Kragthorpe rumors confirmed

by Mike Rutherford on Nov 20, 2007 6:33 PM EST in News

Oh my.

ESPN's Pat Forde wrote in his "Forde Yard Dash" column today that a source had informed him that it was "50/50" whether embattled first-year Louisville head coach Steve Kragthorpe would leave if he were offered the job at SMU.

Now WHAS-11's Kyle Draper and 790 a.m.'s Adam Neft are reporting that U of L football sports information director Rocco Gasparro has confirmed the 50/50 rumor. Both are also reporting that Tom Jurich is backing his head coach and wants him to stay.

It certainly sounds like the SMU job is Kragthorpe's for the taking, and I think it has become extremely clear which way the Cardinal fan base is hoping he's leaning.

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Question

If our prayers are answered...then who would be the ideal replacement? Suggestions please.

by P.A. CardsFan on Nov 20, 2007 6:38 PM EST reply actions

RE: Question

Bobby Petrino

Check out www.milehighhockey.com, an SB Nation blog for Colorado Avalanche fans.

by Joe MHH on Nov 21, 2007 9:22 AM EST up reply actions

Forde

Note in his column that he references that TJ could leave if CSK leaves...surely not. Oh my Lord.

As to replacements, it's too early, but does anyone else agree with me that Jeff Brohm is ready for the big seat?

by BR on Nov 20, 2007 7:21 PM EST reply actions

I think they should suit up the ol' cowboy

John L.

and make Jeff full O coordinator and asst head coach

by frankpos on Nov 20, 2007 7:34 PM EST reply actions

Does this mean I should start boo-ing when K

walks on the field?

by frankpos on Nov 20, 2007 7:36 PM EST reply actions

I'm just glad

we aren't subjected to denial, shady airport deals, and consistent rumors with no answers. It is so much better that they just put it out there now and get it over with.

by xjjeep90 on Nov 20, 2007 7:50 PM EST reply actions

NOOOOOOO

If Tom Jurich leaves our programs will lose much more than K could ever hurt us. He just signed an extension so maybe he will stay if not prepare for much worse things to come.... From all our teams

by mapaul04 on Nov 20, 2007 10:06 PM EST reply actions

John L

John L is terrible he proved that at Michigan state. If we were to hire him wed be even worse off then right now with krag

by mapaul04 on Nov 20, 2007 10:07 PM EST reply actions

Jurich is probably behind it ...

... and why wouldn't he be? He knows as well as anyone that the Kragger is devastating this program, and one more season would only further splinter an already divided fan base as well as wreck plans for the stadium. I wouldn't be at all surprised if TJ didn't approach SMU and try to convince them to take him. How? Who can say, but he couldn't just fire the man after only one season. It's bad enough if your fan base runs a coach off, it's even worse if the AD is seen to be doing their bidding by canning an underachieving coach so quickly. Whether TJ leaves or not, he knew he had to clean up this mess first.

by Crimsonelf on Nov 21, 2007 12:00 AM EST reply actions

It wouldn't surprise me

if Tom J insinuated to K that Tom wouldn't be terribly upset if K sent out feelers elsewhere.

That way, Tom can still say all the right things--but not try that hard to actually keep K--and still look OK to other coaching prospects.

K can do himself some harm by leaving early--by looking too "flighty"--but he'd be in worse doo doo if he stayed.

My bet: K leaves, Jurich stays and spends some big bucks luring some high level talent if he can

by frankpos on Nov 21, 2007 6:53 AM EST up reply actions

Wishful thinking...

That's definitely wishful thinking... That would probably be the best scenario that could happen.

I think they both stay and we finish 7-5 next year.

by Noonway on Nov 21, 2007 9:56 AM EST up reply actions

You want real wishful thinking

bring Bobby back!

But if K stays, which is truly 50/50, I agree: 7-5 records and Meineke Bowls will be our Holiday treats

by frankpos on Nov 21, 2007 10:11 AM EST up reply actions

How are we going to get to 7-5 next year?

If this year's talent = 6-6 (or even 7-5), next year's is below .500. Our conference mates are all getting better (although WVU could lose a lot of offense).

by 83fan on Nov 21, 2007 12:25 PM EST up reply actions

batting 1.000

TJ couldn't bat 1.000 forever. The blood is on his hands from this one. If rumors are true, then Kraps is giving him an easy out. Still, I'd rather have 3 months to find a good staff than 3 days. As this season showed, having capable assts/coordinators is just as important as picking a head guy.

by Dennis on Nov 21, 2007 10:31 AM EST reply actions