Morning Buzz: Mike Bohn May Back Out Of USC Deal

USC was supposed to announce Mike Bohn as its new athletic director but Bohn is having second thoughts, according to sources.

Why? Sources indicated USC president Carol Folt informed Bohn he would not be able to hire Urban Meyer as the next football coach. That is considered a dealbreaker for Bohn, according to sources.

Bohn informed USC of his decision but sources said university officials are still talking to him so the situation could still go either way. Nothing is easy at USC any more.

Several athletic directors turned the job down because they were told Meyer was not an option, sources said. Bohn apparently was not informed until after he agreed to take the job.

103 thoughts on “Morning Buzz: Mike Bohn May Back Out Of USC Deal

      1. gt –You’re obviously right. Look no further than our board certified interim, pretend president Wanda Austin. Smart, decent woman —but not what anyone would call politically balanced, intellectually independent or courageous. USC is so caught up in being “correct” that it’s scared of shadows. Meyer frightens them —for no good reason other than they’d have to answer questions from the “correct” Los Angeles press…. for about 1 week. What they’re looking for is exactly —and I mean EXACTLY —what Austin put into words less than a year ago —“someone who doesn’t drink, do drugs or play around.” If what Scott is reporting is even partially accurate—and Bohn has to promise that he’ll pick another choir boy coach like Helton before he gets to step foot on campus—USC leadership has become little better than a prissy Savonarola brigade.
        #BonfireOfTheVanities….
        #BurnAllThePhotosOfPeteCarroll

        Liked by 2 people

      2. The BOT knows they are incompetent, lazy, and scared, so they are simply doing what they think some segments want. They think Meyer is damaged goods/anti-woman, so they wont hire him.

        They put in Wanda Austin, who fired the only super-achieving administrator at the B-School, and who also said:

        “I like Clay Helton. He doesn’t drink, do drugs, or sleep around.”

        What a fool. How many university presidents would say something like that?

        Now, they have hired a failed university president in Carol Folt, who was fired at UNC. Probably because she will do what they want.

        The BOT should be flushed.

        Liked by 2 people

      3. 67 —The president and the board laugh at folks like us. They could give a flying shit about our criticisms. They know that they know best. Nothing will change their elitist, patrician snob minds about that —until, that is, they recklessly blunder USC into receivership.
        #RealityIsGoingToHaveToBeImposedFromTheOutsideOnThisBunch
        #KindaLikeTheWorldHadToImposeRealityOn’40’sGermany
        #[GermanyWasn’tExactlyGoingToDoItOnIt’sOwn]

        Liked by 2 people

      4. Michael, Regarding the BOT and their elitism – yes. 100%.

        They are the dimmest of bulbs: they have presided over a sh*tshow of unprecedented proportions with the med school twice, Nikias, Tyndal, Lorie Laughlin and others, Swann, the whole nine yards, and I mean the whole nine yards.

        The university staff and students should demand something better, and that begins with a new BOT.

        Now SC is trying to hire an AD and placing him in a straitjacket in terms of who he can hire for football HC. Good for him to turn it down, and for the 10 others who turned it down.

        Folt said that her job was not to hire the football coach. Well, that extends whom not to hire.

        This is infuriating.

        Liked by 1 person

    1. When you’re right, you’re right…I think we’d have better results if we let you pull strings (even a Bruin trying their worst couldn’t equal the degree of self-flagellation imposed on us by the BOT and their bootlickers)! Coach Hyde’s episode on the P laid it out precisely. If this proves true, as circumstances strongly suggest (and I might add MG predicted this), then, as one of the callers to the show succinctly put it: “I’m through…”

      Liked by 5 people

      1. James — If Bohn either (1) decides not to take the job or (2) takes the job and hires another choir boy dolt like Helton —-that’s all the circumstantial evidence we’ll need —-everything Scott has alleged is true….
        #HowCanIntellectuals&AcademicsBeSoDumb?

        Liked by 1 person

      2. 100% with you…
        Our historical and movie analogies are right on…if this happens, Monty Python must be the puppet masters controlling the puppet masters…for the amusement of not us…

        Liked by 2 people

      3. James — Although I think Bohn wasn’t told “No Meyer!” —I’m sure that the reason his announcement is being delayed has something to do with him wanting more of a free hand than USC is prepared to give him. I kinda got the impression the reason Kingsbury was granted such an easy buy out and, eventually, left was he couldn’t get a promise that he was the ‘coach in waiting’ (“let’s not do anything to offend Coach Clay!”). USC is so fucked up that it doesn’t know how to close a deal anymore.

        Liked by 2 people

      1. “WOKE up this morning, with a w(h)ine glass in my hand…
        Whose w(h)ine…what w(h)ine…where the hell did I dine?
        Must have been a dream, I don’t believe where I’ve been…
        Come on…let’s F up USC football again…
        Do you…you…feel like we do?”

        Kind of a nightmare of Frampton singing this but at the Hotel (Southern) California…

        Liked by 1 person

  1. Good for you. Tell it like it is. She is starting off on the wrong foot if this is true. We are tired of this nonsense. are we a bunch of morons? Well we should not be. Pack your bags Carol if this is your decision making process..

    Liked by 3 people

      1. Yeah, both songs are choice, and the fade/ride outs in both are top shelf (of course, with Frampton’s, we’re referring to the live version)…

        Liked by 2 people

      2. Yes, but Carol is just one of the puppets. Carol, did not call the shots on Swann. She was told to do it. However, It was a clash because Swann had a four hundred million dollar support system. Normally, we know where that support is coming from, but this is much deeper. Swann did not make that decision to retain Helton , he was the conduit.

        Liked by 1 person

  2. No self respecting AD would take a job under those conditions. do we think we can insult anyone with any intelligence and get away with it. If anyone took tis job under those conditions they would just turn out to be a lackey and we already have enough of those around. Having big money does not make you intelligent. The critical question is, can you think? An Ad who does not have that quality is doomed. I sincertely hope that some with big money have the ability to think and will express it .Because I am certain they have the most influence here..

    Liked by 3 people

  3. As I have stated on several occasions, Folt is a puppet, a face, a future fall guy (woman) for the corrupt Caruso-Nikias Cabal. Higher education (if you can call it that now) has been monetized and the oligarchs are creating monopolies and fiefdoms in every state.

    Helton is a two faced piece of S**t but you can’t hold him responsible for this debacle, he’s only one of the corrupt pieces, it is the BOT vultures that CREATED our current situation and if not questioned or investigated it will only get worse. 56 Trustees….Why so many? which of these crooks are filling their pockets the most out of the USC till ?

    They’ve under Nikias’ watch allowed perverted Doctors a free run at Keck, they fired a excellent Dean of Business, the admission scandal, there is an air of nonchalant regal behavior amongst the Administration, clearly not giving a damn about alums other than they keep donating their money toward a corrupt institution. Oh…about your Coliseum seats being switched and your not near your old group friends for the last 15 years, suck it up and fight on….sucker !

    What you all are seeing in the Athletic Department is just a minor view of what permeates throughout the entire institution.

    Bohn having second thoughts…? After being told he could not hire a Coach of their dislike, of course he’s having second thoughts.
    Just like the legion of potential AD candidates who spurned USC’s offer.

    Your milage May vary

    Liked by 6 people

    1. Perfect…only request would be that you use Owns “Nicky The Squid” as it lends itself to the entertainment value of seeing this less as Rome burning and more as a continuation of LA Confidential…very hush, hush…

      But otherwise, perfectly said.

      Liked by 4 people

  4. Foot needs to let this happen organically and let the new AD do what he’s hired to do with no cuffs. I highly doubt Urban will take the USC job, so I would not even make that an issue. Is Clay Helton some kind of bad luck charm? Lol

    Liked by 2 people

  5. What’s all the anger about? Most here knew or sensed Meyer wasn’t going to be the new HC so now the world’s ending because we can’t get Meyer? Ok it’s a real reversal for those wanting instant credibility per former glory – sit in it – it’s not going to happen.

    Wonder how many years Meyer has left? I get the gist he leaves because of scandals but that doesn’t explain his swift feet from UT even accepting the potential for bigger money and more reputation at a larger program.

    The source of this denial to Meyer is all the scandals that have struck for the past 6 years and in her eyes, Folt, it’s due to a series of no oversight of the athletic dept and other divisions university-wide, that means all have to be reined in – for Folt, Meyer is not the one to do that and I agree with her.

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    1. I wondered why Helton wasn’t fired Saturday night after the Oregon humiliation in our own stadium. Now it makes sense. He will stay at least through the ruin game while they try to find someone to take the AD job and be Folt’s puppet.

      Liked by 3 people

  6. I haven’t read this anywhere else and Scott, while entertaining, is not really known for his inside info. Any other sources reporting the same story?

    Like

  7. looks like a good man will not be hired because of uninformed media that still think he was given a three game suspension for covering up domestic abuse when the opposite is true, but nobody will actually read the report the university produced. The three game suspension was entirely unrelated to that. Instead USC, like every other power 5 school might hire a hot young coach and get the same results of every other power 5 program since they all do the same.

    Somehow people still think if someone is doing a lot with a little than “when they have our resources they will dominate”. Even though that has been proven to never work in college football.

    Liked by 3 people

  8. Newsflash… if you hire Rhule, Fickell, Campbell, Franklin, etc. it doesn’t matter! You still won’t be able to beat Saban, Meyer or Swinney in the playoff in the off chance you get that far.

    Liked by 2 people

      1. yeah and look at Urban’s record at those places. It destroyed anything these “hot” coaches have done. Also, when urban went to Florida, his first big program, it was after Utah, and it was his third head coaching job, and he was on-pace for the highest winning % in college football history.

        Like

      2. some of these hot coaches like Rhule aren’t even above 50%.
        You hire mediocrity you get mediocrity. Ask FSU.

        Like

      3. the Saban comparison is even more ridiculous… Before Saban went to Alabama he did 5 years at Michigan State and 4 more at LSU and joined Alabama coming from an NFL head coaching spot.

        Like

  9. I’m actually starting to feel badly for SC. A clash of huge egos & wallets. Has to have most alums pulling their hair out.

    #ButPureEntertainment

    Liked by 2 people

    1. I’ve made the comparison to Miami several times, but your comment makes me think…maybe USC will become the college football equivalent of the Toronto Maple Leafs?

      Liked by 1 person

      1. James
        The Cincinnati Enquirer is now quoting Scott Wolf, USC beat writer, on this national story.

        #BeatWriter??NotBadWhenYouCan’tStepOnTheField
        #WolffyWhoKnew?UnofficialOfCourse
        #EveryWolfHasHisDay

        Liked by 2 people

      2. I’m liking my Maple Leafs comparison more and more…if you have Matthews, Tavares, and all that talent…and more importantly, if you have Mike Babcock as a coach (Cups with Detroit and Gold Medals with Team Canada)…and you’re still a daily soap opera of dysfunction…
        Have we become Toxic Brew #1? Wait, don’t answer that…

        Liked by 1 person

      3. The Maple Loafs didn’t need Tavares, they needed defense and now they’ve overpaid for kids who won’t play defense and have tuned their coach out, suck on Toronto

        Liked by 1 person

      4. Yep, and that principle translates to USC football (why it came to mind maybe) – when you go for flash, or a shortcut, instead of continuing to hammer on fundamentals (hockey is the greatest team sport I think, and the concept/essence of a “grind line” encapsulates why)…grinding…you end up getting what you deserve…

        Liked by 1 person

      5. James — That whole “you end up getting what you deserve” concept is what frightens me…
        #IWasKindaHopingUSCCouldAvoidPayingThePiper…
        #…ButThat’sNotHowItWorks…

        Liked by 1 person

    2. Cal75,

      Don’t feel sorry for SC. SC will implode from the Political Correctness, corruption, and passing of the buck. If it happens sooner, then the road to recovery will be quicker. Let SC burn down to the ground and start fresh and new. I am tired of these games that the adm. are playing.

      Liked by 2 people

  10. Huh? Urban Meyer never came up during the interview, but we’re supposed to believe that Folt dropped this on him at the last minute just before he signed on the dotted line?

    Like

  11. There’s a handful of coaches who can turn the USC program around, it’s not just Urban Meyer. Head coaches at Baylor, Iowa State, Minnesota, along with Clemson’s Defensive coordinator, have a great understanding of physical tough football, and have a proven track record. That’s the complete opposite of what Clay Helton brought to the table.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I agree – this hysteria that it must be and can only be Meyer who can resurrect USC is nonsense. Pete Carroll was a two time sacked former NFL coach and after 4 – 5 coaches turned down or were unable to agree to be USC’s head coach Daryl Gross was able to convince Mike Garrett to give Pete Carroll a chance – the rest is history.

      Assume Meyer gets the nod – he’ll be gone in 5 years at the most and now the search begins again. Mind you not saying the state is as awful as it was when Haden depth charged it but if this is the reason Bohn is pulling out than just how skilled is he? I mean this what an athletic director does – find good fits and if Meyer weren’t available would Bohn had any interest in the job to begin with? Seems not based on this nugget.

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      1. Wrong. It’s only Meyer… with the exception of Carroll and Saban. Anything else and you will be hiring just like the rest of the power 5, getting a hot young coach thinking that somehow inexperience and success in a weak conference is a good thing and will somehow turn that person into being the next Saban…
        Newsflash… it isn’t happening. The only coach in College football history as successful as meyer in terms of winning % stopped coaching 60 years ago. And the only coach to ever be successful out of the gate at the level of Meyer was himself. Even Nick Saban had to lose a mountain of games to get to where he is now. So yeah maybe fleck will be amazing like Saban in 20years.
        When hot coaches go to tougher conferences almost always their winning % drops off. Look at Chris Petersen, look at Scott Frost, look at _____. If you want the Carroll glory days it is only Carroll, Saban, or Meyer. Outside of that you are taking a huge risk. Even Chip Kelley and Swinney have only ever had success at one school. There is only 1 sure thing. Don’t embrace mediocrity just because you think that is all you are going to get.

        Liked by 1 person

    2. Mario Cristobal had only one year to coach up the Ducks to success. It helps having an experienced quarterback Kirby Smart,Ed Orgeron, Kyle Whittingham ate defensive coaches that have programs are doing well.

      Like

  12. Folt does not impress me at all. She was a poor hire to lead this university. She is not really a strong leader or visionary, but just here to do the bidding of Caruso. Bottom line, it was really STUPID to offer Bohn the job and not tell him that Urban was not an option. That should have been discussed up-front.

    Is Folt really this inept? Not a good sign at all. The problems originate with Mr. Caruso, I believe. Far too beholden to a specific political ideology. Needs to turn USC into the same old liberal institution that bends over backwards for political correctness.

    I imagine that this edict about not hiring Urban came down from Caruso, who has political ambitions within the democratic party. That is not a good way to run a university.

    This would give any other AD candidate a really bad feel and will result in a far worse candidate taking the job. And it will also lead to problems in hiring a good head coach.

    What happened to the “professionals” who know how to manage a process and vet things out properly before it hits the news media?

    Liked by 2 people

    1. A lot of educated guesses in that post, gametv —but, if you guessed right, we’re so fucked….
      #…AndSomethingTellsMeYouDIDGuessRight….

      Liked by 1 person

      1. MG
        The scene from MASH (movie) where General Hammond comes to Henry’s office…the line “I know it’s a helicopter”…
        I hate to say it (Sting “It’s Probably Me” intro to this), but…James Hetfield and Metallica were apparently employed by the BOT when they were writing “Hardwired to Self Destruct”…

        Liked by 1 person

      2. James — The possible disaster scenario that’s playing out is bringing out the best in you (and everybody, really). Again, to quote Jonah Hill in “This Is The End”, “So hilarious! Your references are sick, dude.”

        Liked by 1 person

      3. Yes, all of us (as in best)…

        I am a big Metallica fan…what they’re doing is reminding me a lot of scenes from the documentary “Some Kind Of Monster”…

        Only thing left to do is for Folt and the Board to trot Helton (representing the way many people feel about the “St. Anger” album central to above) out into the yard at a Cali. State max penitentiary yard and start head-banging no matter what the response of the inmates (us) is…

        [For the record: I actually after many years came around to loving some of St. Anger…but it took a long time…I’ll give Metallica that, and they never fail to deliver…Helton: he never delivers, so no such willingness to give time to]

        Liked by 1 person

      4. James —My son loved Metallica and Jello Biafra (whom I prosecuted —turns out he was a great guy). You are bringing back memories of me being able to hear their stuff coming out his bedroom window from a half block away when I was getting home from work….
        #PoeticJustice

        Liked by 1 person

      5. James —Thanks. He is a great “kid.” He just asked when the money’s arriving for his flight to Maui. Me: “Oh, I didn’t know I was paying for it. Money’s on the way.”
        #Something’sNeverChange….

        Liked by 1 person

  13. If, with capital letters IF, Bohn backs out…he will be welcomed back at cincin with a little rope-a-dope PR. Bohn will be perceived as reaching for the brass ring & stumbling & falling. If he can’t handle Holt & the BOT then it’s good this shortcoming was revealed sooner than later.
    SC & L.A. will be the butt of a lot of jokes.

    SC may end up with their 35th choice for an AD at that point. The athletic dept. will be radioactive because AD’s around the nation are like the Bohemian Grove…screw over one member and the club closes ranks.

    Coaches & players & fans squabble. AD’s all play golf together. Rarely do you ever hear an AD say something neg about another one.
    A 125 member club.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Yes, we MAY be getting all hissy & out of breath over nothing —BUT, if it turns out that we’ve lost Bohn, USC is in a world of trouble. Not because of the “AD Club” (although I suspect you’re mostly right about that) but because losing Bohn over a bunch of absurdly politically correct preconditions means we’re dead set on self immolation….
      #Let’sWait&SeeIfFoltIsAsWeak&DumbAsISuspectSheIs….

      Liked by 1 person

    2. I agree – Bohn is making the wrong move if he pulls out unless Hamilton County appeals to him.

      I don’t agree that his withdrawal leads to further implosion. If Bohn is as reactive to having to find a good coach and senses he can’t then, best to know that. That says he’s very apprehensive towards the pressure. I believe he’ll stay the course and come to USC because if not – again you are right – this is a defining moment for Mr. Bohn….brass rings don’t come very often in life.

      Like

    3. 75,
      Here I fixed it for you…

      “ If he can’t handle Holt & the BOT then it’s good this deceitful stipulation was revealed sooner than later.”

      Liked by 1 person

  14. It’s me from Rialto again Unbelievably my post has failed to show up I copied and am pasting again under another name. When I use my log in the site says I have already posted so I don’t know what is wrong with this poorly administered site. My post below:
    It is silly to speculate as to why Bohn would back out of such a deal. After all don’t most prospects come to SC trying to upgrade their position in negotiations? But if you must know the reason he’ll back out is simple and has nothing to do with being handcuffed on selection of coaches.
    They brought Bohn into LAX and drove to campus via Beverly Hills. He liked what he saw and initially agreed to a deal. That’s when things went wrong. On the way back to the airport they drove him through Westwood (sorry Owns I can’t spell Compton) and he stopped for a bite to eat. The driver pulled into an AM/ PM and showed him the cornucopia of delights. He bought a hot dog of an indescribable color and a large drink. He asked for a straw to deal with his 64oz drink and was told we don’t have those in California. (sea turtles mate) Then he spotted a sign detailing the price gouging tax structure on gasoline and he nearly lost his lunch. (no literally lost it to a domicile challenged displaced person of ill hygiene, who picked up and tried to run off with it) Then the nightmare of LAX was enough to change his mind. He realized California is not the place to be unless you like nanny laws and over taxation.
    The next candidate will be brought in under a hood like a mob informant. (go ahead Owns that lead is for the Westwood remark)
    Anyway did you read about Bubba Bolden?

    Liked by 2 people

  15. USC should consider themselves lucky if it’s true Bohn is pulling out after just learning Urban Meyer is “off the table”. Any AD candidate with half a brain would have made hiring UM a non-negotiable condition of their hire when the evaluation process commenced. Finding out after accepting the job doesn’t show much foresight.

    Liked by 1 person

  16. If UB is truly off the table, we have an explanation for why so many worthy AD candidates have opted out, and why this hiring process is becoming glacially slow.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Not much – this is the major leagues – USC. If he gets cold feet then best to know it now. The goal for Folt is to wrest control of the: athletic department, on-site medical staff, deans of schools, academic/athletic vetting for admittance.

      Nikias birthed this mess : by choosing Haden, refusing to discuss scandals about Tyndall and Puliafito – instead, Nikias decided to throw going-away parties, bowing to pressure by D. Wayne Hughes in hiring Swann, enjoying being surrounded by ‘yes men/women, no ombudsman for potential problems.

      To believe that there are a mere 4 coaches nationally that can win an NC is nuts. Sabin had a very ‘average’ record @ MI St. 34- 24 – 1. He moved on to LSU in 2000 by 2003 he’d wn a national title and we all know his success since (exclude Dolphins).

      Sweeney hadn’t been a head coach prior to replacing Bowden in 2008 (no comparisons to Helton please) his meteoric rise since 2011 has been amazing

      Kirby Smart replace Marc Rich @ GA and in his 2nd year was in the NCG

      Point? Everyone starts from being unknown and untested and yes it isn’t easy finding a really great coach but I agree with Folt – man up Bohn and find us a great coach instead of picking someone who leaves a mess wherever he coaches.

      Like

      1. Go read up. there are no real urban meyer scandals just headlines that go nowhere.

        “To believe that there are a mere 4 coaches nationally that can win an NC is nuts.” Actually if you look at who has won an NC in the last 10 years… yeah it is like 4 currently that have pulled it off that still reasonably could. Esp if you don’t just want one.

        Why do you think it is Meyer, Swinney, or Saban EVERY year? And guess what, whoever you hire will likely have to beat those guys.

        Liked by 2 people

      2. specifically in the last 10 years it has been:
        2018 Swinney
        2017 Saban
        2016 Swinney
        2015 Saban
        2014 Meyer
        2013 Fisher
        2012 Saban
        2011 Saban
        2010 Chizik
        2009 Saban
        2008 Meyer

        go back further and you’ll see Saban and Meyer again

        Liked by 1 person

  17. #1 Stop with calling Gomer a choir boy. He has lied to players and recruits and had tons of scandals with players, just no one cares when you’re losing. Ditto with our hoops coach.

    #2 USC is in deep trouble when it doesn’t see the oddity of keeping Roberts, Nikias, and a host of other corrupt individuals around but then reacts to whatever the LAT or other sports writers put out. PR is supposed to control your narrative from your goal driven decisions. Instead SC is just chasing whatever media writers put out for the day, who have no goals or stake in USC besides destroying it (because that sells papers).

    #3 Folt let the most rotten things go on at UNC, hid behind a formidable BOT who had a long term vision of their goals and simply fought the PR and news cycle until they got what they wanted. She of course got fired for going against her UNC BOT by trying her own PR spin against their wishes in tearing down statues on campus in the dead of night.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Global —You’ve said many smart things here —but the smartest of all is your observation that the USC Board and President are presently trying hard to placate institutions (like the Times) that don’t care whether they live or die.
      #SpecialKindOfStupid

      Liked by 1 person

  18. Mario Cristobal had only one year to coach up the Ducks to success. It helps having an experienced quarterback Kirby Smart,Ed Orgeron, Kyle Whittingham ate defensive coaches that have programs are doing well.

    Liked by 1 person

  19. enter ‘the Laurence J.Peter principle’
    it is the logical next move at sc
    hellton is way beyond his competence,just like the board and new prez…ergo
    hellton is the new AD…and he will appt the new head coach…some family friend.
    take note of tongue in cheek…

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Regardless of the smug “reasonableness” of the MSM segment of USC football coverage (which has largely finally had to admit what Helton is and represents), any person with minimal common sense can see just how little true intelligence/sense/wisdom that the powers that be possess (to include the new president – looking more and more like forcing Swann out was a token move)…if they don’t see what we all see, and apparently they can’t, or don’t care…

      As Robert Plant put it:

      “Crazy on a ship of fools…crazy on a ship of fools…
      Turn this boat around…”

      Like

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