#77 Hayden Fry Fired

bubba pony · Post by **bubba pony** » Wed May 25, 2005 9:01 pm

has to be mentioned if Hoilday Bowl makes the list

Stallion · Post by **Stallion** » Wed May 25, 2005 10:23 pm

if not maybe the victory over TCU in Fort Worth - was a classic game-I think 32-21 or something. SMU closes out the season with 3 game winning streak and 7-4 record. SMU players walk in protest onto the field-instead of running in order to show support for Coach Fry.

Txangler · Post by **Txangler** » Thu May 26, 2005 2:41 am

Will never understand that one....getting rid of Fry. Not that I was alive to remember it. But he lived two doors down from my grandparents when my dad and uncles were growing up...but he did do great things at North Texas.

Txangler · Post by **Txangler** » Thu May 26, 2005 2:42 am

Will never understand that one....getting rid of Fry. Not that I was alive to remember it. But he lived two doors down from my grandparents when my dad and uncles were growing up...but he did do great things at North Texas.

PlanoStang · Post by **PlanoStang** » Thu May 26, 2005 10:42 am

And Iowa. From the 73 Rotunda:

Stallion · Post by **Stallion** » Thu May 26, 2005 10:48 am

that picture in the lower right hand corner is Fry being carried off by Keith Bobo et al after his last victory over TCU. Really an emotional football team that day.

PlanoStang · Post by **PlanoStang** » Thu May 26, 2005 10:54 am

Keith's parents lived about a couple blocks from mine in Longview. The
guy to the right of him is Louie Kelcher.

Stallion · Post by **Stallion** » Thu May 26, 2005 10:59 am

No Kelcher wore either 74 or 72. I believe that is a TE named Rory Best. I wouldn't be surprised if Kelcher is the guy actually carrying Fry though but you can't tell.

PlanoStang · Post by **PlanoStang** » Thu May 26, 2005 11:04 am

Oops, I meant the guy to the right of #19 (Bobo) who is #72 (Kelcher).

EastStang · Post by **EastStang** » Thu May 26, 2005 11:47 am

That year Fry made what was then the unpardonable sin of losing 10-7 to Virginia Tech at Blacksburg, VA. After that game, his firing was inevitable unless SMU won the SWC. Back then 7-4 did not get you to a bowl just a long Christmas vacation. After we lost to the Hokies we had a three game losing steak to the Horns (on the road), Aggies and Red Raiders(at home). By the time we made the late season run, the decision had already been made. We were driving toward tying the Horns, but Wayne Morris fumbled on the Texas 25 yard line (after his knees were down). Home cooking hurt us that day and probably cost Fry his job.

Diehard Pony · Post by **Diehard Pony** » Thu May 26, 2005 2:20 pm

Not only was the firing of Fry one of the worst decisions ever made by our athletics administration, the subseqent hiring of Dave Smith was even worse.

Bergermeister · Post by **Bergermeister** » Thu May 26, 2005 3:55 pm

Diehard Pony wrote:Not only was the firing of Fry one of the worst decisions ever made by our athletics administration, the subseqent hiring of Dave Smith was even worse.

Decision to fire Coach Fry was not made by anyone on the university payroll. Decision to hire Dave Smith was not made by anyone on the university payroll. But, you're right, these two are tied for the Best Worst Decision award.

PlanoStang · Post by **PlanoStang** » Thu May 26, 2005 6:30 pm

Bergermeister wrote:
Diehard Pony wrote:Not only was the firing of Fry one of the worst decisions ever made by our athletics administration, the subseqent hiring of Dave Smith was even worse.
Decision to fire Coach Fry was not made by anyone on the university payroll. Decision to hire Dave Smith was not made by anyone on the university payroll. But, you're right, these two are tied for the Best Worst Decision award.

SMU President Paul Hardin who caved to those people, and canned Fry was canned himself by them about a year, and a half later I believe.