Stanford University has tapped its current offensive coordinator, one David Shaw, to replace Jim Harbaugh as head coach of the Cardinal, according to the San Jose Mercury News. It’s entirely understandable to have questions at this point. We’re here to help.
Wait, who?
Shaw just wrapped his fourth season as OC for the Cardinal, which turned out rather well, if you’ll recall, with a decisive victory in the 2011 Orange Bowl.
Wait, why?
Jim Harbaugh: Gone a-jauntin’ to the 49ers. Chris Petersen: Staying in Boise with the hill people, where he seems inordinately happy.
Haha, weren’t they going to hire a guy from Yale or something at one point, and wouldn’t that just have been the most Stanford thing to do ever?
Yes.
What’s this “Shaw” character got to work with now?
The support of the team, for one thing:
Stanford Replaces Jim Harbaugh: OC David Shaw Promoted To Head Coach
The move is expected to be well received in the lockerroom. The players wanted Stanford to promote an internal candidate in the interest of continuity.
The continued services of Andrew Luck, for another, speaking of continuity. And the keys to a team that ranked ninth nationally in scoring offense in 2010, 10th in scoring defense, No. 15 in sacks, and second in sacks allowed. Non-graduation attrition will be nigh-nonexistent.
What do the fans think?
For what it’s worth, SB Nation’s outstandingly-named Rule Of Tree community held an informal poll asking readers who they’d like to replace Harbaugh, and Shaw did place second behind the ungettable Petersen. For more on the coaching search, David Shaw, and other Stanford athletics news, read their fine blog.
