FB: Liberty League

[lewdogg11]

They SHOULD have named an 'interim' coach, and it is my understanding that Coach Surace has assumed this role.

But I really get the feeling that they might clean house completely, so maybe they didn't want to give anyone any false hope?

[Jonny Utah]

This isn't like D-1 either where there are verbal committments.  I believe most kids wait until the last minute for making a deposit anyway,

[AUKaz00]

An idea for the LLPPFFL next year?

[Frank Rossi]

This isn't like D-1 either where there are verbal committments.  I believe most kids wait until the last minute for making a deposit anyway,

Understood, but parents play a role in this process, too.  I'd be pretty queasy at this scenario if I saw this situation developing and a huge part of my child's decision rested on the football program (granted, I'd hope the academics would be a bigger influencer with D3 decisions). 

LD, I know you've been outspoken at times concerning the coaching and play of RPI in the past.  So, I ask you this in all honesty for a better impression on my end:  is there a NEED for a full housecleaning here?  What was so wrong with the Joe King era that would necessitate one?  Even when Bobby Bowden was booted unceremoniously, they did basically stick with Jimbo Fisher at FSU (who cleaned the house in a limited fashion based on his own style).  It's like RPI is treating the past era as some sort of black eye, and that's honestly wrong.  King's style (and thus, his staff's style) obviously fit RPI pretty well, looking at the success over the past 20 years.  The more I hear, the less I like how this one is being handled.

[labart96]

Renssalaer phone interviewed 4 folks last week.  Any word who?

Yes.  Gro.  Gro's agent.  Gro's agent's agent.  and Gro's fluffer.

I have no definitive evidence of this, but i'm pretty sure that 'Gro's fluffer' has the nastiest job ever invented.

Ha - on a more serious note, TGP checked the Troy Record and Times Union....no press whatsoever.  Seems pretty clear that RPI is keeping this search confidential.

The timeline that we received said an announcement should be made by the first or second week of March.

I'm tempted to start a poll:

Which of these will happen first?

A) Hobart Football finds a ninth opponent for 2011; or
B) RPI Football names a new head football coach.

Just strikes me that March/April is way too late for either of these.

TGP is picking B

[lewdogg11]

This isn't like D-1 either where there are verbal committments.  I believe most kids wait until the last minute for making a deposit anyway,

Understood, but parents play a role in this process, too.  I'd be pretty queasy at this scenario if I saw this situation developing and a huge part of my child's decision rested on the football program (granted, I'd hope the academics would be a bigger influencer with D3 decisions). 

LD, I know you've been outspoken at times concerning the coaching and play of RPI in the past.  So, I ask you this in all honesty for a better impression on my end:  is there a NEED for a full housecleaning here?  What was so wrong with the Joe King era that would necessitate one?  Even when Bobby Bowden was booted unceremoniously, they did basically stick with Jimbo Fisher at FSU (who cleaned the house in a limited fashion based on his own style).  It's like RPI is treating the past era as some sort of black eye, and that's honestly wrong.  King's style (and thus, his staff's style) obviously fit RPI pretty well, looking at the success over the past 20 years.  The more I hear, the less I like how this one is being handled.

Frank,

I'm going to respond to this as neutrally as possible.  None of this is personal in nature towards anyone in the Administration or program but just from things i've heard and gut instinct.  Although we don't always see eye to eye on things, I don't think you and I have any personal ill-will towards each other, so i'm not agreeing or disagreeing with anything you've said on the situation(especially just for the sake of being 'anti-Frank'.)

1.  Do I feel that a 'house-cleaning' is a necessity?  No.  Do I think it will help or hurt the program?  Time will tell.  Now, with that said, my feeling is that if they were not going to clean house, they would have appointed someone an interim coach quickly if not immediately, and eventually label him as the full-time head coach.  That still may happen.  I just don't see it.  If they hire someone from outside the program, I would have to assume that a new coach is going to come with his guys or atleast want to hand-pick his own guys. 

2.  Re:  What is wrong with the Joe King era...?  Not a thing.  Nothing can be taken away from the last 15-20 years and the work he and the other coaches have done in bringing the program to where it is.  However, is it possible that he/they brought the program as far along as he/they could have?  It's entirely possible  Maybe there is a need for new blood to take the program to the next level.  They have the facilities there now, but maybe things were getting a little stale?  I don't know.  Grady Little got the Red Sox to the playoffs almost every year, but couldn't get over the 'hump' and made some poor decisions in big situations.  I can't discount what he did, but it's possible that a new coaching staff was good for them on the whole.  I know, apples and oranges, but hopefully you understand where i'm coming from on this one.

3.  Re:  RPI treating the past era as a black eye.  No idea where this is coming from whatsoever.  I do know that Coach King did not leave the program in the best situation or possibly under the best terms.  If he had 'known' or even had a feeling that he might retire or step down, he could have done it at a better time.  But instead, the program is handcuffed at the worst possible time recruiting-wise.  This sucks for the current coaching staff who are working their butts off but have no idea if they have a job in 2 weeks.  Lots of credit to them for that.  But i'm sure they have their resumes ready to go, and for their sakes, I hope they do.  To the defense of the Administration, rather than jumping to a decision, maybe they see this as an opportunity to right the ship as to what they want long-term.  It totally sucks, and I think they need to move their azzes, but maybe they have the long-term future in the best interest.  This is a big 'maybe' and me being very optimistic.

Maybe this helped answer my point of view.  Maybe not.  Sometimes change is good.  I'm not 100% sure that the head coach was giving 100% over the past few years.  And to even question that I think leads us to where we are today.

[Frank Rossi]

Perhaps your best post I've ever seen, LD.  Very insightful and respectful across the board.  Appreciate it a lot.

By the way, the whole "not seeing eye to eye" issue is overblown between us.  You and I both play extremes on things -- but ultimately, we enjoy the banter and care about the Division.  I respect your opinion a lot -- and I respect the players and coaches in the Division a lot.  Sometimes we strike nerves of each other, I understand -- but, I still respect you a lot.

[PA_wesleyfan]

Renssalaer phone interviewed 4 folks last week.  Any word who?

Yes.  Gro.  Gro's agent.  Gro's agent's agent.  and Gro's fluffer.

I have no definitive evidence of this, but i'm pretty sure that 'Gro's fluffer' has the nastiest job ever invented.

Ha - on a more serious note, TGP checked the Troy Record and Times Union....no press whatsoever.  Seems pretty clear that RPI is keeping this search confidential.

The timeline that we received said an announcement should be made by the first or second week of March.

I'm tempted to start a poll:

Which of these will happen first?

A) Hobart Football finds a ninth opponent for 2011; or
B) RPI Football names a new head football coach.

Just strikes me that March/April is way too late for either of these.

TGP is picking B

Can't help with the RPI coaching opening but I know where Hobart can gat a game 

[labart96]

UWW could say the same thing.

BTW LD - in case it wasn't clear, Frank really respects you a lot

[Pat Coleman]

Actually, UW-Whitewater's schedule is full.

[labart96]

Actually, UW-Whitewater's schedule is full.

well then, yet another school that's ahead of Hobart in the scheduling race. 

Noticed UWW is playing a NAIA team called "Campbellsville"....kind of interesting in that CBS is playing a KY school named Union College in their season opener.  I am guessing the co-eds at that Union College probably prefer bourbon over wine and cheese....

[JT]

Who said it Sheen or Gaddafi?   JT got 6 out of 10.

Sheen or Gaddafi quiz

[labart96]

Who said it Sheen or Gaddafi?   JT got 6 out of 10.

Sheen or Gaddafi quiz

TGP only got 5 of 10.

[Jonny Utah]

I got 6 out of 10 but I knew about Sheens stance on 9/11.  I think Gaddafi even supported the US after 9/11 but I can't remember.

[lewdogg11]

Winning.