Mike DeBord Speculation on Present & Future

[IndyIUFan66]

I think this makes a ton of sense on multiple fronts:
-Allen appears to have a personal comfort and connection with him - "his staff now" + Indiana guy!
-DeBord has 30 yrs of coaching experience, NOT looking to be HC, great sounding board for Allen
-Big time experience: Michigan & Tennessee, and his results last 2 yrs in SEC very good

Future plans given his age:
-One could ask - that doesn't seem like a long-term future hire?
-Will he resonate with recruits?
-With McCullough's RB results & Grant Heard as new WR coach (we think) what about them?

My guess: DeBord is coming in for 2-3 yrs to help establish the offensive style Allen wants and possible dual role of mentoring those two (McCullough and/or Heard) to potentially take over for him once things are established.

I like the hire. Hope Heard (and his incredible Ole Miss WR results to join our RB results) joins as well. Throw in 75% of remaining recruiting signings going for offensive side of ball: a RB, 2 WRs, couple big ugly's & hopefully a great 3 (or 4!) Star QB to go with all of the great Def recruits coming in to go with what Allen got started this year on D and all players coming back...things could get interesting soon!

Happy Wilson has a new opportunity...but would LOVE for IU to beat him & OSU in game #1 next season!

 

[82hoosier]

As far as the offense goes DeBord is the head coach. Win-win.

 

[82hoosier]

Here is what a Tennessee writer had to say two seasons ago.

http://allfortennessee.com/2015/03/...vols-offensive-coordinatorquarterbacks-coach/

 

[Fro]

If the offensive staff is like this for next year, it's a very good one on paper
OC/TE (and maybe fullbacks): DeBord
QBs: Shawn Watson
OL: Frey
RB: McCullough
WR: Grant Heard

Got 2 former HCs in DeBord/Watson with a ton of experience at big schools as coordinators and also in the Big Ten. Allen can lean on them as he finishes the transition to being the full-time head coach.

Heard's also been an excellent OC at smaller colleges and has a rep as a very good WR coach and recruiter.

McCullough is an outstanding RBs coach and Frey is also excellent in coaching his position.

At worst you've got 5 above-average position coaches and it's a matter of getting the right guy coordinating everything.

 

[IUcolorado]

Debord sure never stays anywhere very long it seems. His HC experience wasnt exactly a winning stint but he has it. His leaving UT is definitely a mixed bag. His relationship with Allen must be the primary reason hes coming. Ill reserve judgement until after we see his recruiting and play calling. Being at retirement age myself, I can tell you energy is an issue. He needs a lot. Since Allen could hire who he wanted, I'll assume he got his man. Lets hope he knows what hes doing as there is plenty of questions that go with this hire.

But whats most important is that Allen have the staff he wants. I can back that...but lets hope its the staff he needs.

 

[YOTHN]

Debord sure never stays anywhere very long it seems. His HC experience wasnt exacting a winning stint but he has it. His leaving UT is definitely a mixed bag. His relationship with Allen must be the primary reason hes coming. Ill reserve judgement until after we see his recruiting and play calling. Being at retirement age myself, I can tell you energy is an issue. He needs a lot. Since Allen could hire who he wanted, I'll assume he got his man. Lets hope he knows what hes doing as there is plenty of questions that go with this hire.

But whats most important is that Allen have the staff he wants. I can back that...but lets hope its the staff he needs.

I understand the concern. I imagine he won't necessarily need to be a lead recruiter as Heard, Watson and the guys will have plenty of experience and connections to make that happen. As long as he can orchestrate the offense accordingly and speak with knowledge of the game, I think kids will gravitate to him.

 

[Bowlmania]

Being at retirement age myself, I can tell you energy is an issue. He needs a lot.

He's 60, right? There are plenty of guys in coaching, including in high pressure, high profile positions (Carroll, Saban) who are significantly older than that. And the guy who's about to occupy the White House is 70. I really don't think age is an issue for otherwise healthy people in their 60s.

 

[turney333]

He's 60, right? There are plenty of guys in coaching, including in high pressure, high profile positions (Carroll, Saban) who are significantly older than that. And the guy who's about to occupy the White House is 70. I really don't think age is an issue for otherwise healthy people in their 60s.

Yes, he's 60 (only 5 years older than Wilson and 3 older than Watson), though he just looks like he is 70-75, which is why think most people are talking about his age.

 

[IUcolorado]

He himself said he was about ready to retire. Having spent a few decades hiring professionals in industry, thats not the comment that would get you hired by me. Still, if he can give his all, for a couple of seasons, it may give Allen what hes looking for.

I'll just add this personal observation..he's doesnt exactly fit the ideal of a "hotshot" young OC I mentioned we needed a couple of weeks ago. But if he can get the job done, then thats self validating. If he doesnt, then Ive 20 questions about this hire.

But only Allen knows what really went into the decision. For now, thats enough.

 

[IUcolorado]

He's 60, right? There are plenty of guys in coaching, including in high pressure, high profile positions (Carroll, Saban) who are significantly older than that. And the guy who's about to occupy the White House is 70. I really don't think age is an issue for otherwise healthy people in their 60s.

As they say...it aint the years, its the miles. And this guy has put on more than most, and looks it. For what its worth...

 

[JohnsyRick]

As they say...it aint the years, its the miles. And this guy has put on more than most, and looks it. For what its worth...

How do you think Don Brown did as (DC) at Michigan this year ? He's 61 with 12 stops in his career, the longest being 5 years at Yale. His last 3 stops prior to UM were 2 years at Maryland, 2 years at UConn, and 3 years at BC, nomad ? I don't know, think it is just the nature of asst. coaches. DeBord has 12 stops in his career with the longest being 7 years at Michigan. Realizing Brown is one example, I just don't think it is fair to judge the book by it's cover, only time will tell. Think it is likely he is here for a short time to help steady the ship and possibly groom Heard to become OC.

 

[IUcolorado]

How do you think Don Brown did as (DC) at Michigan this year ? He's 61 with 12 stops in his career, the longest being 5 years at Yale. His last 3 stops prior to UM were 2 years at Maryland, 2 years at UConn, and 3 years at BC, nomad ? I don't know, think it is just the nature of asst. coaches. DeBord has 12 stops in his career with the longest being 7 years at Michigan. Realizing Brown is one example, I just don't think it is fair to judge the book by it's cover, only time will tell. Think it is likely he is here for a short time to help steady the ship and possibly groom Heard to become OC.

Examples dont mean anything. Some people are sharp and active at 90. Most arent. The point is Debord said hes ready to retire. It only matters about his energy and enthusiasm. And we wont know until we see it. But if Allen wants him thats enough to hire him...not end the questions. We will all know soon enough. Heres hoping...

 

[BGunn]

DeBord will only be as good as the QB he has. Wilson proved that this year with Lagow. His age is meaningless. Without a good QB he'll fail.

 

[JohnsyRick]

Examples dont mean anything. Some people are sharp and active at 90. Most arent. The point is Debord said hes ready to retire. It only matters about his energy and enthusiasm. And we wont know until we see it. But if Allen wants him thats enough to hire him...not end the questions. We will all know soon enough. Heres hoping...

I respectfully disagree, examples show that jobs can, and are, very well done by coaches 60 and older. Yes, he said he was "thinking" of retiring, he'll, I'm 56 and "think" about retiring everyday (unfortunately I can't)
He also said being close to family was a big part of that, well now he is near family, so it doesn't necessarily mean he was too tired and worn out. He is apparently good friends with CTA , so I'm pretty sure he would have told him if he didn't feel up to the task.

 

[Palmbeachhoosier]

Debord sure never stays anywhere very long it seems. His HC experience wasnt exactly a winning stint but he has it. His leaving UT is definitely a mixed bag. His relationship with Allen must be the primary reason hes coming. Ill reserve judgement until after we see his recruiting and play calling. Being at retirement age myself, I can tell you energy is an issue. He needs a lot. Since Allen could hire who he wanted, I'll assume he got his man. Lets hope he knows what hes doing as there is plenty of questions that go with this hire.

But whats most important is that Allen have the staff he wants. I can back that...but lets hope its the staff he needs.

Central Michigans stadium is like 8 miles from the Big House and was sub standard. He was made some promises that were not fulfilled and returned to Michigan. Butch Jones replaced and took off for Cincinnati asap. So most moves were a step up not lateral.

 

[DANC]

If the offensive staff is like this for next year, it's a very good one on paper
OC/TE (and maybe fullbacks): DeBord
QBs: Shawn Watson
OL: Frey
RB: McCullough
WR: Grant Heard

Got 2 former HCs in DeBord/Watson with a ton of experience at big schools as coordinators and also in the Big Ten. Allen can lean on them as he finishes the transition to being the full-time head coach.

Heard's also been an excellent OC at smaller colleges and has a rep as a very good WR coach and recruiter.

McCullough is an outstanding RBs coach and Frey is also excellent in coaching his position.

At worst you've got 5 above-average position coaches and it's a matter of getting the right guy coordinating everything.

It's an impressive lineup no matter what school you're at.

I like the youth of the staff, plus the big-time program experience.

So far, Allen is batting 1.000 as far as I'm concerned.

 

[DANC]

Central Michigans stadium is like 8 miles from the Big House and was sub standard. He was made some promises that were not fulfilled and returned to Michigan. Butch Jones replaced and took off for Cincinnati asap. So most moves were a step up not lateral.

Central Michigan is in Mt. Pleasant - not 8 miles from the Big House in Ann Arbor.......

 

[Mas-sa-suta]

As they say...it aint the years, its the miles. And this guy has put on more than most, and looks it. For what its worth...

worth.....not much.

 

[IndyIUFan66]

Think and hope everyone can get past "looks" comments. 60 is not ancient and he just came off a season averaging about 37 pts & 435 yds per game. More importantly, 33rd in country in Red Zone offense (IU was about 120th!) If he gets IU to 50 in red zone that could be 2 more wins alone. This Offensive staff seems like tremendous mix of experience and two rising skill position coaches who've been sending kids to pros who are producing.

Combine Allen's defensive turnaround with offensive consistency and then add Allen's laser focus on cutting down turnovers and improving special teams and I believe IU can start to get over the hump on many of the games they really could/should have won this year like Neb, Penn St, and likely others.

Hope this is it as final step in "this leg of the tour" is securing some recruits for the last 7-8 slots who can make a difference. (Starting with Mr. Potts from Fishers!)

Good times ahead!

 

[JohnsyRick]

Think and hope everyone can get past "looks" comments. 60 is not ancient and he just came off a season averaging about 37 pts & 435 yds per game. More importantly, 33rd in country in Red Zone offense (IU was about 120th!) If he gets IU to 50 in red zone that could be 2 more wins alone. This Offensive staff seems like tremendous mix of experience and two rising skill position coaches who've been sending kids to pros who are producing.

Combine Allen's defensive turnaround with offensive consistency and then add Allen's laser focus on cutting down turnovers and improving special teams and I believe IU can start to get over the hump on many of the games they really could/should have won this year like Neb, Penn St, and likely others.

Hope this is it as final step in "this leg of the tour" is securing some recruits for the last 7-8 slots who can make a difference. (Starting with Mr. Potts from Fishers!)

Good times ahead!

Hopefully we don't have an "extra" spot open, have heard Rafdal is wavering mostly due to Patton being dismissed. We'll see

 

[Mas-sa-suta]

Central Michigan is in Mt. Pleasant - not 8 miles from the Big House in Ann Arbor.......

Was there for Hep's first win...
There's no mountain, and it's not pleasant.... and Brian Kelly demonstrated a lack of class afterwards...this year's ND season was enjoyable to me.

 

[IUcolorado]

Think and hope everyone can get past "looks" comments. 60 is not ancient and he just came off a season averaging about 37 pts & 435 yds per game. More importantly, 33rd in country in Red Zone offense (IU was about 120th!) If he gets IU to 50 in red zone that could be 2 more wins alone. This Offensive staff seems like tremendous mix of experience and two rising skill position coaches who've been sending kids to pros who are producing.

Combine Allen's defensive turnaround with offensive consistency and then add Allen's laser focus on cutting down turnovers and improving special teams and I believe IU can start to get over the hump on many of the games they really could/should have won this year like Neb, Penn St, and likely others.

Hope this is it as final step in "this leg of the tour" is securing some recruits for the last 7-8 slots who can make a difference. (Starting with Mr. Potts from Fishers!)

Good times ahead!

All youve said is true...hell, Im 65...and all those UT stats are true too...

And yet, he was fired...let go...mutually departed...whatever. Once again we cant see behind the curtain.

But with those numbers, it has to be more than just a group of disgruntled fans behind their separation.

Whatever it was may mean nothing to IU...it could also mean everything if we struggle. Im certainly willing to get behind them and root...but business taught me to take nothing at face value.

I may be a bit disappointed...but not discouraged.

 

[82hoosier]

Butch Jones at Tennessee came up the ladder coaching offense.

How about this speculation:

I can see a scenario where a 60 year old guy is sick of someone looking over his shoulder on everything he does. Coming to IU and working for a new coach who coaches defense gives DeBord the opportunity to be his own man.

 

[Bobsnotbucks]

Hopefully we don't have an "extra" spot open, have heard Rafdal is wavering mostly due to Patton being dismissed. We'll see

Randal decommitted earlier today.

 

[DANC]

Was there for Hep's first win...
There's no mountain, and it's not pleasant.... and Brian Kelly demonstrated a lack of class afterwards...this year's ND season was enjoyable to me.

At least there is a casino there.

I was at the game, too. James Hardy's one-handed grab was a highlight. It was a tight game for a while. And Kelly still lacks class.

 

[Mas-sa-suta]

At least there is a casino there.

I was at the game, too. James Hardy's one-handed grab was a highlight. It was a tight game for a while. And Kelly still lacks class.

The six minute drive at the end of the game to seal the deal was sweet.-

 

[IndyIUFan66]

Butch Jones at Tennessee came up the ladder coaching offense.

How about this speculation:

I can see a scenario where a 60 year old guy is sick of someone looking over his shoulder on everything he does. Coming to IU and working for a new coach who coaches defense gives DeBord the opportunity to be his own man.

Like that simple analysis a lot. Allen gives him trust and leeway and surrounded him with great staff of other offensive assistants. IU fans don't seem totally bummed Johns is leaving, i.e. were ready for a change, but he had pretty good stats overall too. Nature of the beast!