Randy Shannon's contract extension puts Athletic Director Kirby Hocutt (not pictured) on the line.
He's saying: Randy's our guy.
I'm not saying it's a bad decision. I'm just saying what *IS* pictured is how I feel about it.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
To be fair to Randy Shannon, there are signs that the program is trending in the right direction.
Three straight years Miami has improved by two wins. That's a fact.
The Canes are performing well in the classroom. That's a fact.
The Canes are staying off the police blotter. That's a fact.
However, excuse me if I don't do cartwheels over a guy whose record at UM is 21-17 and who has exactly zero bowl wins or BCS appearances.
Not exactly a record that Jimmy Johnson or Howard Schnellenberger would envy.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This is the year for Randy Shannon to prove that he's laying not just a solid foundation at the U, but an elite one.
As I wrote in my previous blog "There's No U In Mediocre," I was looking forward to Shannon having a contract year.
I liked Randy going into this season without a contract.
It showed his belief in his program.
From the school's perspective, either they would have an elite coach, or they would have the freedom to go find one.
Now all that's out the window.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As a Canes fan, I will say this: Now it's on you Kirby.
You hitched your wagon on Randy Shannon.
In 3 years or so, if Miami's still meandering around 9 wins, you'll be the one who everyone turns to for answers.
Hope you're happy with your selection.
A mistake
ReplyDeleteDavid,
ReplyDeleteI am pleased the football team is doing well in the classroom and staying out of trouble. Ultimately, a student-athlete goes to college to get a degree. I applaud the team for having one of the highest graduation rates for a football team in the country, but the team's prowess on the field has suffered over years. I think Randy should have been let go at the end of the season because the school now has the funds to pay for a coach since Coker's contract is off the books.
Unfortunately, under Shannon's reign, he has yet to develop players into stars and there has been a lack of first round picks.
I like Shannon as a person and I think he has a remarkable story, but he is not a head coach who can lead Miami back to prominence.
eddie and anonymous,
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure if it's a mistake yet. It's too early to judge. I think this year will be VERY telling. I wish Kirby had waited until after the season to do extend Randy, but as I wrote, it's now on him. If they don't return to the elite level, Kirby's and Randy's fates are linked
Dave, in your opinion, what will it take to create dynastic teams like we had in the 80's, early 90's and early 00's?
ReplyDeletesame thing it took then. For Miami to *HIT* on the local guys and then lock down South Florida.
ReplyDeleteHave they lost their hold on the state of miami?
ReplyDeleteturn on any game, you see Miami kids leaving, talented kids... LSU, Rutgers, Florida... that's gotta stop
ReplyDelete