What point is that? That "it could be worse" isn't a good reason to avoid change? The only time that change should be absolutely off the list of options is when it couldn't get any better.
I've never advocated for firing Ferentz, and still am not. But it really bugs me when people argue against it because things could be worse. That's a loser's mentality almost to a "T". I don't mind people advocating to keep Ferentz. But at least come up with a better argument than that. There are plenty of situations where changes were made and they paid big dividends.
This program hasn't shown much in the way of life since the 2010 MSU game, and more specifically since Adam Robinson went down. Jon's said it before, and I agree whole-heartedly. That moment was the end of Ferentz's second run. The decision to keep him or get rid of him should be made based on whether you think he can bring the program back up again or not, not "it could be worse than this".
And it may very well get worse than this in the next year or two.
No, actually the decision to keep Ferentz will be based on pure economics. The football program feeds the entire athletic program. When donations go down and season ticket sales trend the other way, Ferentz will be in trouble. That is a simple fact. You know that is true. Until that happens, he will be the head coach.
Yes, of course it may get worse the next two years. We may having a losing season this year and there may be more losing seasons. I still believe in this coaching staff. They know how to develop players and they know how to win. There are a number of quality young players on this team. The coaching staff follows the rules. A very high percentage of our players graduate. Our coaches and our players give back to the community. There is a lot to be proud of.
If you are going to be negative, I certainly have an equal right to point out the positives.
I sat behind several sets of parents at the Michigan State game (parents of several prominent players). We discussed the coaching staff and how those parents perceived the coaches. Here is what they said:
1. The coaches are excellent people who care about the players. They stress the right values and they are fair.
2. Their kids are happy they play for Iowa. They are learning values that carry over into life after football.
3. The coaches care about academics and are doing everything they can to help their kids get degrees.
4. The team believes in these coaches and believes that they can win. There is a winning attitude on this team.
5. The coaches teach the kids to give back; to give back to their teammates; their community; and to their parents. There is character and integrity on this team.
I have 100% confidence in Kirk and this staff. Iowa football is in very capable hands.
You make the statement that nothing positive has happened since the 2010 MSU game. I respectfully disagree:
1. We defeated #12 Missouri in the Insight Bowl.
2. We defeated Pitt after being down 24-3.
3. We defeated the Sugar Bowl Champions (Michigan)
4. We defeated Michigan State this year on the road at their homecoming. Michigan State was the pre-season favorite to win the Big 10.
Is anyone satisfied with 4-4? Of course not. But if you are only going to talk about the negatives, I have every right to discuss the positives.
