Fascinating to watch the speculation, with all the ups and downs, in the search for a new University of Louisville football coach to replace Charlie Strong. The only person who really knows how the search is going is Tom Jurich, and he’s not saying anything until the deal is done.
In all probability, Jurich had made a choice before returning to Louisville over the week to address the team. About now, Jurich and Kevin Miller, his senior associate athletic director, are putting the finishing touches on the contract.
So many hot lists out there ranking the candidates. Here’s a short one of people who may have received a telephone call or a courtesy interview but won’t be getting the nod:
Bobby Petrino — The former UofL coach would be a PR disaster for Tom Jurich who has worked so hard to build an image of the program as first class in every respect. Rehiring Petrino after the way he has treated administrators, players and fans here and elsewhere would not be in the program’s best interests. The school’s image doesn’t need the hit that hiring Petrino would bring with it.
Rich Rodriguez — He hasn’t done all that well at Arizona even though he has had some top 15 recruiting classes. He left West Virginia under bad terms after leaving there for Michigan where lasted three seasons. He’s not an up and coming coach or even a proven consistent winner despite claiming a couple of BCS bowl wins.
Vance Bedford — While he’s a motivator and a fan favorite, the current UofL defensive coordinator lacks the air of gravitas that commands respect like his former boss. Going into the ACC, this program needs someone with a track record not on-the-job training.
Shawn Watson — Whether it was him, as the offensive coordinator, or Charlie Strong dictating the terms, the UofL offense was simply too boring this season, causing some die hard fans to fight drowsiness even during key games. Enough of that.
Zagnut/Card Truth – you’ve been very quiet since your “Petrino nutjob” and “ignorant, misinformed” comments. Petrino offered the job and will be the next head coach! Full support from this Card fan. Looks like you two were the ones out of touch and “ignorant”. So who neeeds to learn something about the game?
The current sad state of college football has forced institutions to adjust their decision-making, if they wish to rise to the top of the (smelly) heap.
A couple of suggestions:
1–If you want to teach young men about character and maturity, hire them a chaplain along with a coach. Come to think of it, a chaplain might help on recruiting trips, too. They might convince a reluctant momma that her baby boy will be in good hands at your school, and come back as a real man.
(And chaplains work cheap.)
2–Who would you want in your corner if you were in a gladiatorial-style steel-cage death match? I would want someone who could teach me to strike forcefully anyplace, anytime, until the opponent was thoroughly defeated. (As opposed to someone who would teach you to nibble away at the opponents weaknesses until you might eventually win.)
3–Knute Rockne is history. Vince Lombardi is gone. ESPN is now. The fan/alumni oath ends with, ‘What have you done for me lately?’ This isn’t your grandpa’s football game any more. (Spoken from this grandpa’s point of view.)
4–So, to succeed in the current-day sweaty jungle, hire an assassin… not a baby-kisser.
Just my jaded opinion. Feel free to express a different opinion, but save the hate mail. Let the electrons rest.
Zagnut – of course I know what happened in Arkansas. I’m focused on a WINNING program. So you’re the judge on how long he needs to be held accountable? Give me a break. I guess you thought Pitino “served enough time” and is ok to coach? Petrino has one of the highest winning percentages of college coaches…he’s a winner. I think it’d be great if he were Louisville’s next coach — from news reports, it seems many other UofL fans, former players, alum, etc. agree.
Bobby will be back, if you do not like it then deal with it.. We are gonna win!
I will go with whoever TJ picks, but thanks.
I may have attended my last U of L football game if Bobby is hired. I think I have only missed 3 home games in the last 10 years.
Harry, certainly understandable. I’m not convinced TJ has decided on Petrino.
See ya later Harry.
And how did Pitino’s PR disaster hurt the fan base and team???
Steveko, are you completely misinformed or already forgotten about what happened with Petrino at Arkansas and why he was summarily dismissed? He needs to be held accountable a while longer. This isn’t an election where people forget so quickly about people’s past transgressions.
Card Truth- you like jumping on bandwagons?? How many Duke games have you been to? I didn’t see you when they barely beat a pitiful Wake Forest. Yes I did see the bowl game – and saw Duke lose. Sounds like you need to understand the difference between winning and losing. Duke has had a losing record in the last five seasons. Cutcliffe’s first winning season at Duke and you want him as your coach?? Petrino is a damn good coach and would have a dynamic team on the field. I don’t care about his girlfriend etc, I care about wins. Duke had one good season in six, and no, their offense isn’t dazzling.
Steveko, you are a completely ignorant. Did you watch Duke’s bowl game? No way was that offense boring. All you Petrino nutjobs need to learn something about the game.
Sounds like you need to learn something
Card Truth – are you now throwing Jurich in the category of “Petrino nutjobs” after pinning that label on me for suggesting Petrino would be a good hire? Or are you still fascinated with how good Duke played in the bowl game loss??
Steveko, glad to know I got under your skin loser. You have to hang off petrino’s jock to feel good about yourself…I know football..BTW I have been to Duke games lmao.
Sounds like many fans and former players want Petrino back. All he does is win – I believe the program’s image would be fine. Talk of Pitino’s situation died down quickly, especially after championship. Winning does that and I’d have no problem with Petrino back. He’s a winner and puts an exciting team on the field. Please don’t bring in cutcliffe or lembo. If so,people will fall asleep in the stands.
Well, I sure agree with those bozos NOT making the list.
Swamp Daddy
I disagree with both Petrino and Bedford.