What do we do with Dan?

justincl · 10-12-2006, 09:31 PM

I know there is a lot of talk of DMC being fired this year or next. However, I haven't seen any talk as to what we do with McCarney. Do you actually fire him? I think most every body agrees that Dan is a great person and he is really tough not to like outside of his football coaching. Having spoken with him and heard his speeches at times, he is an extremely talented motivator. I think the former players as well as anybody that has heard him personally would agree that he could "sell a ketchup popsicle to a woman in white gloves". After all he has done for this program, do we just fire him and let him walk or do we move him to a position elsewhere in the ISU athletic dept? I think with his current salary, it would be tough for him to take a pay cut and become something like an assistant AD or make something like "Director of football operations" for him. I don't want to sound like we owe anything, but I guess I would ask others that same question...do we owe Dan for the 12 years he has put in?

Personally I think Dan has an opportunity to be a huge motivator for all cyclone fans and his loyalty I believe lies in Ames and with ISU. Do we cut all ties with him by firing him? Or do we utilize his strength as a motivator and help raise the money that Pollard needs to bowl the stadium?

If someone on the current staff wants the job, say Skladany, as Head Coach, can we move Dan to a position other than HC and would he accept it? Just thoughts I don't think we have brought up in this entire discussion of Dan's future.

BigBake · 10-12-2006, 09:41 PM

He's either the Head Coach or nothing. No coach with any pride accept a demotion.

justincl · 10-12-2006, 09:53 PM

Ok I am with you on not accepting a demotion, but do we try to use his enthusiasum for fund raising before we let him go?

Skyh13 · 10-12-2006, 09:55 PM

I wouldn't consider a managerial position in the athletic department necessarily a demotion... but if he feels it is much before his time is done as a head coach then he definitely wouldn't accept. Perhaps in the future... but the next year after being potentially removed.. doubtful.

BigBake · 10-12-2006, 10:10 PM

It's a demotion because he any scenario they'd have to ask him to vacate his current position.

If JP pulls the trigger it will be a kill shot. Mac and ISU will have to go their separate ways.

justincl · 10-12-2006, 10:15 PM

that would kinda make me sad to see someone who worked so hard, even though his record isn't fantasic be fired. But it is what it is. You may have good point Blake about JP cutting all ties. He seems to go all out when he makes a decision.

Balls · 10-12-2006, 10:19 PM

One potential problem with keeping previous coaches is that it can leave a shadow over the new staff. It's like getting a divorce but having your ex-spouse hang out in your guest house.

It may be different if the coach has a clear premeditated plan and voluntarily steps down. But that won't be the case for Mac. He may not be fired, but it will be initiated by Pollard with a few options for Mac to allow him the opportunity to save face, go out with respect, and ensure we keep Mac's public support for public relations.

justincl · 10-12-2006, 10:22 PM

Part of me thinks you may have hit it on the head Balls...

Let Mac go, but let the public think all is well and good in cyclone land, thus keep the positive flow for ISU going. That seems to be the most realistic scenario to keep JP vision going with donors and support while looking to take the "next big step" with the football program

sp8815 · 10-12-2006, 10:23 PM

mac is not getting fired this year

justincl · 10-12-2006, 10:25 PM

I don't think I was referring to this year. I think in the future there will have to be a decision made. The 3 million dollar buyout would be more than the dept could handle.

However sometime this bridge will be crossed and I just want to know if people think this will be a good firing, or a controversial firing.

hansen55 · 10-12-2006, 10:31 PM

I agree. I don't know where he would go, but I seriously doubt he would stay at ISU. It would be a slap in the face to stay under one of his assistants. Also, I really doubt any outside replacement would want or like to have the old head coach around unless the situation is comparable to the one at Wisconsin.

I do feel that something has to change and quick. The play calling has been terrible, and I don't think that we make any adjustments to the opposing teams' changes especially on offense. It's not rocket science, keep changing, keep adapting. Why can't we run with two running back out of the shotgun? Hicks and Scales, they could either pick up the blitz or go out for a pass. It's so crazy it might just work. Lets just try something different.

Here's to hoping the breaks quit beating the boys. Sorry, you can get back on topic now.

Wesley · 10-12-2006, 10:33 PM

Ames fired WM and hired McD and continue on with McC. At nebraska they fired 10-3 Frankie to bring on Billie and put up with Barry until he went wee wee to Butler. Guess we are a bball school and nebraskie is a fb school.

10-12-2006, 10:40 PM

You know...if we were all, half the legends we think we are there would be more celebrating. It's a tough season, help the team, then talk this stuff at year end, or later.

hansen55 · 10-12-2006, 10:53 PM

First off, I don't claim to know it all. I'm not a coach, but I can tell you that we are being out coached. I'm not much of a mind reader or a fortuneteller, but I am predicting a new offensive coordinator next season if things don't start going our way.

ISUFan22 · 10-12-2006, 11:01 PM

What do we do with Dan?

I don't know...well...I have an idea. Now...this may sound crazy...and it is. It's pretty radical actually. But....oh well...here it goes....

Support him? *shrug*