2009.02.23
Final hire imminent
Al Groh's selection of Bobby Trott, as reported by Jeff White in a blog Monday night, would be consistent with Groh's comments to me Friday.
What will be interesting to me is how Virginia's defensive pieces fit together.
Groh told me that he was unlikely to name a defensive coordinator, so what is Trott going to coach?
Trott has been a defensive coordinator at five college stops (Arkansas, Clemson, Baylor, Duke and Louisiana Monroe) but it seems that most of his background is in the secondary.
UVa has a secondary coach, Anthony Poindexter, who is making the move from offense. Groh said he has been impressed with Poindexter's feel for the secondary during offseason talks, but it would make sense to have an extra eye (Trott's) on that group.
But, the Cavaliers have been without a linebackers coach since newly named defensive coordinator Bob Diaco went to Cincinnati for what I'm hearing is a four-year, $250,000-per year contract. Who's going to be the linebackers coach?
Groh has always taken a personal interest in the linebackers, but is he going to be head coach, defensive coordinator and linebackers coach?
Not that Groh hasn't been doing a lot of hands-on coaching anyway, but you wonder how much attention he could then devote to the rest of the team.
4:10 A.M., 2-24-09
Are people aware of the latest UVa football players being arrested?
http://www.wina.com/Local-News/3077192?contentId=3567814
Well, at least Al Groh is emphasizing academics!....wait....UVa only had one football player make the All-ACC Academic football team.
Comment by Nelson — February 24, 2009 @ 4:11 am
Diaco to Central Michigan? I thought UCinn
Comment by Tim — February 24, 2009 @ 7:42 am
Wow Nelson that is serious stuff there. A disorderly conduct and an obstruction of justice charge for trying to get your friend out of a party. A few more cases like these and UVA will be hot on Tech's heels for thug of the year. Let's see I think they still need a statutory rape, a reckless driving while driving on a suspended license, possession of marijuana, multiple time DUI offender, and several more cases and they will be right there with the Hokies. No wonder UVA can't compete with Tech in football. I mean if you are going to have criminals on the team why not go deep into the cesspool.
Comment by Greg — February 24, 2009 @ 8:42 am
"Not that Groh hasn't been doing a lot of hands-on coaching anyway"
Their W-L record shows that!
Comment by Harry Daughtry — February 24, 2009 @ 8:48 am
Nelson: Those remarks reveal that you are a Hokie, so just shut up and pet your adopted dog from SE VA. I heard that Beamer was at Mecklenburg Correctional last week checking out the guys getting ready to get out. Yes I am a Wahoo and No I do not like Groh, but he is our coach and I would not turn on him like you probably would. Talk about academics and perspective ask any one anywhere......Hoo are the most well known person associated with their school....UVA has Thomas Jefferson and VT has......hmmm...Michael Vick. It is a shame Bruce Smith had to have his rep tarnished by such low lifes.
Hey Harry....why don't you go wear the Groh shoes since you believe it is sooo easy. All you Tech fans are climber-oners anyway. So I am sure when VT fortunes turn down, you will have to go back to your pitiful no purpose life!
Comment by Bill — February 24, 2009 @ 9:16 am
In my opinion Groh is taking the steps necessary to build a stronger program. This will be a highly experienced staff and they have a reasonalble amount of talent to work with. Remember, this team won 9 games only two years ago and was very competitive in the second half of last season. The defense should be solid and with a reengineered offense I have reason to be excited about the prospects for next season. I have renewed my VAF pledge and season ticket order and encourage all those on the fence to do the same.
Comment by Joe — February 24, 2009 @ 11:25 am
Greg, by any chance is your last name Roberts?
Comment by Robert — February 24, 2009 @ 1:10 pm
Pardon the Freudian slip. Diaco is going to Cincinnati. He previously had worked with Bearcats' head coach Brian Kelly at Central Michigan. Original post has been corrected.
Comment by Doug Doughty — February 24, 2009 @ 6:43 pm
Jeez Bill, switch to Decaf.
Comment by Justafan — February 24, 2009 @ 8:08 pm
Hey Bill, Harry does have a purpose....he's the only person that makes Spilman seem like an angel.
Comment by Eb — February 28, 2009 @ 10:30 am