Boston College Athletic Director Gene DeFilippo made a big show of firing Jeff Jagodzinski for not being loyal to BC by interviewing for the New York Jets job. The overriding message DeFilippo was sending was that he wanted someone who wanted to be at BC. That loyalty was an important characteristic at Boston College. Something that sets the school apart from other programs.Apparently that characteristic only applies to those hired by BC. It does not mean the program will show the same loyalty demanded. Following the elevation of Frank Spaziani from defensive coordinator to the head coaching seat, three BC coaches have departed. Two of the three left feeling misled and frustrated with their treatment in the process.
Offensive coordinator Steve Logan, tight ends coach Dan Yanowsky and assistant head coach/offensive line coach Jack Bicknell, Jr. have left. After any coaching change, some turnover is expected. It is perfectly normal. Two of the departures had additional subplots.
Logan and Bicknell both interviewed for the head coaching job. Apparently both were frustrated by events and expectations as Eagle in Atlanta notes.
Another unfortunate aspect of all this is that Bick, Logan and Spaz were all under that impression that they were next in line.
Hmm. Were those anything like the conversations that coach Jagodzinski had with DeFilippo that the coach would not interview with anyone else for a job?
Bicknell had been a player at BC in the 80s. He had recently been hired by Texas Tech to coach the offensive line when his alma mater came calling a couple years earlier with the possibility being dangled of more.
DeFilippo sweetened the pot by offering an "assistant head coach title'' with the job and a boost in pay as well as an understanding that somewhere down the road was a strong potential to be the head coach at the Heights.
What makes Bicknell's situation interesting is how his frustration built. After the decision on the next coach was made, Bicknell went to BC officials to get assurances that he would remain on the BC staff under the new coach. Bicknell did not get those assurances.
So much for loyalty to an alum and employee. Apparently BC preferred to give the new coach a little more flexibility in deciding on his coaches.
Imagine that, looking out for the best interests of the program rather than the individuals employed. No reason for distrust and keeping an open mind about other jobs when employed at Boston College.
