Cecil Hurt is the sports editor for the Tuscaloosa News. He’s also one of the only people I trust to accurately report on Alabama athletics. The rest of the people I trust are those on that T-News staff, along with Paul Finebaum (I may catch heck for that name).

That aside, Hurt has a great head on his shoulders when it comes to looking at the future of Alabama football. All you have to do is read his article below.

Now is not the time for UA to lose focus

Kudos, Cecil.

Well, Coach Rod decided to stay at West Virginia. That’s where he and his family are originally from, so I can’t fault him. Best of luck to you guys.

Bama moves on in the coaching search. I think I’ll be a little more patient this time. We’ll get someone who’s right for the job.

If not, ESPN has all the more ammunition toward us.

What a week it’s been. We’ve seen Shula fired, now we are anxiously waiting for these next three days to pass. According to ESPN.com’s Ivan Maisel Tuesday night, Bama will decide whether or not to offer current West Virginia University Coach Rich Rodriguez the head job within 72 hours.

I watched the WVU-Rutgers game Saturday night with Dad. Am I impressed with him? You’d better believe it. From everything I’ve seen and read, I’m all for this man to take over the Crimson Helm.

Spurrier would’ve been nice. Saban, too, but I think we’re about to have a quality and disciplined man leading our team.

I hope we can soon say, “Welcome to Tuscaloosa, Coach Rod.”

Wow… It’s just after 1:00 a.m. Monday morning, and Tuscaloosa News is reporting Mike Shula has been fired as Alabama’s head coach.

I hoped for it, but didn’t think it’d happen. I like Shula as an individual, but he wasn’t cut out for the job.

So… Who’s our new coach? Spurrier? Saban?

Tick, tock, tick, tock…

First of all, let me say I was at the Iron Bowl, and I wasn’t upset Auburn won again. Will it have an impact on Shula’s future?

That’s the rumor flying around radio and chat boards right now. Many are saying the Board of Trustees has met and decided Shula will not return next year. Even Finebaum this afternoon was “90 percent” sure Shula’s as good as gone.

Now, everyone has an opinion. There’s no need for me to dive into that old saying about rear ends and opinions. Rumors fly and they disappear. However, if Finebaum’s hinting at it, I’d put a small dose of credibility into it.

Here’s the thing: The Board can’t fire Shula. They can only make a recommendation to the president and AD. They voted to keep Mike Price, but Dr. Robert Witt walked him to the chopping block.

Who knows what will happen. Interesting times are ahead once again for Bama. Can they just get a good coach in there and keep him for a while?

Please?