2008.11.18
Gut feeling here: This Bud is for Clemson
Call it a guess. Call it a hunch. Call it a gut feeling. Call it a veteran scribe's intuition. Call it whatever you want.
But know what? I'm betting right now that Bud Foster's days at Virginia Tech are short. Real short, matter of fact.
Mark it down. I'm saying it right now: This Bud is soon to be Clemson's Clydesdale.
For the sake of all you Tech football fans, I hope I'm dead wrong on this one.
Certainly, wouldn't be a first there. Hey, I'm the wise guy who told all of you to wager the ranch on the Hokies in 2001 when Syracuse came to town. Tech laying the 17.5 points was lock city, I said. Wager that second mortgage, I said. Easy money, I said. Book a second vacation to Cancun, I said. Drive the Brinks' truck to the bank, I said.
Haha! And you thought your 401K was going broke these days.
Not only did Tech not cover the number, they couldn't even win straight up. The Orangemen schooled the Hokies on special teams -- imagine that these days -- that Saturday and laughed all the way back to Syracuse, shocking the Hokies 22-14 in a game that wasn't as close as the final score indicated.
Really, there's no real rhyme or reason for making this call. Certainly, it has nothing to do with selling newspapers, either. Hey, we're giving this stuff away now. So at least you're not paying for one of those infamous 200,000-star tips of the day. No Jim Feist or Wayne Root here, promise.
While nobody on the inside at Clemson has told me anything to this point, I just have a sizable gut feeling this is going to happen.
I saw it in Bud Foster's eyes on Monday night when he laughed and conversed with a handful of reporters about his meeting with Tigers athletic director Terry Don Phillips on Friday night in Roanoke.
I heard it again a couple hours later, when I made a phone call to Anderson, S.C., and talked to an old Radford College buddy of mine whose house just happens to be colored orange with Tiger Paws decals and stickers.
First thing my buddy says to me is that many Clemson backers see Bud Foster as the second coming of Danny Ford. He was the guy who drove the Tigers to their only national championship in 1981 and whose Clemson clubs went 96-29-4 from 1979-89 before running into trouble with the NCAA law.
Know what? He's right. The more I think about it, Foster is a Ford clone.
So what if he doesn't doesn't chew tobacco, Just like Ford? Foster is a rip-snortin' sonofagun who wears his emotions on his sleeve and can burn a hole through a person with his icy, steely glare. He's a guy who will get after you, he's a guy who will fight you, he's a guy who can be edgy and testy, and doesn't give a hoot what anyone thinks about it. I do know this: His players will run through the next stone wall if he says so.
That said, he's the kind of guy who has the personality to mesmerize a large group of folks with his down-home, blue-collar demeanor.
The ties don't end there. Ford was an assistant coach at Tech in the 1970s before landing an assistant job under Clemson's Charley Pell, another ex-Techie. And the guy who will ultimately make the call is Phillips, who also has past Tech ties.
Plus, Foster can coach his rear off. His resume at Tech is impeccable. His Tech defenses, year in and year out, have been among the nation's stoutest units.
Not only that, don't think that Phillips and the powers that be at Clemson don't recognize that if they rob Tech of Foster that the ACC just might be a little easier for it to win. Snare Bud away from Tech and the thinking has got to be that the Hokies might not be the automatic player they've been since joining the ACC in 2004, winning two league titles in four years.
Yes, Foster has Clemson written all over him. His rough 'n tough attitude and his menacing goatee will work perfectly in blue-collar Clemson, a setting that rivals Tech in so many ways. Both schools are stuck in the middle of nowhere in rural, country settings that don't attract a lot of slick, big-city media types.
Foster loves hanging out on Claytor Lake on his boat now. Well, that lake will be much closer at Clemson. Lake Hartwell is about as close to campus as a quick blitz to the opposing quarterback.
Clemson is fishing for a new coach. There's not a bigger or better catch in the pond than Bud Foster, I say. Head-coaching experience? Hey, if you can coach, you can coach is my deal.
And if I'm all wrong on this, y'all got my e-mail address. Shoot rounds and rounds of 'em if I'm wrong. But if I'm right, I'm expecting somebody paying for rounds and rounds of Buds for yours truly. Forget what my cardiologist says. Works for me.
-- Randy King
GAWD!
I hope not! Bud deserves it but I was praying that he'd be the next Hokie coach when Ol' Frank hangs it up!
Comment by Brian Messitt — November 18, 2008 @ 6:50 am
Someone needs to tell Clemson that we have a BOGO free sale on coaches. Buy one Bud and get a Stinespring for free. We could only hope.
Comment by bigmon — November 18, 2008 @ 6:56 am
Bud Foster deserves a head coach position. He is a good coach and has been very good for us at Virginia Tech. He is absolutely the best coach at Tech,far and away the best. The past two years he has shown a lot more interest in being a head coach. He has checked out jobs at Arkansas, W. Va., and now Clemson. He seems really interested in a head coaching job now, more than in the past. If he is offered the job he will take it and should do so. We will miss him at Tech but that is life. Time moves on and so does life. If Coach Foster leaves we will have to get over it and move on also. If this is what Coach Foster wants hopefully he will get the job. If he goes let me be the first person to say congratulations and best wishes to him. You have certainly more than earned the reward of a head coach position.
Comment by Frank — November 18, 2008 @ 7:00 am
As a Tennessee fan, i wish we would hire Bud Foster as our new head coach. The guy has done a lot at Va. Tech and i think he would be a great fit at UT.
Comment by Cam — November 18, 2008 @ 8:00 am
Bud deserves it but, what will that mean for the Hokies??? Why can't we get rid of Stienspring first, I wish we could but looks like nobody wants to interview him for any coaching jobs, wonder why, take a look at his coaching skills, that's why! I hope that if Bud leaves it would only be for a short time and then when Frank is ready to retire Bud will come back. That's my wish and dreams, well including a national championship under Frank of course
Comment by hokiegrl4vt — November 18, 2008 @ 8:32 am
If Bud leaves, I wish him the best. Coach Foster needs to be very
careful though. Bud Foster is now the Prince of Hokie nation. He
is second only to Frank Beamer in that he can hang around VT as long
as he wants with impunity. He can have down years with mediocre players
and games (last year's Boston debacale at Lane) the faithful will still
worship him. This will not be the case at Clemson. He will be expected
to immediately produce with someone else's recruits and a thrown together
coaching staff.
In my View, it is much better to be a DC in a comfortable enviroment
that to be thrown into the fire in a new and unforgiving world.
I am sure if Bud wanted, he could negotiate a deal where he could be
named the next Head Coach at Tech and just wait for ole Frank not to
show up.
Be very careful what you ask for Bud, you just might get it.
Comment by James Salenger — November 18, 2008 @ 8:54 am
Best thing for VT would be for Beamer to take over as AD, promote Bud to HC, let him start over on OC and get this boat moving again. Second best thing (possibly) for VT is to let Bud go and then revamp the whole coaching staff under Beamer and start over again with some fresh faces. Because without Bud to keep them in the games, Stiney will have to go.
Comment by Mike — November 18, 2008 @ 8:55 am
Keep Bud whatever it takes and raise his salary, award him Beamer's job now for when Frank steps aside and pay Clemson to take Stiney now.
Comment by Tom Tokarz — November 18, 2008 @ 9:07 am
Like everyone else, I will hate to see Coach Foster leave, but he deserves a top job at a BCS school. If he goes, it will be real tough to see him on the opposing sideline in Lane Stadium. Like everyone else, I always hoped he would succeed Coach Beamer, and he still may. Clemson couldn't pick a better coach.
Comment by Justafan — November 18, 2008 @ 9:11 am
We need to see football as it is.A game.In each contest there will be winners and losers.Tech has been fortunate to have a winning tradition because of coaches players and fans.If Bud leaves it wont be the end of the world.We will still pull for tech and tech will do good.I cant beleive that the staff at tech has had ther heads in the sand as to Buds looking for a new job. A plan is in place and I for one look forward to new faces and a new look. If Bud doesnt get this job he will just keep looking because hs wants what you and I know he deserves.He will leave now or later and we may be in for a suprise as to the new tech. "Tech always,The way it has to be"
Comment by charlie — November 18, 2008 @ 10:16 am
We all agree that Bud is a great coach, and that great coaches don't come along every day. Seems to me that Coach Weaver should make an offer to Bud to be the head coach in waiting at VT (with a commensurate salary), and don't take a chance on losing him. This would add stability and insure continuity to our program, which has always been an asset for us. I'm sure that Frank is tired of the everyday headaches of being a head coach. If $$ is the issue, then think about how much it would cost to hire a head coach that doesn't work out (when Fank retires). I'm sure that there are a number of alums that would contribute to a "keep Bud Foster" fund so that the cost of essentially paying two head coaches shouldn't be an issue.
Fred
Fred
Comment by Fred Bryant — November 18, 2008 @ 10:36 am
The possible 'loss' of Bud Foster to Clemson speaks for itself.
The question is how many other VT coaches (if any) will Bud take
with him to Death Valley ???
Comment by Robert E. — November 18, 2008 @ 11:00 am
If VT loses Coach Foster, it will be because they blew a golden opportunity to entice him to stay. Perhaps a Jimbo Fischer type of arrangement where he is guarenteed to the next HC after Frank Beamer steps down would have been the ticket.
I only wish the best for Coach Foster - the Hokie Nation owes him a lot of gratitutde and appreciation. If he leaves, life at VT will go on, but it will definitely leave a HUGE vacancy for another DC.
Comment by mrfreeze — November 18, 2008 @ 12:33 pm
Bud should stay and replace Beamer. He has it made in the Burg. We need him. But... If Bud Goes Then Stinespring should go. And if Bud Stays, Stinespring Should Go to! The VT Defensive Coach is consistent bud Stiney isn't. What's up with that? Is Beamer scared to let him go? -Hughes It or Lose it.
Frazier Hughes -Roanoke
Comment by Fraze — November 18, 2008 @ 12:45 pm
I am with bigmon. Tech needs to advertise to all schools that if the defensive coordinator is hired you must hire the offensive coordinator also. I wouldn't run it as a special deal so much as a contractual obligation.
Comment by Leonard — November 18, 2008 @ 3:15 pm
Yes, his goutee (sic) is quite menacing. Certainly would have to say it's more scary than it is rednecky, retro, or just plain lame. Ooooh, watch out for that guy....he doesn't shave his chin hair!!!!
Comment by Intimidating SoulPatch — November 18, 2008 @ 5:02 pm
It is time for Frank Beamer to step down to special teams coach and for Bud Foster take over. This is a triple win for VT and all the coaches. Continuity preserved,
Comment by Ron — November 18, 2008 @ 8:01 pm
A couple fo questions from down here in Clemson:
1. If VTech really didn't want to lose Foster, wouldn't it behoove them to make the same sort of deal Texas just made with Muschamp and FSU did with Jimbo Fisher? Name Foster coach-in-waiting and shoo the would-be-suitors away.
2. If indeed, Foster is coming, how much of the staff comes along and how much of the current Clemson staff would remain in the mix. Specifically, does Foster bring an OC or does Dabo remain, moving to that position? If not, does Napier, who knows the personnel at Clemson, stay? Who becomes recruiting coordinator?
Any thought y'all might have on Fosters' likely staff ... and that's assuming all of this isn't just the products of minds robbed of a trip to the ACC title game ... is welcome!
Comment by RevDodd — November 19, 2008 @ 8:49 am
Leave, GO!!! Get out while you have some credibility.
Frank Beamer while taking VT to new heights has become too predictable and too protective and hardheaded about his bad decisions and his assistant coaches. One year being the 90th offense, okay. Two years well, maybe we better take a look what's going on. Three years someone needs to go. There is no excuse except bad coaching that is responsible for the last three years of squalor AKA VA TECH offense. Tech has had the talent. Perhaps the best thing you can do for your "friend" Frank is save him from himself.
For the record if Waver can't work a deal for Bud to be the next Head Coach then he needs to go too.
By the way if lining a Senior TE up at QB, then lining our gimpy starting QB's up as wide outs is innovation, someone has been drinking too much wild turkey. Come on!! Does anyone else think that is ridiculous?
Comment by Micah — November 19, 2008 @ 9:18 am
Looks like Bud is on his way to Clemson. D#$@!!! Thanks Stiney. Thanks for the memories, Bud. We'll miss you.
Good news: we don't play Clemson again until 2011....last game of the season......well, unless we actually see another ACC Championship Game.
ACTION PLAN:
We'll need another creative Defensive Coordinator with FIRE, and the ability to accurately access the competition quickly, and adjust correctly....just like Bud.
We'll also need another CREATIVE OFFENSIVE Coordinator with FIRE, and the ability to accurately assess the competition quickly, and adjust correctly...just like Bud.
P.S. - Hey Bud, I hear Lake Hartwell, SC is contaminated with PCB's...you might not want to swim there or eat fish from there.....it ain't like Claytor Lake or Laurel River Lake.
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6V74-4M93P32-2&_user=10&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_sort=d&view=c&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=caef8159c2b286931e8ac7a11e437121
Comment by WillyHokie — November 19, 2008 @ 11:31 am
Egads!! I live here in the heart of Clemson country and I cringe at the thought of Bud taking over. James Salenger is absolutely correct in that the fans will expect to be in a premier bowl or national title hunt on day 1. These are the biggest group of prima-donna football fans I have ever seen. If Bud takes over and heaven forbid wins any matchups with VT I might as well just wear earplugs every fall. He's worked hard for a head coaching job so he deserves one - just not at Clemson PLEASE!!!
Besides, we should make sure Bud knows that we are in a severe drought at the moment and there isn't much water in Lake Hartwell :)!!
Comment by Kim — November 19, 2008 @ 12:55 pm
VATECH better put out the fire before the Hokie Nation is engulfed. Coach Foster has proven himself year after year and he has the stats to prove it. The "powers at be" better do the smart thing and assure Foster he is the heir apparent to Coach Beamer. If the athletic department drags it's feet then NO good will come out of it. Foster leaves and takes his defense with him. Be safe and not sorry.
Comment by Michael Yopp — November 19, 2008 @ 3:05 pm
Can you imagine Bud Foster's Tigers against the train-wreck VT Offiense? Argh. It pains me. Pass the Excedrin, dude.
Comment by 757 Hokie — November 19, 2008 @ 3:27 pm
If Bud goes, take Weaver with him! Weaver almost let the entire Coaching Staff head for UNC before the University President stepped in - Several years ago when the seating arrangement was altered, the "Hokie" Club had left out several years of my donations in the early eighties - They expected me to have copies of my checks going back about 15/18 years - Wrote Weaver several times, but not response - When I did find proof of two years, they still made not response - Tech is riding high now because of the past accomplishments Coach Beamer and the past and present accomplishments of Coach Bud Foster - How about this:
Comment by Bob — November 19, 2008 @ 8:34 pm
If Bud goes, I wish him the best. I would rather we keep him. Replacing him will NOT be easy!! I would like to see Stiney go, but no one wants him. We cant even give him to LA Lafeyette. Stiney isso bad that I miss Ricky Bustle!!!
Comment by David — November 19, 2008 @ 9:51 pm
I think it is time for all Hokie fans to take a good look at what is happening at Tech.
1. Frank Beamer has taken us as far as he can. We can go no further than the ACC Championship game. This is due to our offense. Blame who you may but Frank is extremely loyal to Brian and that room that they have set aside for the national championship trophy will always be vacant.
2. When it comes to football-two people put Tech on the map and no, Frank Beamer is not one of them. The two people are Michael Vick and Bud Foster. No question in my mind.
3. Last year we had the best group of receivers than any school in the country but yet we could not get the ball to them. Look at what Eddie Royal is doing for Denver. He could be Rookie of the Year. Some games last year he did not catch a pass-- He is not the only Tech receiver in the pros who is doing well.
4. If Tech lets Bud Foster get away then shame to them. Let Bud get away and take his good defensive recruites with him to Clemson would be a fatal mistake for our program. But do not worry Tech fans--we have Brian Steinspring. Gosh are we lucky that no one has come after him. I just cannot understand that.
5. College Football is a big business. If Tech wants to build that $12 million plus locker room then they had better sign Foster to a deal similar to what Coach Elliott has at Florida State.
6. Frank Beamer is one of the niciest men and most loyal men in college football. He is extremely loyal to his coaches. This is why most of his coaches stay with him over they years-- passing up other positions with other colleges. His achilles heel is his loyalty. He hates to fire or get rid of coaches who are not doing their job as they should. I think I need to go not futher on this.
7. There is an old saying that "Anyone can be replaced." But there is one exception to his saying and that is-- "Bud Foster cannot be replaced."
Comment by Roy — November 22, 2008 @ 1:43 am
nine years ago al groh promised the uva faithful a national championship.
he has been given everything he needs to get it done, but has failed to produce one. let alone an acc one. following todays game with clemson, it is now easier to see, that it is time for al groh to GO. maybe bud might be the man for the job.
Comment by moash — November 22, 2008 @ 3:36 pm