I've posted similar concerns many times. Butch has a history of amassing lots of talent, occasionally staggering talent, and then underachieving. I remember the frustration of watching his teams in the late 90's well. But, I think I'm coming around. While Herman is intriguing and seems to have a solid attitude, he's been a head coach for less than a year. Coker looked like the real deal at that point in his HC career as well. Fuente is impressive, but the lack of defense is a concern (though, there were certainly times when I wondered where Butch's defenses had gone too, cough, 66-13). I'll confess, I don't know the college landscape well enough to identify the other up and comers. Hue Jackson sounds good as well, but probably has a pro gig lined up. Chip Kelly? Forget it.
Butch is a known commodity. With him, at least you know his teams will be tough and won't get pushed around. In a couple of years, he is likely to have them competing for championships; I'm not at all confident that he'll ever win one, but he can get them close. Not so sure about this with someone like Herman or Fuente.
And I don't even want to hear about Butch's former underlings as candidates. We wouldn't even know who Schiano, Mario, or Chud are if it weren't for Butch, and none have been particularly successful since leaving the program. And, out of them, Mario would be the worst. These guys are "Butch + Risk;" substantial risk. Why even look at them when Butch wants the job?
Butch's success in the future would, of course, depend on cooperation by the UM administration. They will need to be more flexible on admissions standards and in helping Butch retain his studs once they're admitted. I'm concerned that he won't have the same support that he had in the 90's or at UNC in that regard. Let's face it, Butch is not an x's and o's guy. He will flounder without the horses to work with. In order for him to be successful, the admin. needs to be sick of losing--but how can you be otherwise after living through the Golden Era?
Another advantage with Butch is that they can hire him now, and he can get a head start on locking down next year's class. No, he won't be on the sidelines this season, but he could be assembling the staff, providing predictability, and establishing relationships with recruits. That definitely beats a mad scramble with someone hired in December or, God forbid, January.
Butch certainly is not "a god." He definitely would generate excitement, though; and he gives UM a solid chance of returning to prominence. I'm not against giving him another shot.
