This is probably the most insightful post to date regarding Gattis and why Mario needs to ditch him. I was willing to pinch my nose and let it ride one more season if Mario wanted to Al Golden the OC next season. My biggest argument for getting rid of Gattis was a good will thing with the fans and alumni.
Gattis subjectively failed for most of the year, that was plain to see. Was he hampered by injuries? Of course. But, he still called awful games and our QB's and no one seemed to progress or learn under his watch. HOWEVER, if Mario really wanted to bring him back, that could've worked if we won at least 7 games. However, we had a LOSING record against a soft schedule. Sorry, you can't crap the bed and then tell the fan base, "Oh, um...just trust me." This is why I thought Gattis needed to go even if Mario wanted him back.
But, after reading this post and thinking back on the games, it does seem like Gattis may have failed forward to win the Broyles. Was Harbaugh really the one calling the shots and Josh took the credit? I guess only time will tell. But, if this past year is any indication of his coaching, then yeah, he CAN'T come back. Mario really doesn't want to lose the fanbase before the start of the 2nd season. He kind of burned up his margin with losing 7 games. And, getting mud-stomped by MTSU in our house...?
Mario NEEDS to succeed this coming year. If he doesn't win a minimum 8 games, I fear the slow launch to failure will have been initiated. I'm pulling for you, big guy. Don't let your ego and pride get the better of you. An alum or not, Miami is where head coaches go to lose their careers. It's 100% avoidable, but the trap is always thinking you're the smartest guy in the room. Fight it, Cuban Butch. We need you to turn this thing around.