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{{seealso|2008 Texas A&M Aggies football team}}
{{seealso|2008 Texas A&M Aggies football team}}
====Hiring====
====Hiring====
Although Sherman was informed by his [[sports agent|agent]] while with the Houston Texans that there would be an NFL head coaching job had he waited another few years, Sherman did not hesitate to accept the head coaching job at [[Texas A&M]], which had been vacated by the forced-out [[Dennis Franchione]]. Sherman stated, "[I accepted in] as much time as it takes to say yes. I didn't have to think about this. This is where I want to be, where I want to live my life. I raised my kids here when they were young. This is kind-of going full circle. I've been there, done that at other places and I want to be able to do something special here at College Station with Texas A&M."<ref name=C6>{{cite news|url=http://media.www.thebatt.com/media/storage/paper657/news/2008/04/03/Sports/Spring.Cleaning-3299935-page2.shtml|title=Sherman aims to restore tradition in Aggie football|publisher=''The Battalion''|accessdate=2008-04-04|date=2008-04-03|author=Ryan, Kenny}}</ref> On [[November 26]], [[2007]], three days after Franchione resigned, Sherman was announced as the new head coach, becoming the 28th head coach of the Texas A&M football program.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/college/5329158.html|title=Texas A&M hires Sherman to replace Franchione|publisher=''Houston Chronicle''|accessdate=2007-11-26|date=2007-11-26|author=Duncan, Chris|work=Associated Press}}</ref> Sherman was contacted after the Aggies' final regular season matchup over [[Texas Longhorns football|Texas]] on Friday, November 23rd, and was hired after the Texans' loss to the [[Cleveland Browns|Browns]] on Sunday, November 25th. The only coaching candidate interviewed for the job, Sherman signed a seven-year contract that pays a yearly salary of [[USD|$]]1.8 million.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://media.www.thebatt.com/media/storage/paper657/news/2007/11/26/News/Sherman.Named.Head.Coach-3115364.shtml|title=Sherman Named Head Coach|publisher=''The Battalion''|accessdate=2007-11-26|date=2007-11-26|author=Cox, Brad}}</ref> Sherman requested that he would rather not be paid the $2 million/year that Franchione was making, insisting that he "would rather take less and go out and hire the best coordinators and coaches".<ref name=RR1/> Former Aggie [[NFL]] players [[Richmond Webb]], [[Hunter Goodwin]], and [[Bucky Richardson]], as well as former A&M coaches [[R. C. Slocum]] and [[Jackie Sherrill]], had approved of Sherman's hire. Additionally, the interim president of the university at the time, Dr. Ed Davis, and the Texas A&M [[Board of Regents]], including former A&M coach [[Gene Stallings]], approved as well.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.theeagle.com/am/President__regents_like_decision|title=President, regents like decision|publisher=''The Eagle''|accessdate=2007-11-27|date=2007-11-27|author=Avison, April}}</ref> Former Green Bay quarterback [[Brett Favre]] and [[Indianapolis Colts]] head coach [[Tony Dungy]] have supported the hire and expect Sherman to do a great job at A&M.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aggieathletics.com/coaches.php?SID=MFB&CID=236|title=Sherman, Mike|publisher=Texas A&M Athletics|accessdate=2008-01-04}}</ref>
During his stint with the Houston Texans, Sherman was informed by his [[sports agent|agent]] that there would be an NFL head coaching job had he waited another few years. However, when offered the [[Texas A&M]] head coaching job, which had been vacated by the forced-out [[Dennis Franchione]], Sherman did not hesitate to accept it. Sherman stated, "[I accepted in] as much time as it takes to say yes. I didn't have to think about this. This is where I want to be, where I want to live my life. I raised my kids here when they were young. This is kind-of going full circle. I've been there, done that at other places and I want to be able to do something special here at College Station with Texas A&M."<ref name=C6>{{cite news|url=http://media.www.thebatt.com/media/storage/paper657/news/2008/04/03/Sports/Spring.Cleaning-3299935-page2.shtml|title=Sherman aims to restore tradition in Aggie football|publisher=''The Battalion''|accessdate=2008-04-04|date=2008-04-03|author=Ryan, Kenny}}</ref> On [[November 26]], [[2007]], three days after Franchione resigned, Sherman was officially announced as the 28th head coach of the Texas A&M football program in a press conference.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/college/5329158.html|title=Texas A&M hires Sherman to replace Franchione|publisher=''Houston Chronicle''|accessdate=2007-11-26|date=2007-11-26|author=Duncan, Chris|work=Associated Press}}</ref> Athletic director [[Bill Byrne]] contacted Sherman after the Aggies' final regular season matchup over [[Texas Longhorns football|Texas]] on Friday, November 23rd, and hired him after the Texans' loss to the [[Cleveland Browns|Browns]] on Sunday, November 25th.
The only coaching candidate interviewed for the job, Sherman signed a seven-year contract that pays a yearly salary of [[USD|$]]1.8 million.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://media.www.thebatt.com/media/storage/paper657/news/2007/11/26/News/Sherman.Named.Head.Coach-3115364.shtml|title=Sherman Named Head Coach|publisher=''The Battalion''|accessdate=2007-11-26|date=2007-11-26|author=Cox, Brad}}</ref> Sherman requested that he would rather not be paid the $2 million/year that Franchione was making, insisting that he "would rather take less and go out and hire the best coordinators and coaches".<ref name=RR1/> Former Aggie [[NFL]] players [[Richmond Webb]], [[Hunter Goodwin]], and [[Bucky Richardson]], as well as former A&M coaches [[R. C. Slocum]] and [[Jackie Sherrill]], stated their approval of Sherman's hire. Additionally, the interim president of the university at the time, Dr. Ed Davis, and the Texas A&M [[Board of Regents]], including former A&M coach [[Gene Stallings]], approved as well.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.theeagle.com/am/President__regents_like_decision|title=President, regents like decision|publisher=''The Eagle''|accessdate=2007-11-27|date=2007-11-27|author=Avison, April}}</ref> Former Green Bay quarterback [[Brett Favre]] and [[Indianapolis Colts]] head coach [[Tony Dungy]] have also supported the hire and expected Sherman to do a great job at A&M.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aggieathletics.com/coaches.php?SID=MFB&CID=236|title=Sherman, Mike|publisher=Texas A&M Athletics|accessdate=2008-01-04}}</ref>


====Assistant coach appointments====
====Assistant coach appointments====

Revision as of 03:19, 1 August 2008

Mike Sherman is the 28th and current head coach for the Texas A&M Aggies football team, which represents Texas A&M University in NCAA Division I FBS college football. He has been the coach since his appointment in November 2007. Sherman replaced former head coach Dennis Franchione, who compiled a 32–28 overall record from the 2003–2007 seasons.

Seasons

2008

See also: 2008 Texas A&M Aggies football team

Hiring

During his stint with the Houston Texans, Sherman was informed by his agent that there would be an NFL head coaching job had he waited another few years. However, when offered the Texas A&M head coaching job, which had been vacated by the forced-out Dennis Franchione, Sherman did not hesitate to accept it. Sherman stated, "[I accepted in] as much time as it takes to say yes. I didn't have to think about this. This is where I want to be, where I want to live my life. I raised my kids here when they were young. This is kind-of going full circle. I've been there, done that at other places and I want to be able to do something special here at College Station with Texas A&M."[1] On November 26, 2007, three days after Franchione resigned, Sherman was officially announced as the 28th head coach of the Texas A&M football program in a press conference.[2] Athletic director Bill Byrne contacted Sherman after the Aggies' final regular season matchup over Texas on Friday, November 23rd, and hired him after the Texans' loss to the Browns on Sunday, November 25th.

The only coaching candidate interviewed for the job, Sherman signed a seven-year contract that pays a yearly salary of $1.8 million.[3] Sherman requested that he would rather not be paid the $2 million/year that Franchione was making, insisting that he "would rather take less and go out and hire the best coordinators and coaches".[4] Former Aggie NFL players Richmond Webb, Hunter Goodwin, and Bucky Richardson, as well as former A&M coaches R. C. Slocum and Jackie Sherrill, stated their approval of Sherman's hire. Additionally, the interim president of the university at the time, Dr. Ed Davis, and the Texas A&M Board of Regents, including former A&M coach Gene Stallings, approved as well.[5] Former Green Bay quarterback Brett Favre and Indianapolis Colts head coach Tony Dungy have also supported the hire and expected Sherman to do a great job at A&M.[6]

Assistant coach appointments

Sherman chose to finish his term with the Houston Texans before working full-time as the Aggies' head coach. The Texans ended their regular season December 30, 2007. While serving both roles, Sherman contacted A&M's orally committed recruits[7] by telephone,[8][4] and hired former Nebraska recruiting coordinator Tim Cassidy—who had been the recruiting coordinator at A&M from 1989–2004—to serve as the recruiting coordinator as well as the associate athletic director for football.[9][10] Once Sherman started his job full-time, he named Seattle Seahawks wide receivers coach Nolan Cromwell to be his offensive coordinator[11] and former Arkansas Razorbacks coach Reggie Herring to be his defensive coordinator.[12] Herring, however, resigned in February 2008 after National Signing Day to become the linebackers coach for the Dallas Cowboys.[13] Sherman worked with Cromwell under head coach Mike Holmgren at Green Bay.[14] Sherman assigned Cromwell to call the plays, and indicated that he will have veto power when necessary.[15]

On January 9, 2008, Sherman announced Buddy Wyatt would coach the defensive line. At the time of his hiring, Wyatt had 18 years of collegiate coaching experience, including 3 seasons as a defensive line coach at A&M from 2000–02. In 2001, the Aggie defense ranked 10th in the nation.[16] Sherman also retained defensive backs coach Van Malone, who coached under Franchione for the 2006–07 seasons. Malone is the only member from Franchione's staff to be retained.[17] Former Boston College offensive line coach Jim Turner,[18] as well as former NFL running back Randy Jordan, were selected to coach the offensive line and running backs, respectively.[19] On January 28, 2008, Sherman named former Packers coach Tom Rossley as the quarterbacks coach.[20] On February 13, 2008, Sherman hired former Alabama defensive coordinator Joe Kines to replace Herring.[21] Kines' defensive squads at Alabama ranked second in the nation in 2004 and 2005, and 23rd in 2006.[22] Two days later, former Denver Broncos coach Kirk Doll, another former A&M coach (from 1988–93), was hired to be the tight ends and special teams coach.[23]

Preseason

Sherman was able to retain most of Franchione's recruits for the 2008 season.[24] On February 6, 2008—the 2008 National Signing Day A&M received letters of intent from 24 players. Of those 24, 3 ranked in ESPN's top 150 national players list,[25], and 5 ranked in Rivals.com's top 250.[26] 22 are from Texas.[27] Rivals.com also included 14 of the commits on its Texas Top 100 ranking.[28] The recruiting class was ranked No. 16 by Rivals, No. 15 by Scout.com,[29] and No. 25 by ESPN.[30][31]

Sherman has emphasized improving the team's speed, particularly on defense. He also stated that a run-oriented offense, which former head coach Dennis Franchione emphasized, is antiquated,[32] and improving the speed on offense is crucial in matching the speed of current successful college teams.[15][33] He, along with defensive coordinator Joe Kines,[34] also seeks to bring back the "Wrecking Crew" Aggie defense that was among the nation's best in the early 1990s.[1]

During the preseason, Sherman made some player adjustments to fit his pro-style offensive scheme. Von Miller, who was a backup defensive end in the 2007 season, and Garrick Williams, his high school teammate, were moved to outside linebacker. Safety Jordan Pugh was shifted to cornerback, which he played in high school. Devin Gregg moved to free safety from strong safety. Jordan Peterson, after playing two seasons at cornerback, became a safety. Jamie McCoy, who moved from quarterback to wide receiver the previous season, shifted to tight end. Defensive back Chevar Bryson became a wideout. Running back Jorvorskie Lane is losing weight while making the move from tailback to fullback.[35][36][37][38] Sherman stated that Lane would need to block and catch more as a fullback.[39]

In April 2008, a Sporting News writer ranked Sherman 8th among all Big 12 coaches, above first-year Nebraska coach Bo Pelini, Oklahoma State's Mike Gundy, Iowa State's Gene Chizik, and Kansas State's Ron Prince, who ranked 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th, respectively.[40] The same writer ranked Sherman 46th among all the BCS 66 coaches.[41]

Sherman had stated that the "football team belongs to Texas A&M, and Texas A&M belongs to the students." For the 2008 Maroon and White spring exhibition game on April 19, 2008, Sherman called for two students to serve as honorary coaches, one for the maroon team and the other for the white. Students interested in the position were to submit a video clip no longer than 2 minutes detailing why they should be selected. Each of the student coaches would give their respective team a pre-game speech and interact with players, coaches, and staff on the sidelines during the game.[42] Two days prior to the spring game, he also held an open forum for students at the Memorial Student Center. Approximately 300 students attended, and questions were asked about the team.[43]

Upon the completion of the spring practices, players had described Sherman as "no-nonsense and all business". Sherman held ten 6:00 a.m. meetings prior to spring training, and continued to hold meetings at the same time on the days of spring practice. According to Sherman, the meetings featured "40 minutes of chaos. Drills, drills, drills, running, with coaches on their butts." Players who were late to the meetings were asked to jog an unspecified distance as a form of punishment. In fact, Sherman stressed that "being on time is a matter of respect", a lesson he believes that young people should be taught early. He even placed 25 digital clocks throughout the Bright Football Complex—the facility that houses the locker room, player's lounge, and coaches' offices, among others—so that players can be certain they manage their time well. None of the players missed the workouts, except three who had a medical excuse. Defensive end Cyril Obiozor commented "I guess (Sherman) commands respect. It's like nobody wanted to be that first person to miss. Nobody wanted to be the example guy". Obiozor, who played under former coach Franchione for three seasons, also pointed out the difference between Franchione's and Sherman's coaching technique: "This staff also has scheme, of course, but they coach more technique. There's more attention to detail." You know why you're doing something instead of just running around." Sherman also set a rule to punish players who miss class. Quarterback Stephen McGee stated: "If you missed a class, coach would call you out in the team meeting in front of everybody. Nobody wanted to be called out like that, so they took care of business".[44] McGee also included: "Just being around him, there is no doubt he knows his stuff. Just the way he takes care of his business, he gets everyone to buy in and make sure they are doing what they are supposed to do. He did that from day one."[45][46]

The June 26th edition of The Battalion featured a 5-question interview with Sherman. One of the questions asked why he decided to return to college coaching, and to that he answered that the A&M job is great since it is at a place he is familiar with, and also provides an "excellent situation" to win games and championships, which he indicated is important to him. He also took the job so that he could work with Bill Byrne, whom he finds to be an "excellent" athletic director. In another question, Sherman noted that he likes the "pressure to win at Texas A&M" and that he admires a job where others have high expectations and concern about the work he does. When questioned about his expectations for the season, he responded that he leaves that to the experts to handle, and stated his only expectation is that the team improves everyday. He also included that fans can expect the team to play with the "Aggie Spirit" every game. One of the other questions asked about any more position changes, and Sherman reiterated most of them, and added two new ones: Chevar Bryson to wide receiver and Garrick Williams to outside linebacker. The final question asked why he feels the connection to the students is important, as he has made efforts to solidify it through means of which include speaking to students at halftime at an Aggie basketball game, and taking the whole team to a Silver Taps. He answered that the school itself "is what it is" due to the current and former students. He feels that the football team is an extension of the student body, and that he wants the team "to feel the students' spirit and passion" when it plays games on the field. He mentioned that when he came in, he didn't like how the team was a "separate entity" on campus. He wants everyone to have the connection as all are members of the Aggie family.[47]

Coaching record

Year Team Overall Conference Standing Bowl/playoffs Coaches# AP°
Texas A&M Aggies (Big 12 Conference) (2008–present)
2008 Texas A&M 0–0 0–0
Texas A&M: 0–0 0–0
Total: 0–0
      National championship         Conference title         Conference division title or championship game berth

See also

References

  1. ^ a b Ryan, Kenny (2008-04-03). "Sherman aims to restore tradition in Aggie football". The Battalion. Retrieved 2008-04-04. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  2. ^ Duncan, Chris (2007-11-26). "Texas A&M hires Sherman to replace Franchione". Associated Press. Houston Chronicle. Retrieved 2007-11-26. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  3. ^ Cox, Brad (2007-11-26). "Sherman Named Head Coach". The Battalion. Retrieved 2007-11-26. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  4. ^ a b Riggs, Randy (2007-11-26). "Aggies give thumbs up to Sherman". Austin American-Statesman. Retrieved 2007-11-26. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  5. ^ Avison, April (2007-11-27). "President, regents like decision". The Eagle. Retrieved 2007-11-27. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  6. ^ "Sherman, Mike". Texas A&M Athletics. Retrieved 2008-01-04.
  7. ^ Davis, Brian (2007-12-23). "No worries as Texas A&M waits". Dallas Morning News. Retrieved 2007-12-23. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  8. ^ Miller, John (2007-11-27). "Sherman won't be on the job yet". Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Retrieved 2007-11-27. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  9. ^ Davis, Brian (2007-11-30). "Tim Cassidy returns as Texas A&M recruiting coordinator". Dallas Morning News. Retrieved 2007-11-30. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  10. ^ Harris, Terrance (2007-11-30). "Aggies bring back Cassidy to aid football operations". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved 2007-12-01. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  11. ^ "Cromwell Named Texas A&M Offensive Coordinator" (Press release). Texas A&M Athletics. 2008-01-05. Retrieved 2008-01-08.
  12. ^ "Herring Named Texas A&M Defensive Coordinator" (Press release). Texas A&M Athletics. 2008-01-04. Retrieved 2008-01-08.
  13. ^ MySA.com: KENS 5: Sports
  14. ^ AP Wire - Washington | kgw.com | News for Oregon and SW Washington
  15. ^ a b Riggs, Randy (2008-01-10). "Sherman: Ags must improve team speed". Austin American-Statesman. Retrieved 2008-02-14. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  16. ^ "Wyatt Named Defensive Line Coach" (Press release). Texas A&M Athletics. 2008-01-09. Retrieved 2008-01-09.
  17. ^ Texas A&M Athletics Malone Retained as Defensive Backs Coach
  18. ^ Texas A&M Athletics Turner Named Offensive Line Coach
  19. ^ Texas A&M Athletics Jordan Named Running Backs Coach
  20. ^ "Reynolds Named Director of Football Operations/Research and Development" (Press release). Texas A&M Athletics. 2008-01-28. Retrieved 2008-02-09.
  21. ^ "Kines Named Assistant Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator" (Press release). Texas A&M Athletics. 2008-02-13. Retrieved 2008-02-13.
  22. ^ Walsh, Christopher (2008-02-13). "Back in coaching, former UA assistant headed to Aggies". Tuscaloosa News. Retrieved 2008-04-11. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  23. ^ Texas A&M Athletics Doll Named Texas A&M Special Teams Coordinator and Tight Ends Coach
  24. ^ Golden, Cedric (2008-02-07). "In today's win-now atmosphere, Aggies' Sherman gets it". Austin American Statesman. Retrieved 2008-04-11. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  25. ^ ESPN - Texas A&M Aggies Football Recruiting 2008
  26. ^ Rivals.com Prospect Rankings
  27. ^ http://www.star-telegram.com/college_sports/story/459067.html
  28. ^ Rivals.com Prospect Rankings
  29. ^ Scout.com: Football Recruiting
  30. ^ ESPN - Miami claims top 2008 recruiting class - Insider
  31. ^ Luginbill, Tom (2008-01-22). "Class of 2008 Big 12 South recruiting overview". ESPN.
  32. ^ "Aggies adjusting to big changes of Sherman's offense". 2008-04-17.
  33. ^ Davis, Brian (2008-01-10). "Texas A&M to improve its recruiting in Dallas". Dallas Morning News. Retrieved 2008-04-11. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  34. ^ Zwerneman, Brent (2008-03-26). "Aggies Mailbag: Kines likes to yell, but so did his predecessors". San Antonio Express-News. Retrieved 2008-04-11. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  35. ^ Aggiesports.com
  36. ^ Fewer Rolls, New Role for Jorvorskie Lane? - FanHouse - AOL Sports Blog
  37. ^ Aggiesports.com
  38. ^ "Inside Dish: BCS system likely to get stronger". Sporting News. 2008-01-04. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  39. ^ Zwerneman, Brent (2008-03-26). "College football: Sherman re-evaluates Aggies' backfield". San Antonio Express-News. Retrieved 2008-04-11. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  40. ^ "Ranking the BCS coaches: Big 12 has big potential". Sporting News. 2008-04-02. Retrieved 2008-04-11. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  41. ^ "Ranking the BCS coaches: USC's Carroll second to none". Sporting News. 2008-04-10. Retrieved 2008-04-11. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  42. ^ "Want To Coach A&M Football? Here's Your Chance!". KBTX. 2008-04-09. Retrieved 2008-04-11. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  43. ^ "Sherman answers questions at student forum". 2008-04-18.
  44. ^ Riggs, Randy (2008-04-19). "New coach, new attitudes this spring at Texas A&M". Austin American-Statesman. Retrieved 2008-04-19. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  45. ^ Harris, Terrance (2008-04-19). "Sherman preaches accountability as A&M coach". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved 2008-04-19. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  46. ^ "Sherman exacts timely changes at Texas A&M". 2008-04-29.
  47. ^ "5 Questions with Mike Sherman".

External links

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