Thinking back to the beginning of the year, there was really one coach that we all knew was a dead man walking. That coach was and for some reason still is Greg Robinson. Robinson has handled it well if you ignore the whole wins-losses thing. Just a couple weeks ago he was talking about making a bowl game. No, really!But with the rash of "resignations" recently at Clemson, Tennessee, Kansas St., etc., I have to ask why Robinson's fate hasn't been publicly announced? If there's one team in the country that needs to be out ahead of everyone else, it's Syracuse. Schools like Tennessee and Clemson are going to be able to pick basically anyone they want for their next coach. It might take a little extra money, but they have it and I'm sure they're willing to spend it to get the coach they want.
Syracuse on the other hand is a little harder to sell. If we learned anything from Robinson, it's that you need a coach that can recruit the northeast. You need a coach that is known as a program builder, and then there's that whole thing of if that guy wants to come to Syracuse. That I even have to type that is wrong. I grew up knowing a Syracuse program that was always in the top 25 and contended for a national championship from time to time. Now, the Orange are facing one of the most important hires in school history. At the very least, recruits need to know that there will be a change next season. They need to hear the names being mentioned to replace Robinson. Being a West Virginia fan, I know the tough times that caused us when we heard our coach's name being mentioned. But it's absolutely necessary that a new course start to take shape as soon as possible.
Not that I dislike Robinson. He seems like a decent guy. He's handled this process better than most, but it might relieve the pressure for the coaches, players, and fans if he was to announce his resignation. The Carrier Dome was one of the most feared places to play back in the independent and early Big East days. Now I see empty seats and a lack of enthusiasm. That just can't be.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
11-06-2008 @ 8:56AM
Sully said...
Robinson is a good man, but the "reputation" is the biggest thing hurting Syracuse. They just can't recruit the players they want and need. This might be a great place for Fullmer to come. After all, he would be leaving one "ORANGE" school (Tennessee) for anoher "ORANGE" school! He was a winner with the Vols, and his name would help get the recruits they need. He could even keep his orange outfits!
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11-06-2008 @ 1:17PM
Winton said...
Under Ben Schwartzwalder, Syracuse had a premiere football program, even a national championship under their belts. The program declined in the 70's, but returned to life in 1984 and stayed competitive until a few years ago. It's easy to criticize, especially if you something else for a living. But if the SU program is going to be revived, replacement must come now, in everything from their coaches, to their recruiting methods, and even replacing their Athletic Director
When I left New York for Florida, I was amazed at how much better the athletes were down her, thus I think Syracuse should recruit outside the Northeast. And in most businesses, if employees performed the way Greg Robinson has, they would've been long gone. And if they don't make changes now, I predict their football program will be gone too, and it will send shockwaves through the NCAA and the entire sports world.
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11-06-2008 @ 3:19PM
drew said...
Been an SU fan all my life. Coach P was run out on a rail for constantly putting 3-5 players a year into the NFL. Now hes a def. cord. in the NFL, and SU is 5-300 since he left. With names like Fulmer, Kiffen, and others out there the AD had better get it right or else he might be taking the same train Coach P was forced onto. Thank god we've still got lacrosse!!!!