We hit the jackpot with Coach Bill Blankenship. If we DO win out as I predict, we shouldn't just give the man a new contract, it should be long term and guaranteed. We should also sit down and ask him what he needs to really elevate this program to the next level. Anyone who had reservations about this hire can go jump in Keystone Lake. He has had to overcome more adversity (not created by him) than just about any coach we've had in recent memory. So here's to BB! NUFF SAID!

This is not to say that we should never give our constructive criticisms about the program and him, his players and staff. But he has certainly already met my expectation level. NUFF SAID2!

When all is said and done, the great thing about Bill is that he is a 100% Tulsa guy and is a combination of Steve Kragthorpes high level human traits and the program vision of Glenn Dobbs (who was also such a great ambassador for TU athletics) IMO. NUFF SAID3.

I'm very excited for BB as well, but before extending to a long term contract, we need to evaluate his recruiting over a couple years. And the ability to make coaching changes where we obviously are struggling.

We could easily go from a 9-10 win season to a 4-5 next year.

However I am optimistic he will work out for us over the long haul.

I think that is the prudent and correct thing to do. The good thing about BB is that I doubt he'll just run off for a money job. He is the best of both worlds (hopefully) - good coach/TU guy. I think he is making all the right moves. But yes, lets watch and see. If he IS what I think, the tag of HS coach will be gone soon. I predict we win out (if all the players stay healthy, like W Carter). But BB has exceeded what TG could have done with all the adversity he had early on IMO. But we'll know in his third year how he really has built the program because after next season we'll lose a bunch of TG's recruited players. Then the program will be 100% HIS. David Rader was initially successful, but stayed on and TU's adm didn't keep up its support and he left on a sour note. BB shouldn't/won't let that happen. Neither should we.

Great post