Canales May Be A Good Fit

MeanGreen61 · November 1, 2010

http://www.dentonrc.com/sharedcontent/dws/drc/sports/stories/DRC_vitocolumn_1101.1e6de0fde.html

Eagle-96 · November 1, 2010

http://www.dentonrc.....1e6de0fde.html

Anyone know which three players were left in Denton? Hopefully it is a wakeup call to the team that you can lead, follow, or get out of the way.

Edited November 1, 2010 by Eagle-96

All About UNT · November 1, 2010

Canales deserves a shot...yes....but guys lets not kid ourselves. We are not going to hand the HC over to another experiment...it just isn't going to happen. Canales has passion and gets the boys rilled u and that is great but it isn't all we need. We need a recognizable name to energize Alum that are not already actively following the team. We need a name that will say to the rest of the U.S. that we are interested in salvaging our situation and becoming a powerhouse Mid Major. We need a name that means that we can recruit on equal grounds with the likes of SMU, UTEP, Rice, and others that we just cannot do right now. Canales has a ton of qualities but he just won't fit the bill for what we need right now. I feel like we invited a kid into a candy store and let him walk up to the counter with his favorite candy only to tell him that he can't have it. RV and the BOR are not going to sign off on someone who isn't what was mentioned above.

rcade · November 1, 2010

Canales does not deserve a shot. He does not have enough of a name to generate excitement. The next coach has to be someone with experience winning at this level who is well-known enough to excite fans and the media. We have a new stadium to fill.

BIG DAWG · November 1, 2010

I know everyone is very excited about the coaching change, and the large margin win v. W. Ky., but lets tap the brakes on the Canales talk.

If he goes out and beats Troy, Monroe, and MUTS, then lets talk...but all he has really done to this point is beat W. Ky...thats all.

If Rv is willing to bring in someone visible who has done it before lets have him do it. This isn't about being nice to guys who try real hard...this is about turning this show around. I am happy for Canales, and maybe he can use this opportunity to get a job elsewhere, but as for NT, lets have RV go get someone who has done it.

AND...lets put this Canales stuff to bed until he does something other than beating the one team the other guy could beat.

Mean Green 93-98 · November 1, 2010

Canales deserves a shot...yes....but guys lets not kid ourselves. We are not going to hand the HC over to another experiment...it just isn't going to happen.

What defines an "experiment"? No coach we hire is guaranteed to produce winning teams, and let's face it--what we need is winning teams. A "splash" hire may sell tickets this offseason, but this school cannot take much more losing. No matter how much of a splash a hire may be now, losing teams will equal a half-empty palace of a stadium. There may be coaches available who have won at other places, but winning at North Texas seems to require overcoming different obstacles than at other schools.

If Canales can win at least three out of the five games he coaches, he will have undoubtedly proved he can win at North Texas, and under far more adverse circumstances than usual.

As far as hiring a coordinator vs. an out-of-work head coach, look at recently successful "mid-majors" and their coaches--Patterson at TCU, Peterson at Boise, Leavitt at South Florida--they were each hired from coordinator positions. Compare Canales' resume to any of theirs going into those head coaching jobs, and he compares very favorably. Really, he blows them out of the water. If the Leavitt incident had not happened, Canales probably would be having another great year as the OC at South Florida, and quite possibly entertaining several head coaching opportunities this offseason.

No, I'm not saying that the job should be handed over to Coach Canales on a silver platter after this one win. But he needs to be considered very seriously if he can find at least two more wins. If someone else is hired simply to make a "splash," and that guy goes on to fizzle out like every coach I have ever seen at North Texas, I will be upset that we let a winner go.

mad dog · November 1, 2010

If he goes out and beats Troy, Monroe, and MUTS, then lets talk...but all he has really done to this point is beat W. Ky...thats all.

This. Great win, but tap the brakes on coach of the future talk. At least for now.

MeanGreenTexan · November 1, 2010

...I'm not saying that the job should be handed over to Coach Canales on a silver platter after this one win. But he needs to be considered very seriously if he can find at least two more wins. If someone else is hired simply to make a "splash," and that guy goes on to fizzle out like every coach I have ever seen at North Texas, I will be upset that we let a winner go.

I would push this number to 3, and give extra consideration if one of the 3 is KSt. End the year 4-2 with the 2 losses being competitive and I'll pay closer attention to what RV does with coach Canales.

I also think our last "splash" hire was based on our smaller budget. All indications show that we are going to up our coaching staff pay scale to compete with the big boys as far as "mid-majors" go. This pay scale should provide a bigger splash with better wake afterwards.

I'm beginning to wonder if coach Canales would remain if we were to hire Leavitt. If he won't, then I'm not nearly as interested in Leavitt.

Chico appears to want to be a head coach. I don't know if he would want to step back behind Leavitt yet again.

houstonmeangreen · November 1, 2010

Canales deserves a shot...yes....but guys lets not kid ourselves. We are not going to hand the HC over to another experiment...it just isn't going to happen. Canales has passion and gets the boys rilled u and that is great but it isn't all we need. We need a recognizable name to energize Alum that are not already actively following the team. We need a name that will say to the rest of the U.S. that we are interested in salvaging our situation and becoming a powerhouse Mid Major. We need a name that means that we can recruit on equal grounds with the likes of SMU, UTEP, Rice, and others that we just cannot do right now. Canales has a ton of qualities but he just won't fit the bill for what we need right now. I feel like we invited a kid into a candy store and let him walk up to the counter with his favorite candy only to tell him that he can't have it. RV and the BOR are not going to sign off on someone who isn't what was mentioned above.

canales has the opportunity to show he is the man in the next several weeks...and he just might be!

Yeah Right, Rick Villarreal's job is on the line. If he hires another experiment like Dodge, and it doesn't work then he will be on the chopping block! This I agree with RV better get it right this time...but ANYONE he hires could be a big flop...ANYONE.

ElToro6 · November 1, 2010

I'm beginning to wonder if coach Canales would remain if we were to hire Leavitt. If he won't, then I'm not nearly as interested in Leavitt.
Chico appears to want to be a head coach. I don't know if he would want to step back behind Leavitt yet again.

Would you want to work for a Guy that got you put you in the Unemployment Line for hitting a player and then lying about it? Bottome Line, Canales would still be in Florida as an OC in a BCS conference if it wasnt for the Leavitt incident. Me personally, I wouldnt want to work for a guy that did that, and risk it again.

Just saying......

Daddy Dumpsalot · November 1, 2010

Canales does not deserve a shot. He does not have enough of a name to generate excitement. The next coach has to be someone with experience winning at this level who is well-known enough to excite fans and the media. We have a new stadium to fill.

Agree. I don't understand why everyone wants him to be the next coach; he has won 1(one) game and lets not forget that it was against a WKU team that was 1-6 and are they even a D1 team? Also, we are (4-0) against them. Finally, lets not forget that it was a one possession lead at half time and not until the 4th QTR that we scored 17 points.

I'm all for giving him a chance but I would wait a few more games. I bet that after the Troy game everyone will resume the "Next Head Coach Poll".

Mean Green 93-98 · November 1, 2010

I'm all for giving him a chance but I would wait a few more games.

That's all anyone is saying.

KingDL1 · November 1, 2010

I think with the situation we are in it would be AD suicide to hire within the current staff. Whether a few hard core fans on this board feel it only fair to give Canales a shot or not, so what. This about the whole program, creating a buzz, and hopefully getting a big name in here. Doing well will help Canales' career wise regardless if he is given a shot at HC or not. But the casual fan needs to be awakened, and we need to do it right this time around.

Monkeypox · November 1, 2010

If Canales can pile up some wins while having this team competitive to finish out a season, then I do believe he deserves consideration. Names are sexy, and they generally work, but I think you're kidding yourselves if you think a Fran or a Leavitt's going to lend any instant credibility to a team that's been mired in futility this long and at this point in time is a metroplex (and state-wide) Participation Trophy candidate. There will be some degree of renewed interest, sure, but wins are the only cure.

I've not been the biggest proponent of Canales, based on our offense this season (and what appeared to be much of the same ol' situation. However, sometimes I wonder if he wouldn't be looked at differently if he were still the OC of a Leavitt-run USF team.

He might be an experiment, but I'm of the opinion that every head coach is an experiment for a particular University. Sometimes guys just don't fit. Sometimes they just don't work, and I wouldn't throw the baby out with the bathwater just because something says "experiment." ANYBODY who's available right now is available for a reason. They all come with question marks. And a brand new coach and system isn't any more likely to have immediate results based on a name than someone who's already here and working.

And FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, stop comparing Canales to Dodge or Dickey. Canales has been a successful coordinator at multiple Div 1A/FBS schools as well as a WR coach in the NFL.

StealthEagle84 · November 1, 2010

What defines an "experiment"? No coach we hire is guaranteed to produce winning teams, and let's face it--what we need is winning teams. A "splash" hire may sell tickets this offseason, but this school cannot take much more losing. No matter how much of a splash a hire may be now, losing teams will equal a half-empty palace of a stadium. There may be coaches available who have won at other places, but winning at North Texas seems to require overcoming different obstacles than at other schools.

If Canales can win at least three out of the five games he coaches, he will have undoubtedly proved he can win at North Texas, and under far more adverse circumstances than usual.

As far as hiring a coordinator vs. an out-of-work head coach, look at recently successful "mid-majors" and their coaches--Patterson at TCU, Peterson at Boise, Leavitt at South Florida--they were each hired from coordinator positions. Compare Canales' resume to any of theirs going into those head coaching jobs, and he compares very favorably. Really, he blows them out of the water. If the Leavitt incident had not happened, Canales probably would be having another great year as the OC at South Florida, and quite possibly entertaining several head coaching opportunities this offseason.

No, I'm not saying that the job should be handed over to Coach Canales on a silver platter after this one win. But he needs to be considered very seriously if he can find at least two more wins. If someone else is hired simply to make a "splash," and that guy goes on to fizzle out like every coach I have ever seen at North Texas, I will be upset that we let a winner go.

I couldn't agree with this post more. To hell with a "big name" coach. There a many qualified candidates out there who are currently coordinators, Canales having been one of them. Look at where Leavitt, Edsall, Art Briles, etc. started before becoming head coaches. What this university needs is a winner. The names mentioned above have worked their tails off to get where they are (or were) and our school could use much of the same. We need to be realistic about who we are and who we can attract / afford to hire.

Let's be honest about Dennis Franchione. Gary Patterson was with him his last three years at New Mexico and the whole time he was at TCU. Its clear that Patterson made Fran who he is so I wouldn't be too excited about him. Leavitt is a good coach but would be a liability given how things were left at USF. The same is true of Leach, who is not really in the picture to begin with. Bower consistently won but he's been away from the game for a few years now. I'm not really sure what "big name" people are asking for and like I said, I could care less. I just want a guy with leadership and that's hungry for a chance to prove himself. If that's Canales, so be it. I don't think he should be handed the reigns b/c of one win over WKU but he will have a chance over the next four weeks to prove himself.

gangrene · November 1, 2010

I'm beginning to wonder if coach Canales would remain if we were to hire Leavitt. If he won't, then I'm not nearly as interested in Leavitt.
Chico appears to want to be a head coach. I don't know if he would want to step back behind Leavitt yet again.

Where's he going to go? I'd be really surprised if the interim HC of 2-6 North Texas has his phone ringing off the hook for interviews, even for an OC position. He took nearly a $100K paycut just to come here because no one else wanted him. Their loss = our gain. He's worked for Leavitt on two different occasions and they seem to have gotten along fine. I don't think a third reunification is out of the question, especially if we give Canales the pay raise he deserves as a FBS OC. And, even if he doesn't want to work with Leavitt again...so what? Leavitt did OK when Canales left to try his hand at N.C. State, NY Jets and Arizona. Leavitt was 8-3, 9-2, 7-4, 4-7, 6-6 and 9-4, without Canales, as USF moved from I-AA to CUSA to the Big East. Canales left USF as OC in 2001 and returned in 2007....as Pass Game Coordinator and Wide Receivers Coach. It wasn't until he'd been back at USF for two years that he was promoted to USF's OC. Canales has had a roller coaster of a career with many ups and many downs.

So, we're going to pass up an opportunity to hire a HEAD coach (whether it's Leavitt or some other guy with FBS HC experience) just so we can keep our OC/interim HC who has been a Head Coach for a grand total of one game? Seriously? What if Todd Dodge had still been the HC on Saturday? Would everyone suddenly rescind their demands to fire him because he beat Western Kentucky?

No offense to Coach Canales but, if we're going to consider top FBS Offensive/Defensive coordinators for our next HC, his name doesn't exactly top my list. In fact, there are at least 10 people I'd rank ahead of him.

Now, I like Canales and I'm not opposed to hiring him as HC...just not now, the timing just isn't right and I think we'd be setting him to fail.

greenminer · November 1, 2010

Need some help here with the wish list we are putting together:

Coach is:

..."big name" that everyone in the country will know and identify "serious football" with

...completely clean record.

...disciplinarian, holding everyone associated with the program accountable, expecting results and not accepting less than 100% but never lays a hand on anyone

..incredibly eloquent, good speaker

...connects to fan base. Will get to know ME on a name basis

...will turn this around in one year

...best recruiter available

…previous successfully head coach gig

...is 1-0 against chuck Norris and is alive to brag about it

...craps delicious Pez candy upon request

Have I missed anything?

forevereagle · November 1, 2010

Need some help here with the wish list we are putting together:

Coach is:

..."big name" that everyone in the country will know and identify "serious football" with
...completely clean record.
...disciplinarian, holding everyone associated with the program accountable, expecting results and not accepting less than 100% but never lays a hand on anyone
..incredibly eloquent, good speaker
...connects to fan base. Will get to know ME on a name basis
...will turn this around in one year
...best recruiter available
…previous successfully head coach gig
...is 1-0 against chuck Norris and is alive to brag about it
...craps delicious Pez candy upon request

Have I missed anything?

Is this who you were thinking?

All About UNT · November 1, 2010

Need some help here with the wish list we are putting together:

Coach is:

..."big name" that everyone in the country will know and identify "serious football" with
...completely clean record.
...disciplinarian, holding everyone associated with the program accountable, expecting results and not accepting less than 100% but never lays a hand on anyone
..incredibly eloquent, good speaker
...connects to fan base. Will get to know ME on a name basis
...will turn this around in one year
...best recruiter available
…previous successfully head coach gig
...is 1-0 against chuck Norris and is alive to brag about it
...craps delicious Pez candy upon request

Have I missed anything?

So with this said....we can only hire the Techno Viking since he is the only man alive that can boast of this amazing feat.

gangrene · November 1, 2010

Need some help here with the wish list we are putting together:

Coach is:

..."big name" that everyone in the country will know and identify "serious football" with
...completely clean record.
...disciplinarian, holding everyone associated with the program accountable, expecting results and not accepting less than 100% but never lays a hand on anyone
..incredibly eloquent, good speaker
...connects to fan base. Will get to know ME on a name basis
...will turn this around in one year
...best recruiter available
…previous successfully head coach gig
...is 1-0 against chuck Norris and is alive to brag about it
...craps delicious Pez candy upon request

Have I missed anything?

Good list but I'm almost certain it's incomplete. Maybe add these to it:

...is loyal to UNT and will stick around for 10-15 years even if schools like OU and Texas offer them 10x the salary

...can clobber Western Kentucky

...will be solely responsible for increasing season ticket sales and selling out every game at our new stadium

...will get us into the Big XII(ten) within in two years

...get us ranked in the top 10 within 2 years

...killed Jack Bauer at least once

...refused to be interested in the most interesting man in the world

...knows how to prepare football players to be good fathers...oh, wait...nevermind

NCMeanGreen · November 1, 2010

Need some help here with the wish list we are putting together:

Coach is:

..."big name" that everyone in the country will know and identify "serious football" with
...completely clean record.
...disciplinarian, holding everyone associated with the program accountable, expecting results and not accepting less than 100% but never lays a hand on anyone
..incredibly eloquent, good speaker
...connects to fan base. Will get to know ME on a name basis
...will turn this around in one year
...best recruiter available
…previous successfully head coach gig
...is 1-0 against chuck Norris and is alive to brag about it
...craps delicious Pez candy upon request

Have I missed anything?

Yeah....and??...

NCMeanGreen · November 1, 2010

Good list but I'm almost certain it's incomplete. Maybe add these to it:

...is loyal to UNT and will stick around for 10-15 years even if schools like OU and Texas offer them 10x the salary
...can clobber Western Kentucky
...will be solely responsible for increasing season ticket sales and selling out every game at our new stadium
...will get us into the Big XII(ten) within in two years
...get us ranked in the top 10 within 2 years
...killed Jack Bauer at least once
...refused to be interested in the most interesting man in the world
...knows how to prepare football players to be good fathers...oh, wait...nevermind

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!

Adub4ever · November 1, 2010

i like canales, he did a better job than dodge, and think he deserves a shot, but its WKU, cmon. lets see if he can get us past troy first

FireFightnJoey · November 1, 2010

I liked Vito's comparison to JJ's interim HC stint at Memphis and his path to get to UNT as a HC. I think it is a long shot for Canales to be our next HC. Not because I don't think he deserves it. What he accomplished this Satruday and that video of him in the locker room really peaked my interest in him as HC and I didn't think that way prior.

UNT is at a crossroads. Like someone said, UNT is in a position of opportunity that comes once in most fans lifetime. I think they coined it something about opportunity of a generation. The stadium is Canales' achillies heel. This is the time to make a splash hire. SMU "ponied" up and brought in June Jones, TCU has had Patterson, and now Briles seems to be getting it done at Baylor. That is our region and we have to keep up with them. Otherwise we will remain where we are in the pecking order. Doesn't matter what happens in the rest of the country.

UNT needs that big contributor. We need a Leach type hire and I think that type of hire will pay for itself. I am just using Leach as an example before too many of you get on this whole tangent why Leach is not obtainable. But that type of hire is what you need, because he will win and he will fill the stadium with many new butts in the seats.

We don't have the luxury of another experimental hire. I really think the right coach will awaken the sleeping giant that is UNT. I look forward to the day that we schedule those body bag games and walk away with wins.

rcade · November 1, 2010

Agree. I don't understand why everyone wants him to be the next coach; he has won 1(one) game and lets not forget that it was against a WKU team that was 1-6 and are they even a D1 team?

They are probably the worst FBS team in the past five years. They may eventually put things together at this level, but for now they are so hopeless UNT fans feel sorry for them.

Seven people voted down my comment, but none of them gave a rebuttal. Canales will not fill seats. He will not excite the media or casual fans. It would be a mistake to hire him as head coach when name coaches are out there looking for an opportunity.