As much as I hate the new FA of college football…..

[DarthCat]

….it’ll force a move on JON. Perception has the power to annihilate a program almost instantly today, a situation that could take half a decade, likely more, to fix.

Unlike before where you were you were unlikely to lose upperclassmen unwilling to sacrifice a year of playing to transfer, and even underclassmen had to weigh the costs of a lost year, every capable starter on our D, as well as every recruit, can be on the field in a different uniform in less than 8 months after this season ends. If we are wrong, and there is nothing wrong with JON as a coach, the kids are bought in and want to play for him, we have nothing long term to worry about and JON and Fitz will fix the issues.

But if what we think we see IS the case, that JON is unqualified for the role he was given, the players will know that and will not stick around to play for him. The HC loyalty to a undeserving coach today can have drastically worse consequences than was the case just two years ago and far more immediate.

 

[Catnap22]

….it’ll force a move on JON. Perception has the power to annihilate a program almost instantly today, a situation that could take half a decade, likely more, to fix.

Unlike before where you were you were unlikely to lose upperclassmen unwilling to sacrifice a year of playing to transfer, and even underclassmen had to weigh the costs of a lost year, every capable starter on our D, as well as every recruit, can be on the field in a different uniform in less than 8 months after this season ends. If we are wrong, and there is nothing wrong with JON as a coach, the kids are bought in and want to play for him, we have nothing long term to worry about and JON and Fitz will fix the issues.

But if what we think we see IS the case, that JON is unqualified for the role he was given, the players will know that and will not stick around to play for him. The HC loyalty to a undeserving coach today can have drastically worse consequences than was the case just two years ago and far more immediate.

It’s easy to throw JON to the wolves and think that solves everything, but those in the know realize that there a deeper systemic issues facing this program. Jim ONeill may be part of the problem, but he’s a small part. The issue is Pat Fitzgerald.

 

[DarthCat]

It’s easy to throw JON to the wolves and think that solves everything, but those in the know realize that there a deeper systemic issues facing this program. Jim ONeill may be part of the problem, but he’s a small part. The issue is Pat Fitzgerald.

Yeah, Pat Fitzgerald has attained levels of success in his role and established a program identity sought by college programs across the country and the NFL. At the same time, he has never shown even an inkling of anything that could call his character into question or question that the well being of his athletes, and those he faces off against, are not his first and foremost focus on and off the field.

What has JON done as a DC, now in his fifth year holding that position, having lost that role after three of the four years he has held it so far, and now setting records for poor performance in this one? If JON loses the NU DC position during or after this season, as many would agree seems justified, it will mark the fourth time in five years as a DC he didn’t hold onto the job the next year. Yikes.

 

[zeek55]

It’s easy to throw JON to the wolves and think that solves everything, but those in the know realize that there a deeper systemic issues facing this program. Jim ONeill may be part of the problem, but he’s a small part. The issue is Pat Fitzgerald.

It won't solve everything, but it will solve a lot.

The massive early game breakdowns and quick 1-2 play touchdowns are a direct indictment of the DC.

You can argue all you want about talent, but the talent is roughly similar to what we have in most years here on the defensive side.

We just never showed these types of performances to such a ghastly extent under Hank. We had some lopsided losses to often great teams yes, but not to the Dukes or this year's Nebraskas of the world.