Quality post by the way...
So, we spend the next couple of years going 7-4, then we see the recruits that Callahan has brought in. If that doesn't work, then what? We've essentially blown 2 or 3 years. Will SP stay with Callahan, since he's got the "big name"?
I guess what it boils down to, is the fact that I keep asking the question, "was all this really necessary"?
I'm not trying to be a "stick in the mud", but just trying to play devil's advocate.
No, I understand. While it may appear to the contrary, I'm not an apologist for either Callahan or Pederson, and I suspect that neither is anyone else. I can see a potential upside for going with the West Coast offense, and I see at least one logical reason for firing Solich.
My personal opinion is that Solich was fired because Pederson felt that Solich was not recruiting well enough - no other real reason. Certainly, it couldn't have been Solich's record.
If that's correct, then I suspect that Pederson will give Callahan at least three or four years
provided Callahan's recruiting classes are high ranking. I think that will be the primary consideration for Pederson.
If, however, the recruiting is less than stellar, I could see Pederson getting rid of Callahan next year.
Again, simply my take on things.
More interesting was your question of whether the change was necessary. In my heart, I want to say, "No". I love the option and power football, Solich had a good record - on the face of it, why change?
When I look at it intellectually, I can see the concern. With the way Oklahoma and Texas have been recruiting, coupled with what looked like some in-roads by Missouri, and Colorado's practices, recruiting has to be a top concern for the staff. I don't think Solich and his staff were the best recruiters. And with the option, we need the best recruits - we need to be physically superior to run it.
Now, again, Callahan may not be the guy. He may be a great recruiter, and a lousy coach. I just can't tell - he seemed to do well as a college and pro assistant. Does that translate to a good head coach? Only time will tell.
The long and the short of it is that we are going to have the West Coast offense for the next few years, at least.