Putting aside our problems as a program, hiring the right coach is a lot harder than people think. OP is right on about al, but how were we supposed to know that? He has the personality and background, but kids aren't stupid. When you show them that you care about a system more than winning, they lose faith in you. As for manny, same thing. How do you know what his issues will be until he gets into the job? As for only hiring experienced guys, we all know the problems there. We won't put out the money to get anyone that would make fans happy. And even if we did, I've always thought guys who can succeed elsewhere can fail here. Just because you did well with sec money or Nike money or whatever doesn't mean you'd kill it here with no money.
My opinion is that Richt was our best shot. Had he not been so stubborn, he might have made Miami look like the kind of place a hot coach could take all the way. Another good season out of him might have convinced somebody worth a **** they could win big at Miami. We might have been a coaching destination again. But here we are.