After Saturday's season finale, veteran Virginia coach Al Groh, sensing his sealed fate, read a poem during his press conference. Called "The Guy In The Glass," it was written by Dale Winbrow in 1934, and deals with the ability of someone to look in the mirror and be proud of themselves. He read it in response to a question about his job status. On Sunday, Groh was let go by the school.
Groh spent nine seasons at Virginia after coaching in the NFL. His career in the NFL included a stint as head coach of the New York Jets, which he left to head to Virginia.
The Cavaliers never got over the hump under Groh. They posted losing records in three of their last four years, including a 3-9 disaster this season in which they lost their last six games.
A bigger sin to UVA faithful may have been Groh's inability to beat rival Virginia Tech. Virginia won just once against the Hokies with Groh as the head coach.
Given the NFL ties Groh, 65, has, he should be able to land work in the pro ranks as quickly as he wants to. Of course, at 65, it's also possible Groh will consider retirement.
As for Virginia, the Cavaliers have struggled for some time, and they've fallen behind in the mediocre ACC. The good news for them is that the conference isn't very good, so it's not like it will take them forever to come back to prominence if they get the right coach.
Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Many coaches for various reasons are unsuccessful and are terminated. Unfortunately Mr. Groh left this position with zero degree of dignity. My family and I , while driving home from this game heard Mr. Groh's new conference and bizarre poetry reading, and it was comical if not sad. In his last public appearance as a representative of the sate of Virginia, and the university of Virginia, he made a fool of himself and the University. What in the world was this man thinking? Has he lost all sense of perspective? Very poor choice Mr. Groh in how you left your position, I pity the frame of mind you must be in.
Arrogant to the end!