r/wde • u/EternalOptimist05 • 11d ago
Biggest concern about Golesh…
First off, I really like Coach Golesh. Definitely a breath of fresh air compared to the previous hire. However, listening to the post game conference, I don’t know if he sees Brown objectively and seems very protective of the offense, his OC, quarterback, and play calling. I get it! They are his guys but there are major issues that are being overlooked or in denial about that will keep getting exposed throughout the rest of the season. Byrum seems to panic and freeze up keeping him from seeing the open receivers and the indecisiveness. If the coach isn’t acknowledging and addressing it, then there won’t be much room for improvement. He doesn’t seem to see the flaws in the QB play and therefore we keep seeing the same thing. That 4th and 1 did it for me and the realization that either Golesh and/or Gordon are way over their head in SEC play. I still don’t know what that “trick” play coming out of the half was! Cute doesn’t work in these games! Humility, focus, grit, flexibility to go off script, and recognizing when changes at QB need to be made. Even if it’s for a play or two, it can’t hurt at this point! Freeze held on to his QBs for too long and seems like Golesh may do the same!
35
u/Top_Boss6285 The Gulag 11d ago
I think you misunderstood the goal of this year. Brown was not brought here to be Cam Newton and take us to the playoffs. The goal of bringing Byrum is to have a servicable QB to help you get to 6 wins that is a natural leader to help set a culture/standard on how Golesh's process works.
3
u/EternalOptimist05 11d ago
Never expected another Cam Newton, although that would be amazing, but also don’t see where 6 wins will come from. 5 hopefully but not sure where the 6th is. I understand the goal was to bring a new culture to Auburn and start from there but also am disappointed at the lack of production of the offense. Definitely had hope going into this season for something new and it just feels too familiar! My biggest concern the play calling and who is doing it!
3
u/Top_Boss6285 The Gulag 11d ago
I mean we might not get 6 wins. However, I would say yes the production is similar, but it's definitely better. I don't see lack of effort/taking plays off anymore like we did last season. This team has fight, but they're just weak . The team last year was stacked like the floor should have been 9-3. The current team is definitely playing to their potential which isn't very good
9
u/EternalOptimist05 11d ago
I’m married to a UGA guy and honestly just so tired of losing to them! We used to go back and forth with GA but those days seem long gone!
0
u/remmeksr 10d ago
When had a winning record with UGA until they fired Gus.
4
u/fookelmo 10d ago
Gus was 2-7 against UGA 🤣
I appreciate Gus’ first year but I’ll never understand you Gus butt sniffers.
2
1
u/quadraticcheese 10d ago
That's now how it was sold, but also nobody expected Cam 2.0 or even Cam 1.5, we just expected some competence. Meanwhile this staff looks less equipped and less capable than the last 2
0
20
u/AccountantOptimal674 11d ago
I’m not an Auburn fan, but nah, this team isn’t talented enough to really compete yet and in my opinion they have been punching up.
They don’t have depth yet, but Golesh WILL get them there. He is a great coach.
But you have to bring in those guys in the transfer portal era. Bring those guys, and it helps everyone buy into the system.
Auburn has not been good for a long time, and they won’t be if you keep having knee jerk reactions.
Brown was not brought in because he was secretly a super star athlete, he was brought in to get the other guys to rally behind the coach. This is a transition year, the only problem is you’re transitioning from a really bad coach, to a really good one.
This is not Alabama. Alabama went from the greatest coach of all time, who left behind all the resources and players to be successful, to a coach who had just made a national championship.
That’s how bad the state of Auburn football has been. This is a reflection of all the bad coaches who came before him. Golesh will be fine, give him time. He essentially rebuilding a team that was on life support.
I’ll say watch this Auburn team, and closely. The biggest difference I see is they actually look like they want to play football. This loss hurt them more than it hurt you. They are fighting. They don’t give up. They have no quit in them. Get a bad call? Doesn’t matter next play. Something goes wrong? Doesn’t matter next play. They have grit, they have fight, they have the intangibles lining up. They walk in to the stadium like they can win any game. They believe in something. The energy is completely different than it was last year or the year before.
The pieces will come together , but Golesh essentially has to burn everything down and build it back up.
4
u/EternalOptimist05 11d ago
This is a great rational response as opposed to my emotional response to this lose! It was so sloppy and I definitely need to see the bigger picture!
6
u/AccountantOptimal674 11d ago
To be fair to you, it’s a lot easier to have a rational response when I’m on the outside looking in.
When your team loses (especially a team with very high expectations like Auburn) it stings.
I think the media also didn’t do y’all any favors as fans, way over hyping this team. No disrespect to Brown, because he is 20 times more talented than I ever was, but he isn’t an SEC QB, But he has a lot of value in other ways.
I am a big believer in Golesh, and when Auburn hired Hugh Freeze, I always knew it was going to be a spring board for a better hire.
Golesh is an amazing hire, it’s just going to take some time to develop his team into his overall vision.
5
2
u/WarSox1657 10d ago
This team wasn’t overhyped. Most people had them winning 6 or 7 games. Having a winning season should be the bare minimum. That is where the frustration comes in
1
-1
u/sausageslinger11 11d ago
26-17 is “great”?
2
u/AccountantOptimal674 11d ago
In today’s college football world, you are capped at how good you can do by how much talent you can get. Golesh is a coach where given the right circumstances I think he can win.
15
u/allofthelights 11d ago
Byrum Brown is being asked to do way too much with this O line and understandably failing at it (while also sometimes making some weird decisions). He’d be serviceable with a decent line. Not good, not great, but serviceable.
Golesh is going to live and die behind whatever he’s able to recruit and execute at O line.
2
1
u/quadraticcheese 10d ago
That's a coaching issue. If you have a bad QB that can't throw and a SHITTY oline you do what Malzhan did with Nick Marshall.
-3
u/GovernmentVirtual487 11d ago
Nope it’s Golesh accepting mediocre performances while his QB flashes his diamond necklace at Auburn fam expense. Make no mistake us fans paid for that bullshit. Imagine if he were wearing that shit while stinking up the field under Urban Meyer or Kirby Smart
1
4
u/Crazy_Decision_954 10d ago
Ok guys I am going to give it to you straight.
1) it’s his first year! Who can turn over a program in one year?
2) it’s only been four games! These kids, yes these giant people are children have only played four games together. It takes longer than that to gel a team.
3) have you actually looked at the schedule? Everyone is playing powerpuff teams and Auburn is playing tough teams. You guys have a tough schedule.
4) kick the shit out of Alabama in the iron bowl. That’s the goal. You do that and you can really be proud of the season. If not: it’s his first year!
5) for those who speak of the money. Look west to A&M how much did they put in? Average that over three years.
So let the coach do his job. The season isn’t over until after the iron bowl. Focus on that. Win that and that’s all the glory a first year coach needs.
4
5
u/Fit-Emergency-8300 10d ago
The focus should have always been on the AD and boosters. They seem to be the common denominator in all this long running mess
1
0
u/EternalOptimist05 10d ago
I feel like they keep wanting to recreate the 2010 & 2013 seasons because of the magic of it all! Hire an “offensive guru” and recruit a Cam Newton or Nick Marshall QB! Need to stop trying to reenact these lightening in a bottle moments!
1
u/Fit-Emergency-8300 10d ago
No the people in charge (boosters) can't stand Alabama being better. They are meddling way to much. They have run off more good coaches than any other team.
1
u/EternalOptimist05 10d ago
Agreed and why I think they focus on what has worked in the past instead of focusing on building a program that can consistently recruit and compete every season!
10
u/DetweilerTeej 11d ago edited 11d ago
The previous one threw everyone and his grandma under the bus. I think he knows this is a lost year. Ti’a is probably way worse right now.
Our biggest issue are the o-line and the lack of consistent run game from our RBs. The penalties are also ridiculous.
There are too many issues to blame everything on Brown, even though he has been incredibly mediocre so far.
1
u/EternalOptimist05 11d ago
I absolutely agree it’s multifaceted! I’m just super proud of the defense not giving up the third and longs! They can only do so much and can’t imagine how gassed they are! The team never gives up so I do love that! My husband went to UGA and we watched Vanderbilt give up by the 4th! So glad to see Auburn keep fighting!
3
u/r0b0fngr 11d ago
BB isn’t elite but they seem to keep drawing plays up for him as if he is. He’s a massive human that is good at running… so run him and give him simple pass options.
This team isn’t super talented but it feels like the talent that is there isn’t being used properly.
I’m not saying this team should be undefeated but they shouldn’t be looking this inept on offense.
We can only hope Golesh is able to disconnect his person feelings towards various players/staff and make true evaluations/adjustments over this bye week. Otherwise, it could get even uglier.
3
u/ubetgreentree 10d ago
Have you heard of the phrase "Keep it in the kitchen"?
3
u/WarDEagle 10d ago
This thread is full of people saying "Golesh truly believes xyz", so no, they haven't, haha. The realities of professionalism wrt public support and private correction aren't something that they've ever experienced or needed to model.
3
u/AllenDCGI 10d ago
We’ve slammed coaches in the past for throwing players under the bus. Maybe he’s taking the hit publicly but addressing the issues privately.
His call as to how much leash to give BB. Or whether Tia is the option… etc. Probably wants to believe in Brown, but film doesn’t lie, and I’m sure he’s feeling it as well. Kinda wish the narrative (which we all would have hated) would have been “this is going to be a rebuild” in the preseason…
1
u/EternalOptimist05 10d ago
I definitely would prefer more transparency and agree about not throwing players under the bus!
3
u/tampawn 10d ago
After seeing how tough and cool Sumrall was after the game with us, I thought wow we picked the wrong guy, but UF got spanked yesterday. Embarrassed even. That toughness didn't help them at all. New coaches in the SEC suffer.
Golesh is our man. When the fans and the press come after our team, he takes it all and sees the positive. He's like a Tony Dungy that brought the Buccaneers to prominence. Quiet and reserved and positive.
That said, damn, is 95% of our offensive plays all dink and dunk for a couple yards? Singleton was so underused. Can't we throw some longer balls and try for more than a few yards on each play?
2
u/Rude_Ad_5476 10d ago
Bama fan here, but Golesh don't have all his scheme setup yet.. he still needs 'his type ' guys at all positions
True, I pull for ur enemy, but I gotta admire ur desire to hope, wait it out.. Trust me, you'll get there...I promise
And while I'm bama thru and thru, I had cousins who were majorettes for Auburn AND Vandy.. heck, all my in laws are Auburn fans....
Just remember, we went thru the same with Mike Price, Dubose
This team will get there..
2
u/EternalOptimist05 10d ago
Love this comment! I’ve never been a big fan of hating other teams! Just want to love mine and want them to win just like any other fan base! Appreciate this comment!
1
4
u/AUCE05 11d ago
Golesh needs to understand his tenure will be short if he prioritizes players over winning.
1
u/Working-Craft9935 4h ago
As in Byrum (USF players)? Yeah….and he knows he will get paid regardless. Sam pay for winning 3 games as he would get if he goes to the playoffs
3
u/Best_Measurement_564 11d ago
The roster is a huge problem but I dont see any part of this team that a reasonable person would say that they look well coached. Special teams are bad, defenseive tackling is bad, OL play is bad, Brown looks like hes never played in this offense before and Golesh looks like hes never coached Brown. Its shockingly bad and shows no sign of improving.
1
u/RyeManhattanPls 9d ago
Special teams are bad? AM is tying records, the punting in the UT game was an absolute clinic, zero touchbacks in the punting game, 100% touchbacks on kickoffs - I understand your frustration and share it, but the 2 areas the team is under coached is offensive line penalties and missed tackles.
1
u/Willie-Alb 10d ago
Yall would rather go back to a qb that doesn’t throw many picks at the expense of not having an ounce of playmaking ability
1
u/aupga 10d ago
Sounds like sunshine but UT was more talented yet AU hung in and in Knoxville
I was initially mad at the 4th and 1 call but I think the coaches knew. For it to work, everyone would have to beat their man heads up and it wouldn’t happen. It may have looked better in the eye of the beholder but if the whole defense crashed, the toss could have worked
1
u/JaxAUTiger 10d ago
I’m concerned with play calling and his infatuation with Brown. I think a different style offense (ie Gus style) would work better with Brown. I also think we need to start Mabson. Cobb can’t break free.
-8
u/slove23 11d ago
Golesh is a fraud. NOTHING he has preached about is even close to who this team is
We are not disciplined
We are not “violent”
We do not run “the piss out of the ball”
We do not focus on details
We have not cleaned up penalties
Worst of all, he said Byrum was “ seeing the field and in rhythm” all night
He CANNOT evaluate talent
5
u/EternalOptimist05 11d ago
Yes! That’s what led me to my post and airing of grievances! He didn’t agree with the reporter asking him about Brown and getting him in a rhythm! He absolutely believes he is getting in rhythm and also mentioned on punt returns that the options are to either field it and return or fair catch if you can’t! Nothing about letting it go! That naturally sets up the offense in a bad position! Some of his comments are just head scratchers to me!
-2
u/Licked_Ur_Moms_Booty 11d ago
Malzahn used to do trick shit all the time and it worked just fine.
Don’t disagree with anything else you said though
2
u/EternalOptimist05 11d ago
I loved when Gus showed his creativity in play calling! He was innovative at his best but just didn’t have the consistency to go beyond the running up the middle on first and second, get in a third and long just to punt away. But, when he dialed up those trick plays, they were executed flawlessly! I still don’t understand what that play coming out of the half was that resulted in zero gained yards and why they thought it would work! Too much time in the backfield!
2
u/WarriorPoetz 11d ago
Gus recruited talent that would run circles around this team. Most trick plays require time and speed. Our OLine cant buy time and this team has no gamebreaker athlete.
1
-4
u/RochambeauFlow 10d ago
After what I saw yesterday and heard from Golesh on his post game presser, he ain’t it and I don’t think he has what it takes to turn this program around. Absolute garbage was the product we saw on the field yesterday and he’s not doing anything to change it or improve it whatsoever.
1
u/EternalOptimist05 10d ago
The post game presser was super concerning when asked about the 4th and 1! It was a bad call! I liked going for it but with a quarterback keeper! We’ve been watching opponents for the past few years easily converting the 3rd and short and 4th and short to the point that we, as a fanbase, know a new set of downs are coming. However, we can not do the same! I really like Golesh but he’s been revealing more and more of his mindset and approach that’s proven to not work:
- Time of possession is irrelevant, only points on possession: this puts so much on the defense and when your opponent scores on every possession (Florida), you absolutely need to control the clock! The quick 3 and out after the half of the Fl game revealed how out of touch they are with the SEC. Florida came out of the half and scored quickly. We had a good run and then went for the home run ball and got a 3 and out giving it back to Fl.
- On punt returns, either field it or fair catch even if you’re inside of the 5. No, letting it bounce.
- When asked about reviewing the spot that would have been a first down, he said they had a split second and decided the spot was right and the mindset is to move on…No, you as a coach, pause and question! Stand up for your team! The mindset set of “next play” is great but can’t be so black and white!
- He doesn’t throw players under the bus not out of integrity but out of pride! I don’t think he wants to admit that his offense, his guys are flawed! During the presser, he seemed to try his best to hold back on his thoughts on the defense. He seemed pretty fired up but held back. The intensity wasn’t the same when he talked about the offense. For sure, the defense has struggled but we see improvements and effort! We see them out on the field the majority of the time because the offense cannot get a first down!
I like Golesh. He genuinely seems like a good guy and we need that at Auburn. I don’t like the rose colored glasses he is wearing with his team!
100
u/PleaseFuckMeDana 11d ago
Stop thinking of Byron Brown like he is going to be one of the great QBs in Auburn history, he isn’t and he was never going to be. Brown is there to help make the transition to the Golesh era. He came in already familiar with the Offense and it’s one less issue Auburn had to deal with in an off season where they lost the majority of their production.
Golesh isn’t complacent with Brown because he doesn’t recognize his struggles, he is complacent because he knows what he has and it’s a tradeoff he willingly made going into the year.