Southern Miss fires coach

[Saint3333]

Human nature will come into play. What was "acceptable" to decision makers will inherently shift as the season progresses, it already has based on discussions (in rooms that matter).

- Context matters
- Competitiveness matters (10+ point losses are adding up)
- Recency theory will play a big factor (wins or losses vs. JMU and GS to end the season)
- Transfer portal decisions will matter

[MrCraig]

Human nature will come into play. What was "acceptable" to decision makers will inherently shift as the season progresses, it already has based on discussions (in rooms that matter).

- Context matters
- Competitiveness matters (10+ point losses are adding up)
- Recency theory will play a big factor (wins or losses vs. JMU and GS to end the season)
- Transfer portal decisions will matter

I know I'm not a decision maker in this case, but even if the team wins out, that's a 7-4 season. That's not great. That's certainly not the "standard" especially when App finished the season so strong last year and then laid an egg to start this year. To me, there isn't much that can happen before the end of the season to save Clark's job.

[Stonewall]

Seven and four he's back .

[Saint3333]

I agree those making the decision would keep him at 7-4, reading the tea leaves 6-5 with wins at the end against rivals gets it done. But it will likely cost a coordinator in that scenario.

[Stonewall]

I’ve said before that a winning record brings him back. My gut feeling anyway.

[AppStFan1]

I’ve said before that a winning record brings him back. My gut feeling anyway.

That is what I am thinking. I feel like 6-5 or better and he returns with true pressure to improve from that in 2025 or be let go but anything less than 6-5 and i can see a change made. A gut feeling like you as well.

[BallantyneApp]

I agree those making the decision would keep him at 7-4, reading the tea leaves 6-5 with wins at the end against rivals gets it done. But it will likely cost a coordinator in that scenario.

My problem with this is we have to extend him at the end of the year if we’re bringing him back.

Yeah maybe 7-4 gets an extension but should it?

6-5 is a no go imo

[Saint3333]

I agree those making the decision would keep him at 7-4, reading the tea leaves 6-5 with wins at the end against rivals gets it done. But it will likely cost a coordinator in that scenario.

My problem with this is we have to extend him at the end of the year if we’re bringing him back.

Yeah maybe 7-4 gets an extension but should it?

6-5 is a no go imo

I don't disagree. You may know this, but to clarify my post should not be read as what I would personally do, but what I believe the decision makers will do.

[BallantyneApp]

I’m sure this has been said, but what’s the current buyout?

GO APPS!!

Buyout is $1M right now and drops to $500k on Dec 2. It drops to $300K on Dec 2 next year.

I could a situation where a strong finish keeps Clark around for another year, but with a short leash since the drop in buyout isn't nearly as big. He wouldn't be a lame duck next year since there are two years remaining on his contract.

He is a lame duck for 2026 recruiting next year

[AppStFan1]

I’m sure this has been said, but what’s the current buyout?

GO APPS!!

Buyout is $1M right now and drops to $500k on Dec 2. It drops to $300K on Dec 2 next year.

I could a situation where a strong finish keeps Clark around for another year, but with a short leash since the drop in buyout isn't nearly as big. He wouldn't be a lame duck next year since there are two years remaining on his contract.

He is a lame duck for 2026 recruiting next year

100%. That is the issue if we just go 6-5 and he comes back. Gillin won't want to extend him and give him a buyout so that would mean Shawn is a lame duck coach in recruiting and the class could be worse. Would he extend him without a buyout included so he could part ways at any time? Would Shawn agree to that?

[AppinVA]

I think he’d take an extension without an extended buyout. Otherwise…bye.

[Stonewall]

I don’t see an extension this season unless we pummel our remaining opponents. If he comes back at less , I should say they , they will have to find a way to win 8 or 9 games in 2025 to get an extension. I’m not sure the vote would be unanimous in either scenario.

[AppStFan1]

I don’t see an extension this season unless we pummel our remaining opponents. If he comes back at less , I should say they , they will have to find a way to win 8 or 9 games in 2025 to get an extension. I’m not sure the vote would be unanimous in either scenario.

I think either way it won't be unanimous for sure. I think a tough conversation will take place either way.

[T-Dog]

Gillin has done a "poison pill" contract before where he gave the extension but lowered the buyout to fire the coach later. He did it with Jim Fox.

[AppSt91]

I’m sure this has been said, but what’s the current buyout?

GO APPS!!

Buyout is $1M right now and drops to $500k on Dec 2. It drops to $300K on Dec 2 next year.

I could a situation where a strong finish keeps Clark around for another year, but with a short leash since the drop in buyout isn't nearly as big. He wouldn't be a lame duck next year since there are two years remaining on his contract.

He is a lame duck for 2026 recruiting next year

100%. That is the issue if we just go 6-5 and he comes back. Gillin won't want to extend him and give him a buyout so that would mean Shawn is a lame duck coach in recruiting and the class could be worse. Would he extend him without a buyout included so he could part ways at any time? Would Shawn agree to that?

6-5 would mean a 4-1 finish and I haven’t seen anything that would lead to that possibility.

[AppStFan1]

I’m sure this has been said, but what’s the current buyout?

GO APPS!!

Buyout is $1M right now and drops to $500k on Dec 2. It drops to $300K on Dec 2 next year.

I could a situation where a strong finish keeps Clark around for another year, but with a short leash since the drop in buyout isn't nearly as big. He wouldn't be a lame duck next year since there are two years remaining on his contract.

He is a lame duck for 2026 recruiting next year

100%. That is the issue if we just go 6-5 and he comes back. Gillin won't want to extend him and give him a buyout so that would mean Shawn is a lame duck coach in recruiting and the class could be worse. Would he extend him without a buyout included so he could part ways at any time? Would Shawn agree to that?

6-5 would mean a 4-1 finish and I haven’t seen anything that would lead to that possibility.

To be fair to Shawn he did have the turnaround nobody really saw last year either so we will see. I doubt it though.

[Bootsy]

Buyout is $1M right now and drops to $500k on Dec 2. It drops to $300K on Dec 2 next year.

I could a situation where a strong finish keeps Clark around for another year, but with a short leash since the drop in buyout isn't nearly as big. He wouldn't be a lame duck next year since there are two years remaining on his contract.

He is a lame duck for 2026 recruiting next year

100%. That is the issue if we just go 6-5 and he comes back. Gillin won't want to extend him and give him a buyout so that would mean Shawn is a lame duck coach in recruiting and the class could be worse. Would he extend him without a buyout included so he could part ways at any time? Would Shawn agree to that?

6-5 would mean a 4-1 finish and I haven’t seen anything that would lead to that possibility.

To be fair to Shawn he did have the turnaround nobody really saw last year either so we will see. I doubt it though.

And to be fair, a key reason for that turnaround was healthier, more talented defensive players. Sloan had the pieces, it was just a matter of putting them in the right scheme. Like you, I'm not as confident that we'll see the turnaround.

[311neers]

I don’t see an extension this season unless we pummel our remaining opponents. If he comes back at less , I should say they , they will have to find a way to win 8 or 9 games in 2025 to get an extension. I’m not sure the vote would be unanimous in either scenario.

Wasn’t this the year we were supposed to win 9+ games? What changed in the front office the past month? Why are we accepting and creating a new standard that 6 wins is good enough?

[ASUTodd]

I don’t see an extension this season unless we pummel our remaining opponents. If he comes back at less , I should say they , they will have to find a way to win 8 or 9 games in 2025 to get an extension. I’m not sure the vote would be unanimous in either scenario.

Wasn’t this the year we were supposed to win 9+ games? What changed in the front office the past month? Why are we accepting and creating a new standard that 6 wins is good enough?

It's the phenomenon of shifting baselines. My baseline hasn't shifted. Rip the bandaid off now and move on.

[spacemonkey]

I hope it depends on who is reaching out to Gillin with overtures of wanting the job.

Maybe there are some really good coaches approaching us for a chance to prove themselves. Unfortunately, Clark and team had a really good opportunity that they have let slip through their finger tips.