Good thread with some good discussion on both sides. I have to agree w/ CatGeek that we should wait for a few more games to get a sense of where we are. We all knew we weren't a great team anyhow this year, and I think it was impressive that we were able to go 4-0. Now obviously the Nub game was simply a terrible performance all-around, no doubt. Some of the reasons given for that performance are definitely valid (lack of talent influx, bad coaching, poor adjustments, etc.). However, I think if we get to 7 wins this year, (either through a 6-6 season, and a bowl win, or a 7-5 season and a bowl loss), that is acceptable improvement. If that occurs, forcing Snyd's out shouldn't be considered this year.
One of the flags flying high on the anti-Snyd's bandwagon is inability to recruit talent to key positions (LB, QB in particular). I can agree to some extent, but I believe this has been taken too far based on the evidence so far. This staff's first class was a rag-tag class because of the hand they were dealt. Snyd's readily admitted that they had to scramble to find kids in a short amount of time after Prince's firing. Add to this that Prince burned a lot of the bridges that Snyd's had built and the roster was full of Jucos and sub-par HS talent already, and I don't think you can judge the 2009 recruiting class too harshly. Yeah, it wasn't very good, but look at the circumstances. Last year we got some good Juco talent as always, and a few good HS kids, and some "meh". Not getting one or 2 Juco LBs or a great HS or Juco dual-threat is a valid complaint. Still, in overall talent it was an improvement -- plus, it wasn't a very big class.
Now this year we seem to be bringing in decent talent at some key positions. Again, a Juco LB or 2 would be nice, but hey it's still early, we have AB, plus we have several young *** HS LBs on the roster. And we have 2 dual threat QBs committed including the top-ranked Juco duelie -- plus they're both black. Isn't that what you naysayers are looking for? The
attitude towards the recruiting is some weak sauce IMO.
So I'm saying that if we get to a bowl this year, I'd like to see what Snyd's could do next year, and then make a judgment. Now, if this season ends up imploding and we finish 5-7 or worse, then it would be hard to argue against those who'd want to see him go. Personally, I'd be OK with at least one more year in this scenario IF he was willing to step up and fire one or both coordinators and get someone with some good creds. into the program (I know that's a big "if").
- First and foremost, for the winningest head coach in school program, a man that was the heart and soul of the program, one that he built with his bare hands from the ground up and presided over for a decade and half, to not have an orchestrated succession plan in place is completely inexcusable.
I completely agree with this (I get the reasoning when he retired, although I don't necessarily agree with it -- but to step away, watch what happened, and then come back and still not have a succession plan... crazy). This is probably my biggest disappointment in Snyd's so far (which I suppose is tied directly to our Coordinators).
- Second, coaching staff retention was a major factor the first go around and continues to be so today. Whether it is an unwillingness to reward his top assistants financially, a perceived lack of appreciation, or an intolerable work environment, the continual revolving door amongst our top level of the coaching staff is a debilitating problem. Allowing this program to be coached by a bunch of unwanted retreads is what prompted Snyder’s retirement the first time around. Assembling the same staff outside of Koenning and Ludwig and then allowing both of those two to abandon the staff in a year’s time is absurd.
Have to agree. Like I said above, I don't think we need to call for his resignation because of this yet, but it is definitely concerning.
- Finally, we have to, as a fan base, get beyond this belief that Snyder is the only head coach capable of winning at K-State. We also need to eradicate this deep seated powerespect dogma that “anything is ok” because we used to really suck for a long period of time and anything is better. It’s a loser’s mentality and one that will perpetuate mediocrity forever as long at it exists.
Agreed, BUT along with that I think we have to be especially careful who we hire so we don't end up w/ Prince 2.0, and go in with our eyes open to the fact that when we make a hire from outside the program, there will likely be some rather severe growing pains. This is why I'm particularly disappointed in Snyd's not bringing in a top-tier assistant or 2 that fit his system, that would be viable HCIW. Would make the transition a whole lot easier and less dangerous. But, doesn't look like that will happen.
In conclusion, I still disagree with Rusty, although I can respect most of his opinions, and if OK_Cat doesn't start taking his Zoloft, I may finish him myself.
