Steve Kragthorpe is apparently here for the long haul as University of Louisville football coach unless the bottom falls out during the upcoming season. This could account for the coach’s recent string of recruiting commitments.
Before last season began, Tom Jurich declared that the U of L football program was in the process of rebuilding, adding, “I only hope we can make it through the next two years.”
Jurich reaffirmed his position in November, telling ESPN’S Brian Bennett, “When I said we’d spend the next two years rebuilding, there was a lot of flack that came with it. Nobody wants to hear that. [But] it’s a long haul and I knew that and I buckled up for it.”
The latest indicator comes from Jack Coffee, general manager of the Louisville Sports Report, in that publication’s 2009 Football Preview:
“Coach K has the unconditional support of Tom Jurich for this season and, based on certain agreed-upon goals, next season as well. These goals don’t necessarily include victories as much as organization, performance and improvement. Most athletic directors are committed to giving new coaches four years to be successful. Jurich is of that professional group, and the past two seasons have not diminished Jurich’s belief that Kragthorpe is the man for the job at Louisville. He will stick with him until there is no hope.”
That level of support, patience and confidence is rare these days, especially in college football.
Mr. Zukof, a lot of people share your opinion but many of us do not. Nothing we’ve seen thus far justifies your faith in Steve Kragthorpe.
Card4life and cb, get a grip. U of L is not the only program that slipped back from the heights when an extremely talented class graduated and a coach left. TJ saw what was coming — he is, after all, a football guy himself.
I’l bet you two were among those laughing the loudest when Big Blue Nation was doing the same kind of howling about Rich Brooks….
Jack (and Howie) have a problem. I get Louisville Sports Report “free” as the subscription comes with my donation level to the CAF. My GUESS is that as much as half of the LSR subscription revenue comes directly from the university athletic department. They can’t bite the hand that feeds them.
Jack Coffee is freakin ridiculous in his unwavering support for Kragsuck. I’ve heard him numerous times say the same crap that Jurich and the asst. AD have said, “Kragthorpe is a great coach,” or “Steve is one of the best coaches in the game.” Sorry but great coaches and one of the best usually don’t find themselves on the hot seat like Kragthorpe. This is exactly the crap that gets fans in such an uproar. If he is bad, then Jurich should fire him. If UofL doesn’t make a bowl game this year, Jurich should fire him. When he loses to a mediocre UK team again, Jurich should fire him. I am amazed at the support for such a loser … C’mon people Krags to this point has shown no traits of an elite coach. Lets just be honest and say he at least deserves a third year, period. Don’t lie to me and other fans about how good we are led to beleive he is. I haven’t seen it, have you?
Nah, but we haven’t played a game yet this year. I’ll withhold judgment until we do. You probably should do the same because Jurich is a pretty smart cookie.
Groan … Jurich is the man, and we can only hope he’s right on this one.
We’ll see Zaggie…ummm, Nutty
We’ll see…
I’d say he’s busting his ass on getting some decent commtments–finally–because his ass is on the line big -time THIS season
no matter what is coughed up by TJ for public consumption
Okay, Mr. Obvious, but I think he has the players ready to bust their butts,too. Finally has the people are solidly into his approach and want to make things happen for him, the Eric Woods’ types. It will be entertaining, that’s for sure.