I can't say that I was on the "Fire CPR bandwagon" like so many loud voices on here, but I can't say I was truly on the "Retain CPR bandwagon" either. If that makes any sense!
It was a tough call for Pollard to make. I understand the OP's long-term and historical perspective, while so many on here issue knee jerk reactions daily and don't seem to truly understand what it is like to win at ISU. I suppose if I was forced to make the decision, I certainly would not have fired him before the season ended, and I probably would have retained him for one more year. There were many practical reasons for doing so - lots of job openings nation wide to compete against, few available quality coaches, $4.5 million buyout, retaining talented players - etc.
Harder to calculate were the effects retaining him would have had on donations and tickets next year. Those practical effects needed to be accounted for as well, but are probably difficult and nebulous to measure. It would be interesting to know how many big boosters were calling on Pollard to act / threatening removal of support. My hunch is that he must have been receiving calls / texts / emails from people that matter. I guess if there were a ton of calls / texts / emails from people that matter, my decision may have changed if I was in Pollard's shoes. Ultimately, Pollard has a duty to act in ISU's athletic interest, but also a duty to follow the wishes of ISU's supporters to some extent.
Only time will tell how smart all these people calling for CPR's head right now are, but count me as one that would not have fired CPR this season. When you take an aggregate view of his tenure, it is pretty good by ISU standards.
Trust me, I have been questioning coaching decisions all season - like the 8 yard cushion while not blitzing which allows the opposing QB to sit back and pick apart our 30 yard zone, and the K-State series - but I just don't know if we can do much better at ISU. Hope I'm wrong.
It was a tough call for Pollard to make. I understand the OP's long-term and historical perspective, while so many on here issue knee jerk reactions daily and don't seem to truly understand what it is like to win at ISU. I suppose if I was forced to make the decision, I certainly would not have fired him before the season ended, and I probably would have retained him for one more year. There were many practical reasons for doing so - lots of job openings nation wide to compete against, few available quality coaches, $4.5 million buyout, retaining talented players - etc.
Harder to calculate were the effects retaining him would have had on donations and tickets next year. Those practical effects needed to be accounted for as well, but are probably difficult and nebulous to measure. It would be interesting to know how many big boosters were calling on Pollard to act / threatening removal of support. My hunch is that he must have been receiving calls / texts / emails from people that matter. I guess if there were a ton of calls / texts / emails from people that matter, my decision may have changed if I was in Pollard's shoes. Ultimately, Pollard has a duty to act in ISU's athletic interest, but also a duty to follow the wishes of ISU's supporters to some extent.
Only time will tell how smart all these people calling for CPR's head right now are, but count me as one that would not have fired CPR this season. When you take an aggregate view of his tenure, it is pretty good by ISU standards.
Trust me, I have been questioning coaching decisions all season - like the 8 yard cushion while not blitzing which allows the opposing QB to sit back and pick apart our 30 yard zone, and the K-State series - but I just don't know if we can do much better at ISU. Hope I'm wrong.
