Like it or not Al is from the Joe Pa system and philosophy. Joe Pa aimed at contending for an NC every 4 years(see seniors). That is unacceptable to Canes who want to contend EVERY year. Joe Pa won TWO, as in 2, NCs in FIFTY(50!!!!) years. In Happy Valley that made him a god. Bobby did about the same in Tally and was merely a saint. At THE U, both would have been fired. Larry won one, went undefeated two years in a row, and got cheated out of another -- fired a few years later. This is THE U and the crap we are seeing doesn't float. Doesn't matter if coach is nice old white guy, hard luck story local black dude, or slick Yankee clean boy -- you play in the NCs or get to steppin. ****. we wanted to fire Butch--remember -- and if he had stayed and not won NC the next year, he would not be the hero we make him. Remember his coaching weaknesses not just his recruiting greatness.
I was all in on Al for a long time. Started to wavier at the KSU game when he blamed players for the first time to cover for Mark. Beating the gator made him a god again but I got really upset later when he pitched Duke under the bus for a couple fumbles but continued to swear by his defensive system and friend. I really don't know why we are getting beat out on top players and REALLY don't care. Al is a fine man, by all accounts, but winning and winning BIG is a job requirement at THE U. That has not happened and the horrible finish last year destroyed my hope that he would. Last year's recruiting class was very good but should have been better. This year's class has a very bad feel to it.
Al's career is spinning around the bowl and is about to be flushed. I hope he realizes that the only way to not go back to assistant coaching is to field a team that goes out and resembles a Hurricane football team. He needs to kick rear and not even bother taking names to show he can indeed coach. Al took the UFelon game personal last year and team reflected that, looking like a Cane team for the first time in years. Now he needs to bring that personal affront to every game, scrimmage, practice and meeting. I cannot think of a great HC that was not feared by his team more than liked by it. Nice guys win when they have a team anyone can win with -- see Larry. Shula, The Bear, JJ, Saban and so many others made players pee themselves but gained respect by winning.
Watching Al on the field hugging Lewis still makes me tear up, BUT I want to smile not cry. Al, please be a little less great guy and a little more sob PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
