Apologies for yet another Gill-related thread. However, I think that an acrimonious end to the Gill tenure could mean he plays hardball on the guaranteed money, limiting our options on the next hire, and an overall "black eye" for the university. I really don't want to see that. I also don't think is necessary to tell Zenger and BGL that the Gill hire isn't working-- I think they can figure it out themselves. There's only one person who might not know it's time to pull the plug. It's probably futile, but
http://www.kuathletics.com/sta...n-staffdir.html has contact information for KU coaches, including the administrative assistant for coach Gill. Following is the text of a document I sent via that link. I would encourage others to do similarly, if they are so inclined.
Coach Gill:
I am a proud alumnus of the University of Kansas, and a strong believer in the concept of the "Jayhawk family". I was happy to welcome you into the family when you arrived, and the current difficulties have not caused me to forget that you are part of that family. You have never failed to carry yourself with dignity, class, and integrity, and have consistently insisted that members of your program do so as well. You represent our university proudly and well, and for that I sincerely thank you.
Despite my personal admiration, however, I cannot pretend to believe that this football program is heading in the right direction. While I understand that setbacks are an inevitable part of the process, the current approach has reduced the on the field product to the lowest level I have ever seen, at a time the university can least afford it. University budgets are tightening, competition for students is intensifying, and conference realignment threatens to put our school on a path that could forever diminish its athletic and even academic prestige. The current difficulties in our football program have repercussions far beyond just wins and losses-- the potential long term damage to the university at this crucial juncture is lamentably real.
I know you to be a confident man, and one who does not back away from a challenge. I know the mutual loyalty that you have established with your players. I can imagine your determination to finish the job you started here at KU. However, I also know that you have a strong sense of personal accountability, and do not judge the current situation as being in any way acceptable.
I must therefore humbly ask you to please consider approaching athletic director Zenger, and indicating that while you have a strong belief that you can turn the situation around, and wish to be given the chance, you will offer to negotiate terms of your resignation, should he choose to accept it and pursue another direction.Coach Gill, I sincerely wish not to see your time at KU come to an ugly end, and it would hearten me greatly if instead you could leave with your head held high, being given the opportunity to address your team, and tell them that while you believe in them, and in yourself, you also believe in accountability, and that extends to yourself as much as to them.
Also, it is well known among KU fans the guaranteed nature of your contract, and that it puts the university in a very difficult position. Your willingness to release the university from part of that financial obligation would make you forever beloved in the eyes of the KU faithful.I know my message is not one which can be at all pleasant to receive. I do not say these things lightly, nor with any type of personal vitriol towards you, your team, or your staff. I wish you good luck in all your future endeavors, whether at KU or elsewhere. You will always be part of the KU family, and I will always hold you in high personal regard.
Rock Chalk!
