In putting my roto fantasy baseball team together, I utilize the “tier” system where I try to get as many elites (Trout, Altuve) or near-elites (Springer) without overspending. Analogous to studs and duds. In reflecting on whether or not KK should be replaced and the process for same, I think it is helpful to view Tech through a Power 5 “tier” approach, e.g. where Tech football would fit in a “tier” system. Not “elite” (“Bama, Clemson, Ohio State, OU – multiple 4/5 star recruits), not “near elite” (OSU, TCU, Wisconsin, LSU, Auburn, USC, Notre Dame – some 4 stars), not “Power 5 Cellar” (KU, Baylor, Illinois, Ore. St., Rutgers 2 stars & a few 3 stars). I do think that Leach had TTU moving into the “near elite” tier until all of that imploded in 2009, although his lazy recruiting would put that in question. I think that there is a big area, from about 20th to 60th, of Power 5 teams who have the ability to pull in quality, mostly 3 star, recruits. This is where Tuberville put Tech and where I think they have been and are with KK. (TTU is 38th in the current ESPN FPI). I think they are in a group, from a recruiting potential and competitive peer standpoint, within the Big 12, with WVU, KSU, UT, and ISU. (UT has fallen from the “elites”. ISU has moved up from the Power 5 Cellar.) They are 0-3 vs. that peer group with 1 game left to play.
I think Kirby and the powers-that-be need to ask a few questions in making a decision about KK. (1) Is it more likely that he or another available coach would move us higher (say 20th-30th) within our current Power 5 tier in the short-term? (2) Is it more likely that he or another available coach would move us into the next tier (near elite, 10th-20th)? If we keep KK, what are the odds that we fall into the Power 5 Cellar tier? When I think about “available” coaches, I am also thinking about “affordable”. But, at some point, you have to ask yourself, “How much is it worth to TTU to (a) stay out of the bottom tier, (b) advance in the current tier, or (c) advance to a higher tier?” Is someone else going to be more effective at moving the needle on this program going forward? I’m not sure I know the answer, but I think it is a fair question and is another way to look at the problem on a boring Monday.
I think Kirby and the powers-that-be need to ask a few questions in making a decision about KK. (1) Is it more likely that he or another available coach would move us higher (say 20th-30th) within our current Power 5 tier in the short-term? (2) Is it more likely that he or another available coach would move us into the next tier (near elite, 10th-20th)? If we keep KK, what are the odds that we fall into the Power 5 Cellar tier? When I think about “available” coaches, I am also thinking about “affordable”. But, at some point, you have to ask yourself, “How much is it worth to TTU to (a) stay out of the bottom tier, (b) advance in the current tier, or (c) advance to a higher tier?” Is someone else going to be more effective at moving the needle on this program going forward? I’m not sure I know the answer, but I think it is a fair question and is another way to look at the problem on a boring Monday.
