jimhagle wrote:
I think Steve O is trying to build up the fan base by dragging this thing out. Just look at all the interest it has drummed up!
Orsini is Machiavellian.
He has his man.
He's not letting anyone know it. The delay is purposeful.
He brings in his friend PJ for a cursory visit and throws a lot of $$$ around. PJ, a hot commodity in the coaching ranks isn't interested? There must be something wrong with the situation at ol' SMU.
The delay is causing people to look twice at this program--specifically, the Model. The delay in announcing a coach is causing discomfort. "Why the delay? There must be something wrong with the program?"
Those questions resonate with the big $$$ alumni and Turner. And they get people's attention.
If there is a problem that the top coaches in America see with us, then we need to correct it.
This gives Orsini and others in the athletic department the leverage they need to effectuate change in the Model that has not been successfully accomplished in 20 years.
If we hired a coach 48 hours after the season, no one would think twice about the situation here. Everything must be okay if a big-time coach would come here that quickly. No real reforms would take place.
But a big-time coach won't come here, yet. Only after guarantees of changes in the model will a legitimate head coach agree to come here.
Orsini has consistently talked about a timeline. His timeline is to create a critical mass where alumni, staff, and faculty recognize the need for significant change in the way SMU does business. Only at that point--when many within and outside of the university are clammoring for change--will the coach be announced.
This is another brilliant move by SO. Short term pain. Long term gain.
At the end of this process, we will have a big-time coach. We will have broken the attitudes of failure and apathy--and the model--that have occupied the minds of far too many and limited the opportunities for long-term success.
Posted: Fri Jan 11, 2008 1:24 pm
