Just don't agree with a few of their analyses (grades); however, only time will tell....
From A+ to D: Grading the college football coaching hires
Lane Kiffin, Florida Atlantic
Grade: A+
Reported contract: 5 years, $4.75 million
Put it this way: Could you name the coach FAU just fired? Even some sports media types might not immediately recall Charlie Partridge’s name.
But Kiffin? That’s an electric name to drive a lot of eyeballs to Boca. Kiffin and his staff in South Florida is a better premise than most reality shows being pitched to TV execs.
It’s like Coach meets Miami Vice. Or Golden Girls. Or something. Call it whatever you’d like; it’ll be appointment viewing. At at less than $1 million per season, Kiffin is a bargain. General rule: If you’re already wondering how long you can keep the coach, you likely made a good hire.
Luke Fickell, Cincinnati
Grade: C+
Reported contract: 6 years, $13.8 million
Fickell is a departure from UC’s tradition of hiring promising offensive coaches. Some industry sources liked the move, citing Fickell’s rich history in state as a recruiting jackpot. Others, however, wonder what sort of ceiling Fickell has as a head man. One source called it a “safe” hire - “maybe too safe,” he said.
Another suggested that perhaps Fickell cannot fully escape his 6-7 interim season at Ohio State until he has something else on his head-coaching resume.
“He has something to prove, even after several years winning on (Meyer’s) staff,” one industry source said.
The spotlight isn’t nearly as bright at Cincinnati as it was in Columbus, but the conference is deep. Fickell had better be ready for a challenge with so many sharp, up-and-coming coaches - and veterans such as Ken Niumatalolo and Strong.
Entire article:
http://247sports.com/Article/Grading-the-college-football-coaching-hires-this-offseason-49796393#
Kiffin only took the job at FAU because nobody else wanted him. He will either "flame out" or have a great year or 2 and be gone. Either way he won't be there for the duration of the contract, i.e."long haul". On the other hand I do believe that Fickell is a good fit with Cincinnati and has a great chance to succeed with the Bearcraps as long as they have reasonable expectations for their football program, i. e. something like 9-3 or 8-4 with a decent bowl game.
Besides you have to laugh at the fact Fickell will be making in over twice what the "big name coach" Kiffin will be getting at FAU.