Thanks Coach Stacy... WE Must Now Move On

[brm12]

Just wanted to stop through and leave my remarks in regards to this thread. Coach Stacy is a tremendous coach and more importantly a better human being. From what I know of him, he has values, morals, and has his beliefs on what is right and wrong. He did a lot for his players both on and off the field. This community must wake up and realize that we are not a professional team, outsiders must support the team no matter what. This site is hurting the program, no doubt about it. If people are going to use this site as a "forum" to down talk the program and the coaches, then it simply should not exist. I am Massillon through and through, but I know that the kids on the team year in and year out get on here and read what you people say. If they see and hear bashing of their leader, their head coach, then how do you expect them to go out and work hard for that person, and trust in them. These kids are 15,16,17, and 18 year old kids. Use this forum to promote our program to outsiders who view it. Support "your" kids as Massillonians, and provide support to them throughout there career. We have a special program here in Massillon, no doubt about it. It should be held on a pedestal. We need to get back to the "roots" of Massillon Football, instill in these kids from middle school up that they are going to be Tigers, and inform them about the tradition of excellence which WILL be expected from them. Tell these kids that yes, this is a special place to play football, and you will not just go about the business. Instead you will do like your fathers or grandfathers have before you, and you will demand 110% not only out of yourself, but everyone of your players. It will take a coach who has and wants to put in the time and effort that is needed to "rebuild" the lack of respect given to the Massillon Tiger Football program, not only by those on the outside, but from those who are within its walls. A coach who wants to stay for the duration and regain the glory of being the head coach of the best high school football program in the country, bar none. It can be done me friends, with the right people in place this program can regain its status of being the best in the business. Everyone must be committed to the same goals, I know I am, and I will be willing to do everything I can to get these teams there. I do not care how much experience this next head coach has or how many state championships he has won. What WE need is a head coach who will demand that his team is ready to play on Friday and Saturday nights. The new coach must dedicate himself to making sure that these kids are disciplined and know what it means to play as a team. He must demand that they work like Tigers in the weight room, and act like Tigers in the classroom and in public. He must understand that Massillon is the best place on this earth to coach football, and that his team must understand that it is also the best place on this earth to play football. Bring me the man who wants to remain a Tiger and understands what it means to be a Tiger! Bring me the head coach who will instill back into this community what the Massillon Tiger Football Program is all about...EXCELLENCE... We can get it done, the numbers are down, the talent pool may not be what it was... But there is one thing that we can never let change, or disappear out of the people in this great city, and that what it means to be a TIGER and the tradition that it carries with it.

[chap]

Very Nice!

[MTigers006]

Its hard to move on when there are comments like this in the newspaper about some so called Massillon Fans.

And there’s only so much a family can take as well. Only so many anonymous phone calls from fans complaining; only so many letters with suggestions; only so many catcalls from fans around you before you just drown it all out.

[Kamd50]

Its hard to move on when there are comments like this in the newspaper about some so called Massillon Fans.

And there’s only so much a family can take as well. Only so many anonymous phone calls from fans complaining; only so many letters with suggestions; only so many catcalls from fans around you before you just drown it all out.

Regardless of ANYTHING, this kind of behavior is totally inexcusable and embarrassing to our community and our football program. I hope to God that most people do not judge us as a whole by the inappropriate actions of a few.

[MTigers006]

I agree Kamd50 120%

[STING]

I haven't been on here for a long time because the negative comments were making me crazy. Just because a kid puts on a Massillon uniform (any sport) doesn't mean he's a good athlete or there for the right reasons. I don't think anyone coming into Massillon football can understand what its truly like until you live with someone involved (by involved I mean player or coach) with the program. I think I fall into that catagory. I know Bobby had an idea about what people were saying when he played--you'd be surprised what some people said to his face--but he was shocked when he sat in the stands for a few games last year. I'll never forgot ALOT of our experiences with Massillon football--some good and some bad--but I'll NEVER forget the look on Bobbys face when he sat in the stands and heard some of the things people were saying about Coach Stacy. I know this is a moms point of view but during football season (and the weeks leading up to it) Bobby spent more time with Coach Stacy, his staff and Bobbys teammates than he did with us. As a parent I want an honest, truly good guy with my son. Kids need as many positive role models around them as they can get and I felt Coach Stacy was that. I know you guys will feel the need to come back with something negative but its o.k. You see I've lived thru 2 years of Massillon football. Some of you guys were wishing Coach Stacy would leave and all I can say is "be careful what you wish for." Again our Massillon football experience was amazing. Thank you to everyone that supported Bobby and his teammates. One last thing: GO RAIDERS!!!!!! (Its baseball season).

[Tiger77]

The hardest thing to do during football season is to sit in the stands and listen to people bash your kid. I can understand that you get caught up in the game and may not realize who is sitting near you. But to hear some of the things that are said about these kids who are out there trying to do their best is unbelievable. You try to block it out and not take it personally but it's tough. The kids work hard to produce and entertain the fans on game night and that's what they get for it. If you have a son on the team you need to develop a very thick skin. It can almost make a diehard Tiger fan change his stripes. (I said almost) Unfortunately, none of this will change no matter who the coach is.

Bobby Huth was a great player for Massillon during his tenure here. The kid had guts and never gave up. We could use more like him.

Good luck Coach Stacy. You've still got that orange and black working for you.

[RRanger]

Just wanted to stop through and leave my remarks in regards to this thread. Coach Stacy is a tremendous coach and more importantly a better human being. From what I know of him, he has values, morals, and has his beliefs on what is right and wrong. He did a lot for his players both on and off the field. This community must wake up and realize that we are not a professional team, outsiders must support the team no matter what. This site is hurting the program, no doubt about it. If people are going to use this site as a "forum" to down talk the program and the coaches, then it simply should not exist. I am Massillon through and through, but I know that the kids on the team year in and year out get on here and read what you people say. If they see and hear bashing of their leader, their head coach, then how do you expect them to go out and work hard for that person, and trust in them. These kids are 15,16,17, and 18 year old kids. Use this forum to promote our program to outsiders who view it. Support "your" kids as Massillonians, and provide support to them throughout there career. We have a special program here in Massillon, no doubt about it. It should be held on a pedestal. We need to get back to the "roots" of Massillon Football, instill in these kids from middle school up that they are going to be Tigers, and inform them about the tradition of excellence which WILL be expected from them. Tell these kids that yes, this is a special place to play football, and you will not just go about the business. Instead you will do like your fathers or grandfathers have before you, and you will demand 110% not only out of yourself, but everyone of your players. It will take a coach who has and wants to put in the time and effort that is needed to "rebuild" the lack of respect given to the Massillon Tiger Football program, not only by those on the outside, but from those who are within its walls. A coach who wants to stay for the duration and regain the glory of being the head coach of the best high school football program in the country, bar none. It can be done me friends, with the right people in place this program can regain its status of being the best in the business. Everyone must be committed to the same goals, I know I am, and I will be willing to do everything I can to get these teams there. I do not care how much experience this next head coach has or how many state championships he has won. What WE need is a head coach who will demand that his team is ready to play on Friday and Saturday nights. The new coach must dedicate himself to making sure that these kids are disciplined and know what it means to play as a team. He must demand that they work like Tigers in the weight room, and act like Tigers in the classroom and in public. He must understand that Massillon is the best place on this earth to coach football, and that his team must understand that it is also the best place on this earth to play football. Bring me the man who wants to remain a Tiger and understands what it means to be a Tiger! Bring me the head coach who will instill back into this community what the Massillon Tiger Football Program is all about...EXCELLENCE... We can get it done, the numbers are down, the talent pool may not be what it was... But there is one thing that we can never let change, or disappear out of the people in this great city, and that what it means to be a TIGER and the tradition that it carries with it.

I AGREE GO TIGER'S

[Banks]

Is this what it's come to now? Does this tell me that Green is a better coaching job than Massillon? If that's the case it is a sad day for Massillon. If this was the college ranks this would be along the same lines as a coach leaving Ohio State for Ohio U just cause he thought it was a better job.


It is a sad time in Massillon.
Some people will never be happy.
We have run out 5 of our last 6 head coaches.

this has to scare away some that would have been interested in the job.

[brm12]

Just let me tell you that I was once a Tiger, not all that long ago, and yes the kids do get on here and read what people say. Its part of the culture of young teens today. The internet is there way of communicating in some regards in this day and age. It would be much better if a player got on this site that is supposed to support the football program in which they play, and had the ability to see positive posts about there coaches and teamates. If you have a problem with the head coach or one of his assistants then take it up with them at the Booster Club meetings or in private. But for the kids and the programs sake we as a community must rally around OUR teams like they did in the old days. Like I have mentioned Massillon is a special place, it is very unique in that football has a history of bringing people of all backgrounds together on Friday nights to support its high school team. This history, this special thing that makes Massillon and the Massillon Tigers so special should never be taken for granted or used in a bad way. We must never let the history of this great program drift away into the past. Find a guy who wants to restore the PRIDE in being a Tiger and the work ethic that it takes to do so. Make sure it is someone who knows what it means to be a Tiger, and understands this programs great history. I know there are coaches out there who will stay and not pursue the college ranks. This coach has to have the mindset that they are coming in to the greatest high school football program in the country. Does it need some restructuring and adjusting? Sure it does, and this coach must accept the challenge to get this program back to its precious status. The town and team deserve a man who is committed to them. We need a man who is committed to saving our program.

[man2man]

Great comments brm12 and Sting. Stacy deserved much better than he got from some fans. He certainly never returned the favor when given so many opportunities lately by the media.

The Massillon program didn't get better today. It just got different. Time will tell if it got worse.

Thanks Coach Stacy for the improvements you brought to the program. Good luck in Green. They got a great coach.

[Banks]

This coach has to have the mindset that they are coming in to the greatest high school football program in the country.

And this coach can have in the back of his mind what happened to the last coach.

I am worried we are going to have a coach that is going to be looking over his shoulder all the time.

[Banks]

The Massillon program didn't get better today. It just got different. Time will tell if it got worse.

Thanks Coach Stacy for the improvements you

I will agree with that!

[man2man]

Several coaches have already contaced Tom and asked what his experience was like and would he recommend they apply. His answer was priceless.

[Obie Wan]

Several coaches have already contaced Tom and asked what his experience was like and would he recommend they apply. His answer was priceless.
Ignoring the questionable accuracy of your story, a coach who seeks his recommendation has no business being here.

[brm12]

There is no need to look over your shoulder if you are doing your job. There is no need to go on to the college ranks if you do not care do to so. I bet we can find a few canidates who understand what this program is about, and who want to be here for the long term and rebuild what is MASSILLON FOOTBALL! Like I said give me a coach who will instill the history of this prorgram in every athlete and demand that they work the way Massillon Tigers should work, in order to be the best team year in and year out. You may not win state championships every year, but Massillon must represent its past and play with great pride and respect for the game.

[Mass6]

There is no need to look over your shoulder if you are doing your job. There is no need to go on to the college ranks if you do not care do to so. I bet we can find a few canidates who understand what this program is about, and who want to be here for the long term and rebuild what is MASSILLON FOOTBALL! Like I said give me a coach who will instill the history of this prorgram in every athlete and demand that they work the way Massillon Tigers should work, in order to be the best team year in and year out. You may not win state championships every year, but Massillon must represent its past and play with great pride and respect for the game.

This may be one of the best posts on this site!!!! This mentality is exactly what we need on the search committee. This will bring Massillon back!!! Great Post:gotigers:

[CarlE]

Just my observation. History tells me EVERY coach after Paul Brown has been looking over his shoulder. Maybe THAT'S why Woody Hayes always signed contracts for only one year.

[Banks]

Ignoring the questionable accuracy of your story, a coach who seeks his recommendation has no business being here.

Actually that is pretty good accuracy .

[Banks]

This may be one of the best posts on this site!!!! This mentality is exactly what we need on the search committee. This will bring Massillon back!!! Great Post:gotigers:


All this is, is history repeating history.

[Banks]

Just my observation. History tells me EVERY coach after Paul Brown has been looking over his shoulder. Maybe THAT'S why Woody Hayes always signed contracts for only one year.

You have that right CarlE

Only a fool would think a coach in Massillon wouldn't be worried about his back!

[brm12]

Im not a fool and I know a little something about the game of football. I also know a little about the Massillon Tiger Football program and its history. You can find an individual to run this program. The head coach can have assistants that come and go, or move on to better positions. What the constant must be, in my opinion, is the "boss". You need to find the person who does not need to look over his shoulder because he knows what his plan of attack is, and knows that what he is doing is right. The community should see it too, it is a communities team. But done right and given the proper respect a coach who wants to right this ship can get it done. We need to restore the history of this fine program at its roots. Find that coach that will take pride in the chance to come in and restore this program from the elementary levels up. We just need to let this man do his job and trust that he understands the definition of what it means to be a Massillon Tiger, and instills that in everyone of his players!

[monte81]

Im not a fool and I know a little something about the game of football. I also know a little about the Massillon Tiger Football program and its history. You can find an individual to run this program. The head coach can have assistants that come and go, or move on to better positions. What the constant must be, in my opinion, is the "boss". You need to find the person who does not need to look over his shoulder because he knows what his plan of attack is, and knows that what he is doing is right. The community should see it too, it is a communities team. But done right and given the proper respect a coach who wants to right this ship can get it done. We need to restore the history of this fine program at its roots. Find that coach that will take pride in the chance to come in and restore this program from the elementary levels up. We just need to let this man do his job and trust that he understands the definition of what it means to be a Massillon Tiger, and instills that in everyone of his players!


First, you have to find a coach who wants to exclusively be a HS coach long term!! Some HS coaches have dream jobs and the Massillon HC is a dream job for BJ PAYNE. That has always been our problem that we look at who is hot but if he is hot to us he is also hot to most mid-level college coaching positions. BJ Payne right now would coach Massillon for the next 10-15 years and if the "powers that be" would let him and I bet we would win it all within 5 seasons---PERIOD!!!! Bj would have never went 6-4 back to back with the talent we had on the team---he played oline/dline so I know he would have corrected that short coming FIRST the last 2 seasons!!

[actoral]

After reading many posts here and attending some Tiger games it appears that a lot of people in Massillon view their team with tunnel vision. I was actively associated with football (as a player and as a coach) on the high school and collegiate level for well over 40 years and have seen thousands of games. The fact of the matter is over the past several years the talent pool has continually diminished and as a result the team isn't as strong as many would want to believe. After watching the first game last season my evaluation was that the team would be very fortunate to have a winning season, which they did. Additionally, the coaching job at Massillon is not the plum job that it once was. Any coach wants to better himself and his family and it appears that Coach Stacey is doing just that. I wish him well and wish the next Tiger coach as much success.

[TigerSupport]

Is this what it's come to now? Does this tell me that Green is a better coaching job than Massillon? If that's the case it is a sad day for Massillon. If this was the college ranks this would be along the same lines as a coach leaving Ohio State for Ohio U just cause he thought it was a better job.

I don't see why Tom would want to go to Green after being pushed out the door here...I mean the administration over there has a clue. That's why Hall won't be coming to Massillon. Call me MassillonCatholic and BOOK IT.

[TigerSupport]

Massillon should have the pick of the litter when it comes to coaches - but why isn't that the case? Hmmmmm......:scratchchin:

[TigerSupport]

Regardless of ANYTHING, this kind of behavior is totally inexcusable and embarrassing to our community and our football program. I hope to God that most people do not judge us as a whole by the inappropriate actions of a few.

I hate to say it but most people DO judge us by those few.

[MTigers006]

Could it be because inside influences keep running them out of town?
How much more are you REAL Tiger fans going to take.

[Banks]

I don't see why Tom would want to go to Green after being pushed out the door here..

He only needs about 4 or 5 years in to be able to get his retirement.

We know OSU and BGSU didn't want him so he might as well go to Green and not up root his family and move. Sure the kids are all grown up on and after the 5 years he can retire to a college job.

[ChronicTiger]

Tom and his family are thrilled - and they should be.

I think a reason for all this unwarranted venom is that he never treated the Massillon job like it was the "Greatest Achievement of His Life" - because it isn't. He said he would stay 3 years and he did. Then he moved on to something better for him and his family.

Faith and family are more important to Tom than football - as it should be.

Since Coach Stacy is gone when can we expect to see you move on from Massillon?

:eek2:

[monte81]

Massillon should have the pick of the litter when it comes to coaches - but why isn't that the case? Hmmmmm......:scratchchin:

Because politics and BS!! Coaches in Ohio are becoming aware that "the powers that be" may have already chosen a coach that some have suggested. I just hope we take a Country wide look at candidates if we cannot find a suitable candidate that has Massillon ties. We need a HS coach who wants to be a premier HS coach! Kyle, Reno, etc,... could have jumped to college as assts. hoping to one day get that big job. However, they have passion for HS football and that is the type of coach we need! We have him in the grasp and he wishes and dreams of the job---give it to BJ Payne and we can enjoy how Massillon used to be, still can be, and will be under his leadership!!

[Red50Go]

Exactly Monte. We ALWAYS get a very good if not great field of candidates. Sometimes we outthink ourselves though, or internal politics come in - certain people want a piece of the pie and "their guy" will give it to them.

Besides, who IS the pick of the litter anyhow? You mentioned 2 but when they were hired they were unknowns. In Stark, I think it is Klinefelter, but he was no rock star 20 years ago either. What those 3 guys had in common was a homegrown love for their communities, and desire to be hs coaches for their alma matre. Something to think about.

[TigerSupport]

Because politics and BS!! Coaches in Ohio are becoming aware that "the powers that be" may have already chosen a coach that some have suggested. I just hope we take a Country wide look at candidates if we cannot find a suitable candidate that has Massillon ties. We need a HS coach who wants to be a premier HS coach! Kyle, Reno, etc,... could have jumped to college as assts. hoping to one day get that big job. However, they have passion for HS football and that is the type of coach we need! We have him in the grasp and he wishes and dreams of the job---give it to BJ Payne and we can enjoy how Massillon used to be, still can be, and will be under his leadership!!

(a) thank you for answering my rhetorical question correctly and (b) BJ Payne?

[MTigers006]

Yes, BJ Payne.

[GoodOlBoys]

Do you people really have any clue? I thought the goal was to find the best coach here, not play politics. BJ has done a good job so far at Lexington, but he has only been a head coach for 2 years! He had one good year this year....and one bad year the year before. He is not ready for this job. We need a proven coach.

I just hope that a search takes place at this point....and not a person put in place by the "big hitters"...or should I say "big hitter"...like the "buddy" named superintendent.

[Broder]

Do you people really have any clue? I thought the goal was to find the best coach here, not play politics. BJ has done a good job so far at Lexington, but he has only been a head coach for 2 years! He had one good year this year....and one bad year the year before. He is not ready for this job. We need a proven coach.

I just hope that a search takes place at this point....and not a person put in place by the "big hitters"...or should I say "big hitter"...like the "buddy" named superintendent.

I have a clue!! I thought the needs and wants of the majority of the posts on this thread was to hire a coach that would stay for a long period of time and rebuild our storied program (yes rebuild). It is a good thing St. X didn't go with a "proven coach" when they chose Steve Specht. He had NEVER been a head coach until they gave him the position and all he has done is win two state championships in four years. But...he was an alum.

Do not judge BJ Payne by his head coaching experience or his record. If you have no idea of what the program at Lexington was like when he got the job and where it is now, then you should brush up on Lexington's football program. His passion, coaching ability, intensity, communication skills with his players, and work ethic are as good as any around. If you couple that with his love for Massillon football, he is an excellent choice.

Having said that... it is doubtful that he will get the position based on similiar thinking to yours....that he is too inexperienced. That is a shame and nearsighted. I read and hear all the names floating around and none of them will do a better job than BJ. If there is a need to rebuild... who better than a Massillonian? From what I have seen and heard BJ coaches with the same passion he played with (like him or not, he was one hell of a player).

Probably the biggest reason he should be the front runner (but is not) is his mindset to rebuild the program for the sake of the program. Not to put another notch in his belt, increase his stature, and pad his resume only to move on to a higher position in coaching. He truly wants to be the coach for the program....not himself. He will bring young Massillonian coaches that also know what the program is about and blend them with older experienced coaches that know how to win.

But alas, I guess this is not what the "higher powers" are looking for. The search has become political and everyone wants to be the person that found "the coach." We need a proven coach that has no loyalty to Massillon and is looking to notch his belt and move on. Just because someone is proven, doesn't mean they will be successful at Massillon. Our last three coaches were "proven" and "experienced"...where did that get us? Experience is not always what it seems. Don't forget there are over 50 "experienced" (7 yrs. or more) head coaches out there that are not being considered, because they aren't very good. Experience is only one factor in a formula. Do not overlook other factors when making a decision and don't overlook BJ Payne and his abilities to be the head football coach of the TIGERS! Hack said it best in one of his replies....he might just suprise you. If you haven't sat down and talked football with him and asked him important questions, then you don't know the coach he has become. All he wants is a chance. Is this program so good, at this time, that giving someone from Massillon a chance is wrong? I don't think so. Reseach what he has done at Lexington in two years, ask his assistant coaches what they think (two are from Massillon), and ask the people in Lexington what they think of his abilities, then tell me he isn't ready for Massillon. I think the question is....Is Massillon ready for BJ Payne?

[Red50Go]

Do you people really have any clue? I thought the goal was to find the best coach here, not play politics. BJ has done a good job so far at Lexington, but he has only been a head coach for 2 years! He had one good year this year....and one bad year the year before. He is not ready for this job. We need a proven coach.

I just hope that a search takes place at this point....and not a person put in place by the "big hitters"...or should I say "big hitter"...like the "buddy" named superintendent.

Only 2 years experience as a head coach (which he improved a program 180 degrees) but a lifetime experience as a Massillon Tiger, at every level. Plus 4+ years experience under the Kehres tree. And who wouldn't want Stu's son back in our weightroom??? Reed is the only guy I would consider over him if, IF, he said he hoped it be his last stop.

You want a long-term coach? Keep wanting. Alot easier said than done.

[CATS44]

Specht is an alum of StX, just like BJ is an alum of WHS.

But there is a big difference. Specht has many years of experience as an assistant at St X, and was groomed to be the head coach for years.

Im sorry, Monte, to say this. But pushing BJ for the position without knowing the alternatives is exactly the same thing as choosing Stacy was the last time. The choice is based upon reasons other that football.

IMO BJ has to do one of two things to become a legitimate candidate for this job.

1) He has to continue on as a head coach and reach the level of proven success as some of the others mentioned.

2) Come in as an assisitant for Massillon and be groomed as the next head coach five or six years down the line.

One other thing on Specht. Before anybody should annoint him as a coaching savant, it is wise to consider that he has as many seniors on his team every year as we have varsity players. If we had 360 players in our top four classes, we probably wouldnt be having this discussion.

[massillon catholic]

One other thing on Specht. Before anybody should annoint him as a coaching savant, it is wise to consider that he has as many seniors on his team every year as we have varsity players. .


Not to mention a much larger geographical area in which to draw his players.

[MTigers006]

I have a clue!! I thought the needs and wants of the majority of the posts on this thread was to hire a coach that would stay for a long period of time and rebuild our storied program (yes rebuild). It is a good thing St. X didn't go with a "proven coach" when they chose Steve Specht. He had NEVER been a head coach until they gave him the position and all he has done is win two state championships in four years. But...he was an alum.

Do not judge BJ Payne by his head coaching experience or his record. If you have no idea of what the program at Lexington was like when he got the job and where it is now, then you should brush up on Lexington's football program. His passion, coaching ability, intensity, communication skills with his players, and work ethic are as good as any around. If you couple that with his love for Massillon football, he is an excellent choice.

Having said that... it is doubtful that he will get the position based on similiar thinking to yours....that he is too inexperienced. That is a shame and nearsighted. I read and hear all the names floating around and none of them will do a better job than BJ. If there is a need to rebuild... who better than a Massillonian? From what I have seen and heard BJ coaches with the same passion he played with (like him or not, he was one hell of a player).

Probably the biggest reason he should be the front runner (but is not) is his mindset to rebuild the program for the sake of the program. Not to put another notch in his belt, increase his stature, and pad his resume only to move on to a higher position in coaching. He truly wants to be the coach for the program....not himself. He will bring young Massillonian coaches that also know what the program is about and blend them with older experienced coaches that know how to win.

But alas, I guess this is not what the "higher powers" are looking for. The search has become political and everyone wants to be the person that found "the coach." We need a proven coach that has no loyalty to Massillon and is looking to notch his belt and move on. Just because someone is proven, doesn't mean they will be successful at Massillon. Our last three coaches were "proven" and "experienced"...where did that get us? Experience is not always what it seems. Don't forget there are over 50 "experienced" (7 yrs. or more) head coaches out there that are not being considered, because they aren't very good. Experience is only one factor in a formula. Do not overlook other factors when making a decision and don't overlook BJ Payne and his abilities to be the head football coach of the TIGERS! Hack said it best in one of his replies....he might just suprise you. If you haven't sat down and talked football with him and asked him important questions, then you don't know the coach he has become. All he wants is a chance. Is this program so good, at this time, that giving someone from Massillon a chance is wrong? I don't think so. Reseach what he has done at Lexington in two years, ask his assistant coaches what they think (two are from Massillon), and ask the people in Lexington what they think of his abilities, then tell me he isn't ready for Massillon. I think the question is....Is Massillon ready for BJ Payne?


Very well said and great points.

[reofan82]

Several coaches have already contaced Tom and asked what his experience was like and would he recommend they apply. His answer was priceless.

Of course they did and I am sure his reply was the most wonderful answer anyone could have given. Please, you are not a tiger fan, you are a Tom Stacy groupie. The fact is Tom Stacy is no longer the Massillon Coach and it is time for us to move on. Call and order your season tickets for Green or maybe your buddy will have you stand on the sidelines with him and give him words of encouragement should Green fans happen to disagree with anything that he does. That would be priceless!

[man2man]

I think the more interesting list of names will not be the candidates who did apply, but those contacted by a Massillon "representative" and said "No Thanks".

[CarlE]

I think the more interesting list of names will not be the candidates who did apply, but those contacted by a Massillon "representative" and said "No Thanks".

I think the more interesting thing will be this self-professed "faith" that Coach Stacy has, and how it will serve him when certain aspects of what he knew when comes out. Comprende' there bud?

[monte81]

I think the more interesting list of names will not be the candidates who did apply, but those contacted by a Massillon "representative" and said "No Thanks".


I thought you would be packing for Green and flooding that website!!!!

We will have a quality coach in Massillon taht utilizes all the talent on the team and demands some discipline and accountability.

[man2man]

I think the more interesting thing will be this self-professed "faith" that Coach Stacy has, and how it will serve him when certain aspects of what he knew when comes out. Comprende' there bud?

Hey - is the expectation that Stacy, or the next coach, is responsible for any player's behavior on a 24/7 basis? You're not that dumb.

Are you responsible for the behavior of every kid in that picture on your avatar? If one of them commits a crime one day, are you ponying up the fine $$ ?

And why bash the guy's faith? Some things are sacred Carl.

And I will stand by Stacy because he's a friend. If it were one of his own children, some shame/blame would rest on him. Someone else's kid - nope.

[massillon catholic]

I think the more interesting list of names will not be the candidates who did apply, but those contacted by a Massillon "representative" and said "No Thanks".

Why dont you provide the list of those contacted that said "No Thanks"?

[monte81]

Specht is an alum of StX, just like BJ is an alum of WHS.

But there is a big difference. Specht has many years of experience as an assistant at St X, and was groomed to be the head coach for years.

Im sorry, Monte, to say this. But pushing BJ for the position without knowing the alternatives is exactly the same thing as choosing Stacy was the last time. The choice is based upon reasons other that football.

IMO BJ has to do one of two things to become a legitimate candidate for this job.

1) He has to continue on as a head coach and reach the level of proven success as some of the others mentioned.


2) Come in as an assisitant for Massillon and be groomed as the next head coach five or six years down the line.

One other thing on Specht. Before anybody should annoint him as a coaching savant, it is wise to consider that he has as many seniors on his team every year as we have varsity players. If we had 360 players in our top four classes, we probably wouldnt be having this discussion.

It not about HC experience!! Taht is why you hire a great staff to work with you. BJ and Stacy are night and day!! Stacy is laid back, quiet coaching while BJ brings excitement and fire. Excellant motivator and would instill discipline and demand respect from each player, plus he is one of our own products-----DREAM to coach the Tigers!!

Stacy didn't have much experience before coaching here as a HC---Shelby! Wow, they were really average.

I would rather see BJ build the eam than a hotshot come in here and do the same ol same ol!!! Like I said, we need a Tiger to coach the Tigers