I am trying my best to find a positive in this. It is difficult. I don't know much about Coach Hudson or about Lovies son, but this is not a good imagine for the program. What also confuses me is Coach Smith saying that he was going to assist with the the LB group. Why hire a coach that doesn't give you an edge in recruiting. I know I am viewing this from the public side of things, but I would rather take a chance with another High School Head Coach similar to Coach Patterson. I get that guys like Coach Patterson aren't just hanging out waiting for a shot, but with our assistant coach budget we should be able to find someone with more experience.
The one positive I can find(ish) is with Coach Smith taking more of a role as defensive coordinator, he has more faith in Coach Rod handling the offense. People need to also remember Coach Smith was Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator for the Bears after Coach Rivera left. I know the situation is much different being a head coach and defensive coordinator in college than in the pros. We are at a very crucial point in player development and I am hoping that this coach hiring isn't going to hinder development.
I fully expect that Coach Smith to make a splash in hiring a Running Backs coach. I see the appeal in Nate Scheelhaase but I would like to go in a different direction. Tim Horton just was demoted and was given a new position at Auburn. I don't know much about the guy, but he has been running backs coach for some great running programs (Air Force, KSU, Arkansas-the Run DMC Hillis Felix Jones, and Auburn). He was also the recruiting coordinator in the South. Seems like a good chance to swoop in and see if he wants a fresh start. I know getting a running backs coach that was just recently demoted doesn't sound like a great idea, but I think adding a veteran coach to a young coaching staff wouldn't hurt.