- November 8th, 2017, 1:16 pm
#540225
I am not sure the mission has ever changed since the founding of the University. First and most important is having a uniquely Christian sports program, second is excelling on and off the field/court, etc. We have had some coaches and especially some players that have not lived up to that mission, but that is not a mission problem/creep. It is a people problem. None of us are perfect, sometimes stuff happens. I believe we should be tougher on those who disgrace the mission/university, but am certainly not interested in regressing back to the 70's.
The hard part is balancing the uniqueness of the mission with the on-field performance. Sometimes the two don't mesh within one person or personality.
Since we are talking about football specifically, we have had a couple of coaches who excelled in both areas, many have not. I am of the opinion that is where we are today. TG is a great man, seems to be an excellent fit for the first half of the mission. However, the on-field performance has been sorely lacking. Yes, he has coached most of our biggest wins. In contrast, he has also coached almost all of our biggest losses.
To me, the best way to measure his on-field success is simply one metric. Are we better off as a program today than we were 6 years ago when he came to LU. I cannot imagine anyone clearly, realistically, thinking that we are.
Because of our move to FBS, I believe now is the time to make the inevitable decision to move in another direction. No need to waste any more time. Six years is long enough to see a trend and make a decision devoid of emotion.
There is/are coaches out there who can successfully execute both halves of our mission. I would say that if we could only fulfill the uniquely Christian part, let's stand pat and don't make a change. To me, this is the most important part. However, we are in a position to make a decision to fulfill the entire portion of the mission and should do so immediately after the season is over. In my mind, every year we wait, we lose two years on the other end. especially making the move to FBS. Recruiting is extremely critical right now and for the next couple of years.
Personally, I feel bad for TG. He is a good man, makes lots of money, seems to be a good role model, etc. However that is only half of the job. He has proven over 6 years that he cannot build our football program over where it was when he arrived.
I would be 100% for him being offered another position with the University, where he could thrive. I do not believe he would accept that offer, but that would be his choice. I do not see him being successful if he chooses to continue down the coaching path. In his 3 HC positions, he has not been successful thus far. He has had moments of tremendous achievement, but the whole body of work, has been lacking at every stop. Don't know of any other D1 schools that would be interested, based on his past.
It is not mean or even personal to part ways with someone. Sometimes the one being dismissed is even relieved. Bottom line, it is what is best for LU and its athletic program. Now is the time for change, hopefully the administration will move quickly after the season is over in an attempt to make a positive impact on the future of LU football. I for one, will be very disappointed if we don't.
Looking at our schedule before the season began, who here would have thought that TG deserved another year and had done a good job with 4 losses?