jrw

As a wise poster here said in another thread, "If Wilcox were not an Oregon alum, would anybody be looking at him?".

No, no, and no. And no. Read this if you think you want Orgeron.

Opinions? Thoughts? It's not the SEC, but it ain't chopped liver, either.

“I haven’t talked to anybody, so let’s not create narratives, OK, as we sit here in this press conference,” Cristobal said Friday. From after the 2nd Utah game.

I'm totally with you on that. Never thought I would advocate for hiring that guy.

CJ, I totally agree, but big-time college football is the wrong place to look for good relationships. Like they say about politics in D.C. "if you want a friend, get a dog". College football has become a toxic, money-dominated circus that, I think, is heading for some sort of implosion. The current trends are just not sustainable. Too few schools can compete, schools have much bigger worries than the football team, fans have more choices, etc. Everyone in the game, from the players to the ADs seem to be in it strictly for themselves. Self-interest is normal and fine, up to a point. Unlimited self-interest is destructive. If Oregon wants to compete in that environment, it's going to have to play by the new rules, and rent a coach from among the small pool who can also play be these rules. It all makes me want to pay less attention to college football. Yet, here I am.

If Oregon wants to be a national player, it needs to go big with the coaching hire. The Wilcox-Musgrave thing would be like acknowledging that you can't compete with the big boys and you're instead settling for your comfort blanket. Chip was lightning in a bottle. That moment can't be recaptured; plus he's kind of a jerk and hates recruiting. Fickell, Campbell, Aranda, or (I can't believe I'm saying this) Kiffen would be at the top of the list.

What sort of sad troll would make up this sort of thing?

I’ve dialed in. I’ll handle it.

I'm going to go cut down a Christmas tree. Seems healthier and more productive than eavesdropping on Mario's drama.

I think the old saying, "Those who talk, don't know. Those who know, don't talk" applies to Mario's status here.

Yeah, there's a reliable source.

I would say that Mario is truly undecided, and he and his agent are working this situation for all it's worth to maximize his financial benefit, playing off the two schools against each other.

There's no question that Mario leaving would put the Ducks' program in total disarray. The short-term pain would be immense; imagine how many current players would transfer, and how many commits would flip. It would be really bad. Longer term, none of us knows. His departure could lead to the discovery of a brilliant head coach who leads the program to glory. Or, it could be the beginning of a death spiral. Want to take your chances? As Jordan says, when the music stops right now, Oregon may be the only player without a seat. So, there would be short-term pain regardless, with only wishing and hoping serving as a long-term plan.

Is it possible to have a negative number?

His team got embarrassed less than 24 hours ago, his mom is quite ill, and he's gotta be stressed with all that's happening (or not). Yet, there he is, out on the trail. Being a major college coach isn't easy.

CJ noted in another thread that the Ducks have now gone through 6 coordinators in 5 years, the most recent taking a significant step down. Is Mario hard to work for and get along with? Being relentless, demanding and driven sound good, but a boss like that can drive people out. Especially one who does not listen to input, is stubborn, and will not change, despite evidence that change is needed. Mario seems to be great with kids and their families, but is he too much for his employees?

Canzano is a big Mario fan, and wants him to stay. So, Canzano's questions have to do with whether he goes or stays. He's not talking about the questions that circle around Mario's abilities, questions that IMO are valid.

Bring back Dakota Prukop!

Absolutely. It's pretty simple: if he were sure he was staying in Eugene he would say so. He hasn't said so.

Not looking forward to hearing the usual coach-speak from Mario. I think he owes the fans, at least, an apology.

Mario, Utah has given you two beat downs in all ways, offense, defense, coaching, attitude, preparation. The Utes are laughing on the field. What do you have to say?

Absolutely. This game is a sign of rot on the inside. I don't think Mario's agent has a lot of leverage after this.

I have not been in the Mario-out camp, but these two Utah games, especially this one, are making me reconsider. They've been really poor efforts from top to bottom and side to side. Something is not working and needs to change.

If anyone nationally even cares about Oregon, they're laughing at the total fail. Tough talk, no action.