Coach Gundy has been the best football coach in our history. He has been faithful to his Alma Mater. I remember how we destroyed Nebraska in Lincoln in 2007 when they were celebrating their 1997 National Championship team. Since then we’ve experienced tremendous success. We should be very grateful to him for the record he achieved. Granted, the financial investment from Mr. Pickens was instrumental in building that success.
This past season was train wreck for sure. Expectations were so high, that when things fell apart, frustration was at an all-time high. But, this scenario has been played out by most other teams in the past, many with programs known for producing longer periods of success. Norte Dame, USC,
UCLA, Nebraska, Florida, Auburn, Arkansas, Texas, Tennessee, and many others, have dealt with years of frustration in the past. Many have had several coaching changes attempting to regain their history of winning football. Some have made progress, others have not.
There is no question that Coach Gundy has made mistakes, but they don’t diminish the many positive things he’s done for our program. Unfortunately, with success, expectations grow. With money, it’s easy for complacency to creep in. Resting on your laurels is not a prescription for success. Bad hires have consequences. Coach Gundy makes nearly $660,000 every month. That’s ten times more than the average family makes in a year. That kind of income is a two-edged sword. It requires outstanding results every year. CEOs making less than half that amount, are routinely fired for missing earning projections by one or two cents per share because it has caused their stock price to fall dramatically.
Whether Coach Gundy realizes it or not, he is the CEO of the Athletic Department financially speaking. The football program helps fund all other sports.
When he fails to field a winning football team, the consequences of that are devastating. Losing nine games in a row is the worst in our history. His salary and the salaries of his assistant coaches are among the highest in America. His pay is guaranteed for 5 years regardless of his record. That is unheard of in the business world outside of sports. For that, expectations are high every year, and rightfully so.
This past season may have a significant effect on our program for years to come. Coach Gundy now has the hardest job in his career on his hands. Can he restore the pride in our program that we have enjoyed for the past 18 seasons, or will this past season tarnish his record and reputation?
Only time will tell.
This past season was train wreck for sure. Expectations were so high, that when things fell apart, frustration was at an all-time high. But, this scenario has been played out by most other teams in the past, many with programs known for producing longer periods of success. Norte Dame, USC,
UCLA, Nebraska, Florida, Auburn, Arkansas, Texas, Tennessee, and many others, have dealt with years of frustration in the past. Many have had several coaching changes attempting to regain their history of winning football. Some have made progress, others have not.
There is no question that Coach Gundy has made mistakes, but they don’t diminish the many positive things he’s done for our program. Unfortunately, with success, expectations grow. With money, it’s easy for complacency to creep in. Resting on your laurels is not a prescription for success. Bad hires have consequences. Coach Gundy makes nearly $660,000 every month. That’s ten times more than the average family makes in a year. That kind of income is a two-edged sword. It requires outstanding results every year. CEOs making less than half that amount, are routinely fired for missing earning projections by one or two cents per share because it has caused their stock price to fall dramatically.
Whether Coach Gundy realizes it or not, he is the CEO of the Athletic Department financially speaking. The football program helps fund all other sports.
When he fails to field a winning football team, the consequences of that are devastating. Losing nine games in a row is the worst in our history. His salary and the salaries of his assistant coaches are among the highest in America. His pay is guaranteed for 5 years regardless of his record. That is unheard of in the business world outside of sports. For that, expectations are high every year, and rightfully so.
This past season may have a significant effect on our program for years to come. Coach Gundy now has the hardest job in his career on his hands. Can he restore the pride in our program that we have enjoyed for the past 18 seasons, or will this past season tarnish his record and reputation?
Only time will tell.
