Grobe Insists He's Staying

Week after week Jim Grobe's name pops up as a candidate for coaching jobs across America. His name has been most associated with the Alabama job. The Crimson Tide was Beamered late last week by West Virginia's Rich Rodriguez. Their other top candidates (Steve Spurrier and Nick Saban) have also saud "No Thank You."

The list seems to have dwindled to 2 names, Paul Johnson of Navy and Wake Forest's Jim Grobe. Johnson recently agreed to a new contract that will make him one of the highest paid coached in the country, plus he gets a car and a house on top of that. So, paying an astronomical buy out to Navy seems unlikely. The Tide faithful seem less than impressed with Johnson and probably aren't willing to pay a hefty amount to bring him to town.

So, that leaves Grobe. He has taken a football program best known for telling Vince Lombardi that he was not goof enough to be their coach all the way to the Orange Bowl. The Demon Deacons are 10-2 and will play the Lousville Cardinals on January 2. It is the first time, and quite possibly last, in school history that the football team has won that many games. Grobe has taken two programs, Ohio and Wake, from the depths to success. It is about time for him to get a chance to see what he can do with a constant stream of talent.

At Alabama he would have the support and the recruiting base to win and win big. At Wake Forest, the Orange Bowl is a once in a century thing. While at 'Bama it's expected every year.

I can understand why he would want to stay at Wake. He has awesome job security now, he is loved by the 10 to 12 fans and he likes the area. But, in Alabama football is a way of life. They even have an MTV show about their high school football. Alabama has been down over the past few years as they are coming off numerous NCAA sanctions. But, the next guy is inheriting a time bomb of college football success. They are slowing gaining lost scholarships and rebuilding their reputation. A guy like Grobe is just the guy to finish the job. There is no one who says clean program better than Grobe.

He's not 'Bear' Bryant, but he is a bear of a football coach. He should at least listen to the Tide if they call. By going to Alabama, Grobe would improve the lives of himself and his staff. If Alabama can throw $12 million at Rodriguez, then they can come up with a package that would make Grobe and his staff much better off than they are now. They have the most wins in the ACC, but are the lowest paid.

A little note to Alabama. The worst thing he can do is say no. You have already been told no a million times, so what is one more goign to hurt. If you can lure him away, and I am sure you can, then you will start winning games again. And, you will beat Auburn. Because when it matters most Grobe's guys are ready to play.

Photos:
1.http://media3.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/photo/2006/12/02/PH2006120201216.jpg