(12-30-2017 11:48 AM)DeKalb57 Wrote: (12-30-2017 10:10 AM)Skinut Wrote: Again, to the basic question. . . why?
I can't believe I'm typing this but, here's a very "Basic" answer - He's been "serviceable" - C+ - B-
Under his leadership:
*We're consistently in the MAC hunt.
*We consistently go to Bowling - 4 in 5 years
*We consistently recruit our area.
*He hasn't sexually harassed anyone.
*He's not going anywhere.
*He's gradually improved.
If you take a look at just the facts, he's as good as/better than most of our Head Coaches within the last 50 years.
Every time you go to the "hiring window", there is risk - risk of hiring: Sadler, Corso, Culpepper, Ippoliti or; risk of hiring someone who is here for 2 years and bails and, you find yourself back at the window again.
I'm no fan but, the more and more I think about it, we could (& have) do MUCH worse.
Take a look here for basic facts:
https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/sch...-illinois/
His 5 year stretch is the 2nd best 5 year stretch within the last 50 years; only topped by what Novak built and Kill/Doeren reaped the benefits of...
Are we a little "down"? Yes. We are also missing an impact player - Harnisch, Turner, Wolfe, Lynch, etc... You could argue, we are benchmarking against the golden era of NIU football players.
Take note of how our other Top coaches did in the absence of individuals of that caliber.
When I said he has improved, I really meant at coachspeak - bowl comments not withstanding. I believe he has grown.
Believe me, I'm no fan but, given the financial position of the university and, his debatable success, I do not believe his performance is such that he should be fired. Pressured? Absolutely...
I also remember some of the true garbage coaches we've had in many sports. While our complaints of him have merit, if you look at the facts, I believe he's serviceable, as the facts seem to indicate.
Further, if our next 5 with him is the same as the last 5, I'd take it. Therein lies the argument for a change...