#1DieHardHawk
Well-Known Member
Many are predicting doom and gloom for the program right now, and while it's certainly possible that heads could roll and the program ends up in the dumpster, there also exists a path where the Iowa football program actually ends up better for the experience.
It sounds paradoxical, but ironically it happens all of the time in various walks of life. It all depends upon how the program reacts and responds, but the opportunity is there.
We already are seeing signs:
Players thus far seem genuinely optimistic at the early changes, and are preaching togetherness and a collective resolve to make things better. The formation of an advisory council headed by Mike Daniels was a solid step, and Kirk seems to be experiencing an awakening of sorts. The genuineness of his actions can and will be debated, and there will be those that propose that his actions are purely defensive in nature, but my take is that he genuinely wants to make it work.
Other than Doyle (and that's completely understandable), no players have jumped ship since the allegations came out. It could still happen, but, honestly, I thought we would see at least 4 or 5 enter the transfer portal last week. I also thought we would see several recruits back out of their verbal commitments. Neither happened. Yes, it's still early, but the fact that the program didn't experience a mass exodus is very telling...and encouraging.
A staff shake-up is almost certain. There is a lot of speculation, but no one knows how it will play out. That said, two things would surprise me heading into the season - Doyle is on the staff and/or Kirk isn't. Beyond that? Who knows. My guess is that the remaining staff will be required to undergo some type of cultural sensitivity training, and BF and Wallace will face some type of disciplinary action and be required to issue statements about their dedication to change.
Ultimately, I wouldn't be shocked at all if the majority of the former players that came forth and expressed their concerns end up issuing statements (either individually or collectively) in support of the changes and the program in general. Personally, I'd love to see that, as it would represent fairly convincing evidence that a healing process has begun and that the program is on the right track.
It sounds paradoxical, but ironically it happens all of the time in various walks of life. It all depends upon how the program reacts and responds, but the opportunity is there.
We already are seeing signs:
Players thus far seem genuinely optimistic at the early changes, and are preaching togetherness and a collective resolve to make things better. The formation of an advisory council headed by Mike Daniels was a solid step, and Kirk seems to be experiencing an awakening of sorts. The genuineness of his actions can and will be debated, and there will be those that propose that his actions are purely defensive in nature, but my take is that he genuinely wants to make it work.
Other than Doyle (and that's completely understandable), no players have jumped ship since the allegations came out. It could still happen, but, honestly, I thought we would see at least 4 or 5 enter the transfer portal last week. I also thought we would see several recruits back out of their verbal commitments. Neither happened. Yes, it's still early, but the fact that the program didn't experience a mass exodus is very telling...and encouraging.
A staff shake-up is almost certain. There is a lot of speculation, but no one knows how it will play out. That said, two things would surprise me heading into the season - Doyle is on the staff and/or Kirk isn't. Beyond that? Who knows. My guess is that the remaining staff will be required to undergo some type of cultural sensitivity training, and BF and Wallace will face some type of disciplinary action and be required to issue statements about their dedication to change.
Ultimately, I wouldn't be shocked at all if the majority of the former players that came forth and expressed their concerns end up issuing statements (either individually or collectively) in support of the changes and the program in general. Personally, I'd love to see that, as it would represent fairly convincing evidence that a healing process has begun and that the program is on the right track.
