Why Louisville Football Needs Mike Leach
Coach Steve Kragthorpe is out at the University of Louisville. Fifteen wins and 21losses, combined with snowballing fan apathy and poor offensive performance, leaves the program in need of rebuilding.
Just who's fault is it? That can be debated. But it doesn't matter. Whether the revolving head coaching door first spun by Smith and then Petrino is to blame or the tornadic revolving door that was the assistant coaches' entrance is at issue, what matters now is attracting a highly capable, charismatic coach with integrity who seeks to make Louisville a long-term home.
That's a lot to ask. But it can be done.
Several names immediately enter the fray, but Louisvillians need to remain realistic; the Jon Grudens of the world have better offers for more money in better leagues and industries in more exciting cities. The Fulmers and Bowdens don't strike me as good long-term fits, plus both were recently let go by schools with much better football histories. The Strongs and McElwains would pull a Petrino, staying in Louisville just for a year or two to hone their head coaching chops, the resulting success of which they'd likely trade for a similar post in a bigger conference such as the Big Ten or SEC.
That's why Mike Leach is my guy. He's a perfect match for Louisville's once-famous offensive shock-and-awe style. The dude runs up video game-like numbers. He's young enough to build a legacy, and his teams are exciting to watch.
True, he just signed an extension with Texas Tech. Thanks in part to Bobby Petrino, though, we now know long term contracts mean nothing in college sports, so what's the holdup? Let's let the pursuit begin!
Just who's fault is it? That can be debated. But it doesn't matter. Whether the revolving head coaching door first spun by Smith and then Petrino is to blame or the tornadic revolving door that was the assistant coaches' entrance is at issue, what matters now is attracting a highly capable, charismatic coach with integrity who seeks to make Louisville a long-term home.
That's a lot to ask. But it can be done.
Several names immediately enter the fray, but Louisvillians need to remain realistic; the Jon Grudens of the world have better offers for more money in better leagues and industries in more exciting cities. The Fulmers and Bowdens don't strike me as good long-term fits, plus both were recently let go by schools with much better football histories. The Strongs and McElwains would pull a Petrino, staying in Louisville just for a year or two to hone their head coaching chops, the resulting success of which they'd likely trade for a similar post in a bigger conference such as the Big Ten or SEC.
That's why Mike Leach is my guy. He's a perfect match for Louisville's once-famous offensive shock-and-awe style. The dude runs up video game-like numbers. He's young enough to build a legacy, and his teams are exciting to watch.
True, he just signed an extension with Texas Tech. Thanks in part to Bobby Petrino, though, we now know long term contracts mean nothing in college sports, so what's the holdup? Let's let the pursuit begin!
posted by Erik Eckel at 9:07 AM
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