Lets say Cohen is our #1 choice - and doesn't take the job b/c of Polk -

[emmadawg]

If that would be the case, i would really, really be pissed off the John Cohen doesn't accept the job b/c Polk tells him that Raffo is the choice. Now, i know this is the case, but anyone out there knows more about this, please post.

I ran into Steve Hegan in an Atlanta mall and i had a feeling from talking to him that he and a good majority of former players would like to see Cohen get the job --- but was a little ticked that Polk made his comments.

Do you guys think that Cohen wouldn't accept b/c of Polk? Man, it that's the case - that's a load of crap - Polk can get over it. God, i hope that doesn't happen. Cohen should be the man --- he's young, aggressive, known for great offenses, and we definitely need that.

Gosh, i just hope for once that the star align and we get exactly who we need and who we want. It's critical. We don't need an old timer. We need someone who can out-recruit Bianco and Co. - and I know Cohen is that guy.

 

[RHobbs9]

I know that John has a temendous amount of respect for Coach Polk and for Tommy. I am not sure if he would actively go after the job if there was a chance that Tommy was going to be hired.

With that being said, here is how I see it (Disclaimer: These are my thoughts/wishes and not backed up by any evidence). I think that once John is told that the job will not be offered to Tommy, then the Polk recommendation will not stand in the way. I think that John would not stand in Tommy's way from getting the job because of their friendship, however when told that the job will be opened up and given to only someone with Head Coaching experience then John will not worry aobut the recommendation of Tommy by Coach Polk.

 

[Todd4State]

My thoughts on it are this:

I think that Cohen wants the job, and I'm guessing that he probably had some sort of a deal LONG ago with Byrne when Greg first came to MSU, just in case Byrne became the AD, which was possible because Cohen and Byrne both knew that LT and Polk were up there in age. I think that's why Byrne is handling this exclusively. I do think he will talk to some other people, if nothing else to try to keep the peace.

I also think he is creating a position for Raffo within the baseball program, so that he can stay and it hopefully wouldn't be a conflict of interest. I bet Byrne told Raffo that he didn't have a Chinaman's chance of being the next baseball coach, no matter what Polk said or did, but probably gave him the option to stay with this new position, or to move on. If the rumors about Raffo's wife are true about her wanting them to stay at Starkville, and I think they are, I could very well see Raffo taking this job. The baseball coordinator job or whatever it is, would also probably be a lot more secure than being an assistant coach anyway. Byrne also probably told Raffo to keep this quiet. He also may have insructed Raffo to go talk to Polk and say that this was his choice after the dust has settled to try to smooth things over with him so that he can still be a part of the program.

Back to Cohen- I don't think he really cares what Polk thinks. I'll go so far as to say he would be a fool to care. Because when it comes down to it, this is the choice:

A. Please your old coach who you admire.

B. Take more money for your family, go to an elite baseball program that is one year removed from a CWS appearance, and go to a place that is closer to your and your wife's family.

I think just about any of us would take option B. If Polk says or thinks anything bad about Cohen, that's more on Polk than Cohen anyway. Plus, how commited is UK to baseball anyway? Did anyone see the crowd against Ole Miss last week on TV? There was hardly anyone there, and it's looking like they are not going to get a new facility in the forseeable future.

All this said, all the above is my opinion, I don't have any inside information, and I just base my thoughts off of what I know about Cohen, Byrne, and Polk.

 

[maroonmania]

Cohen is the man. Does Polk

a. Turn his back on one of his former players (and I assume he still writes Cohen cards and letters too) and pack his bags and move to Arizona to show his displeasure over Raffo not getting the job.

b. Hang around the program and be thorn in the side of Cohen because of still being miffed over not getting his way in the naming of the new head coach and end up making it more difficult for the ENTIRE fan base (including the Polk worshippers) to accept Cohen and his methods of running the program.

or

c. Stay in Starkville and actually work to be supportive of Cohen and the program in general where asked but not meddle where he is not needed or wanted.

Would REALLY make Polk look bad if he makes a big stink over one of his former players getting the job (Cohen) but he wasn't the former player he wanted (Raffo).

 

[Porkchop.sixpack]

He has already said he will do A.

His way of handling this whole new coach thing has already made him look childish, bitter, and damn near crazy. You think he cares how he looks?

 

[MagnificentBastard]

1. Cohen will accept the job if offered.

2. Polk will support Cohen as the new coach.

That is all.

 

[fwsultan]

no. 2 is likely true, I think.

 

[Porkchop.sixpack]

Have you heard the **** spewing out of Polk's mouth?

 

[MaxwellSmart]

Did anyone see the crowd against Ole Miss last week on TV? There was hardly anyone there,

I've noticed that in several UK games this year. Either they all figure Cohen is coming home or they really don't give a rats *** about baseball.

 

[8dog]

then he should be the man. There isn't a better viable candidate out there.