Monday, January 3, 2011

On Harbaugh, Luck and the Orange Bowl

In case you haven't noticed -- and don't worry if you haven't, I know you've got a lot of things going on -- I've been down in south Florida the past few days writing stories about Andrew Luck, Jim Harbaugh and Virginia Tech in anticipation of tonight's Orange Bowl.

Here's a link to the Harbaugh story, which was published today.

Here's a link to the Andrew Luck story, which was published Sunday.

I am staying in Miami tonight to cover the Orange Bowl itself -- it should be a great battle between Tech's Tyrod Taylor and Luck, who will likely be the No.1 draft pick of 2011 (and you know who holds that pick) if he decides to come out.

I've learned a lot about both Luck and Harbaugh while in Florida. Ultimately, I don't think they're both going to end up as Carolina Panthers -- one as the quarterback, the other as coach -- although the idea is so intriguing. An online betting service listed the odds of that happening as 5-1 the other day, and that's about right.

For one thing, Harbaugh has too many options. Apparently, new Denver Broncos VP (and former Stanford star) John Elway is going to be in Miami tonight and will want to talk to Harbaugh about the Broncos job as soon as this game is done.

And then there's the 49ers -- Harbaugh wouldn't even have to uproot his family to take that job. And then there's Michigan -- Rich Rodriguez isn't technically fired yet, although that's got to be coming. And then there's the fact that Panthers GM Marty Hurney would apparently prefer to hire an established NFL coordinator type -- in other words, what John Fox was in 2002 -- rather than a college head coach.

I don't think Harbaugh will stay at Stanford, but of course that's a possibility as well.

Luck's decision is simpler -- stay or go. He doesn't have as many options as Harbaugh, but the path is complicated, too. He has to worry about the NFL lockout -- what if there is no 2011 season, but he comes out and then doesn't get to play anywhere? This, I believe, may be Luck's biggest fear about the whole thing.

In any case, much more to come -- I'll have coverage of Luck, Harbaugh and Virginia Tech up to and including in Wednesday's Charlotte Observer newspaper.

28 comments:

Anonymous said...

PLEASE EXPLAIN why Hurney isn't FIRED?!?
I'm not sure if someone (Marty Hurney) who started as a Journalist is qualified to be an NFL GM. That's right, the Panthers have a former Journalist as their General Manager!
Anyone who traded away a 2nd Round pick to MOVE UP to pick A. Edwards should be FIRED!!!
Anyone who couldn't recognize WHY ALL those team passed over J. Clausen and also wanted to move up to draft Clausen should be FIRED!!!
Was E. Brown worth trading away a pick?!? Etc...
Sure, Hurney made some decent picks over the past few years...anyone can get lucky. But trading away those draft picks over the past are the most boneheaded moves EVER. The Patriots really don't need to reload this offseason, but they'll be licking their chops in this year's Draft.
HURNEY needs to go NOW!

Craig Morton said...

Because Marty's daughter Renee is now Renee Hurney Richardson. What a tangled web they weave!

Unknown said...

If Luck comes out, drafted by the Panthers, and there is a stoppage of play for a longer period of time than expected, he can still take classes at Stanford. Heck, he could take classes at Stanford in the Spring to finish his degree. Surely a smart kid has this figured out by now.

Anonymous said...

@Jim. Mark and Jon were fired by Jerry, so why is Marty safe?

Jason said...

Even considering drafting Luck is idiotic. Clausen played pretty fair considering the circumstances. The QB situation should be fixed like this. The new coach should tell Tony Pike not to show up to training camp unless he is 30 lbs heavier. Release Matt Moore. Sign a solid veteran QB to mentor the younger guys (not Jake). Then have an all out QB competition in training camp and include Armanti. All of this would work provided we sign a good coach that has something besides the draw play in his play book.

Anonymous said...

People:

1) I have CONTINUALLY complained to Tom, Scott, and Darin regarding Hurney and pressed them for reasons why they will not expose Hurney's mistakes in a detailed manner. This is the ONLY subject they refuse to respond to, even by email. I believe the reason is they view Hurney as 'one of their own', a newspaper hack who slipped into the big time. --and if you think being a GM is big time now, wait till Jerry kicks the bucket.......these hacks at the CO don't want to burn their bridges now....... believe it

2)I have a business client who is Notre Dame alum. He is close the the FB program. He said emphatically that other teams passed on Jimmy due to his not being as ready for NFL as Weiss kept claiming. Jimmy came out early because a new HC at ND would expose him, and he has no ability besides dump off short game and occasionally heaving a long lob ball. His passing yards were due to Tate's running ability and everyone knew it.

3) Stop with the Armanti edwards at QB crap. He will NEVER be a NFL QB. He may help at WR and returns, or occasionally be used in some cockamamy trick play. Get over it or just watch old App State films from now on.

4) There is some weird stuff that has gone on with the Richardsons family ever since the heart transplant. Very weird, starting with a change of attitude towards his own sons. They will not be inheriting a team.

The situation in Charlotte is sad. and once Jerry goes many may may be sorry they dumped all their Redskins, Steelers, and Falcons gear.

Anonymous said...

Unless the benefactors of this team can pay the death tax, this team will be sold anyways.

Anonymous said...

We are witnessing some of the finest merchandising movements by Harbaugh's people. First, they have a redshirt QB labeled as the next big thing. Then you have him still not deciding whether to stay or go, you know maybe if his coachs goes to an NFL team he will follow. And last, you have a "serious" offer by his alma-mater, so maybe they snake him and you won't get the QB.
Awesome movements, they will get him an NFL job.

Anonymous said...

It seems like Chargers defensive coordinator Ron Rivera is the only confirmed interview, and yet no mention of him in the Charlotte Observer.

Anonymous said...

We need an offensive minded coach. One that can really evaluate talent. You're right, Armanti will never be an NFL QB nor will Tony Pike. Why? Because neither were given the chance. It was great watching LaFell drop balls and Clownet tripping over his own feet. Had more talent on the bench than we had on the field.

GK said...

Scott - I at-ed you on Twitter to let you know that you were mentioned in an article by Stewart Mandel on Sports Illustrated's website. He referred to you as an "unusual questioner" for asking Harbaugh about his time as a Panther.

Thought you might enjoy:

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/stewart_mandel/01/02/jim-harbaugh-coaching-carousel/index.html?xid=cnnbin&hpt=Sbin

shoney's big boy said...

1) What is the requirement for being an NFL GM? Anonymous 10:17AM, if you know why don't you tell us instead of just complaining!! Maybe you need to go now!
2) Matt Moore doesn't have to be released - his contract runs out in February 2011!
3) The Richardson sons are still a part of the ownership group even if they are no longer involved in day-to-day management. Only someone with an inside view of JRs will would have an idea how the future will work out with regard to the Panthers.
4) Maybe I'm the only one not on JRs speed dial but I don't recall any one outside of management being asked for advice, so if you don't like what's going on so much that you post some of the mean-spirited, nasty comments that have been posted, then cast your lot with the Redskins or, better yet, America's team - the Dallas Cowgirls!

Charles said...

The Carolina Panthers have always been a very frugal organization.

Just ask their personnel department about the bonuses they received a couple of years ago when they went 12-4.

NOT! They didn't get anything! Marty Hurney has never said anything and probably never even went to bat for them.

It's probably the first time in NFL History that an organization didn't pay out any play-off shares to their scouting department.

Even the teams that made it to the Wildcard games got something from their respected organizations.

That's a true story.

Jason said...

I am more interested about what may happen next year than what may or may not happen a few years down the road.

cltmatters said...

I really think Ron Rivera out of San Diego would be an excellent choice. He's been listed as a candidate for many jobs. Also, if for some reason Jack Del Rio exits Jacksonville - I'd like to see him, since he is obviously defensive minded. Harbough is out at Stanford, so that bodes well for Luck to leave.

Anonymous said...

MANY people are part of the ownership group, including his sons. But those in the know also realize those two clowns who had to be fired by daddy will NOT be inheriting any majority shares. There is a plan in place, and it doesn't include them.

Anonymous said...

Ron Rivera will be hired only as an effort to lure in the Mexicans to drop the Cowboys and become Panther fans - The next step will be to change the BBQ concession stands to miniature taco trucks.

Anonymous said...

hmmmmmmm ..... 49ers and Broncos, 2 QUALITY organizations, both are going full-bore after Jim Harbaugh.

Marty Hurney, the genius GM of the Carolina Panthers, has no interest in pursuing him.

Sure glad Marty Hurney is so smart! -- The last thing we want is a proven commodity, with more NFL experience than Hurney, and who coaches 'smashmouth' football.

--- and where would we be without the amazing moves of grabbing Clausen, losing Peppers wi no compensation, and the multiple horsetrades Marty has made,with the OPPOSITE results of New Englands trading success.

Luck will come out and Hurney will screw it up --

What a freakin clown

Anonymous said...

If they screw up this coach hire and the #1 pick -- Get ready for them to lose a full 30% of their fanbase

Anonymous said...

If they hire that idiot from NY I am done. I know they don't really care. But at least thats 4 seats and all concessions I don't have to spend money on in Charlotte

Anonymous said...

I wish someone would dump a cooler of ice cold gatorade on Richardson the way they did Arthur Blanks --

It would either wake him up ... or......

Anonymous said...

After seeing the moves that Hurney made this year, what coach in his right mone would want to come to the Panthers?

Anonymous said...

If I was Luck I'd tell the Panthers "DO NOT DRAFT ME"

It worked for Elway and Eli ....

Anonymous said...

So what happens if Luck has the bad luck of throwing 3 picks to the wrong jerseys and Taylor has a stellar game, in which, he by far out plays Luck? What if the best QB on the field, wears #5? What if Luck is more Matt Lienard, than John Elway? What then?

Anonymous said...

Funny you should say that. I'm watching the game and Taylor has looked much better than Luck. Luck made a Jake/Matt/Jimmy C move and almost threw a pick 6 in the end zone.

Anonymous said...

Andrew Luck is not the only possible QB. Wait until you see Ryan Mallett of Arkansas tomorrow in the Sugar Bowl. Mallett has excelled in Petrino’s pro-style offense, breaking or tying numerous school records in his short two-year career as a Razorback. The guy is 6'7", he can throw over the defense line, unlike little Jimmy Clausen. We can trade down, get a 2nd rounder and pick up Ryan Mallett. Somebody on the Panthers staff has to be fired for letting Delhomme go for free who could have coached Clausen or backed up, then letting Chris Harris - safety- go, and for the hiring these experimental QB's.

Anonymous said...

HURNEY WILL FIND A WAY TO F__K IT UP! MARK MY WORDS.

Anonymous said...

Andrew Luck is going to get PAID!

Too bad he has to go to a shit organization like the Panthers!

Marty Hurney is a NFL FRAUD!!

Good Luck to you Mr. Luck.