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Kentucky’s no-good day
The first day of the men’s NCAA Tournament featured some juicy results. None were as shocking as No. 3 seed Kentucky’s stunning loss to No. 14 seed Oakland:
The Wildcats probably should’ve won this game, but what can you do when a bench player comes in and hits 10 3-pointers the way Jack Gohlke did? The Division II transfer who “looks like a high school history teacher,” per one teammate, saved the game of his life for the big stage. Hard to beat.
Zoom out, and Kentucky coach John Calipari might actually be in trouble. “Previously unfathomable questions have to be asked,” writes Kyle Tucker. The Wildcats’ last four seasons ended like this: missed NCAA Tournament, first-round exit, second-round exit, first-round exit. That’s not good enough at Kentucky.
Calipari’s buyout is $33 million, which may sound cheap to college football fans, but remains financially onerous. That number drops to $27 million after next season. Hm.
Kentucky wasn’t the only upset yesterday, either:
No. 11 seed Duquesne won the Lame Duck Coach title, beating sixth-seeded BYU to extend coach Keith Dambrot’s career (Dambrot is retiring after the season). Long Beach State coach Dan Monson’s post-firing tenure ended after a loss to No. 2 seed Arizona.
Two other No. 11 seeds — Oregon and NC State — won their games yesterday against South Carolina and Texas Tech, respectively. A Clemson loss to New Mexico today would mean all four No. 6 seeds fell in the first round this year.
And Kentucky goes home again.
Since 2019, the Wildcats have won just one NCAA tournament game.
https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/39781664/reacting-another-kentucky-upset-loss-first-round-2024-mens-ncaa-tournament-oakland
Notre Dame beats NC State for ACC Tournament title
https://www.espn.com/womens-college-basketball/story/_/id/39701432/notre-dame-beats-nc-state-acc-tournament-title
Caitlin Clark, Iowa rally past Nebraska to win Big Ten title game
https://www.espn.com/womens-college-basketball/story/_/id/39701211/caitlin-clark-iowa-rally-nebraska-win-big-ten-title-game
Good. I don't have time to deal with off topic crap.
And college baseball has started. One of my favorite sports with lots of local teams to see right close by.
ECU plays Duke, NCST and UNC close by.
https://ecupirates.com/sports/baseball/schedule
College player returns to action 2 years after losing leg
East Carolina University's Parker Byrd sparks emotional scene in return
February 16th, 2024
https://www.mlb.com/news/parker-byrd-plays-in-college-game-with-prosthetic-leg
Terrific story about determination to make it all the way back to play again along with a nice post by Jim Abbott.
?Well done Parker, nothing can stop you! https://t.co/mW23UUB1hJ
— Jim Abbott (@jabbottum31) February 17, 2024
Sorry to have crossed whatever the line is on your board. I'm gone.
Oh please I'm not making excuses for Jordan. I can't stand the SOB so you can give that a rest.
As for Paterno his asst and "friend" betrayed him in the worst possible way. I do believe he had dementia at the end of his career and his family insulated him from the news of his asst coach. In any event his legacy was destroyed.
In any event it's up to the school how they deal with Paterno. Every school has had issue in the past.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/16/arts/yale-slavery-apology-history.html?searchResultPosition=1
And,
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/56968/speech-friends-romans-countrymen-lend-me-your-ears
You and K2 can debate the subject all you want but do it elsewhere. What happened at PSU was criminal and abhorrent and I'll leave it at that.
Don't make excuses. At the time Jordan was a wrestling Coach- not a politician. There's no difference in the 2 situations.
I guess turning a blind eye to child molestation is okay as long as you have a winning record. I don't know about you but it's not okay with me.
Don't put words in my mouth since I did not say it was ok.
By that token, why would you care anything about any of the big schools' sports teams?
This board is about college sports. And I like college sports.
Jim Jordan is a different animal. He probably knew what was going on at OSU and simply looked the other way. He'll have to live with that decision. But that is what pols do.
As for Paterno I suspect he suffered from dementia / senile and he didn't know what was going on.
Did his long time asst screw him and his rep? Yes.
Was he aware of it? Who knows. I don't.
I didn't go to PSU or OSU or Michigan or Washington so I could care less what PSU does.
128 QBs entered the transfer portal this year. I think that is BS.
You think Gym Jordan should not be held accountable too, then?
No one who abuses or knows of children being abused and does nothing should should ever be "honored".
This is coming from someone who thought a parent shouldn't be held accountable for an unlocked gun her son took to school and shot his teacher?
Please spare us the holier than thou crap. Paterno's dead. I'm sure if you dig him up he'll have regrets.
Now now lets not go pissing on the grave of Paterno.
My best guess is- if they're thinking at all- is that "no one will remember that part, and even if they do, Joe didn't physically take part in it".
I wonder- had one of their kids been a victim, would they still be so sanguine?
We're definitely in sync on that one.
What the hell are they thinking?
I think that would be a terrible idea, but that's just my opinion.
Pedophile State knows no shame...
REPORT: Penn State Quietly Seeking to Name Field After Joe Paterno
PAUL BOIS 15 Feb 2024 2:30
(The downfall of the Big Ten began when they let this school in. It was my safety school BTW.
Paterno was told about Sandusky doing a ten-year-old up the butt in the locker room.
He did NOTHING. McQueary -- the kid who witnessed and reported it -- did NOTHING to stop the attack.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_McQueary
Vile lowlifes. JMO, of course.)
Penn State has reportedly been quietly to name the field at Beaver Stadium after the late head coach Joe Paterno, who became a controversial figure in his latter years due to his involvement in the Jerry Sandusky sex abuse scandal.
Sources close to the situation told Spotlight PA that several Penn State trustees have met with “high-ranking university representatives” to privately discuss the possibility of naming the field after Paterno, which may possibly violate state law, which “requires governing bodies to conduct business in public view, and continue a decadelong pattern of the board convening behind closed doors.” The sources said that trustees have been pushing strongly for Paterno’s name on the field, while university officials have been hesitant.
Paterno was Penn State’s head football coach for 45 years and won two national championships until the board fired him in November 2011 during the Sandusky scandal.
In 2012, Sandusky was convicted on 45 counts of child sex abuse and sentenced to up to 60 years in prison. Former university President Graham Spanier, former athletic director Tim Curley, and former vice president Gary Schultz also served jail time related to the scandal. Spanier was convicted of child endangerment, a misdemeanor. Curley and Schultz pleaded guilty to the same offense.
Paterno was never charged. He died in January 2012.
The board fired Paterno in 2011 in the fallout of Jerry Sandusky, and a statue dedicated to him was removed from the football stadium. He still holds the record for most wins in NCAA football history with 409.
An unnamed Penn State spokesperson wrote in an email to Spotlight PA that the “Administration and the Board of Trustees have embarked on numerous change initiatives based on President Bendapudi’s vision and goals and are focused on these priorities to continue to provide a world-class academic and student experience for years to come.”
Paul Roland Bois directed the award-winning feature film, EXEMPLUM, which can be viewed for FREE on YouTube or Tubi. “Better than Killers of the Flower Moon,” wrote Mark Judge. “You haven’t seen a story like this before,” wrote Christian Toto. A high-quality, ad-free stream can also be purchased on Google Play or Vimeo on Demand. Follow him on Twitter @prolandfilms or Instagram @prolandfilms.
https://www.breitbart.com/sports/2024/02/15/report-penn-state-quietly-seeking-to-name-field-after-joe-paterno/
I'll put it on my calendar. Hope it's on during the late afternoon east coast time.
I'll never stay awake, if it's a nighttime game.
Note to self:: May the outcome not affect my budding friendship with blackcat.
I tend to get too emotionally involved.
Have a good one. I must get on with my day.
Yes, Can we please avoid all major injuries!
Here's our rematch date- plan ahead.
Oct. 5 - home vs. Michigan
Very good. They get a good coach and continuity too. They maybe came out of the musical coach chairs in the best place overall.
I will say for Fisch that he has recruited both of our QBs back out of the portal - that's a pretty major deal.
Harbaugh's move doesn't surprise me at all. He's a mountain-climbing Capricorn.
He reached top of the collegiate football hill with the rebuild of the program culminating in a national championship.
Now, he must reach the NFL peak with the Chargers.
Good luck to him and his family.
California winters are easier to take than the ones in Ann Arbor.
... Unless the predicted torrential rains fall and they all get washed out to sea.
Have a good one.
It's official: Sherrone Moore Named Michigan’s Head Football Coach
1/26/2024 7:00:00 PM | Football
By: Dave Ablauf, Chad Shepard, Kurt Svoboda
(We'll see what happens.)
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- University of Michigan Donald R. Shepherd Director of Athletics Warde Manuel announced Friday (Jan. 26) the hiring of Sherrone Moore as the J. Ira and Nicki Harris Family Head Football Coach after six years as an offensive staff member for the Wolverines. Moore becomes the 21st head football coach in school history and is the first African American to lead the nation's winningest program in college football history.
"I want to thank Coach Harbaugh for the faith that he has displayed in me over the past six years and for supporting my growth as a football coach during that time," said Moore. "I also want to thank Athletic Director Warde Manuel, President Santa Ono and members of the Board of Regents for putting their faith and trust in me to be the next leader of this football program. I am excited to reward that trust.
"I have been preparing my entire coaching career for this opportunity and I can't think of a better place to be head coach than at the University of Michigan," added Moore. "We will do everything each day as a TEAM to continue the legacy of championship football that has been played at the University of Michigan for the past 144 years. Our standards will not change. We will be a tough, physical, disciplined, hungry, championship-level team that loves football and plays with passion for the game, the winged helmet and each other. We will also continue to achieve excellence off the field, in the classroom and in our communities. I am excited to start working in this new role with our players, coaches and staff."
"Sherrone has proven to be a great leader for our football program, especially the offensive line and players on the offensive side of the football," said Manuel. "He is a dynamic, fierce and competitive individual who gets the best out of the players he mentors. The players love playing for him and being with him in the building every day.
"Sherrone stepped up this fall and served as the interim head coach when the program and especially the team needed him," added Manuel. "Sherrone handled that situation in a way that sealed my already-growing confidence in him. He didn't make it about him, it was always about the team! We are thrilled to have Sherrone and his wife, Kelli, and the entire Moore family step into this new role for our football program and university community."
Moore was the Wolverines' tight ends coach during his first three seasons (2018-20) and moved over to coach the offensive line the past three seasons (2021-23). He shared the co-offensive coordinator duties during the 2021 and 2022 Big Ten Championship seasons before taking over the sole responsibilities in 2023; was the only Power 5 offensive coordinator to also mentor the offensive line this past year.
Moore served as the team's interim head coach for four games during the 2023 national championship season. He led the team to a 31-6 victory over Bowling Green (Sept. 16) in his first action as a head coach. Later in the season, Moore served as the Wolverines' interim head coach again, winning two road games at Penn State and Maryland and the season finale against Ohio State to claim the Big Ten East Division Championship. Two of those late season victories came against top 10 teams, defeating the ninth-ranked Nittany Lions (24-15) and second-ranked Buckeyes (30-24).
Moore was a finalist for the 2023 Broyles Award, which is given annually to the nation's outstanding assistant coach. As Michigan's offensive coordinator in 2023, Moore directed a unit that ranked top 10 in seven offensive categories and was top 30 in 10 overall metrics. The Wolverines were 14th nationally in scoring offense (35.9 avg.), eighth in pass efficiency (165.77 rating), fourth in fewest tackles for loss allowed (3.2 avg.), third in completion percentage (72.0%) and tied for the NCAA lead with 40 rushing touchdowns. U-M prioritized ball security and delivered with the third fewest turnovers in college football (8), including the fifth fewest interceptions (5) and 10th fewest fumbles (3).
Moore transitioned to coaching the offensive line in 2021 and Michigan's unit immediately flourished under this leadership. The Wolverines won the Joe Moore Award as the nation's top offensive line unit in 2021 and became the first group to repeat as the award winner in 2022. The men in the trenches were also semifinalists for the 2023 award.
All five offensive line starters earned All-Big Ten recognition each of Moore's three seasons (2021-23) with six different players earning first-team recognition. Center Olusegun Oluwatimi became Michigan's first-ever Outland Trophy winner and also received the Rimington Award as the nation's best center.
Moore has coached three Wolverines to All-America status: Oluwatimi (consensus, 2022), Zak Zinter (unanimous, 2023) and Andrew Stueber (second team, 2021). Under his guidance, four Wolverines have become NFL draft picks: offensive linemen Oluwatimi (fifth), Stueber (seventh), and Ryan Hayes (seventh), and tight end Zach Gentry (fifth).
The line has blocked for three consecutive 1,000-yard rushers with Hassan Haskins (1,327 yards) and Blake Corum achieving the milestone back-to-back in 2022 (1,463 yards) and 2023 (1,245). Corum nearly had another 1,000-yard rushing season in 2021 (952) and Donovan Edwards (991) came close to the century mark in 2022. Michigan led the NCAA in rushing touchdowns in 2021 (39) and 2023 (40) and finished second in 2022 (41).
In addition, the Wolverines have ranked among the top 5 nationally in fewest tackles for loss allowed twice in Moore's three seasons mentoring the offensive line, listing as the NCAA leader in 2021 and finishing fourth in 2023. The unit also listed among the top 30 nationally in fewest sacks allowed all three seasons.
Six tight ends combined for 119 receptions for 1,611 yards and 13 touchdowns in Moore's three seasons leading the position group at U-M. Those players combined to earn one third-team All-Big Ten honor and three all-conference honorable mention recognitions.
He was selected for and participated in the inaugural 35 Under 35 Coaches Leadership Institute sponsored by the American Football Coaches Association at their January 2018 convention.
Moore joined the Michigan coaching staff after four seasons at Central Michigan (2014-17). He mentored the Chippewas' tight ends during his time with the program and added the duties of assistant head coach and recruiting coordinator during the 2017 season.
Prior to his time in Mt. Pleasant, Moore spent five seasons at the University of Louisville, where he was a graduate assistant coach for three seasons (2009-11) and the program's tight ends coach for two seasons (2012-13). As a full-time coach, the Cardinals had a 23-3 record with a BCS bowl appearance and a Big East Championship in 2012.
Moore played two seasons along the offensive line for the University of Oklahoma (2006-07). He saw action in 14 games at offensive guard and helped the Sooners win two Big 12 Championships and play in two BCS bowl games. Before joining the Sooners, Moore was a two-year starter at Butler County (Kansas) Community College. He was a member of two conference championship teams that posted a 20-3 record. Moore earned second-team all-conference accolades.
Moore earned his bachelor's degree in communications from Oklahoma in 2008.
He and his wife, Kelli, who were married in 2015, are the parents of two daughters: Shiloh and Solei.
https://mgoblue.com/news/2024/1/26/sherrone-moore-named-michigans-head-football-coach
With Harbaugh’s decision to leave, Michigan players now have a 30-day window to enter the transfer portal due to a recent exemption introduced by the NCAA. That could incentivize Manuel and the university to act quickly when making the decision on who the program’s next head coach will be.
"When you have these sort of coaching changes this late in the cycle, you are at a disadvantage," Young said, referencing the amount of players both Alabama and Washington have lost in recent weeks due to Nick Saban’s unexpected retirement and Kalen DeBoer leaving the Huskies to take the Alabama job.
So basically the letter of intent they signed as HS seniors is not worth the paper it is written on. But let them transfer to another school minus any scholarship money and pay the freight instead.
I used to like the PAC 12 as a conference of integrity. And schools like UW and Stanford are great schools for an education. But now the entire conference save 2 schools are simply interested in chasing the money.
BTW I'm surprised by Harbaugh. He is no Coach K.
I totally agree with that article. The quicker they make their decision the better it will be. I really hope you don't face the consequences that the Huskies did and are. Fisch is having to recruit 24/7 now and fortunately he seems to be doing OK. Our portal transfer QB Rodgers has said he will stay- along with a few others. We've still lost major pieces, though. Wish you the best.
Jim Harbaugh changed the culture at Michigan — and Sherrone Moore can keep it intact
Updated Jan. 25, 2024 2:18 a.m. ET
(The beginning of the article is at the link. Go Moore. He already has a win against the Buckpies under his belt.)
... So, where do the Wolverines turn now that Harbaugh is taking his talents to the NFL?
"I think you need to try to do as much as you can to keep that culture intact, and 37-year-old Sherrone Moore gives you the best opportunity to do that," Young said. "That’s the most important thing Warde Manuel can do right now. You need to go ahead and hit the button right now that says, ‘Sherrone Moore will be the next head coach at the University of Michigan.’"
Moore has risen up the coaching ranks since joining Michigan’s staff in 2018. He was hired as a tight ends coach and then his promotion to co-offensive coordinator and offensive line coach coincided with the Wolverines’ turnaround on the field in 2021.
Moore filled in as the acting head coach in four of the six games Harbaugh was suspended this season, including the final three regular-season games. He led the Wolverines to a perfect 4-0 mark in those contests, including wins over Big Ten heavyweights Penn State and Ohio State.
With Harbaugh’s decision to leave, Michigan players now have a 30-day window to enter the transfer portal due to a recent exemption introduced by the NCAA. That could incentivize Manuel and the university to act quickly when making the decision on who the program’s next head coach will be.
"When you have these sort of coaching changes this late in the cycle, you are at a disadvantage," Young said, referencing the amount of players both Alabama and Washington have lost in recent weeks due to Nick Saban’s unexpected retirement and Kalen DeBoer leaving the Huskies to take the Alabama job.
"You have to recruit the guys that are already on campus, and the best way to do that is by elevating the guy that you know they all want to follow and the guy that has proven he can win football games."
https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-football/jim-harbaugh-changed-the-culture-at-michigan-and-sherrone-moore-can-keep-it-intact
Oh, well. Nothing lasts forever. Thanks, blackcat.
Sorry...............
LOS ANGELES -- Jim Harbaugh is leaving the Michigan Wolverines to accept the head coaching job with the Los Angeles Chargers, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter on Wednesday.
Harbaugh was considered among the Chargers' most desirable candidates in this coaching cycle because of his success at every level. Since his head coaching career began in 2006 at the University of San Diego, Harbaugh has had success at stops at Stanford, Michigan and in the NFL with the San Francisco 49ers. There's also Harbaugh's Chargers connection: he played quarterback for the team for two seasons (1999-2000).
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/39380148/sources-jim-harbaugh-accepts-head-coaching-job-chargers
We'll see what happens. Thanks, blackcat.
I don't know if he;s agreed to the 2nd interview yet, but Atlanta is still interested.
Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons parted ways with Arthur Smith after three losing seasons. The season-ending defeat to New Orleans capped Atlanta's third consecutive 7-10 season under Smith, who was hired away from the Tennessee Titans prior to the 2021 campaign. Here are the candidates the Falcons have requested to interview:
Bill Belichick, former Patriots HC (CBS Sports Lead NFL Insider Jonathan Jones) - second interview
Jim Harbaugh, Michigan HC (NFL Media) - second interview
Thanks, BnB. I truly hope you're right.
I've grown accustomed to his jutting jaw.
He is 60 years old. I'll be surprised if he leaves for the NFL again.
From the Michigan Daily -- UofM's school newspaper...
SportsTuesday: Michigan’s future doesn’t hinge on Harbaugh’s decision
by Paul Nasr January 16, 2024
Toucan Sam electrifying the National Championship parade crowd. Shirtless o-lineman on the beds of Ford F-150s. Players catching hot dogs slung from the crowd. Across South University Avenue and down State Street in Ann Arbor, the scenes were plentiful on Saturday.
The man of the hour opted for a different mode of transportation. No semi-truck trailer or burly pick up. Instead, Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh — along with some of the team’s captains and biggest stars — smiled and waved to the crowd from the bed of a mini fire truck. A swarm of supporters pursued Harbaugh’s vehicle for far different reasons than they would have after a 2-4 season in 2020. Harbaugh was feeling the love.
While players with then-pending decisions about returning, like junior quarterback J.J. McCarthy, were also on the fire truck with Harbaugh and were also being begged to stay, at the National Championship Celebration later that night in Crisler Center, athletics director Warde Manuel confirmed what plenty of the clamor was about. Standing alone in the bed of a pickup truck for the route, he was hearing it from the crowd all afternoon.
“I will answer the question that I heard about 500 times at the parade route, I am working on getting (Harbaugh) a new contract, I promise you,” Manuel said, evoking a standing ovation in Crisler Center.
When Harbaugh took to the podium to speak later in the ceremony, he was serenaded with, “10 more years,” chants from players and fans alike. The guy that many wanted gone three years ago is now wanted everywhere — across the NFL and equally at Michigan.
Wolverines fans clearly want their National Championship coach to stay, and who can blame them? He’s given Michigan its best football in decades, he delivered a National Championship, he might be one of the best active head coaches on the planet right now — Bill Belichick and Nick Saban’s news making that sentence easier to type than ever.
Yes, Harbaugh is a great coach. There’s a reason he did what he did in the NFL and at Michigan. There’s a reason why NFL teams like the Los Angeles Chargers are lining up to interview him. Yes, he’d help the Wolverines next year. But nothing at Michigan hinges on his return.
What makes Harbaugh special is his ability to build places anew. As corny as he often is, he knows how to build a culture, he knows how to build a program, he knows how to turn things around. He proved that in every coaching stop in his career, and has now made it abundantly clear at Michigan. Whether the mini fire truck alluded to it or not, Harbaugh came to Ann Arbor and put out the fires of his underperforming predecessors to eventually lift the Wolverines from mid to the mountaintop.
Now that he’s done that, what he does next doesn’t have as big an impact on Michigan as you might think. Replicating this season’s success right away, for example, would be very hard for anyone to do — Harbaugh included. Even if he does come back, the Wolverines won’t win a National Championship next year. If he doesn’t come back, they won’t either. They’ll have a new quarterback and a new o-line, they’ll be good but they won’t be the best.
Should the team next year be led by Harbaugh, or a protégé from the program Harbaugh rebuilt like offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore, the results would be the same. That’s not to discredit Harbaugh as a coach, it’s actually to his credit. He’s lifted the program up to a point that it can easily go 8-4, 9-3, 10-2 or better each year with or without him. He’s restored Michigan as a powerhouse, one that isn’t reliant on one specific head coach for success, but one with a brand of winning that supersedes any one person.
8-4, 9-3 or 10-2 not good enough anymore? That’s fine; Harbaugh’s coaching has shown what better looks like, but him staying doesn’t guarantee Michigan goes 13-1 or 15-0 whenever he’s here. Him staying doesn’t mean McCarthy stays — he’s not. Him staying doesn’t mean the o-line stays — they’re not. As long as the Wolverines have the right people to sustain the new-era Michigan that Harbaugh built — they do in Sherrone Moore right now — then Michigan’s production both short-term and down the line won’t be directly tied to Harbaugh being there or not.
It will instead be tied to the fact that Harbaugh was there. He was there to lift Michigan out of the Rich Rod and Brady Hoke eras. He was there to end decades of embarrassment against Ohio State. He did the part that he was uniquely qualified to do — bring Michigan back. There are a handful of people qualified to keep the program rolling — he’s one of them, but not the only one.
So Harbaugh can keep his fire truck in Ann Arbor or take it to shake up an NFL franchise. Whatever he chooses won’t alter the Wolverines’ trajectory, because he’s raised the program’s floor to stand high with or without him.
https://www.michigandaily.com/sports/football/sportstuesday-michigans-future-doesnt-hinge-on-harbaughs-decision/
lol Good one, BnB. Beautiful dog, btw.
LOL. It's a low stress job when you recruit the best.
The agent for Washington's coach also got extensions for 3 other coaches he manages. He was also Saban's agent.
https://abc7chicago.com/alabama-kalen-deboer-coach-washington-football/14317395/#:~:text=DeBoer%20hired%20high%2Dpowered%20agent,some%20%2411.1%20million%20this%20year.
If you look at any NFL team today they pretty much define DEI. Just look at the make up of players and the various colleges they have come from all over the country.
The problem today is people don't even understand the definition of DEI.
YW, bc. It'll be interesting to watch this play out. Wonder if some of Fisch's top recruits for AZ will follow him to Washington.
No telling how things will work re the assistant coaches.
Make way for musical chairs.
If you see any articles related to the changes, please post them and/or the link.
I'd be interested in following this from a Washington alum's point of view.
Thanks.
Enjoy your evening.
It's going to be an early evening for me.
Too much fun picking up BIG sticks in the back yard after the high winds this weekend.
Thanks. He has a major job in front of him. When DeBoer left, we had a lot of decomits. Wonder if any of them will return? Also if any of Fisch's assistants will come with? Really have to hope he's a good recruiter as well as a coach.
I'm reminded of Coco Chanel.
Paraphrasing here: At 25 you have the face nature gave you. At 50 you have the face you earned.
Nick Saban has taken that to a new level at age 72.
God bless him. I admire him.
He is a class act gentleman with a handsome face to match.
Sounds like you folks snagged a good one, blackcat. Congratulations.
Next season will be very interesting.
Washington hires Jedd Fisch: Ex-Arizona coach replaces Kalen DeBoer, leads Huskies into Big Ten
By David Cobb 9 hrs ago (14 Jan 2024)
Washington has hired coach Jedd Fisch away from Arizona after three seasons, the university announced. Fisch replaces Kalen DeBoer, who left for the Alabama job this week following the retirement of Nick Saban. Details of Fisch's deal are not yet official but it is believed to be worth $7.75 million annually over seven years, according to multiple reports.
Fisch, 47, executed an impressive turnaround for the Wildcats, culminating with a 10-win season in 2023. He solidified his reputation as an offensive guru after a winding career including numerous NFL assistant jobs and coordinator gigs with major college programs.
"It is truly an honor to join the University of Washington and do my part in carrying on the tradition of a storied football program and world-class university," said Fisch in a UW release. "The unbelievable success of the Huskies the last two seasons demonstrates what UW is capable of and I cannot wait to compete for Big Ten and national championships with tremendous young men and an outstanding coaching staff that we will assemble."
Fisch proved during his three-year tenure at Arizona that he can successfully build a winning program amid challenging circumstances. He inherited a team that finished 0-5 in 2020 and progressively made the Wildcats more competitive. Arizona reached double-digit victories for just the fourth time in program history this season, finishing with a seven-game winning streak capped by a 38-24 win over Oklahoma in the Alamo Bowl.
Arizona's breakthrough in 2023 centered around the emergence of quarterback Noah Fifita, who was named the Pac-12 Freshman Offensive Player of the Year. Fifita actually made his first career start against Washington on Sept. 30. Though Arizona lost the game 31-24, his emergence turned the Wildcats into one of the Pac-12's most dangerous teams.
"I absolutely loved my time as a Wildcat and never thought my family and I would ever leave. Unfortunately, that day has come," Fisch said in a letter to Arizona.
It was a the instant success DeBoer experienced at Washington -- 25-3 in two seasons with a College Football Playoff National Championship berth this year -- will make replacing him a daunting task as the Huskies transition from the Pac-12 to the Big Ten for the 2024 season.
Prior to arriving at Arizona, his first head coaching opportunity, Fisch worked for the New England Patriots and Los Angeles Rams. The New Jersey native has bounced between college and professional opportunities since landing a graduate assistant opportunity at Florida in 1999. He modeled the early part of his career after Gators legend Steve Spurrier.
Offensive coordinator jobs at Minnesota, Miami and UCLA were among Fisch's most prominent collegiate stops prior to Arizona. He also worked as Michigan's quarterbacks coach and passing game coordinator in 2015 and 2016.
New chapter for Washington
Even if DeBoer had turned down Alabama to remain as Washington's coach, the 2024 season was going to bring new challenges for the Huskies, who fell 34-13 to Michigan in the CFP National Championship this month. With numerous key playmakers departing for the NFL and Washington headed to the Big Ten, DeBoer would have faced an uphill battle in maintaining such prolific success in 2024.
Now, that task will fall on Fisch as the Huskies replace quarterback Michael Penix Jr., a star receiving trio and versatile running back Dillon Johnson from the nation's No. 2 passing offense. One example of the roster complications Fisch faces is that the heir-apparent to Penix has already entered the transfer portal. Will Rogers committed to Washington in mid-December after setting the SEC's career completions record at Mississippi State and was in line to lead DeBoer's system next year.
But with DeBoer now at Alabama, Rogers hit the portal before ever playing a snap with the Huskies. Ultimately, someone with Fisch's offensive track record should be able to attract a quality quarterback — or perhaps even retain Rogers. But Fisch will be assembling things on the fly heading into a 2024 slate that features games against Michigan, USC, Penn State and Oregon, just to name a few of the bigger name opponents on Washington's schedule.
Arizona's conundrum
Fisch's departure comes at an inopportune time for Arizona. A 30-day window for current Wildcats to enter the transfer portal has been reopened at a time when much of this year's transferring talent has already committed. Thus, the Wildcats could now be subject to a roster raid at a point in the calendar when replacements are not readily available.
The coaching change is also a reminder of the reality Arizona now inhabits the shifting college sports landscape. While Washington has consistently been considered a better job than Arizona, the difference between the two is more pronounced now amid conference realignment. Arizona is headed to the Big 12 while Washington is going to the Big Ten in 2024. As the Big Ten and SEC continue to ascend in power with high-profile acquisitions that will take effect in the coming season, coaching opportunities in those two leagues now stand apart. Arizona made a great hire in Fisch, but the changing winds of college sports made it increasingly difficult to keep him.
Among the early names to watch in Arizona's quest to replace Fisch are Group of Five head coaches Brent Brennan of San Jose State, GJ Kinne of Texas State and Barry Odom of UNLV, according to 247Sports. Arizona offensive coordinator Brennan Carroll is also a name to watch.
https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/washington-hires-jedd-fisch-ex-arizona-coach-replaces-kalen-deboer-leads-huskies-into-big-ten/
Alabama took our coach
UW took AZ's coach (Jedd Frisch)
Agree... the transfer portal is a joke.
DEI (diversity equity inclusion) has nothing to do with traditional Liberal Arts.
I was an English major.
I'm talking about the bull fertilizer majors (grievance studies) they create for the morons who shouldn't have been allowed out of junior high.
Affirmative action at its worse.
College should be for the academic elite no matter what color or ethnicity they are.
It's a given that not everyone can become a professional athlete because not everyone has the physical ability to become one.
There's no DEI in sports.
The same should apply to academic ability but people can't seem to accept that.
I miss the days when people had to earn things -- not just show up to get a prize or a degree.
But what do I know?
It's insane. They opened a can of worms when they allowed players to be paid so now the student athlete is now a joke.
And the transfer portal is another joke where players can now switch schools.
The PAC 12 used to be a highly regarded conference. Now only 2 teams remain.
As far as DEI is concerned there is nothing wrong with that. Liberal Arts does have a place in college to make a well rounded individual.
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