Especially if you follow some of the links.

DISCLAIMER: CAVEAT EMPTOR! THIS IS COMPLETE CONJECTURE BASED ON MY 9TH GRADE (TWICE) FOOTBALL EDUCATION

I’ve always thought the difference in offensive philosophies was the biggest (on-the-field) mistake in hiring Kragthorpe.

It’s my understanding that Petrino ran a hybrid Pro Set with the philosophy of creating a personnel advantage at the point of attack via execution, while Kragthorpe / Stubbs ran the Spread, which as the article points out is more conceptual, creating space and reading / reacting, including line play (zone blocking).

The locker room was full of players recruited to run the pro set, so they tried to mix the philosophies, with mixed results. Add to that the disconnect between head coach and defensive coordinator, and the cohesiveness needed to have a successful team (“everybody on the same page”) was lost.

Michigan is a prime example of what happens when you radically switch offensive philosophies. They still have the same talent they’ve always had, just a vastly different offense, which requires a somewhat different type of player and/or mindset. There are others as well (Nebraska, Florida, Oklahoma, etc.) which all went through down years when they switched offenses. There are exceptions to the rule (see Ga. Tech last year).

It appears the 1st coach who makes these types of changes (at a previously successful program) is likely doomed, as it takes more time to implement than the fanbase is willing to tolerate (see examples above). The 2nd or 3rd coach will more likely reap the benefits, as long as he doesn’t make any radical changes.

Add to that the glut of dismissals, defections, and to a lesser extent no-shows. It’s my understanding that Petrino required athletes to perform to certain university- and athletic-related standards. As long as they met those standards, how they conducted their PRIVATE personal life was their own. It seems Kragthorpe has a different standard related to conduct, including the players personal lives. I neither condemn nor condone, just note the difference.

Off-the field is where Jurich mismanaged the coaching change. I believe he had Kragthorpe at the top of his well publicized list of coaches (which he keeps for all sports), even before hiring Petrino. It’s my opinion he let the Petrino situation (and to a lesser extent the manner in which John L. left the program) cloud his judgement, and let emotions rule his actions. He pulled the trigger less than 48 hours after Petrino resigned without considering the ramifications (see above). I’m not sure how much he was involved in finalizing the football staff, but as I mentioned above the situation was not ideal.

It is what it is. Man, I’m glad I got that off my chest. Now if I can just get these man-boobs off my chest, I’ll really feel better.