherman is the right guy for us, and will be locked in for a few years. Dawson leaving is the biggest potential disruption. I don't see much impact if Beard or another position coach leaves.

I agree. What Clemson did was pretty amazing. They ignored the portal, had minimal attrition, and instead of getting all of the elite blue-chippers, they got the right ones and made sure they played to their potential.

Also **** Dabo and his “woe is lil ole me and tiny ole Clemson. Praise Jesus” schtick.

 

[grover]

I agree. What Clemson did was pretty amazing. They ignored the portal, had minimal attrition, and instead of getting all of the elite blue-chippers, they got the right ones and made sure they played to their potential.

Also **** Dabo and his “woe is lil ole me and tiny ole Clemson. Praise Jesus” schtick.

I can never hate on Dabo because he's the reason we fired Golden midseason. And to your point, the guy is Butch-level good at evals and development. I thought Klubnik was trash when we beat him with Emory, even early last season. Now he's a projected first rounder. ... Also, Mario's got the religion thing going, too, lol. I find it weird how that resonates with bags and NIL. But then again I've always been a skeptic.

 

[JamesQuall]

I can never hate on Dabo because he's the reason we fired Golden midseason. And to your point, the guy is Butch-level good at evals and development. I thought Klubnik was trash when we beat him with Emory, even early last season. Now he's a projected first rounder. ... Also, Mario's got the religion thing going, too, lol. I find it weird how that resonates with bags and NIL. But then again I've always been a skeptic.

Nah **** him Golden was done for Dabo just happened to hasten the process.

It’s not the religion specifically that I have a problem with. It the faux humble righteousness. Very akin to wealthy suburban white kids saying “they started from the bottom” meanwhile their parents are worth $250mil. His thin fake veneer irks the **** out of me.

Mario and a lot of other coaches come off as more genuine. I respect those that let you know they’re an ******* instead of waiting to stab you in the back while smiling and telling everyone that you fell down the stairs and to pray for your recovery (that’s the general vibe he gives off).

 

[Cane30]

Bama is loaded. Their one question mark, happens to be the most important, QB. If they get good QB play, I see them back in the NC hunt this season. Milroe didn't fit DeBoar's O. DeBoer is a great O coach. If he can get one of his QB's to fit his O, they will be back. Simpson will probably start. I don't know much on him or Mack. I don't think he wants to put Russell out their as a TR FR. If their QB play is not good, they could lose 3 games again. The SEC is just brutal schedule. 11 of the SEC teams meet the 50% Blue Chip ratio to compete for a NC. 11! People can tote the B1G's back to back titles, but they don't have near the teams that the SEC does. If Bama loses 3 games, fans will want DeBoer fired and they probably lose some recruits in Dec.

 

[Squid Bumciorek]

This is the coaching version of arguing who is better Jacurri Brown or Emory Williams

No question- Brown. I think he could have been a decent QB for Paul Johnson at GT. Just has to throw 5-7 times per game. There is no system where Williams could have been a successful D1 QB.

As for DeBoer vs Mario- DeBoer wins in a landslide. It’s absolutely ridiculous to even make the comparison. DeBoers overall coaching record is 113-16. He’s like a poor man’s Urban Meyer- he consistently wins every where he goes at all levels of college FB. 3 NAIA national titles. Took over a 7 win UW team, and in his first season he went 11-2. Second season he took UW to the national title game. He’s got big shoes to fill at Bama- but my guess is Bama will be playing in the title game this upcoming season. Not trolling when I say I expect Miami will have 9 or less wins this year.

 

[Jonnyblaze]

Evaluating Mario is the classic two things can be true at the same time. Last year was undoubtedly a disappointment with what we had on offense, even with the suspect defense. Missing the playoff with that schedule was borderline criminal. That said, you can’t even make the argument that Mario’s tenure so far hasn’t been a success. Some people forget we weren’t just a mediocre at best program prior to his arrival, we were worse, and that’s irrelevant. We are certainly not that anymore.

Mario is far from an all-time great, any he has a lot still to prove, but the program now is unquestionably in significantly better shape than it was before he arrived.

 

[Luke Caneswalker]

He is legit. Former HC as well (albeit at a lower level).

My guy knows ball

 

[Rellyrell]

Evaluating Mario is the classic two things can be true at the same time. Last year was undoubtedly a disappointment with what we had on offense, even with the suspect defense. Missing the playoff with that schedule was borderline criminal. That said, you can’t even make the argument that Mario’s tenure so far hasn’t been a success. Some people forget we weren’t just a mediocre at best program prior to his arrival, we were worse, and that’s irrelevant. We are certainly not that anymore.

Mario is far from an all-time great, any he has a lot still to prove, but the program now is unquestionably in significantly better shape than it was before he arrived.

Hmmm; so the problem w me as a fan of the program & now a super CFB fan is that it has created quite the dichotomy.

I’m wondering what has changed for us to think any differently than from past regimes:
-Was it b/c we limped into 10 wins for the 1st time in 7 seasons & the 2nd time since joining the ACC?
-Is it b/c we’ve landed three 5* players in recruiting since he’s been here?
-Is it because we seemingly have more booster support than b4?

I’m looking for the empirical evidence proving we’re better today or is this more fandom & hope vs. reality?

Let’s examine the facts after 3 yrs, & u tell me if I’m tripping:

Coker (2001-2003):
35-3 (avg. recruiting class rank: 5th)

Shannon (2007-2009):
21-17 (avg. recruiting class rank: 10th)

Golden (2011-2013):
22-15 (avg. recruiting class rank: 19th)

Richt (2016-2018):
26-13 (avg. recruiting class rank: 14th)

Diaz (2019-2021):
21-15 (avg. recruiting class rank: 13th)

Cristobal (2022-2024):
22-16 (avg. recruiting class rank: 9th)

Shannon, Golden, Diaz, & Cristobal r all in the same boat after 3 yrs. In fact, our recruiting classes of 2022-23 were unmitigated disasters, so that avg. of 9th is moot, just like the previous regimes of highly touted classes.

Parallels: In 2018 we squandered arguably the best defense we had in 2 decades w a porous offense, by contrast In 2024, we squandered arguably the best offense we’ve had our in our history w a porous defense. The difference was one was a roller coaster ride while the other was as exciting as watching paint dry.

The only way I can firmly say we’ve been stabilized is if we turn out another 10+ win season this yr, something we haven’t done since 2002-2003. Other than that, it’s conjecture & hope to say Cristobal has stabilized us; &, b4 we say “look at the trajectory”, again…

Shannon:
Yr 1: 5-7
Yr 2: 7-6
Yr 3: 9-4
Trajectory

Golden:
Yr 1: 6-6
Yr 2: 7-5
Yr 3: 9-4
Trajectory

Richt:
Yr 1: 9-4
Yr 2: 10-3
Yr 3: 7-5
Declination

Diaz:
Yr 1: 6-7
Yr 2: 8-3
Yr 3: 7-5
Declination

Cristobal:
Yr 1: 5-7
Yr 2: 7-6
Yr 3: 10-3
Trajectory

The only way Mario can show he’s different than his predecessor is by having back to back 10+ win seasons. Other than that, it’s fandom rhetoric.

Lastly, this is to address the Richt/Dabo claims:

Richt didn’t have the benefit of the CFP in his early tenure. In Richt’s first 3 seasons (w/ 0 HC experience), UGA went 32-8. In 2 of those seasons, UGA would’ve made the CFP.

While it’s true that it took Dabo 3 full seasons to reach 10+ wins at Clemson, it’s also true that after that pivotal season, Dabo then went 11 straight seasons of winning 10+ games. So if Mario is on Dabo’s trajectory, that will manifest itself this season. If not, if we win less than 10 games again, then what’s the difference between he & his predecessors?

To be clear, this is not ****ting on Mario vs. highlighting the premature nature of saying “things r different.” We won’t know things r different until this season’s results, which for all of our sake, we need it to be.

 

[Angry Ibis]

I'm in the minority here as an "absolute" Mario fan, not a relative one. The guy has major flaws. But he's able to keep moving forward relentlessly, and we need that at this program. People discount what he did at FIU, Bama and Oregon, they discount what he's done so far at Miami. When's the last time we had Top 15 classes 4 years in a row, on our way to a 5th? Or the first guy taken in the NFL? Or an offense like we produces last season?

I expect us to win 10 games again this season, which will be the first back-to-back 10 win season in 20 years. I think Hetherman is going to build a superior defense, and I believe we will be in the playoff picture from now on. Can we win the Natty with Mario? TBD. But just getting to Top 12 every year after decades of ignominy is a near miracle.

Mario was not brought here and/or sold as a Top 15 class, stability hire... ACC Championship, Top 5 classes, Playoffs