App State players are speaking out on Twitter

[MAD Doctor]

Hiring any new coach has its uncertainties. Why not go with a loyal alum who has a record of success, can recruit, and is revered by his players and can start today?

[bigdaddyg]

Hiring any new coach has its uncertainties. Why not go with a loyal alum who has a record of success, can recruit, and is revered by his players and can start today?

It has been said, and I think valid, "Don't overthink the room". That being said, the hire that needs to be made is a no-brainer. The whole key to App success is just getting recruits to visit. Once they see the magic on the mountain they get hooked. The coaches just don't need to screw it up.

[AppGrad78]

Regarding recruiting: A player we are pursuing decommitted from an AAC program yesterday. I suspect the timing is not coincidental.

[97APP]

I'm in on #Clark2020. He has the experience (including experience outside of Kidd-Brewer) that I believe a HC needs. He's an emotional leader but not too emotional (i.e. Elliot). But, he's also App through and through. The players rally around him. Most importantly I think he'd be a darn good coach.

I do think we need to do a real coaching search, but we also need to understand that the best option may already be on staff.

(Don't mistake the above to mean that I think he wouldn't leave for a life altering pay increase that a P5 can offer.).

[Rekdiver]

Clark is the right move right now...........

[hotrod2001]

Whoever it is we need to up the ante on our buyout clauses.

[Mjohn1988]

Does anybody know if Drink actually spoke with the players?

[MountaineerChemist10]

Does anybody know if Drink actually spoke with the players?

No idea but after watching how the players are reacting right now, my guess is he did not. Maybe about them going to NOLA bowl game but not about leaving for Mizzou.

[97APP]

Whoever it is we need to up the ante on our buyout clauses.

Buyouts are typically tied to compensation. Unless we pay a lot more, I doubt the buyout will increase.

[appbio91]

I want Shawn Clark hired if he interviews for the job and is determined to be the best man for the job, not because the players want him.

I love the players and what they have done for this program in the classroom, on the field and in the community. But this cannot be an emotional decision. There's too much at stake.

Don’t disagree, but what about this scenario:
A confident, almost cocky guy comes in, nails the interview much like Drink did, gets the job. DG being a good AD let’s him choose his staff with no input. New guy sees wide support for Clark and staff and feels threatened, or uncomfortable with keeping them. Retains no one and hires all new staff. Our players being what they are turn in another solid season and new coach gets new gig after 1 season, bolts and take whole staff with him. Large class graduates leaving little to no guys who have experienced or can maintain the culture we have spent the last 7+ seasons building. Next coach starts from scratch.

My point is on paper, we hired the best candidate this time, but how long can we sustain success at such a high level with new coaches, staff, mantras, schemes, motives, changing every year?
Is there a advantage to hiring the brightest star available that leaves in 1 year vs the solid coach that has the respect of the team, who is invested in the school, program and community who could realistically stay for 4-5 years?

New CEO’s usually keep some guys with knowledge around for transition but eventually replace everyone with hand picked guys. I give coach D credit for being smart enough to see that he needed to hang on to a couple guys. I bet my ass he would have purged them eventually especially if the locker room loyalty talk is true. Glad he wasn’t around long enough to hurt the culture.

[AppGrad78]

Drinkwitz’s buyout is appropriate, in my opinion. If I’m reading the contract correctly, the athletic department will actually make more money on the buyout than we will have spent on Drinkwitz’s salary.

[CVAPP]

Drinkwitz’s buyout is appropriate, in my opinion. If I’m reading the contract correctly, the athletic department will actually make more money on the buyout than we will have spent on Drinkwitz’s salary.

Those are my thoughts as well.

[CLTneers]

Drinkwitz’s buyout is appropriate, in my opinion. If I’m reading the contract correctly, the athletic department will actually make more money on the buyout than we will have spent on Drinkwitz’s salary.

No sure how much we'd make tho bc I believe we will end up paying close to $1 million after all the bonuses are paid.

[Mjohn1988]

Does anybody know if Drink actually spoke with the players?

No idea but after watching how the players are reacting right now, my guess is he did not. Maybe about them going to NOLA bowl game but not about leaving for Mizzou.

So how are the players reacting today?

[AppKing21]

Does anybody know if Drink actually spoke with the players?

No idea but after watching how the players are reacting right now, my guess is he did not. Maybe about them going to NOLA bowl game but not about leaving for Mizzou.

So how are the players reacting today?

The atmosphere will be tense if/when he does speak to them, especially since the players were actively campaigning for his replacement before any official announcement was made from Missouri.

[BeauFoster]

Drink better hope the Mizzou BOC approves his contract. Otherwise it's going to be REEEEAAAALLLLY awkward having to come back into the meeting rooms and coach.

[app83]

Given the circumstances am I correct in assuming that Drink is not allowed to participate in practice or team meetings at this time (other than perhaps a meeting where he addresses the team and formally lets them know he is leaving)?

[Rekdiver]

I bet he sends a candygram to the team............

[HighPointApp]

[HighPointApp]

I bet he sends a candygram to the team............