Ron Zook Pursuing Larry Johnson
by BSD on Jan 7, 2009 4:36 PM EST
in Football
92 comments
They say wearing Orange adds ten pounds. Just sayin'.
The rumor has been floating around all morning. I've just been waiting for a non-paying site to publish it. David Jones, as always, is our man. Larry Johnson is interviewing with Ron Zook for the Illinois defensive coordinator job.
Two sources in Illinois have called and said that Larry Johnson is a target of Ron Zook's at Illinois, possibly as a co-defensive coordinator and especially as a top recruiter to replace departed Mike Locksley on the Illini staff.
I don't have to tell you this is bad bad bad. With an 82 year old head coach who can't spend more than two hours sitting down in a car or airplane, the assistant coaches are our greatest asset when it comes to recruiting. And Larry Johnson is one of the best of them.
Johnson flat out owns the state of Maryland bringing in such talented players as Aaron Maybin, Navorro Bowman, Bani Gbadyu, A.J. Wallace, Derrick Williams, Phil Taylor, Devon Still, Darrell Givens, Stephon Morris, Devon Smith, Sean Stanley, Derrick Thomas, and Malcolm Smith. He is also a fantastic defensive line coach having coached players into the NFL like Courtney Brown, Jimmy Kennedy, Michael Haynes, and Tamba Hali. To lose him would be, in a word, disasterous for our program.
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The Zooker is rolling. The bastard.
"They haven't played us yet."
by ReadingRambler on Jan 7, 2009 4:38 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
He's recruiting our coaches, crap
We just needed a couple players, a couple people to buy in to the fact and we were able to do it. --A.Q. Shipley
by psu on Jan 7, 2009 4:52 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Right
LJSR was the only thing preventing Zook from dominating Maryland/DC. So what does Zook do? Go get LJSR.
Interesting that Michigan is also looking for a DC. I just hope they don’t look at Vandy. Of course RR likes that stupid 3-3-5 defense.
Mike
Black Shoe Diaries
by BSD on Jan 7, 2009 5:08 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Recruiter
Maybe if we lose LJ someone else will step up and become the stud recruiter. Hopefully…
PSU Softball
by QBsneak12 on Jan 7, 2009 4:41 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Linebacker with Maryland, Virginia and Western PA ties
I wonder what Lavaar Arrington would be like as a linebackers/D-line coach?
Would he be too controversial and/or unfocused?
He clearly has an interest in being in State College (granted ‘coach’ and ‘bar owner’ are two very different occupations)…it just seems like that guy could be a monster recruiter.
I mean, I’m sure plenty of the nation’s top prospects can identify with Mike McQuerry, don’t get me wrong…but LaVaar? Seems like a potential gold mine.
I’d be remissed if I didn’t note the potential symbolism here…LJSR leaves for Illinois…LaVaar’s signature highlight is leaping over the offense line of….ILLINOIS.
by NittanyBadger on Jan 7, 2009 5:53 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I feel like it's the last thing in the world he wants to do.
--
Mr. Bob Dobalina
by Run Up The Score on Jan 7, 2009 9:18 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Lavar as a linebacker coach
Would be like Wayne Gretzsky as a hockey coach. Or Michael Jordan as a basketball coach.
Look kid, just forget your assignment and chase after the ball. Toss that 6’7" 340 lb tackle out of the way. Use your 43 inch vertical leap to jump over the fullback. Then turn on your 4.25 speed and chase the guy down from behind. What’s the problem?
Mike
Black Shoe Diaries
by BSD on Jan 7, 2009 10:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
bowman might actually be able to do all of that by the time he’s a senior. that dude is going to be nasty.
by millzners on Jan 8, 2009 8:55 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Gretzsky's Yotes...
Would be in the playoffs if the season ended today…
“So you’re saying there’s a chance!!!”
—Lloyd Christmas
by NittanyBadger on Jan 8, 2009 1:20 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Dumb & Dumber...
love it!
" We need MORE cowbell !"
by BlueWhiteLife on Jan 8, 2009 1:29 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Bradley's done well recruiting...right?
Maybe not the ‘Maryland Mastermind,’ but still relentless at times nonetheless…
by phantom818 on Jan 7, 2009 7:29 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Counteroffer
First, any chance LJ is doing this for leverage w/ PSU — i.e. some kind of salary bump/understanding about being HC when Paterno leaves?
Whether he is or isn’t, let’s hope PSU can put something together to keep him.
From his angle, I don’t really get it. It’s a promotion, yeah, but a short-lived one, I’m almost sure. Zooker will keep underachieving with Illinois (’07 was as good as it will ever get with him, and even then they lost 4) and I think will be gone in two years.
by JBusinger on Jan 7, 2009 4:46 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Interview
Where in the article that you reference does it indicate that LJ is interviewing with Zooker. All I read is that they are interested in him as a recruiter/co-defensive coordinator. Interest on the buyers end (Zook) doesn’t necessarily equate to interest on the seller’s end (LJ). If have seen this before with TB, etc and nothing happened. Let’s hope PSU does everything to prevent him from leaving.
by kmpsu on Jan 7, 2009 5:00 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
From what I'm hearing behind the scenes
There is interest on LJ’s part. He’s going out to Illinois this weekend to look around. The job is basically his if he wants it. He just has to talk with Zook, the coaches, look at the facilities, and see if he feels comfortable there. We’ll probably have our answer next week.
Mike
Black Shoe Diaries
by BSD on Jan 7, 2009 5:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
He wouldn’t take this interview unless he was planning on leaving, Joe doesn’t take this sort of thing lightly. And you’d have to be stupid to not give this guy a job given his resume is better than 98% of DC’s out there.
Maybe they’ll talk him out of the interview, maybe he’ll reconsider, maybe. But if he takes the interview, he’ll get the offer, and if it gets that far he’s as good as gone. If he leaves we’re one or two steps away from heading back to 2004.
by millzners on Jan 7, 2009 5:04 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Joe's reaction
That will be the interesting thing. Will Joe advise him to go if it looks like as good an opportunity as it is? Or will he be spiteful and push him out the door like he did with Sandusky, Ganter, and Norwood?
Mike
Black Shoe Diaries
by BSD on Jan 7, 2009 5:06 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
lol
you answered your own question.
Is he going to do what he always does in this situation, or something different? We’re talking about someone who has a well-documented love affair with doing things the same way over and over again despite the diminishing returns.
by millzners on Jan 7, 2009 5:12 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Norwood
Joe pushed Norwood out the door? I didn’t hear anything like that.
by psuphiman80 on Jan 7, 2009 5:21 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah
Norwood was willing to stay on through the Alamo Bowl, but Joe decided to kick him out on the spot.
Mike
Black Shoe Diaries
by BSD on Jan 7, 2009 5:22 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Never knew that.
That doesn’t necessarily have to be bad. He may have thought they didn’t need him to win the game, and Baylor is a pretty tough situation, and time is money. Maybe I’m getting into the Koolaid.
by psuphiman80 on Jan 7, 2009 6:49 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
And that was the right call, I say.
--
Mr. Bob Dobalina
by Run Up The Score on Jan 7, 2009 9:19 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Not True
There was a sideline interview at one of the last games, I believe the Michigan State game where he was there, and they asked him if it was hard to leave his son, so close to his senior season, and a program like penn state. And he said something along the lines that both Jordan and Coach Paterno were very supportive and told him to go for it, seeing it as a great opportunity.
by MrBrianPSU on Jan 8, 2009 9:27 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Different time frame.
You could both be right, but Brian Norwood wanted to stay for the bowl game and Joe didn’t let him.
--
Mr. Bob Dobalina
by Run Up The Score on Jan 8, 2009 9:31 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Kind of a Devlin situation I think
Norwood was willing to stay, but left it up to Joe. Joe said you might as well just go.
Mike
Black Shoe Diaries
by BSD on Jan 8, 2009 10:11 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Sandusky?
I remember when he left and I thought it was weird that he relatively young….but it’s not like he ever took a job anywhere else. Did Paterno really force him out? Why? What was the story? I wasn’t that old when it happened, I don’t remember it well.
by JBusinger on Jan 7, 2009 5:25 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
They just didn't get along
Some say Sandusky was waiting around for Joe to retire and just got tired of waiting. Maybe Joe was a little ticked about his younger assistant eyeing up his chair. Nobody knows for sure what happened there.
Mike
Black Shoe Diaries
by BSD on Jan 7, 2009 5:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Never knew
I always got the impression they were pretty close. Never realized there was friction there.
by JBusinger on Jan 7, 2009 5:33 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
There is respect
Sandusky is still seen around the program a lot and he’s still an ambassador for Penn State. But they didn’t have a very good working relationship from what I hear.
Mike
Black Shoe Diaries
by BSD on Jan 7, 2009 5:35 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Intangibles..
Let’s not forget about ‘other’ things outside the program that may have affected their leaving.
Sandusky may have been “pushed” out or tired of waiting to take over the HC position, but I remember the media spin was for him to focus more on his Second Mile project.
Ganter, I thought, left (in part) because his wife passed away, and perhaps his mind/heart wasn’t in it to be an OC full tilt. But wasn’t it Joe, who after Fran had some time to mourn his loss, create the current position he fulfills today that allows him to be part of the program? I may be wrong, but that’s what I remember about the departures of Jerry & Fran.
Never knew the thing about Brian Norwood. It obviously didn’t affect Jordan too much, I thought he turned in a “great” senior season.
by SHKNBKE60 on Jan 7, 2009 9:50 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Fran
I always saw Fran as being the fall guy for the dark years. There was a ton of heat on Joe to either change things or step down and let someone else do it. So Fran got bumped to the athletic department and Galen Hall came in to reshape the offense. That never sat well with me because Fran’s offenses were just fine back in the 1990’s. Our problem was that we couldn’t recruit the players we needed to compete. And if memory serves me, JayPa was recruiting coordinator in the late 90’s when the talent drop off began.
Mike
Black Shoe Diaries
by BSD on Jan 7, 2009 10:34 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
If memory serves correctly,
our slow descent into the dark years started after Craig Cirbus (the offensive line coach) left after 1994. Jeff Hartings and Marco Rivera were back in 1995, but when the last of the OL guys who were coached by Cirbus left, the OL play went downhill. And when the line went, the rest of the offense followed. We never did regroup and have an excellent OL until this past year (2005 had to do more with Michael Robinson’s leadership ability and ability to make plays as opposed to great OL play).
by Ab4PSU on Jan 8, 2009 8:17 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Crazy theory...
Sandusky didn’t accept another coaching position elswhere; hmmm.
Perhaps, he took some time away from the program to work on “other things” and a HC position is waiting for him when a certain 82 year old coach decides to retire?
This is pure conjecture on my part. I know absolutely nothing about the inner workings of the program. that is why I come here!
Anyway, Sandusky was a defensive mastermind. The way he could “adjust” and then “readjust” the defense was absolutely brilliant. I always wondered why he did not go pro. Sorry to go off topic.
by unitboy on Jan 8, 2009 11:13 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
???
Both Ganter and Sandusky had job offers from other schools and didn’t take them. How did Paterno push them out the door? Wouldn’t they have gone then? If anything, I always thought he did a better job keeping assistants than other coaches, doing the exact opposite of alienating them.
Ganter, in particular, is still at PSU working, in a department where he surely has frequent contact with Paterno.. How much could Joe have “pushed him away”
by Laaaaazzz on Jan 7, 2009 5:29 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Joe has a long history of telling people to kiss off if they’re even considering leaving. norwood, ganter, sandusky, hell even devlin.
It’s Joe’s way or no way, for better or worse.
by millzners on Jan 7, 2009 5:31 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Just speculation on my part
Ganter interviewed with Michigan State in the 90’s before they hired Saban. He didn’t get the job, and a few years later he was working in the athletic department. Just connecting the dots.
Mike
Black Shoe Diaries
by BSD on Jan 7, 2009 5:31 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I think there was a much different motive for that move.
Plus, Ganter was in a really tough spot in his life with the death of his wife.
--
Mr. Bob Dobalina
by Run Up The Score on Jan 7, 2009 9:21 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
why would he go?
i think it would be harder to recruit in IL? he’s able to get a lot of guys to go to PSU from Maryland b/c it’s relatively close. what is the likelihood that he’d be able to get those guys to go to IL?
by amandakt on Jan 7, 2009 5:07 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Pretty good
Zook always does well in the DC area for some reason. If you can get a few Maryland kids on your team you are likely to get more because they all know each other.
Mike
Black Shoe Diaries
by BSD on Jan 7, 2009 5:09 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
i don't get it...
why would anyone from MD would want to go to Illinois? I mean, I’ve been there? There is nothing in that state. not that there is much in PA, but we’re a heck of a lot closer to somewhere than IL is…LOL
by amandakt on Jan 7, 2009 5:10 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
How about this one
Arrilous Benn is from Maryland. I think we could have used him.
This would be a demotion for LJ on my eyes. Illinois is more like Pitt in program stature than Penn State.
by Lionseye on Jan 7, 2009 5:20 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah but
It’s a move up from a position coach to a coordinator. And you’re staying in the Big Ten.
Mike
Black Shoe Diaries
by BSD on Jan 7, 2009 5:23 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
LJ brought in guys that revived the program from purgatory
I will be seriously pissed if JoePa pushes him out the door.
by Mr. Rosewater on Jan 7, 2009 5:18 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Upside
Possible slight upside if Johnson were to leave: it has tended to be his recruits or his position players that have gotten into most of the legal issues in recent years. So, maybe we’d see some improvement in that regards (not that there was much issues in 2008). I’m not suggesting he’s at the root of that issue, but perhaps he has been more permissive or more likely to “turn a blind eye” to things than other coaches.
by Laaaaazzz on Jan 7, 2009 5:27 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Maybe
I have a tough time blaming LJSR for the actions of the players. But some people say he was too lenient on them and pleaded on their behalf. There were rumblings that he was not happy with the way Baker and Taylor were dismissed from the program.
Mike
Black Shoe Diaries
by BSD on Jan 7, 2009 5:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
And if he wasn't happy with that
Perhaps that would give him reason to leave the program?
John Madden told me 90% of the game was half-mental...
by TheK-GunNeedsReloaded on Jan 7, 2009 5:32 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Sure
If an employee doesn’t like their boss it’s usually just a matter of time until they leave.
Mike
Black Shoe Diaries
by BSD on Jan 7, 2009 5:33 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Still don't
think that is an upside. If you’re going to attach his name to the bad eggs, then you have to attach it to the good ones. The good ones are on the team now and were a big part of the magic last year and plans for the future. The good he did bringing those guys in outdoes him being lenient with a few bad eggs, if that was the case.
I was out in the trenches, which enables me to paint such a powerful picture, like Apocalypse Now.-Cormega
by OMEGAMAN on Jan 7, 2009 6:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Perhaps...
having to rely so heavily upon assistants to recruit challenges the idea of having an 82 year old head who can’t travel for more than 2 hours, and doesn’t visit prospects.
Just sayin’.
by NittanyBadger on Jan 7, 2009 5:46 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I'm with you.
--
Mr. Bob Dobalina
by Run Up The Score on Jan 7, 2009 9:22 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
And to slightly expound on that.
This was bound to happen eventually. Joe’s done a really good job keeping his coaching staff together, but with renewed success comes renewed interest in PSU’s assistants from other programs. And when a few of them leave, what’s left?
--
Mr. Bob Dobalina
by Run Up The Score on Jan 7, 2009 9:23 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
What needs to happen is
Bradley needs to be named head coach in waiting and LJSR needs to be named DC in waiting…
by whiteoutonly on Jan 7, 2009 6:43 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Has anyone thought...
of the repercussions on the current class? We might have some of those hard recruited MD recruits fly the coop… not to mention loose Jenkins.
Penn State fan stuck in NEPA for Pharmacy School
(Penn State needs a pharmacy program!!!)
by deihlba on Jan 7, 2009 6:48 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Yeah
We’ve all thought about it. Lets not panic until it actually happens.
by psuphiman80 on Jan 7, 2009 6:51 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Let's not even panic then.
When Ganter left, the sky was falling. When Sandusky left, the Sky was falling. Somehow the program managed to survive.
All your base are belong to JoePa.
by mushdamma on Jan 7, 2009 6:55 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
^THIS^
Yes it would suck if LJ Sr leaves, especially to the Zooker.
But it’s an opportunity for us to search for someone new. Say we lose Maryland with LJ Sr. But then we’d have a chance to find someone that can open new recruiting areas for us. Losing one coach, albeit a very valuable asset, is not the end of the program. We are Penn State, and it doesn’t get much more attractive than us.
If this goes down, I think we should focus on someone with deep ties to the talent base in western PA/eastern Ohio so we can start cutting into OSU’s territory.
Luring recruits with my new "Posting HD" scheme since '08.
by 06Lion on Jan 7, 2009 7:04 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Prospective Coach
Someone new coming in may not have a lot to work with time wise. No one can say for sure that Joe Pa will be here for more than a year. So to have someone come in now means this new coach would have to be a magician to get similar results in a different area of the country. And who knows how important Maryland could be to us in the next few years.
Unless someone can recruit Florida and Texas, this will be a loss that definitely affects recruiting.
I was out in the trenches, which enables me to paint such a powerful picture, like Apocalypse Now.-Cormega
by OMEGAMAN on Jan 7, 2009 7:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
What does this word
“new” mean exactly?
by PSUgirl on Jan 8, 2009 9:07 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Ganter leaving...
Well the reason I panicked when Ganter left is because I worried we’d lose his uber talented sons.
by NittanyBadger on Jan 8, 2009 1:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
A Good Time to Post
My all-time favorite BHGP post.
http://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/2008/6/19/555210/ron-zook-runs-into-tim-bre
by Cairo on Jan 7, 2009 7:20 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
For some reason, I prefer this exchange
Between JoePa and “Secretary”
http://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/2008/6/12/550817/joe-paterno-writes-a-progr
THAT REMINDS ME OF A JOKE
It’s 7:30 in the evening and I have many, many better things to do than transcribe your jokes. Can I go home?
NO
A PRIEST AND A RABBIT ARE IN A BAR
You mean rabbi?
NO, JUST THE ONE
--
Mr. Bob Dobalina
by Run Up The Score on Jan 8, 2009 12:16 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Wasn't there an earlier rumor about LJ retiring?
Had something to do with him retiring to devote more time to his church, I think. Maybe Zook is just interested in LJ and message boards are blowing something way out of proportion.
by NJ lion on Jan 7, 2009 8:55 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Terrible News
Living in Maryland I can tell you that the guy is a God here. Kids say that he absolutely commands attention when he comes to their high schools to talk to them, and coaches have nothing but respect for the man.
With the amount of D.C. and Maryland kids that we get on our roster on a yearly basis, I think it has to be a top priority to break the bank to make LJSR to stay put.
slovelace.blogspot.com - where journalism goes to die
by Deezy24 on Jan 7, 2009 11:43 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Courtney Brown, Jimmy Kennedy, Michael Haynes, and Tamba Hali
There’s a list of NFL superstars….
by mrb5091 on Jan 8, 2009 4:14 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
But there's a list of first round picks.
What happens when they leave PSU is up to them, their luck in landing in a good situation, and their luck in staying healthy.
--
Mr. Bob Dobalina
by Run Up The Score on Jan 8, 2009 9:01 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
oh, mrb was being sarcastic
- I get it.
Brown had the talent – he just didn’t have the health to back it up – when he did play, he was good. Sure, Hali’s numbers were down a bit this year (still led the chiefs in sacks) – but he’s been a solid player for the chiefs.
by PSUgirl on Jan 8, 2009 9:22 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
This really sucks
Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.
by wookieeman on Jan 8, 2009 8:01 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Nothing good can come out of this
I’m glad to see Illinois has some kind of plan for the future, whereas, Penn State, I’m not so sure. Granted I love having Joe Pa around and he has deserved everything he has received, but at some point the University has to make a decision and that should involve keeping the talented coaches.
We have recruited Maryland better than Pennsylvania the last few years mainly due to LJSR. To lose him would be a huge loss for the program.
by Screen Name 20 on Jan 8, 2009 8:20 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Illini Has Two Co-Defensive Coordinators
That’s how they justify paying them the big bucks. Why can’t we have 3…Scrap, Vandy & LJ?
by PSURob on Jan 8, 2009 9:21 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Here's why this is a big deal.
It’s not that LJ is probably leaving. That’s fine, in a sense. Successful programs lose coaches all the time, just look at the guys who routinely fill vacant coaching positions across the country. Indiana’s defensive coordinator isn’t getting interviewed for head coaching positions, you know?
The problem, to me, is that we’re going to have a very, very difficult time replacing LJ with someone of similar stature. Whomever fills that position is going to be on the very bottom rung of a coaching staff that doesn’t change much and doesn’t really have any opportunities for advancement. Plus, who wants to move their family to State College for what might only be a year or two?
--
Mr. Bob Dobalina
by Run Up The Score on Jan 8, 2009 9:35 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
C'mon!
You’re thinking there isn’t some young hot-shot who wouldn’t sell his mother for the chance to be a coach at a Big Ten school w/ serious resources, visibility, and exposure?
Young coaches might balk at having to do things “Joe’s way”, whatever that might be, but assistant coaches moving every year or two is an incredibly, incredibly common occurance for those looking to build a resume and advance. You’re just too used to PSU assistants staying here for 40 years.
Now, would Joe hire someone young & driven like that or rely on his network of loyal foot soldiers is a bigger question, in my mind.
by Tailgate Shogun on Jan 8, 2009 1:04 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Would hate to see LJ go
But since Zug is too busy running the offense we could get:
Who could resist his recruiting pitch?
by confirmy on Jan 9, 2009 4:25 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yes, the sun will come up tomorrow if
LJSr. leaves; however, this will still be a huge hit for the program. Aside from losing the valuable recruiting grounds; a new person will have to be brought up to speed, etc. This may mean something similar to a rebuilding year. Who knows? I hate to see him go because of the intangibles; tradition, loyalty, etc. to me these are a big deal.
On the other hand, as someone mentioned before, I think it would be freakin’ awesome if Lavar or Shane Conlan or Poz, etc. could be “enticed” into coming back as an assistant coach. With that kind of name recognition, recruiting may not suffer as much as we think.
by unitboy on Jan 8, 2009 11:03 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
just curious... what ever happened to Short?
I refuse to join any club that would have me as a member
by TheMightyErik on Jan 8, 2009 3:35 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
according to all knowing Wikipedia
“He is currently an NFL analyst for Daily News Live, a current T.V. show with NY media panels who analyze NY sports on the SNY Network in NYC. He analyzes every Giants and Jets game on Monday afternoons.”
by HookMania on Jan 8, 2009 5:13 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
WE NEED A SPARK
When Devlin left, there was a temporary meltdown. The sky was falling. Then we got Newsome. Nice.
Now LJ, as far as I’m concerned, has left the program. The sky is REALLY falling. Maybe we’ll snatch up a D-II DC or something. You never know. CROSS YOUR FRIGGIN FINGERS!!!
by millzners on Jan 8, 2009 11:21 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
One thing to take into consideration
that we really have no way of knowing . . . how would MRS. LJSR feel about leaving State College? We’ve heard that story that SuePa probably had a lot to do with Joe deciding at the last minute to turn down an offer from New England to coach the Pariots many moons ago. She didn’t want to leave State College.
I still live here and in ‘99 I moved my family down to Houston. We moved back up here three years later and I can tell you that it doesn’t matter what the future my hold my wife will NEVER let our family move out of this area again. Which is fine with me . . . I love this area too.
I mean, most of you guys know what I’m talking about . . . who’s the boss at YOUR house? They’re not just “assistants” on the football field. They know who their OTHER “head coach” is and if THAT HC loves Happy Valley, ain’t noone goin’ nowhere.
"the secret to loving your job is having a hobby that you really despise"
by nitwit86 on Jan 8, 2009 11:46 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Agreed
SC is a great area. There is truth to the belief that SC is typically above any economic problems faced by the remainder of the state (i.e. Happy Valley). I can’t explain it, yet it seems, to me, to be true.
Agreed to about the wife; she is certainly the boss. Pi$$ her off and I will pay dearly. I am reminded by the old joke about terrorism:
"Terrorism; I’m not afraid of terrorism, I’ve been married for 17 f#$%&*g years!
Any married guy can insert the number of “married years” in that statement.
Remember, you never saw me type this!
by unitboy on Jan 8, 2009 12:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The one thing we have going for us
Johnson is a huge family man, and Penn State is his family.
Mike
Black Shoe Diaries
by BSD on Jan 8, 2009 12:19 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
He’s previously said (sorry, too lazy to find) that he wants to spend more time with the church when he retires. Uprooting his family and moving might not be a good way to do that. One can argue every town has churches, but some people get really attached to their church.
And, unless my math is way off, he’s got to be at least 60 years old right now. He’s not exactly a young guy climbing his way up the ladder to be a HC some day.
by Tailgate Shogun on Jan 8, 2009 1:09 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I’ve heard similar thing regarding his church in the past, so I would kinda be surprised if he moved to IL at this stage in life. I think he’s just a nice respectful guy who is telling Zook he’ll listen to what he has to say, and it’s been turned into a sky is falling event. I least that’s what I hope has happened.
by NJ lion on Jan 8, 2009 2:11 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Mrs. LJSR
If LJ Sr treats women the same way LJ Jr does, Mrs. LJSR has zero say in where she ends up.
And if she does, she’ll have a gun pointed at her, spit on her face, and bruises.
Just sayin’.
by NittanyBadger on Jan 8, 2009 1:27 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Who has LJSR nailed down so far in the class of 2009?
Should there be a legitimate fear of those kids following him to Illinois? Especially any e-linemen?
by Spats on Jan 8, 2009 1:51 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Haven’t seen anyone post the obvious. PSU staff has to be one of the lowest paid….if not the lowest…..of the major D-1 programs. I am betting that the D-coordinator job at IL would be a HUGE salary bump from what LJSr is making right now. You can’t blame the man for looking out for his own best interests. Spanier better get it through his head that he is going to have to open up the purse strings bigtime when Paterno finally does go!
I thought only safeties played 15 yards off the ball?
by pic15 on Jan 8, 2009 2:03 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Am I mistaken
or didn’t Joe’s 3 year contract extension provide more money and security for the assistant coaches. It seems to me that I read that here, seeing as how it’s my only source for all things Penn State Football (thanks for the hard work and good reading, guys)!
I don’t want LJSR to leave, but I believe that our defense will always survive. We are LINEBACKER FREAKING U, after all, and have always had great defensive players.
For the comment about LJSR treating women the same way that his son does, I was at Penn State for grad school when LJJR was there and I don’t remember any rumors about him beating women then. Maybe I wasn’t tuned in to the right sources, though. Was there a history at Penn State? I had more of a feeling that LJJR wouldn’t try that shit with his dad right there to kick his ass.
For the glory
by Paige2PSU on Jan 8, 2009 5:54 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Ain't Mark D'Onofrio the DC for Temple?
Maybe Mark precedes Al Golden to Happy Valley and gets established. Then Al already has one of HIS people on the inside.
Also, if Joe lined up security for his assistants, why would LJ Sr. want to leave now? If Zook and Illinois continue to underproduce on the field, Zook’s (and Leaman’s) days are numbered, and I’m sure Illinois isn’t going to look after Zook’s staff if they shit can him.
by Ab4PSU on Jan 8, 2009 8:13 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Good thought
But D’Onofrio isn’t going to go from being a defensive coordinator to a position coach.
Mike
Black Shoe Diaries
by BSD on Jan 9, 2009 12:15 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Why not?
Is DC at Temple > position coach at PSU?
Sometimes you need to take what looks like a step “down” to keep moving up. Look at Devlin: starter at Delware for 2 years is (hopefully) better for his potential NFL career than 1 year backup + 1 year starter at PSU.
Maybe some DCs at smaller schools would love to get a foot in the door as a position coach at a place like Penn State.
by NJ lion on Jan 9, 2009 12:48 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
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