Dan McCarney's future in doubt or already decided?

Jeremy · 11-07-2006, 07:04 PM

Dan McCarney's future in doubt or already decided?
CycloneFanatic.com
Jeremy Lind

As many of you have asked for some sort of insight on what is or will be happening regarding Dan McCarney's fate at Iowa State, I have decided to go ahead and post something to help explain the situation and shed some light on where things could possibly be headed...

I’ll first start by saying that there are deafening rumblings through the halls surrounding Mac's office about his future but I also want to make sure people remember that there is a real person behind all these rumors and opinions. I want to be careful how, what, and when I talk about things because all of us have great respect for Mac as a person first and foremost. He deserves to go out on a positive note, regardless of this season’s final results.

What I will say is that it's an extremely fluid situation and Pollard will do what is best for the long-term future of Iowa State. Regardless of what happens, it's only going to please a certain portion of the fan-base. Look for things to be done in a timely and responsible manner. I don't want to be the person that blows that, regardless of what happens.

As far as what I think will happen based on what I’ve heard; I do not see Mac being back next year. That has nothing to do with what I personally want to happen, just what I think will happen based on discussions and correspondences. Despite what Mac’s biggest supporters will say publicly, almost everybody agrees that if a change is going to be made in the next couple of years, this is the year to do it.

With the fan-base as fractured as it’s been over the past 12 years and the recent slump in performance on the field and in the recruiting circles, all signs point to this being the time for change in order to get things in shape for two to three years down the road. The rebuilding won’t be instant and it will take much more time than any basketball changes could ever take. There are a lot of areas where recruiting will have to be far above average to help out and any new staff would already be behind the game on potential recruits for the next couple of years.

Jamie Pollard will have the final say on what happens but it appears likely that he favors his $135 million expansion project more than sticking it out another year to see if things improve. The magic number this past season was 30,000 season tickets, next year it will be the same or higher. Pollard realizes that anything less than 30,000 would be a serious blow to the planned renovations and would put in place a lot of doubts over his handling of things. While Pollard isn’t worried about his own image, he is very worried about the Athletic Department’s image among the fans and donors that will ultimately determine how things progress in regard to expansions or renovations.

As far as possible names being considered as replacements for Mac, all of that talk is too premature. Obviously any AD has a short list of replacements for every coaching position under his watch, that’s their job. There will of course be rumors popping up every few minutes about who is and who isn’t on that list. I will say that everything will be done with the utmost care for the image of both ISU and McCarney. Nobody wants to step on toes or make the University or personnel look bad, especially when it comes to coaching issues at Iowa State.

Now as a conclusion, I want to remind people that only Jamie Pollard knows officially what will happen. I am going off of what I have been told but I have not and will not hear anything official from Jamie Pollard any sooner than the rest of you. I may find out what his plans are ahead of time but until things are signed and press conferences are made, things will simply be rumors and possibilities, nothing more unless stated as such.

Please make sure that when talking about Mac or the future of Iowa State Football, remember that there are real people behind all those rumors that we constantly hear. Dan is a great guy and a fine coach. Regardless of what happens, we all need to hope for the best for Dan and his family as this is undoubtedly a very hard time in the McCarney household, as well as in the household of the assistants and players.

JCloned · 11-07-2006, 07:12 PM

Well put Jeremy

Rudy Katoot · 11-07-2006, 07:21 PM

People,
It’s less than a 5% chance that Dan has been told that he is done. Big bucks are at risk, it will not be a unilateral decision by Pollard. The ISU president will be consulted and likely some large contributors. Pollard will not pull the trigger without talking to some perspective coaches and most likely will not pull the trigger without having at least a verbal from the new coach.

Pollard knows better than to make this decision without firming up his core support.

Rudy

C.John · 11-07-2006, 10:07 PM

Thanks for the heads up Jeremy.

theshadow · 11-07-2006, 10:14 PM

Originally Posted by Jeremy

Coach Mac Update:

So basically everyone else around here needs to lay off because it's a very personal thing and there are real people involved, and not start any "rumors or possibilities" -- including the site owner -- yet the site owner contradicts himself in a span of three hours? Pardon me, but that's pretty bush league.

Nedrick · 11-07-2006, 10:15 PM

Jeremy:
Do you suspect there may be an announcement before season's end??

Nedrick · 11-07-2006, 10:18 PM

Originally Posted by theshadow

So basically everyone else around here needs to lay off because it's a very personal thing and there are real people involved, and not start any "rumors or possibilities" -- including the site owner -- yet the site owner contradicts himself in a span of three hours? Pardon me, but that's pretty bush league.

Like it or not, Jeremy is running a news site and i suspect he'd like to have the "scoop" out there before anyone else. Plus, if I (like the majority on this site, really want the inside scoop!

Keep up the great work Jeremy!!

theshadow · 11-07-2006, 10:24 PM

Originally Posted by Jeremy

I have removed the post because I too realized I need to leave it off the site for now. I hope you understand and excuse me for posting it a bit premature as you noted.

I appreciate that, and despite others clamoring for the 'scoop', this isn't really a 'scoop'able situation. Not anymore. After the Texas loss? Yes. Now? No.

theshadow · 11-07-2006, 10:27 PM

Originally Posted by Nedrick

Like it or not, Jeremy is running a news site and i suspect he'd like to have the "scoop" out there before anyone else. Plus, if I (like the majority on this site, really want the inside scoop!

Keep up the great work Jeremy!!

There is also a large difference between reporting on actual, hard news and posting something that MIGHT come true if "sources" are accurate.

theshadow · 11-07-2006, 10:31 PM

...Cyclone Volleyball.

They're good. Real good. As in best season since the Big 12 was formed. By far. Go watch at Hilton tomorrow night when they take on #1 Nebraska. Win stuff.