My Top Choice For The Next Head Coach Of Syracuse Football Is.....

As the search begins for the a new Syracuse Orange head football coach, I wanted to look at the candidates as fairly as I could and see if I have a favorite. For some reason, I kept coming back to the same name and not that it matters to Dr. Gross but I have my top choice for the job. The name is not earth shattering and has been mentioned several times but I still like it. The man I would like to endorse for the position is none other then the University of Buffalo Head Coach Turner Gill.

I hear a lot of people trashing his record at Buffalo because he is 14-21 but I find that record very deceptive. His first season, he was 2-10(1-7 in conference) playing very good teams like Auburn and Boston College. The next year, which was 2007, he 5-7 overall but 5-3 in the MAC, had the first winning season since joining the MAC and was named coach of the year in the league. This year, they compiled a record of 7-5 overall and 5-3 in conference which is enough for them to win the East MAC conference and get them into the championship game against the #14 team in the nation, the undefeated Ball State (who many are trying to show support for them to receive a BCS bid). To me that shows improvement and if Greg Robinson had done anything similar to that in the Big East, he would still be the head football coach today.

Let's also discuss other points on his resume. So what else has he accomplished as a coach besides his numerous feats on the field at Nebraska? Well, I am so glad I asked myself that question. He was quarterback coach of his Alma mater during such time as two All-Americans named Tommie Frazier and 2001 Heisman winner Eric Crouch. Nebraska also played in and won three national championship games while he was a coach there. He recruited a true freshman by the name of Davonte Shannon who became UB's first All-MAC first team player. He also set a school record in 2006 for the most points scored by a team in the East conference of the MAC. He also worked for one season before signing on to coach at UB with the Green Bay Packers as Director of Player Development as well as assistant wide receivers coach and offensive assistant coach. I have seen multiple outlets discussing the players he either evaluates well or coaches above expectation and either way, that is a major plus for the Syracuse program. He also has shown he can recruit within the northeast and outside the area as well (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/andy_staples/11/13/turner.gill/index.html for further reference) and I think when he is successful, less players will leave upstate NY for other schools and play for Coach Gill.

Are these facts mind numbing? Probably not but I consider them impressive. I mean thanks to Wikipedia and the official website of the University of Buffalo Bulls, I had many numerous and valuable resources to help point out Coach Gill's success(including the stats listed above). I hope more Orange fans actually research some of these guys and decide for themselves and while your doing that, see why Turner Gill is the perfect choice. Also, search below for a sample of his press conferences so you can get an idea of what future Orange pressers will be like. I also hope those who think Gill, if successful, will run to Nebraska when they hire a new head coach, will ponder exactly how many head coaches in college football today are truly coaching "for life" at the program they are running right now. You go after the best coach for the job, not who you hope will be there in 5 years. And I think after looking up all the candidate most websites are posting, he meets the criteria we need (recruiting, head coaching experience and a proven successful resume). He may not be high profile but I think he is the highlight of the possibilities. Doctor Gross, it is my opinion (and I am sure you are reading this pondering just exactly who Orange Chuck is endorsing) that you should interview Coach Gill after the MAC championship game and offer him the job so that Syracuse can finally return to building a successful program with happy fans and boosters a like who will once again not only love supporting the Orange but spending their money in support of this team and university.

Calling Out All Hot Orange Female Fans

This is the only time I will have Ohio State on my blog unless they play the Orange but when I saw this, I had to send a call out to all the hot ladies in Orange Nation. This girl is gorgeous but I know we have hotter women within the Orange Nation so if you see one and they can top this, let me know. I know we have gorgeous alum like Vanessa Williams but I want to see someone that is showing Orange pride like she does for her Buckeyes. Not only will I post it here, I will post in a response on www.fandome.com as well. Go Orange!

Melo Discusses The NFL

This video, courtesy of Open Mic with Sam Adams, found at www.rockymountainnews.com is video of Carmelo Anthony discussing Bret Favre and his picking the Broncos to beat the Jets.

Syracuse Orange Basketball Links

ESPN's Box Score of Syracuse Orange victory over Kansas:
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/boxscore?gameId=283300183

Mike Waters breakdown of the game:
http://blog.syracuse.com/orangebasketball/2008/11/rock_chalk_er_hold_on_syracuse.html

Donna Ditota's view of the game:
http://blog.syracuse.com/orangebasketball/2008/11/arinze_onuaku_stands_tall_for.html

Fanhouse's Chas Rich says youth and fatigue helped Syracuse win:
http://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2008/11/26/syracuse-youth-and-fatigue-take-out-kansas/

TNIAAM talks about why the Orange should be ranked now and some game highlights:
http://www.nunesmagician.com/2008/11/26/670819/finally-the-big-east-will

And highlight video courtesy of Fandome.com and ESPN:

My Latest Poll, Orange Fans Unite

For the fun of it, I decided to run a poll until December 7th to determine who is Orange public enemy #1. So if you get a chance, please vote and remember, I did allow for multiple votes so if more then one of them upsets you equally, vote for them all. I personally chose Pat Dye because I will never forget the tie that cost Syracuse it's national championship. The Hoyas and Smart are tied for second but I added a couple other things to make it a bit more interesting since I see many think of Gottlieb and Cowherd as Orange haters. I personally don't listen to either of them anyway so I don't know what they say, I like my ESPN Radio on 1260 from 3-6 pm with Brent Axe when I am home to hear it and sometimes Mike Tirico too. By the way, I am sure I missed something and if its major and we have enough stuff, maybe I will do another one or a runoff later. For now, enjoy the win over Florida and the high from the Notre Dame victory (or am I the only one still in awe and loving every minute of it).

And The Winner Of The Funniest Sports Movie Of All Time Is.....

WARNING:There is profane language but the best clips of this movie have it so it's hard to find a clip without it.

WTVH Tells Us Edsall Is Out And Discuss A Couple Potential Hires

UConn coach says he's not interested in SU job

If Turner Gill Is The New Coach, Here Is Proof TNIAAM May Have A Rougher Time With Turner-isms

Watch more MySpace videos on AOL Video

Orange Women's Preview

SOMETHING ABOUT WOMEN IN ORANGE I LOVE

Couple Great Links For Orange Fans

First off, TNIAAM, the greatest blogger in the history of blogging or at least Orange Nation anyway and the guy I credit along with Axe for getting me started has this great report I enjoyed reading in response to Turner Gill as a candidate for the SU football head coach.

http://http://www.nunesmagician.com/2008/11/18/664760/real-deities-wear-orange?login=1227120236

And Axe has a great break down on the recent Richmond/Syracuse match up and if you don't read Axe's game analysis on a regular basis, you should. He also discusses the disgusting accusations about an Orange player's possible assault on a female, which if proven true, will be a huge reason I will never root for this guy ever. I know accidents happen but assault of any kind on a woman by a guy is unacceptable but to be fair to Eric, the police lacked evidence to press charges and he deserves the right for the process to work itself out.

http://www.syracuse.com/axeman/index.ssf/2008/11/surichmond_the_happy_recap.html

And an entertaining look at the game by the Idiots who make blogging amusing as they do it "24" style with a minute by minute breakdown, how ever not as you may think.

http://www.idiotsonsports.com/2008/11/running-diary-syracuse-richmond.html

Syracuse, I Got Your Next Big Recurit

I Am Always A Sucker For Otto Videos

Another Take On Coach Robinson and An Endorsement Of Turner Gill From Sprint TV

Courtesy Of syracuse.com,Dr.Gross's Explanation Of His Decision To Replace Greg Robinson After The Season

SU Athletic Director Dr. Daryl Gross press conference

A Quick Note From The Editor

I want to make one thing perfectly clear to those who have read my blog posts previously and those who will see my many posts about the issue of the termination of Coach Greg Robinson, it is not a personal issue. I don't know the man personally and probably never will, this is just my view as a fan of a program that is bleeding. Do I blame the downfall completely on his shoulders? Absolutely not but in college football, its about recruiting and winning and this team has struggled with both more times then not and that comes back on the man who has the ultimate job of doing those two tasks. If Coach P was fired because you wanted to do better then 6 and 7 win seasons and blowout in bowl games, how do you justify 4 wins in your best year and no bowl appearances? I understand what effect losing a job can have on a person, their family and those around them as I have been laid off and even fired once myself. I also understand that if I do not perform my job to a certain level, the company has a certain expectation of my work and will replace me with someone who will meet those expectations. When you are paid millions of dollars to turn around a program and in 4 years, it is still struggling, I am sorry but it's time to consider another direction. I understand his dream was to be a head coach and who knows, maybe somewhere else he will succeed but this was just not the right fit for everyone involved. And as far as my beloved Orange and their football program and facilities, if they are in fact sub par and outdated, maybe some of that war chest that has been brought up when funding a new coach should be used to help with that so that the next coach has more to work with and help make this program competitive. Do I expect them to meet Florida and USC levels within the next 2-3 years? Of course not but at least show me some progress and make it competitive so that I, as an Orange fan, can have pride in this program that I love and not be the laughing stock of sports. I will always bleed Orange and if I die, I hope I am buried in an Orange suit (or my 44 jersey) and an Orange casket and so is it wrong of me to believe that I should also want to be proud and have faith that this team can win more then once or twice a season? I wish Greg Robinson the best of luck in the future but I think it's time we all move on and do what's best for both sides.

Coach Robinson's Response From syracuse.com

SU head football coach Greg Robinson dismissal press conference

Links To Coach Robinson's Timely Dismissal

http://blog.syracuse.com/orangefootball/2008/11/robinson_i_ran_out_of_time.html


http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2008/11/16/syracuse-realizes-change-is-needed/


http://msn.foxsports.com/cfb/story/8804366/Coach-Greg-Robinson-out-at-Syracuse


http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=3706539


http://myespn.go.com/blogs/bigeast/0-2-102/Robinson--Syracuse-a-poor-fit-from-the-beginning.html


http://www.collegefootballtalk.com/2008/11/16/syracuse-fires-greg-robinson/


http://ydr.inyork.com/ydr/psu/ci_11000046


http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=487099

Carolina Panthers Bringin The Pain-Warning, This Is Addictive

It's Official, Coach Robinson Is Fired As Orange Head Coach

Donnie Webb, who I respect immensouly, has reported this statement from Syracuse University:

STATEMENT FROM DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS DR. DARYL GROSS REGARDING THE FOOTBALL PROGRAM

I have made the decision to move our football program in a new direction and have informed Greg Robinson that his tenure as Syracuse's head coach will end at the conclusion of this season.

Coach Robinson worked very hard to try to establish a winning program, one that could eventually compete for the conference championship on a regular basis. Unfortunately, the progress we expected to see has not occurred.

Greg has been professional and honorable in how he has handled his responsibilities as head coach. He has been dedicated to teaching and guiding the student-athletes in his charge, and passionate in wanting Syracuse to be a quality and successful program.

I thank Coach Robinson and his entire staff for creating a highly competitive culture in which our players never gave up, and for his development and leadership of our student-athletes in the classroom and community. His commitment to community service was outstanding. He leaves the program with a solid base on which we will continue to build. We wish Greg and his family the very best moving forward.

The timing of this announcement allows us to end rumor and speculation and provides us ample time to hire a head coach who has shown the capability to produce a winning football program that the Syracuse nation can be proud of. That process will begin immediately and will remain confidential until a selection is made.

So Much To Talk About-Flynn And Coach Boeheim At Big East Media Day

The Official Drink Of The Big Orange Bloggin Chuck And Biggest Addiction Besides Pizza

Kiffin To Clemson?

http://www.collegefootballtalk.com/2008/11/13/clemson-quietly-interviewed-kiffin/ is a link to an article by http://www.collegefootballtalk.com/ where they discuss that Clemson has already talked to not only Lane Kiffin about their head coaching position but Oklahoma defensive coordinator Brent Venables as well. If Syracuse truly is interested in Kiffin or Venables, I would say make a change soon or deal could be done for both before you even have the chance to discuss it with them. Kiffin is already on the record stating he would be interested in the Washington coaching position and you can't blame a guy for checking with them all to see why his best option is. Unless the reports of a consulting firm is true, every day Syracuse waits, is a day someone makes a generous offer to a coach you wanted to at least chat with about the job and much like many presidential and other elections, you are simply forced to choose the best of what's left.

Big Orange Bloggin Chuck Screws Up

Have you ever done something and realized after you had to ask yourself what the heck you were thinking? The poll above is missing one of my favorite movies of all time and I can't add it now since voting has begun so I am just placing a nice 7 minute clip here for you to enjoy as part of my apology. How the heck did I forget to add this movie? This movie has baseball and betting, the two of the most enjoyable sports ever. WARNING:PROFANE LANGUAGE IN THE CLIP

Think The Voting Is Close, Think Again

For those who see the above poll and think this poll is neck and neck, you forgot to check my other blog where Slap Shot is running away with it. And at the end of next week, I will be tallying the totals of both to determine the winner. So if you want to vote there, click here http://thebigorangeblogginchucksminor.blogspot.com/ and add another vote there though I am not heartbroken as a fan of Slap Shot(I personally thought it would come down to that and Talladega Nights anyway based on the first round numbers). Vote now, it's your civic duty as a blog reader.

TNA WRESTLING PAY PER VIEW COMES TO CHARLOTTE

TNA ANNOUNCES JANUARY'S "GENESIS" PAY-PER-VIEW IS COMING TO CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA
Tickets go on sale this Saturday at Ticketmaster and the arena box office!

Total Nonstop Action (TNA) Wrestling has announced its January Pay-Per-View epic event “Genesis” will be held live at the Cricket Arena in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Sunday, January 11, 2009. The event will air live worldwide on Pay-Per-View.

After bringing several successful live events in 2008 and 2009 to the Carolinas, “Genesis” will be the first-ever Pay-Per-View event in the Charlotte and North Carolina in TNA history.

“Charlotte has one of the biggest wrestling fan bases in America, so we’re obviously thrilled to bring one of our biggest events, Genesis, to The Queen City,” said TNA Wrestling President Dixie Carter.

“Charlotte has never seen a live pro wrestling show like TNA’s, and though many legendary in-ring battles have been held at the Cricket Arena, the excitement at Genesis will bring pro wrestling to a new plateau.”

The superstars of “TNA iMPACT!” (Thursdays, 9 p.m. ET/PT, Spike TV) will headline “Genesis,” such as Olympic Gold Medalist Kurt Angle, TNA World Heavyweight Champion “The Icon” Sting, Mick Foley, Booker T, “The Phenomenal” A.J. Styles, Kevin Nash, “The Instant Classic” Christian Cage, “The Samoan Submission Machine” Samoa Joe, Scott Steiner, Team 3D, The Latin American Xchange, the Motor City Machineguns, Robert Roode, “Black Machismo” Jay Lethal, TNA Women's Champion Awesome Kong, ODB and Eric Young, among others.

Tickets for “Genesis” go on sale this Saturday, November 15, via Ticketmaster locations, www.ticketmaster.com and at the Cricket Arena box office.

Its Time For Voting Finals

Thank you for all those that voted. You now have two weeks to decide between the top 8 finalists in their categories plus we had a 3 way tie for wild card so you have 11 total to choose from. I have allowed for multiple votes to if you can't decide, pick more then one. I also am running the same poll on my other blog http://thebigorangeblogginchucksminor.blogspot.com/ so you can even vote for the same movie there too. I will tally all the votes from both blogs combined and determine the winner in two weeks. At that time, I will find something creative to do with the winner, pending the outcome(such as a weekly video clip of it, naming a column after some part of it, etc). So vote early and tell your friends to vote and determine just what is the funniest sports movie ever. Enjoy.

You Can Never Have Too Much Otto