FB: Ohio Athletic Conference

[Raider 68]

Congrats to Jasper (Junior) Collins for being selected for the East-West game. Maybe this will
be the first of many opportunities for him!

[bambord]

The question is:
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/411po2OEPnL._SL500_.jpg

The answer is:

Yes, the Purple Raiders do; and won them on the playing field.  The ND leprechauns won their "championships" in media polls.

pt

[formerd3db]

I see Junior Collins name on the West Offense Roster for the upcoming East-West Shrine Game (Saturday, January 19th @ 4:00 PM EST, St. Petersburg, FL).
I have not seen any press release/announcement, whether that be UMU, local (Alliance) newspaper, or anywhere else.
I am going to be down there for the long MLK holiday weekend; how do I convince the wife to give up a Saturday afternoon/evening, to sit indoors, in Florida (when we are supposed to be escaping the winter north), in order to watch football??

The Dover, DE, newspaper does not say much more (details) about K.C. Keeler:

"On Monday afternoon, the University of Delaware fired Head Coach K.C. Keeler after 11 seasons with the Blue Hens.
Keeler was hired back in 2002 and even signed a 10-year extension in 2008. He helped lead the Blue Hens to three 1st place finishes, including an NCAA Division I-AA Championship back in 2003.
In his 11 seasons, the Blue Hens were 86-52 and reached the FCS Title game three times.
He will be forever linked with being the man who took over for legendary Head Coach Tubby Raymond. While his run could not match Raymond's, Keeler's regime will be remembered as a successful period of Blue Hens football.
The timing of the firing is a bit odd, and may come as a shock to many around the U of D family. While no reason has been reported as of yet, there is certainly reason for skepticism. This is normally the time of year that college teams try to lock up top recruits.
More to come as it becomes available...."

I realize that many here on the boards were not fans of Coach Keeler.  However, that said, I agree with you that it appears as something sketchy about the firing.  It sure seemed to me from the tone of how their statements were made that President and AD went out of their way to state the usual obligatory and diplomatic "thank you for your great contributions and wish you all the best, blah, blah, blah, but...we don't want you anymore so we're canning your arse" - at least the tone seeemed that way to me, although perhaps I'm mis-interpreting it.  I could be wrong, yet I somehow have this feeling that there was something more to it behind the scenes as opposed to their just wanting to win another national championship (heck, they had one and went to another, which is more than the majority of schools can say or ever will) or Keeler's tough personality, etc.  Of course, all of this is speculation and I certainly have no sources or inside ties to Delware anymore - I know the former head team physician who was fired there, so some undermining by the administration (both athletic and otherwise) would not surprise me at all.

Anyway, it will be interesting to see who Deleware hires next and where Keeler will end up.  Whether you like him or not, I hope he gets a job somewhere - it is not good and very tough to be employed at this time in our society.     

[bman]

I see Junior Collins name on the West Offense Roster for the upcoming East-West Shrine Game (Saturday, January 19th @ 4:00 PM EST, St. Petersburg, FL).
I have not seen any press release/announcement, whether that be UMU, local (Alliance) newspaper, or anywhere else.
I am going to be down there for the long MLK holiday weekend; how do I convince the wife to give up a Saturday afternoon/evening, to sit indoors, in Florida (when we are supposed to be escaping the winter north), in order to watch football??

The Dover, DE, newspaper does not say much more (details) about K.C. Keeler:

"On Monday afternoon, the University of Delaware fired Head Coach K.C. Keeler after 11 seasons with the Blue Hens.
Keeler was hired back in 2002 and even signed a 10-year extension in 2008. He helped lead the Blue Hens to three 1st place finishes, including an NCAA Division I-AA Championship back in 2003.
In his 11 seasons, the Blue Hens were 86-52 and reached the FCS Title game three times.
He will be forever linked with being the man who took over for legendary Head Coach Tubby Raymond. While his run could not match Raymond's, Keeler's regime will be remembered as a successful period of Blue Hens football.
The timing of the firing is a bit odd, and may come as a shock to many around the U of D family. While no reason has been reported as of yet, there is certainly reason for skepticism. This is normally the time of year that college teams try to lock up top recruits.
More to come as it becomes available...."

I realize that many here on the boards were not fans of Coach Keeler.  However, that said, I agree with you that it appears as something sketchy about the firing.  It sure seemed to me from the tone of how their statements were made that President and AD went out of their way to state the usual obligatory and diplomatic "thank you for your great contributions and wish you all the best, blah, blah, blah, but...we don't want you anymore so we're canning your arse" - at least the tone seeemed that way to me, although perhaps I'm mis-interpreting it.  I could be wrong, yet I somehow have this feeling that there was something more to it behind the scenes as opposed to their just wanting to win another national championship (heck, they had one and went to another, which is more than the majority of schools can say or ever will) or Keeler's tough personality, etc.  Of course, all of this is speculation and I certainly have no sources or inside ties to Delware anymore - I know the former head team physician who was fired there, so some undermining by the administration (both athletic and otherwise) would not surprise me at all.

Anyway, it will be interesting to see who Deleware hires next and where Keeler will end up.  Whether you like him or not, I hope he gets a job somewhere - it is not good and very tough to be employed at this time in our society.   

More details can be found here:  http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20130108/SPORTS07/301080042/UD-fires-Keeler?nclick_check=1

[bushman]

Perhaps they didn't like the sunglasses  being worn at night during games.

[Dr. Acula]

I know we like to poke fun at Shades Keeler, but I do feel bad for him.  That's his alma mater and probably his dream job.  I feel for a guy that lands his dream job and then loses it.  3 NC game appearances in 11 yrs, but only one playoff appearance in the last 5.  What have ya done for me lately?  Such is the life of DI football coaches these days.

[formerd3db]

I see Junior Collins name on the West Offense Roster for the upcoming East-West Shrine Game (Saturday, January 19th @ 4:00 PM EST, St. Petersburg, FL).
I have not seen any press release/announcement, whether that be UMU, local (Alliance) newspaper, or anywhere else.
I am going to be down there for the long MLK holiday weekend; how do I convince the wife to give up a Saturday afternoon/evening, to sit indoors, in Florida (when we are supposed to be escaping the winter north), in order to watch football??

The Dover, DE, newspaper does not say much more (details) about K.C. Keeler:

"On Monday afternoon, the University of Delaware fired Head Coach K.C. Keeler after 11 seasons with the Blue Hens.
Keeler was hired back in 2002 and even signed a 10-year extension in 2008. He helped lead the Blue Hens to three 1st place finishes, including an NCAA Division I-AA Championship back in 2003.
In his 11 seasons, the Blue Hens were 86-52 and reached the FCS Title game three times.
He will be forever linked with being the man who took over for legendary Head Coach Tubby Raymond. While his run could not match Raymond's, Keeler's regime will be remembered as a successful period of Blue Hens football.
The timing of the firing is a bit odd, and may come as a shock to many around the U of D family. While no reason has been reported as of yet, there is certainly reason for skepticism. This is normally the time of year that college teams try to lock up top recruits.
More to come as it becomes available...."

I realize that many here on the boards were not fans of Coach Keeler.  However, that said, I agree with you that it appears as something sketchy about the firing.  It sure seemed to me from the tone of how their statements were made that President and AD went out of their way to state the usual obligatory and diplomatic "thank you for your great contributions and wish you all the best, blah, blah, blah, but...we don't want you anymore so we're canning your arse" - at least the tone seeemed that way to me, although perhaps I'm mis-interpreting it.  I could be wrong, yet I somehow have this feeling that there was something more to it behind the scenes as opposed to their just wanting to win another national championship (heck, they had one and went to another, which is more than the majority of schools can say or ever will) or Keeler's tough personality, etc.  Of course, all of this is speculation and I certainly have no sources or inside ties to Delware anymore - I know the former head team physician who was fired there, so some undermining by the administration (both athletic and otherwise) would not surprise me at all.

Anyway, it will be interesting to see who Deleware hires next and where Keeler will end up.  Whether you like him or not, I hope he gets a job somewhere - it is not good and very tough to be employed at this time in our society.   

More details can be found here:  http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20130108/SPORTS07/301080042/UD-fires-Keeler?nclick_check=1

Thanks for the link.  The AD Ziady, while entitled to go in whatever direction he desires, certainly, IMO, was most disingenous in regards to his comments as to why the decision was made.  Be straight and honest with the public (it is a public institution) and don't hide behind secrecy.  I have less respect for people when they do that, however, as Dr. Acula said in his most recent post, that is the life in DI these days (and sometimes, it is sad to say, even in DIII).   

[Pat Coleman]

Can't say I've seen this too often:

Keeler, who has frequently praised Ziady's leadership, said he'll hold no animosity.

"I will not stop loving this place," he said. "It's not like I'm going to take all my UD gear and go burn it. That's not happening. I told Eric, it sounds crazy, but I want to help fund raise and help this place out. We live in this community and I love this community. I bleed these colors."

[bman]

Can't say I've seen this too often:

Keeler, who has frequently praised Ziady's leadership, said he'll hold no animosity.

"I will not stop loving this place," he said. "It's not like I'm going to take all my UD gear and go burn it. That's not happening. I told Eric, it sounds crazy, but I want to help fund raise and help this place out. We live in this community and I love this community. I bleed these colors."

We he was a Delaware player as well...so the attachment is not only from the coaching role...

Let's be honest here...(and as a local, the Delaware program is in my face all the time...) when Delaware has won, it's because they have had 1 or more (Game changing) FBS transfers come in.  When they don't get those guys, they haven't won...IMO, that's what the AD saw, and didn't want that to continue...

[Pat Coleman]

No doubt. I just figured there might be some mourning period or some momentary backlash.

[formerd3db]

Can't say I've seen this too often:

Keeler, who has frequently praised Ziady's leadership, said he'll hold no animosity.

"I will not stop loving this place," he said. "It's not like I'm going to take all my UD gear and go burn it. That's not happening. I told Eric, it sounds crazy, but I want to help fund raise and help this place out. We live in this community and I love this community. I bleed these colors."

No doubt. I just figured there might be some mourning period or some momentary backlash.

I agree with you Pat.  Thanks for you post- I had thought about that same thing myself when I saw his (Keeler's comments).  I must say that whether people here like Keeler or not, they'd have to admit that his response is a classy one.  As you say, not many coaches/ex-players would feel that way and/or admit it.   

Also, in following up on what bman mentioned (and I realize he is closer to the situation out there obviously), again I would have to say if that is truly part of what Ziady didn't like, he still should be honest about it.  The alumni, former players, coaches and fans deserve to know.  I would also have to question then - did he ever talk with Keeler about such?  Perhaps if he did, then possibly Keeler might have made the decision himself because he has always used the option of transfers to help build the programs he's been at.  However, based on what has been reported in the media especially Keeler's comments and reaction (as well as Ziady's comments), I seriously doubt they ever had such a conversation.  Unless Keeler had done something completely unethical or in some tangential vein, IMO no reason not to let him continue.

Anyway, I'm not saying they can't flourish with some new coach, whoever they end up hiring, but we'll see just how Delawares program will fare in the future.  Also, I wonder where Keeler will end up?  Educated guesses anyone?   

[jaypeter]

Two Jacksonville-OAC posts in one...Cecil Shorts is up for voting as the Vizio "Top Value Player" (www.vizio.com/tvp).  He's a far distant second to Russel Wilson and holds a slim lead over third place Alfred Morris.  Looks like you can vote as often as you want.  Plus, Shorts' new GM is a JCU alum who is rumoured to be considering his college roommate for new head coach.

[bman]

again I would have to say if that is truly part of what Ziady didn't like, he still should be honest about it.  The alumni, former players, coaches and fans deserve to know. 

I couldn't agree more...+K

A buddy of mine's nephew is a starting D Lineman at Delaware....I'll see what he knows this weekend, and comment what I can...

[formerd3db]

again I would have to say if that is truly part of what Ziady didn't like, he still should be honest about it.  The alumni, former players, coaches and fans deserve to know. 

I couldn't agree more...+K

A buddy of mine's nephew is a starting D Lineman at Delaware....I'll see what he knows this weekend, and comment what I can...

Thanks bman.  It will be interesting to hear what your friend's nephew might say, if he is willing to share his opinion/what he knows.

[Raider 68]

Great recap of 2012 by K-Mac and D3 football, well done!