Endless Mike {l Wrote}:
What caused the friction between Jags and ?
I think a big part of it was Spaz wanted Jags job and Jags didn't trust Spaz and what Spaz was saying to Gene. But here is a little background
This is all under the bridge now so...
Also since the haters like to remind me, I know I live in ATL, I wasn't there for any of this, I am a JAGZluvr, etc...
A coaching staff as working environment is a mix of Office Space, Glengary Glenross and Animal House. There are cliques, ball busting, politics, stabbing in the back, ultra close friendships (since they spend so much time together), etc.
When Jags crew came in BC put up the out of towners in a house near upper for spring ball. None of their families were there yet. They were working hard put also hanging out at the house. This led to Loco, Logan, Jags, Day, Siravo, Sirmans, and Yano being close. It also led to the first problems with Turner. Turner and Jags didn't see eye to eye coaching wise or socially. When Turner blew up at the Flynn Fund practice Gene made his move. Since Bick JR had a falling out with Turner at La Tech, he came in without thinking anything was up. (Also, he liked the idea of taking over BC when Jags left).
So while the guys are having a blast and "making football fun" Spaz was out of the loop and being Spaz. McGovern fit in with the new guys because that is his personality. From what I gather Commy is sort of a lone wolf and always did his own thing.
For most of 2007 Spaz was grumpy. He and Jags had a blow up after Maryland. Gene saved the day. Things were better with Spaz for most of 2008. I think Jags knew how to massage his ego a bit more and I think it is fun to coach a great D. Clearly Jags was thinking his next steps and I also think another key staff member was undermining him with Gene.
By the time Jags and Gene blew up, I don't think there was any ill will between Jags and Spaz. I think both had turned their focus to the AD.
If you were to ask Jags now what his biggest mistake was it was not picking his own staff at BC. With his own staff things like Spaz wouldn't have been a problem. However, we all know he wouldn't have gotten the jobs without agreeing to Spaz, McG, Siravo and Day.