[rmjvol]

Here's the statement released by Mike Shula after being fired as head coach:

“I am deeply disappointed to be fired as the head football coach at The University of Alabama. From my very first day on this job, I had a single mission: To return the Crimson Tide to its place among the elite programs in college football. Although I maintain that we were moving steadily in that direction, I regret sincerely that I will not be given the opportunity to finish the job I was hired to do.

“I am forever grateful to my loyal coaching staff, who worked so tirelessly to help us overcome the difficulties we faced during these past four years. Despite inherited restrictions, including probation and scholarship limits, our teams played with integrity and commanded respect. Our 10-2 record in 2005 was no fluke; it was evidence of a program on the rise. Although the past season was not as fulfilling, it was nevertheless a season that witnessed the emergence of several young players who will help the Crimson Tide win big in the years to come.

“I want to thank our players and their families for committing to our mission. I am sorry that our record this past year did not reflect your passion and commitment to winning. When we met Sunday night, I fully believed that I was going to remain the head coach at the university. I apologize that you did not learn about my firing from me. Do not let the circumstances of my firing allow you to lose your focus. Do not let this transition rob you of your potential for greatness. Together with the talented recruits who have committed to join the Tide next year, I am fully confident that the pieces are in place for you to accomplish great things.

“Finally, I want to acknowledge and thank those of you who made our four-year stay at Alabama a rewarding experience. Your kindness toward me, Shari and our family will be remembered fondly.

“In closing, I leave Alabama proud that the football program is a better place than the one I inherited four years ago. Although time will ultimately gauge the depth of our progress, I am confident that the return on our efforts will be realized by the university and its football community.

“As a former player and a graduate of this great university, I wish the program great success in the years ahead. Roll Tide.”

[EmpireWF]

He certainly did leave the program in a better place than when he took over. I get the feeling he truly believes he could have taken the Crimson Tide to the top of the college football world.

Too bad we'll never know if he could've finished what he started.

Very classy guy. He should not have been let go.

It is very unfortunate that Mike Shula was not allowed to continue. He will recover, I am sure. However, the egos and attitudes of the rednecks that are responsible for the Alabama program probably will not. Bear Bryant is DEAD and no one at Alabama is willing to admit it. He is from a former time in NCAA football and no one will ever establish a school like that again.

I am a graduate of that school and enjoyed 3 national championships while watching Namath, Stabler, etc. year after year. Alabama's program has serious problems that are, I fear, caused by the very people who are responsible for trying to bring the program back. They screwed it up and won't allow anyone the time to fix it. They think 6-6 is bad.....wait til the next few years.

[Lefty Noob]

I agree that Shula was a classy guy, and he should've had more time. But let's all be realistic here - coaching is now, more than ever, a very cut throat business. The guy was unsuccessful against Bama's chief rivals, and more often than not, that's a ticket to the unemployment line.

Not saying I agree with it. Far from it, in fact. I think it stinks. But it is what it is, and coaches have to come in realizing that more often than not they have a 2-3 year window to make BIG improvements in a program.

[hok777]

Mal Moore showed his class ( Not Having Any ). At least Miami's A.D. 'permitted their coach to show up and coach during their bowl game out of respect . It is time for Mal to go to work at Wal- Mart as a greeter if they will hire him and he can get three references.

[snfrd291]

When they were looking for a coach and found Shula they thought this will be our escape goat until we get off probation in FEBUARY 2007. Mal Moore does not even deserve another day as A.D here or any where.

We need to get nick saben!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Wait we want pay him enough!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[boltvending]

I hate it for Mike. I knew him way back when. Great guy. He will be ok. Mal should have handled things better. I knew Mal way back when also. The thing is that it was the thing to do. Mike was 0-20 while trailing entering the 4th qtr. Think about that (0-20). (0-20) Shouldn't he have accidentally won 1 or 2 of those 20 games. Great coaches and great teams find a way to win in the 4th qtr.

[Lefty Noob]

Originally Posted by boltvending

I hate it for Mike. I knew him way back when. Great guy. He will be ok. Mal should have handled things better. I knew Mal way back when also. The thing is that it was the thing to do. Mike was 0-20 while trailing entering the 4th qtr. Think about that (0-20). (0-20) Shouldn't he have accidentally won 1 or 2 of those 20 games. Great coaches and great teams find a way to win in the 4th qtr.

Excellent point, boltvending. See, no matter how much any of us like Shula and the job he did getting the emphasis off the scandals and back onto football, there were obvious problems in him getting results as a coach. He will land on his feet and move forward, but at the same time, the Bama football program needs to do so as well.

what is an escape goat?

I must say that there doesn't seem to be anyone out there talking about the real reason Mike Shula was let go. I think the guy did a damn good job under the circumstances. Who in their right mind will want to come in and take this job when we have such spoiled brats for Alumni who want to just fire someone when they don't get the results they want immediately! The real reason he was let go was the right Alumnus or Alumni got together and waved their deep pockets around and threatened to pull the money away if they didn't let him go. BIG BABIES.....with money but no brains. Good luck trying to find someone when they have the thought of either being fired if they can't pull a rabbit out of their hat in a quick enough time period to make the BIG BABIES happy! They will take their toys and their money and go home mad.....it just makes me sick....I have been a huge BAMA fan since I was a child and my Dad played football there. I am a BAMA girl born and raised and it makes me sick that they let Mike Shula go. He was on the right track! ROLL TIDE!

I agree, Mike got a raw deal. I think he was on the right track and he definitely brought some class back to Alabama football. Who ever it was that forced and/or made this decision is an idiot(s). I want to beat Auburn everytime but I want to see our football team recover from all the adversity it's been through and be able to suceed long term and that just takes a little bit of time. Apparently Shula has too much class for Alabama.

Originally Posted by ApB86

It is very unfortunate that Mike Shula was not allowed to continue. He will recover, I am sure. However, the egos and attitudes of the rednecks that are responsible for the Alabama program probably will not. Bear Bryant is DEAD and no one at Alabama is willing to admit it. He is from a former time in NCAA football and no one will ever establish a school like that again.

I am a graduate of that school and enjoyed 3 national championships while watching Namath, Stabler, etc. year after year. Alabama's program has serious problems that are, I fear, caused by the very people who are responsible for trying to bring the program back. They screwed it up and won't allow anyone the time to fix it. They think 6-6 is bad.....wait til the next few years.

What an unfortunate perspective. Certainly, Coach Shula deserved better than he got, but let's not forget. He'll leave with a 4 million dollar buyout. His contributions will be seen for years to come, and I believe due credit will be given. As for the redneck reference, I disagree. There are some elements on Alabama's board of trustees that do live in the past, but there are also some fine people on that board. I don't believe any of them are unclear about the current status of Bear Bryant. Particularly his son, who serves on that very body. Mike Shula did an exceptional job at every level of his position except the one he was hired for. Coaching. I didn't think he should of been fired, but there was cause for it. It's unfair to ignore the fact that a man with no head coaching experience was given such an incredible opportunity. and though he was unsuccessful this time, his resume has greatly improved. He will land on his feet, and so to, will The University of Alabama.

Great, Great, Terrific and outstanding point. It is what it is and Mike Shula and all will benefit from this whole situation. Shula has the program in better shape than what he came into and he will prosper short term with his buyout and long term with the experience and resume improvements!! Everyone normally wants to get emotional about a firing or hiring but what it all boils down to is that we all knew he was getting in over his head, but it was a way to pay the guy back for his past contributions and he was a good PC rep for the school. Also his largest asset was his recruiting capabilities. That means long term for him or whomever is in the position.
ROLL TIDE ROOOLLLL!!!!