Tom Bradley As The Unfortunate, Unwanted Man
by Jeff Junstrom on Dec 17, 2011 10:00 AM EST
in Football
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Given the choice of any Penn State coach to have a beer with, Tom Bradley is the clear choice for many fans. He is extremely likeable, will talk your ear off all night about anything, and seems to be one of the best people in the business. Having met him in a Pittsburgh bar last year, he chatted with a friend and I for about an hour about football, Penn State and even busted our balls a little. At last night's PIAA AAA state championship game, he was seen talking to, taking pictures with, and signing autographs for anyone that approached him. All in all, Bradley is a great man.
However, for a variety of reasons, Bradley is an unwanted man.
If you asked two months ago which head coaching positions Bradley would be perfect for, the top two answers would be Penn State and Pitt, in that order. Having served on the Penn State staff for more than 30 years, many across the country viewed Bradley as the heir apparent to Joe Paterno.
Two months later, though, Bradley is now most likely a man on the outside looking in, a candidate for the open Penn State position in the technical sense of the term only. Warranted or not, he is associated with the ongoing Jerry Sandusky scandal, having served under the man for a number of years and having been a coach when Sandusky's numerous alleged transgressions were taking place. In all likelihood, according to numerous reports floating around, the Penn State search committee is looking to bring in an outsider and employ the "clean sweep" method of crisis control. Like it or not, Tom Bradley won't be the next coach at Penn State.
So that leaves the recent opening at Pitt a perfect spot for Bradley, right? He is a western Pennsylvania boy at heart, and was rumored to be high in the running when Pitt had an opening at the position last year. This time around, Tom Bradley once again won't be the next head coach at Pitt, either.
We spoke with Chris Peak of PantherLair.com, Pitt's Rivals.com-affiliated website,about Bradley and his potential as a Pitt candidate. "Everyone knows right now that if you mention Penn State, it means Jerry Sandusky and the awful things he is accused of doing," Peak told us. "That association is reflexive and unbreakable. And if you mention Tom Bradley, the association is with Penn State. Fairly or unfairly, that’s what he’s associated with, and will be for a while."
Within Penn State circles, Bradley would have been seen as a safe hire but one that is potentially toxic given his zero-degrees-of-separation from the Sandusky scandal. Outside of Penn State, the name Tom Bradley is immediately associated with that scandal, without the benefit of the doubt that he may have received in State College.
"Again, maybe that's fair and maybe it isn't, but fairness doesn't matter," Peak continued. "In fact, what Bradley actually knows or his role in the situation doesn't matter. The stigma is there because of the association. Eventually that might wear off, but not in the next week or two weeks, and anything beyond that time frame is out of Pitt’s window."
It's unfortunate for all involved. Pitt is missing out on a great, defensive-minded coach that would have zero chance of bolting for another head coaching job in the dark of night, at least after only a year. Bradley misses out on not one but two perfectly suited job openings because of his association with Jerry Sandusky and Penn State, even if it turns out he knew nothing at all.
Bradley will land somewhere, it's just difficult to say at this point whether that will be as a head coach or a lateral move as defensive coordinator. He's a risky hire PR-wise but a very strong defensive candidate. Paired with the right offensive coordinator, Bradley could lead one helluva team.
As for Pitt, the names being seen thrown around include Ohio State's Luke Fickell, Florida International's Mario Cristobal and Alabama's linebackers coach Sal Sunseri, father of Tino Sunseri, current Pitt QB.
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I'm so tired of caring what anyone thinks.
All we have been doing for the past six weeks is caring what people think and what has that done for us? We need to make the best decision for us and move forward with strength and prove that you can accomplish great things following your own path – not the one that is dictated to you.
Tho’ much is taken, much abides; and though we are not now that strength which in old days moved earth and heaven; that which we are, We Are - Tennyson
by belbijou on Dec 17, 2011 10:08 AM EST reply actions 4 recs
Scrap
These last several weeks have been a nightmare on many levels, but just how badly they’ve botched the PR side of it all is amazing. It seems like all decisions have been made in the name of appeasing an angry public, not in the name of what is best for the university.
Whether the search committee or Joyner or Erickson or whoever ultimately decide to hire Bradley or not, the man deserves to be on a level playing field with the rest of the candidates. He has not been implicated of any wrongdoing or having any knowledge of anything. I just hope PSU will, for the first time since this broke, think about what is best for those inside the PSU community, not outsiders.
Bradley should be given a fair shot. If he’s not the best candidate, then that’s fine. But if he is, and if the extensive background check I’m sure they will do on any hire is clean, he should not be denied the opportunity to lead the team over something he had no involvement in.
by kflintosh on Dec 17, 2011 10:37 AM EST via iPhone app up reply actions 6 recs
It seems like all decisions have been made in the name of appeasing an angry public, not in the name of what is best for the university.
I agree with this in the decisions made in the past…but we don’t know (yet) if that’s the case with the coaching search. In a way, the fact they’re taking such time with this indicates to me that they aren’t just appeasing an angry public (us included) by naming a coach NOW. They’re taking their time, and trying to find the right man.
I do realize that’s giving them the benefit of the doubt right now, but being deliberate about the search may itself be going against PR and doing what’s right for the university.
Fire Dan Snyder
by Cari Greene on Dec 17, 2011 1:47 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Great point
And I think the fact there has been little to no information “leaked” about the search bodes well too. Everyone has speculated on names and who could be interviewed, but there haven’t been a lot of candidates brought in “for show”.
I feel the same as you do about giving them the benefit of the doubt right now. I think they are handling the situation in about the same manner they would have if Joe had just retired at the end of the season, without all the horribleness of the past few months. They seem to be taking their time and will hopefully make an informed decision in the best interest of the university and team.
Timing is everything.
PSU is finally getting it right by waiting. The new coach hire is about the only thing within their control since the beginning of November. The next big PSU media day is the bowl game. Expect the announcement 24-48 weekday hours before Jan 2. This will give the announcers something to talk about and focus on other than Lord Voldemort.
by PSUinOH on Dec 17, 2011 3:22 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Also Paul Chryst and Pat Narduzzi (SP?) for Pitt
But it’s kinda irrelevant, since it is Pitt. On a side note, if we could somehow retain Bradley, that’d be great. Unlikely, but great. He’ll find a job somewhere, talent always does.
I’ve been reading Pitt blogs because they’re amusing to read, and some of them think Pitt is clearly a better job than Penn State right now. El oh el.
(Post removed by moderator. Please type 12 year old translator into google to find out what it would be)
Forget the 409 wins and 2 national championships. Joe Paterno helped mold thousands of young men into productive members of our society.
by ICEICETHATGUY13 on Dec 17, 2011 10:09 AM EST reply actions
If he's associated with PSU at Pitt
why wouldn’t he be at other schools? If he can’t get a job at Pitt and PSU I don’t understand why everybody thinks he’s such a shoe-in for another position somewhere. I think the coaching careers of all “associated with Sandusky” are over.
I, for one, plan to continue my life long contempt for the powers that be and I fully expect to be disappointed with whatever choice is made. ~PSUgirl
Disagree.
There are places they can go to weather the storm where the media won’t pry. See, e.g., the Citadel.
"Every player we have, someone-maybe a parent, a grandparent, someone-poured their soul into that young man. They are handing that young man off to us. They are giving us their treasure, and it's our job to make sure we give them back that young man intact and ready to face the world."
-J.V.Pa.
by psume06 on Dec 17, 2011 11:08 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Well, a small school coordinator, like ULL or somewhere like that
(Post removed by moderator. Please type 12 year old translator into google to find out what it would be)
Forget the 409 wins and 2 national championships. Joe Paterno helped mold thousands of young men into productive members of our society.
by ICEICETHATGUY13 on Dec 17, 2011 2:26 PM EST up reply actions
I still hold out hope he will be given a chance.
Maybe the administrators at PSU will finally get one right.
by Btd121 on Dec 17, 2011 10:21 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Maybe the administrators at PSU will finally get one right.
that’s the funniest thing I’ve heard all year.
I, for one, plan to continue my life long contempt for the powers that be and I fully expect to be disappointed with whatever choice is made. ~PSUgirl
There's been rumors of Bama's D coordinator interviewing at different schools
Bradley could go down there and be closer to you Paige!
I admit that's tempting,
But I still want him as PSU HC!
Tom Bradley for PSU Head Coach!
Follow @Paige2PSU
by Paige2PSU on Dec 19, 2011 10:43 AM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
"Reputation-Vile Thing!"
That alone will mean Bradley won’t get the job. I am not saying that’s fair-just stating the truth.
"Let the chips fall where they may."
I feel bad for anyone associated with PSU, not just Bradley
I live 3,000 miles away from St. College, but as soon as I mention something about PSU, people automatically go to the scandal. Just the other day I was reminiscing with some co-workers about the awesomeness of Pattee library and the conversation was hijacked by talk of scandal.
"Confidence doesn't come out of nowhere. It's a result of something... hours and days and weeks and years of constant work and dedication." --Roger Staubach
Clean sweep my ass
I’m still waiting for President Lackey, AD Joyner, and every member of the BoT to be gone if we’re doing a “clean sweep”.
I, for one, plan to continue my life long contempt for the powers that be and I fully expect to be disappointed with whatever choice is made. ~PSUgirl
by jman07 on Dec 17, 2011 10:52 AM EST reply actions 4 recs
Yep. Next thing you know he'll be sporting a goatee.
Didn’t take long for discipline to spiral out of control once Joe was gone!
I'm hoping that they've delayed a hire until the prelim hearings just to get it out in the air who knew what.
They had open testimony yesterday that McQuerey didn’t talk about it with anyone else, Schultz and Curley only told Spanier and the Second Mile.
It’s been established in a court of law that Bradley was not informed of the incident in 2002, nor seemingly involved in any way, shape or form.
Will that be enough to placate the masses? I dunno. But short of Peterson, I don’t think we can do well enough with any other candidate to justify not hiring him.
"This is being a Penn State fan. We’ll prove it, or we won’t. It’s not about proving it to them, it’s about proving to ourselves."
You're assuming the media will actually pay attention to the testimony.
In the first round I allegations, they extrapolated facts that weren’t present. They’re not above doing exactly the opposite and ignoring testimony on the same logic that we’ve been saying “wait for the facts” based on: we don’t have all the facts, so Bradley COULD be a part of the grand illusion.
"Every player we have, someone-maybe a parent, a grandparent, someone-poured their soul into that young man. They are handing that young man off to us. They are giving us their treasure, and it's our job to make sure we give them back that young man intact and ready to face the world."
-J.V.Pa.
by psume06 on Dec 17, 2011 11:12 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
All grammar fails and typos are blamed on my phone.
And it should be noted that I understand that Bradley didn’t know, but the media will be happy to skew the testimony in order to keep this non-story going.
"Every player we have, someone-maybe a parent, a grandparent, someone-poured their soul into that young man. They are handing that young man off to us. They are giving us their treasure, and it's our job to make sure we give them back that young man intact and ready to face the world."
-J.V.Pa.
by psume06 on Dec 17, 2011 11:14 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Your kidding yourself if you think timing has anything to do with the trial
Timing is only about spinning the media. They are losing recruits left and right. The biggest concern is getting the right guy and having something to talk about other tha Lord Voldemort at the bowl game.
by PSUinOH on Dec 17, 2011 3:37 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Not quite
That’s testimony that releases Bradley from knowing only about the 2002 incident. No matter what is said there will always be questions about if he knew anything personally about Sandusky given his close association with him. We also still have no idea what he said in front of the GJ during his questioning.
by catesinator on Dec 19, 2011 12:17 PM EST up reply actions
If Bradley isn't the next coach
I honestly don’t know when the next time I go to a Penn State football game will be.
Joe Paterno Apologist
by Joe 96alum on Dec 17, 2011 11:28 AM EST reply actions 3 recs
I don't agree with this position
So you won’t support the student athletes already on the team, who had nothing to do with this coaching change or this scandal, because of the administration?
I can understand not donating. I will still be, but I can get that perspective. I, however, will have my butt in the seat every Saturday for the foreseeable future, suffering through how ever many “down” years there may be, supporting those student athletes and my school. Not supporting the administration—they aren’t Penn State. WE are Penn State. Those guys who give their heart and soul on the field are Penn State. And I hope the new coach will be Penn State—even without previous ties to the program. Because we don’t know that he won’t be awesome and amazing and hold all the values we as Penn Staters hold dear, even if he isn’t Tom Bradley.
Fire Dan Snyder
by Cari Greene on Dec 17, 2011 1:52 PM EST up reply actions 5 recs
I need to clarify and say that TB is my personal #1 for this job
I have always loved him. That being said, I won’t not support my team because he isn’t named the head coach.
Fire Dan Snyder
I am with you on that
one. I might be crazy but I think he has a chance.
When you put those black shoes on tomorrow, and you put on that jersey without your name on the back, and you put that plain helmet on, that's tradition. Penn State tradition!
--Who else?
by run4peach on Dec 17, 2011 2:10 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Disagree wholeheartedly, Bradley is definitely not the best choice right now
People like Petersen, Munchak, those are better choices than Tom.
(Post removed by moderator. Please type 12 year old translator into google to find out what it would be)
Forget the 409 wins and 2 national championships. Joe Paterno helped mold thousands of young men into productive members of our society.
by ICEICETHATGUY13 on Dec 17, 2011 2:27 PM EST up reply actions
Would you feel the same way if the scandal hadn't broken and JoePa just retired at the end of the year?
I’m not trying to argue, just wondering if your stance has always been Bradley or nobody.
I know Bradley has handled himself very well and showed a lot these past few weeks, but I don’t think he would have as much support as he does now, had Joe just retired at the end of the season.
Quote from my mother:
“If they don’t hire Tom Bradley, I don’t care who the next coach will be, I won’t like him.” This from a woman who practically likes everyone!
by wonderlin on Dec 17, 2011 11:39 AM EST reply actions 3 recs
Again, I understand being upset
but how is this fair to the new coach? He very well could be amazing. He could be a total jackass. I’m waiting to see which that is, and I’m talking years here, before I say I don’t (or do) like him.
Fire Dan Snyder
I don't really appreciate you just stating that Scrap has no chance whatsoever of getting the job.
What we say on the internet does matter, you know.
"Woop woop." - Waylon Jennings
by ReadingRambler on Dec 17, 2011 11:40 AM EST reply actions
Do some research Rambler. Internet opinion means everything
We said Craig James killed 5 hookers enough times that it made it a truth according to Yahoo Answers.
by PSUinOH on Dec 17, 2011 3:44 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
If they don't want Bradley, they aren't aiming high enough.
This man epitomizes everything a Penn State coach should be. His actions throughout this whole mess have spoken louder than any answer the other candidates could give.
He is a hell of a guy and is Incredibly humble and very likeable. His words to me were “I’m proud to be a small part of such a great university.” While most coaches say that while planning their next career move, with Scrap you know it’s sincere.
If Penn State is looking to send a message, send this one: Honor, integrity, hard work and success are what we as a university stand for. That is why Tom Bradley is our next head coach. He exemplifies the qualities we hold so dear, and will continue to bring success with honor to our students, football program, and university.
It is easy to go down into Hell; night and day, the gates of dark Death stand wide; but to climb back again, to retrace one's steps to the upper air - there's the rub, the task.
by Succss With Honor Always on Dec 17, 2011 11:43 AM EST reply actions 7 recs
Love the BoT/Administration delusions.
On one hand, Penn State is radioactive because of JS, and thus the football house has to be thoroughly cleaned. On the other, the search committee thinks they can lure almost any coach to come to Happy Valley.
What hypocrisy. Lackey, Joyner, the entire board — they should resign immediately to REALLY show remorse and a change in direction.
If Penn State is looking to send a message, send this one: Honor, integrity, hard work and success are what we as a university stand for. That is why Tom Bradley is our next head coach. He exemplifies the qualities we hold so dear, and will continue to bring success with honor to our students, football program, and university.
^ This, a million billion Brazilian times over.
"Make haste to reassure us, I beg you, and tell us that our fellow citizens understand us, support us, and protect us as we ourselves are protecting the glory of the Empire.
"If it should be otherwise, if we should have to leave our bleached bones on these desert sands in vain, then beware the fury of the Legions."
by PSU_Lions_84 on Dec 17, 2011 12:06 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Well they were what Joe Paterno stood for too
And look how much that mattered to them
by catesinator on Dec 19, 2011 12:20 PM EST up reply actions
What Makes Penn State Football Penn State Football?
Two months ago, I would have been happy to see a “clean sweep” after Joe’s retirement. We would have been rid of the stale and bad coaches, and the good guys like Bradley would land on their feet somewhere. But the scandal has made me rethink that. Our football may have been boring, but we rightfully took pride in the quality of young men who went through our program, the high graduation rates, and lack of NCAA violations.
A program like that cannot be preserved in a handbook, or guaranteed by a few platitudes from a new coach. It is ingrained in the system through years of teaching grad students and young coaches how to identify and recruit the right kids, how to treat them during their first years, how to identify and correct problems as they adapt to college life and the temptations of big-time college football. If we sweep out all those folks who have made our program great, we will have a program just like all the others, and susceptible to all their problems. Is that really what the BoT wants?
by mountaindog on Dec 17, 2011 12:08 PM EST reply actions 5 recs
I would have been of pretty much the same frame of mind pre-scandal, too.
But now I’d like to see Bradley get the job. I highly doubt he will, but I’d like to see it.
If he doesn't get the HC job...
can we vote him into the BoT? Just sayin’
I'm not rationalizing - I'm being totally irrational
Dumb for Pitt
I mean really, you could low ball Bradley right now and back load his contract for a 5-6 year term. For example: He gets paid say $500K a year. They can spread the other $2 million to hiring the best assistants to keep up with the Jones’s. They could offer him an incentive laden bonus that would reward him for staying at Pitt and succeeding. Win win all the way.
But they won’t because they and Penn State will hire on perception rather than actual recruiting and Xs and Os ability. The very same criteria that got them in trouble in the first place.
Stupid Stupid Stupid.
Take a disadvantage and turn it into an opportunity that works for both parties. Buy low sell high rather then buy high and get left for someone paying even higher.
Screw Pitt
I enjoy seeing them wallow in their own incompetence. It helps PSU’s recruiting.
I’m not certain PSU won’t hire Bradley or Johnson. Everyone keeps saying they want to do a clean sweep but I see no solid evidence that Joyner or Erickson think that way.
I’d like to keep Scrap, LJsr, and Vandy, but I’m ok with any of the names floated this week too.
by reedjohnmiller on Dec 17, 2011 1:48 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Here's a question.
Why hell isn’t Luke Fickell suffering from any negative stigma from being associated with Jim Tressel and the cheating involved at Ohio State?
"The only difference between a brown-noser and a shit head is depth perception"
-PSU_Lions_84
by dbl5030 on Dec 17, 2011 1:48 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
That's immaterial.
Tom Bradley’s name has never once come up in any legal proceedings or investigations. The only reason he’s considered toxic is because he worked at Penn State when a scandal occurred. Luke Fickell also worked at Ohio State when a scandal occurred, he’s just as connected to that case as TB is to ours.
"The only difference between a brown-noser and a shit head is depth perception"
-PSU_Lions_84
Actually Bradley testified in the GJ
So his name has come up in the legal process
by catesinator on Dec 19, 2011 12:24 PM EST up reply actions
Nobody hired Luke Fickel yet either.
...may we compete with fierce intensity, with the gifts that we have been given...
Because Jim Tressel did everything himself, remember? He was a good coach who went rogue.
Not even Gene Smith knew what horrible things he was doing.
and Gee was too busy hoping he didn't get fired by Tressel
Fire Dan Snyder
by Cari Greene on Dec 17, 2011 2:48 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Seems like PSU could maybe sign a one-year contract with Bradley.
There’d be some oooh’s and ahh’s about it, but they could just say, “We did a search and didn’t feel like any of the candidates are better and the timing was just wrong to make a hire, so we will continue our search over the next year.” Then, after a year with Bradley hopefully doing great and the media (and the masses) off looking at whatever other scandal erupted, you decide to either hire Scrap to a longer deal or you set him loose (likely in a much better position to get hired somewhere else after his stink blows off a little).
I’m sort of pulling for him now… not because I think he is without question the best candidate, but because I’m really tired of seeing innocent people getting punished because Sandusky is a slime ball of infinite proportions.
And really, how much worse can PSU’s reputation get? (and no, I don’t want the real answer to that)
Nothing says "Come to Penn Staaate!!!" better than
An interim coach.
by PSUinOH on Dec 17, 2011 3:47 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I think we need to prepare ourselves for a few tough recruiting years.
Even a “great” coach/staff are going to have to work hard to overcome the “Do you really want your dear little (330-lb offensive tackle) boy around those molesters?” crap. Joe and the other coaches have been fighting other recruiters about Joe’s age for a long time — overcoming the scandal will be much harder.
"Make haste to reassure us, I beg you, and tell us that our fellow citizens understand us, support us, and protect us as we ourselves are protecting the glory of the Empire.
"If it should be otherwise, if we should have to leave our bleached bones on these desert sands in vain, then beware the fury of the Legions."
by PSU_Lions_84 on Dec 17, 2011 3:51 PM EST up reply actions
I'd like more speculation on this idea...
The other benefit to this idea is that the PSU head coach position will look much more desireable one year from now. Conventional wisdom is no one wants to be the coach that follows a legend, but rather the coach that picks up pieces after it falls apart after the legend leaves. Plus any candidate would have to worry less about dealing with the scandal. It would probably even be better for Bradley because not only would it give him a chance to become PSU head coach after proving himself for one year, but if he had to find a new position there would be less scandal attached to him.
I like Bradley and think he has done a great job taking over a horrible situation
But I think he’s getting a lot of sympathy votes from people. I think a lot of people have become emotionally attached to him trying to right the ship when things went bad.
Like I mentioned above, I truly believe if Joe had just retired at the end of the season, everyone would be ok with not hiring Bradley. They would want someone who wasn’t part of the old guard and would want a fresh face to the program. (how many complaints have their been about the BBDS defense they play) I’ve been reading BSD for awhile and am pretty sure there wasn’t this much support of Bradley at any point in the past. It’s hard to do, but I think you have to take the emotion out of the decision and look at what’s going to be best for PSU moving forward. And I hope, that’s what the search committee is doing. If it’s Bradley, great. But if a guy like Petersen is available, I think that’s who they have to get. If there was a poll last year at this time asking if people would prefer Petersen or Bradley for the next PSU coach, I’m pretty sure the results wouldn’t have been close.
by GMac14 on Dec 17, 2011 2:53 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
This is certainly true.
I think he’s getting a lot of sympathy votes from people. I think a lot of people have become emotionally attached to him trying to right the ship when things went bad.
I know, because I was one of them. For a solid 3 weeks, I was in the, “Screw it, Bradley’s my guy” camp. With some time to mellow, I’m back to where I was pre-scandal – hire the best coach.
@JPosnanski - I saw a girl crying tonight. When I asked why she said: "Because everybody lost."
#OccupyESPN
by Adam Collyer on Dec 17, 2011 2:58 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
It's not an emotional reaction, it's self defense.
Prior to this season, I would’ve supported getting someone else. My only real hope was that the person hired had some affiliation with the Penn State tradition (even if it was being a fan). I had hoped, and still do, that just because Paterno leaves, we don’t lose the things that defined us.
The reaction and messages coming out of PSU has been to practically disown what we are, via words and actions that contradict our principles. In the wake of those actions, Bradley has remained above reproach in the way he has conducted himself and the team.
While there are several more successful coaches out there, success is not the only measure of our teams. Hiring the biggest name for the sake of winning foresakes everything that has made Penn State unique from the other schools out there. There is no doubt that Bradley will be able to keep the honor that we expect from our teams, and he is continuing to show the love and devotion he has towards PSU.
His actions are what has endeared him to many of us, and that is why he has EARNED our support.
It is easy to go down into Hell; night and day, the gates of dark Death stand wide; but to climb back again, to retrace one's steps to the upper air - there's the rub, the task.
by Succss With Honor Always on Dec 17, 2011 3:09 PM EST up reply actions 6 recs
Another great post, SWHA!
Not saying an outsider will automatically jettison the Grand Experiment, but we don’t know he won’t change some fundamentals (cough, RichRod, cough cough). Am I completely happy with Penn State football over the last few years? No, but the scandal has made me realize what a precious and special thing we have at Penn State, and I am willing to consume the same product if it means Success with Honor/the Grand Experiment live on.
While I would love another MNC, seeing Penn State as the number one academic school in the Top 25 is VERY satisfying!
"Make haste to reassure us, I beg you, and tell us that our fellow citizens understand us, support us, and protect us as we ourselves are protecting the glory of the Empire.
"If it should be otherwise, if we should have to leave our bleached bones on these desert sands in vain, then beware the fury of the Legions."
by PSU_Lions_84 on Dec 17, 2011 3:14 PM EST up reply actions
Absolutely.
If anything, this scandal has helped me to appreciate Penn State much more. I no longer feel the wins and losses are the most important part of our team. The honor, integrity and men we produce is what defines us, and I hold that much more highly than wins at the end of the year.
It is easy to go down into Hell; night and day, the gates of dark Death stand wide; but to climb back again, to retrace one's steps to the upper air - there's the rub, the task.
by Succss With Honor Always on Dec 17, 2011 3:19 PM EST up reply actions
What about a lesser product and keeping success with honor?
Yeah 8 win seasons and a lower tier bowl game are all fine and dandy if they come with having “Success with honor” kept in place. But will you say the same thing if the team plummets into having 3 or 4 win seasons with their lone wins coming against a MAC team, FCS schools and IU as was the case was in 2003 and 2004? Not saying that’s what would happen with Bradley as HC, but I think this idea of PSU fans “accepting” a lesser product and sacrificing winning for the sake of having a bunch of graduating a bunch of good guys is a load of nonsense that sounds righteous right now and won’t even remotely be close to reflecting the reality of the situation 12 months from now.
Because at the end of the day, graduating honorable and respectful student athletes doesn’t put asses in the seats on Saturday afternoons. Rich Rodriguez wasn’t fired because he dissed long time Michigan supporters, changed the offensive scheme or had his players practice 80 hours a week. He was fired at Michigan for the simple reason because his teams didn’t win enough.
So yeah by all means if PSU can keep churning out 9-3 or 8-4 or even 7-5 seasons and keep going to the Gator or Meineke Car Car Bowl the next few years while they clean up their image I have no problem with that. But don’t even try and pretend you’ll still be supportive of Bradley and the staff if they start putting out 3-9 or 4-8 seasons.
by catesinator on Dec 19, 2011 12:38 PM EST up reply actions
To clarify...
I intended to make this post about how I fee, the qualities that define us are under attack. What I realized through writing it out is that I didn’t change my opinion of Bradley. Bradley changed my opinion of him based on how he has carried himself and the team, as well as his continued devotion to the school via recruitment. I think it is unfair to say it’s an emotional response, as that fails to give Bradley the credit he deserves. He is the reason I changed my opinion, it was not my emotions.
It is easy to go down into Hell; night and day, the gates of dark Death stand wide; but to climb back again, to retrace one's steps to the upper air - there's the rub, the task.
by Succss With Honor Always on Dec 17, 2011 3:16 PM EST up reply actions
I think that makes a lot of sense
And I don’t want to start an arguement because I agree with you. Penn State has been and will always be about honor and success and trying to do things the right way. That’s why I still wear my PSU gear with pride and still come on this blog to share thoughts and talk with other PSU fans.
My only thought is that Bradley isn’t the only coach who could keep that tradition of integrity and doing things the “right way” alive. I’m not saying that PSU should hire the biggest name and everything else be out the window. I’m just saying if there are other successful coaches who have also done things the right way, then they need to be considered too. Bradley has never been a head coach (other than these 3 games) and if someone else has more experience and knows how to run a good program, he deserves a chance.
I’ve always felt a little uncertain when PSU fans have wanted to only hire a PSU guy because he will keep things running the “right way.” I do think that other people/coaches can keep up that honor even if they don’t have direct ties with PSU.
Agreed.
There are definitely people out there who can bring positives to our program that are not from Penn State. I think the big push for Bradley is due to it seeming like he won’t get a fair shake, as the university wants to “clean house”. I think the overall thought has been that if Bradley doesn’t get the job it is only because they are trying to appease the public even though that very well may not be the case.
I just hope that the committee makes the right decisions based on the right reasons. As long as they do that, I will be happy.
It is easy to go down into Hell; night and day, the gates of dark Death stand wide; but to climb back again, to retrace one's steps to the upper air - there's the rub, the task.
by Succss With Honor Always on Dec 17, 2011 3:31 PM EST up reply actions
And I hope the same thing
If Bradley gets a fair chance and another equally or more qualified person beats him out, then I’m ok with it.
I know this will just state the obvious…..but really, this whole situation just sucks….
GMac, I mostly agree with you, but have a couple nitpicks.
(1) Most of us faced that, “Impressive background, but no experience.” barrier at one time or another. (I had applied at Duke multiple times over my career; when I finally got hired (at age 49), my boss said, “You made a good impression on lots of hiring managersin the past, but they didn’t hire you because you didn’t have Duke experience.”) How do we get experience until someone gives a chance? Likewise with Scrap. Is his record impressive so far? No, but he certainly epitomizes what we want in a coach.
Which leads to point 2:
(2) There is an expression, “Better the devil we know than the one we don’t.” Look at RichRod-Michigan, Todd Graham-Pitt, and other examples. Each school thought they had found their guy; hasn’t turned out well for some schools, has it?
Not that my opinion matters, but I am rooting for Scrap to get the HC job, even with the one-year conditional hiring idea floated above.
"Make haste to reassure us, I beg you, and tell us that our fellow citizens understand us, support us, and protect us as we ourselves are protecting the glory of the Empire.
"If it should be otherwise, if we should have to leave our bleached bones on these desert sands in vain, then beware the fury of the Legions."
by PSU_Lions_84 on Dec 17, 2011 3:33 PM EST up reply actions
Oh, absolutely agree with you on both points
Everybody has to gain experience from somewhere. And I don’t think that’s a reason not to hire Bradley, I was just merely thinking that if all other things seemed equal with Bradley and another candidate (which I know they rarely are), that experience can sometimes win out.
And trust me, I don’t think I’ve fully come to terms with the fact that Joe is not going to be the head coach next season and that we’re most likely going to have a team coached by someone with no PSU ties. I just want to think there are other coaches out there who have the same desire to “do the right thing” and produce quality citizens, not just win football games. And if Bradley isn’t hired, I hope the committee finds one of those guys.
+ 1
Given Joe’s advancing years, I started a few years ago (after my Dad died when he was 84) to prepare myself for a Joe-less sideline. I am still not ready, and don’t think I will be next fall . . .
And I agree that that there are other coaches out there who would fit well with us: I like Munchak, Dungy, Cowher, and a few others who I think know, appreciate, and would maintain what Penn State is.
"Make haste to reassure us, I beg you, and tell us that our fellow citizens understand us, support us, and protect us as we ourselves are protecting the glory of the Empire.
"If it should be otherwise, if we should have to leave our bleached bones on these desert sands in vain, then beware the fury of the Legions."
by PSU_Lions_84 on Dec 17, 2011 3:44 PM EST up reply actions
Outside your comfort zone
Yeah sure go ahead and cite RichRod and Todd Graham as bad coaching hires that didn’t have prior association with their schools.
I’ll just throw out the names Luke Fickell and Mike Davis as guys that followed coaching legends that were ignominously oustered, were named interim HCs and ultimately failed to live up to “the standard.”
by catesinator on Dec 19, 2011 12:41 PM EST up reply actions
Dear Santa,
Please give me a head coach with National name recognition that will draw recruits in from the South and away from Ohio and lock down PA. Please let him have strong moral fiber that can sculpt our sons into leaders of men and continue on with Success With Honor and a Nationally leading GSR. And Santa, if you could do this for less than $1 million annually that would be super awesome too. And Santa, I am not talking about JayPa.
/ F.U. Santa’s for real font.
by PSUinOH on Dec 17, 2011 3:58 PM EST via mobile reply actions 1 recs
Dear Santa,
Please give me a head coach with National name recognition that will draw recruits in from the South and away from Ohio and lock down PA. Please let him have strong moral fiber that can sculpt our sons into leaders of men and continue on with Success With Honor and a Nationally leading GSR. And Santa, if you could do this for less than $1 million annually that would be super awesome too. And Santa, I am not talking about JayPa.
/ F.U. Santa’s for real font.
by PSUinOH on Dec 17, 2011 3:58 PM EST via mobile reply actions
for once...i'm in the 1% !!!!
not a Bradley fan sorry guys
completely capable as a DC, just not a fan
"my dad says Michigan used to be good"
"outside of Pitt's window"
Seriously? They’ve employed 4 head coaches in the past 12 months. With that turnover rate, there’s ALWAYS another chance to be their head coach.
The head coach at Pitt is like the weather in Chicago. If you don’t like it, just wait. It will change.
365 beers from 365 different breweries in 365 days. Game on.
http://www.blognamedbrew.blogspot.com/
by Tailgate Shogun on Dec 17, 2011 8:58 PM EST reply actions
If you like Tom and haven't signed yet...
…go here:
#1 Flyers fan in England (originally from Southeastern PA)
by Orange and Black Forever on Dec 19, 2011 12:38 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
This needs its own post.
P.S. Just signed it.
It is easy to go down into Hell; night and day, the gates of dark Death stand wide; but to climb back again, to retrace one's steps to the upper air - there's the rub, the task.
by Succss With Honor Always on Dec 19, 2011 6:47 PM EST up reply actions
Good! :)
I may make a FanPost with it. I think most people who agree here have signed it already, but I’d be willing to make another post about it.
#1 Flyers fan in England (originally from Southeastern PA)
by Orange and Black Forever on Dec 20, 2011 12:51 PM EST up reply actions
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