[Oskee] It's official

Mon Oct 19 11:59:57 EDT 2009

I hadn't even thought about Guenther's status, mostly because he has done such a great job on everything you detail below, but you're right that he's not getting it done as far as finding a head coach.  I wonder if it's all his fault, or if he's been hamstrung to some extent by fiscal concerns (in other words, there may be guys he simply hasn't gone after because he knows the university won't pay what it would take to get them).  I honestly have no idea, I'm just wondering out loud.

And yes, I agree that Benn is to be commended for continuing to give his all with a positive attitude.  He does indeed seem like a classy guy.

-- robert

________________________________
From: Todd Sweet <trsweet at ilstu.edu>
To: Fighting Illini Sports Enthusiasts List <oskee at heins.net>
Sent: Sunday, October 18, 2009 9:25:38 AM
Subject: Re: [Oskee] It's official

I’m afraid I agree with you
John.  I don’t think that the football team/coach is the big fish on
the Universities plate right now.  Plus, with Zook signing an extension
last year, we’d now be in for 1.5 million per year to buy out the
contract.  What does he have, 3 years left after this?  The only
thing that might rattle their cage and get them to move is the bottom
line.  If fans stop showing up, then they have to start considering how
much revenue they are losing versus the cost of buying out the contract.   I
think you’ll also see this start to effect recruiting.  I’d
bet my house that we lose Fiedowicz (sp?).  I mean honestly, if you were a
stud tight end that leads your HS in receptions, are you going to come to Illinois where our tight
ends never see the ball?  That will be one we lose I bet (and it looks
like Iowa may
be the winner and we’ll have to see it every year).  If recruiting
goes, and the seats are empty…they will have to make a move.

But unless we solve the problem of who is
hiring the coach, then we really don’t solve anything.  I think
Guenther has done an amazing job on the fundraising and facilities side of the
equation and for that he should get his praises.  He also has to be given
credit for getting several of the “minor” sports in good
shape.  However, we all know that football is the big money maker with
hoops right behind.  Weber looks like he will work out okay.  But
Guenther’s record for hiring football coaches is awful.  If they are
going to get rid of Zook but keep Guenther, they absolutely cannot let him hire
the next football coach.  I think the best solution would be to hire an
AD/coach combo.  In other words, find a school that has an AD that’s
getting it done and also has an up and coming football coach and see if you can
get them to come over together.  That way the AD and coach will already
have a good working relationship and they can get the ball rolling
quickly.  That’s just one idea.  But clearly, something has to
be done.

And Robert, to answer your question about
Benn’s pro prospects.  He’ll go in the first round and have a
great career if he stays healthy.  I commend him on not being a whiner and
sticking with his commitment to this university.  He’s a classy
young man who deserved better than this.

Todd S

________________________________

From:oskee-bounces at heins.net [mailto:oskee-bounces at heins.net] On Behalf Of John Livengood
Sent: Sunday, October 18, 2009
8:13 AM
To: Fighting Illini Sports Enthusiasts List
Subject: Re: [Oskee] It's official

Time to clean house unfortunately. Zook isn't the answer
and Guenther has had his chance. It's rare an AD gets to hire 2 football
coaches as he's done, he shouldn't get the 3rd one. Unfortunately with the
admin in upheaval over the recent controversies regarding admission favoritism,
the timing couldn't be worse. At least basketball has started up, we'll have
that to distract us soon.

________________________________

From:Robert
Mingee <mingee at swbell.net>
To: oskee at heins.net
Sent: Sat, October 17, 2009
11:25:06 PM
Subject: [Oskee] It's official
We truly are the laughingstock of the league at this
point.  It really doesn't even matter anymore if it's Zook's fault or not,
he's simply got to go.  There must be accountability -- that's just the
nature of the game. As the head coach, Zook is responsible, and this team is
just beyond awful.  The pass defense is abysmal, and the offense, well,
I've already said enough bad things about the offense here, no more is
necessary.  How must Benn be feeling right now?  He took a chance coming
to Illinois 
because he wanted to be on the ground floor of something special.  I only
hope that he hasn't completely wrecked his hopes in the pros at this point,
because clearly there is talent there, but it either hasn't developed at all,
or Juice is completely incapable of leveraging it.

I really hope Hardeman is OK.  It sounded like it was mostly
precautionary, but anytime someone is taken off on a cart and rushed to the
hospital, it's scary.

-- robert
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