Turner & Internal Candidates

[McClown27]

According to someone I know really close to the program, it appears that Copeland was forced out by Turner and some Board members. Copeland was pissed because Turner really has put the screws on the athletic department for increased production. That is why he was after the W & M job. This appears to eliminate the possibility of an internal candidate taking the reins. It will be interesting to see who we get to take this thing, esp. after the recruiting season. This ain't BS.

[SMU Football Blog]

Coming from an ardent Secules supporter, I am inclined to believe you.

[OC Mustang]

[Copeland's] own reticence regarding "production" either has to be "loyal-to-a-fault" management of his subordinates, or he himself has philosophical issues with improving his own department. Given his interest in W&M, and what I know of that school, perhaps he was indeed the problem. Perhaps he was inclined and quite okay with mediocre team sports and an emphasis solely on building monuments (in which he seems to be very 'average', to use a term a buddy of mine uses) and graduation rates.

IF (and I will give him as much benefit of the doubt as possible in that 'IF')that is the case, we appreciate your work, Mr. Copeland. Now, don't that door hit you in the keyster on the way out.

[McClown27]

I like Copeland, but I also like Pres. Turner. I wish Jim the best of luck in whatever is next in his life. My only worry is that we are going to bring in someone over his head. My guess is that the new A.D. will be Turner's guy, so maybe someone from one of his previous jobs or someone he personally knows. Turner has his building projects done, his legacy would really be cemented if we turn around (for good) football and basketball.

[westexSMU]

"Copeland was forced out by Turner" That is another bit of positive news showing they understand the problem. Another aspect of the AD job will be all Coaches being accountable to the AD. As an example, Coach Bennett might be building a great football program at SMU in the future, but only time will tell. Copeland giving PB a new contract after a 5-6 record and right before he retires is almost unbelievable. Certainly our recruiting class ratings did not justify a new contract. Lets hope we see a few 6-5's or better and a bowl game before we worry about a new contract for Coach.

[couch 'em]

well this would certainly fall in line with the tone of the email conversation I had with Turner during the year, which included lines such as "the situation will be resolved at the end of the year"......... I thought I was just reading into it.

[Flatlander]

OC-
Copeland had ties to W&M- a spot he previously served as AD and it's close to his home (Virginia). ....but this shows a positive by the School Admin to push for results. I think, however, that there are some positives in Football & M&W Hoops. It has just taken sooo long and the support from the fan base just isn't there. The next AD needs to be experienced and will step into a big job.

This is where McClown and I differed on Secules. I believe that SMU needs someone with a track record outside of SMU ( and hopefully in a situation like SMU's) instead of a smoother transition with an internal guy like Secules.

Turner knows how important athletics can be to a college since it is now how most of the populace hears about the schools . This makes the selection weigh heavier on their minds.