Let me start by saying, I've disliked or, at best, have been really uncertain about nearly every move Ash has and is making. I'm not a believer at this point that he's the right guy for the job.
But I am a die-hard RU supporter, so I support Ash as long as he's here because I desperately want RU to be something much better than it is in all aspects.
So if Hobbs believes Ash is still the guy, here's the only way I see him being able to turn this thing around into an acceptable football product.
1) Move #1 is entirely in his control and the most sensible and impactful move he can make right now. Ash MUST become the de-facto Defensive Coordinator. I don't care if he keeps the title to himself or gives someone a title (more on this later). But Ash must be the master mind and play caller behind the defense. That is his bread and butter as a coach and thats what got him here. So he needs to use that strength right now.
2) Move #2 - If Ash is as good as we hope he is as a D-Coordinator. He builds this program and team identity around defense. It has to be a style and result that people get excited about. The pieces are actually there to make this possible - we have talent and possibly even depth on the defensive side of the ball (big exception on the D-line, which is not a small thing). This is his best chance to change the perception and give a sense of "building" to the future.
3) Move #3 - The QB position needs a minor miracle via transfer / JUCO for 2019. I say miracle because Ash doesn't have a lot to sell to high profile guys, other than a starting position on a Big Ten team. But for someone with major talent that sales pitch alone should be enough for any coach desperate enough to turn this around. This MUST be done or else he's staring down another 3 win or less season.
^^ All the above are absolute musts for the 2019 season to smell anything like progress (except the obvious of getting 6 wins)
The below are things he needs to do to actually build this program for any chance of success in the future:
4) Move #4 - Ash needs to get PROVEN BIG TIME recruiters into his staff ASAP. Enough trying to cherry pick up and comers. He needs to find a way to attract guys who connect with HS athletes and have been successful at landing them wherever they go. Every program wants these guys on their staff so Hobbs has to give Ash the purse to do this. It must be recognized as a weakness and addressed critically as such. Other than dollars, Ash could also use title to lure some guys into his staff (see: vacated D-coordinator title mentioned above)
5) Move #5 - Ash MUST re-energize the fan base. This is part of his job and when times are tough and your seat gets hot, a lost fan base is your worst enemy. Ash needs to find a way to get people re-engaged with the program. He needs to open up the media policy. He needs to sincerely get excited about RU traditions, events, etc. Something as simple as bringing back "Keep Chopping" would energize some people. He's gotta get the former players engaged and feeling like they're a part of this. He's gotta try it all.
Just my thoughts on a possible path to success for Chris Ash to pull it off at Rutgers based on where we currently stand. No need to revisit the past mistakes, simply just next steps forward looking.
But I am a die-hard RU supporter, so I support Ash as long as he's here because I desperately want RU to be something much better than it is in all aspects.
So if Hobbs believes Ash is still the guy, here's the only way I see him being able to turn this thing around into an acceptable football product.
1) Move #1 is entirely in his control and the most sensible and impactful move he can make right now. Ash MUST become the de-facto Defensive Coordinator. I don't care if he keeps the title to himself or gives someone a title (more on this later). But Ash must be the master mind and play caller behind the defense. That is his bread and butter as a coach and thats what got him here. So he needs to use that strength right now.
2) Move #2 - If Ash is as good as we hope he is as a D-Coordinator. He builds this program and team identity around defense. It has to be a style and result that people get excited about. The pieces are actually there to make this possible - we have talent and possibly even depth on the defensive side of the ball (big exception on the D-line, which is not a small thing). This is his best chance to change the perception and give a sense of "building" to the future.
3) Move #3 - The QB position needs a minor miracle via transfer / JUCO for 2019. I say miracle because Ash doesn't have a lot to sell to high profile guys, other than a starting position on a Big Ten team. But for someone with major talent that sales pitch alone should be enough for any coach desperate enough to turn this around. This MUST be done or else he's staring down another 3 win or less season.
^^ All the above are absolute musts for the 2019 season to smell anything like progress (except the obvious of getting 6 wins)
The below are things he needs to do to actually build this program for any chance of success in the future:
4) Move #4 - Ash needs to get PROVEN BIG TIME recruiters into his staff ASAP. Enough trying to cherry pick up and comers. He needs to find a way to attract guys who connect with HS athletes and have been successful at landing them wherever they go. Every program wants these guys on their staff so Hobbs has to give Ash the purse to do this. It must be recognized as a weakness and addressed critically as such. Other than dollars, Ash could also use title to lure some guys into his staff (see: vacated D-coordinator title mentioned above)
5) Move #5 - Ash MUST re-energize the fan base. This is part of his job and when times are tough and your seat gets hot, a lost fan base is your worst enemy. Ash needs to find a way to get people re-engaged with the program. He needs to open up the media policy. He needs to sincerely get excited about RU traditions, events, etc. Something as simple as bringing back "Keep Chopping" would energize some people. He's gotta get the former players engaged and feeling like they're a part of this. He's gotta try it all.
Just my thoughts on a possible path to success for Chris Ash to pull it off at Rutgers based on where we currently stand. No need to revisit the past mistakes, simply just next steps forward looking.
