MANY A SLEEPLESS NIGHT IN HAWKEYE NATION

February 1st won't come soon enough for Iowa Hawkeye football fanatics.   It's commonly referred to as National Signing Day, a day high school seniors can sign a letter-of-intent to play for the college team of their choice.  Considering the plethora of bad news out of Iowa City since late December, Iowa fans are needing a feel good closure.  A big one.

There has to be a whole lot of sleeplessness going on these days.  First, let's think of the recruits.  They're making perhaps the biggest choice of their life.  Everywhere they turn they are asked about their upcoming decision.  If it's not a friend, or coach or high school booster.....then it's Uncle Joey trying to help them with their choice.   In these last two weeks, most prospects have taken their official visits...so they've seen the landscape of the universities they're contemplating.  Now, it's the mad rush of the college coaches to their doorstep to talk to player and parents.  Each coach is selling ____ program as the best life-decision they could make.  And for some recruiters, it's a time to diss the schools recruits have in mind.  "You know Iowa's defensive coordinator retired and a young defensive coach left the program", a coach might infer.  "And they've had their top running back (Marcus Coker) and a top 2010 recruit (A.J. Derby) leave the program.  One thing we offer is stability.  You won't have to worry about things like that here at ______".   And don't think this language isn't being used in one form or another by rival coaching staffs.  It's a common part of the recruiting game these days.  Think of the sorted amount of pressure these young men are facing.  You can rest assured they see the face of each coach in their mind every night they put their head on the pillow.  For sure, they're not counting sheep.

Leaving the Program and Headed ??? 

Now, let's talk about the coaching staffs.  From now until January 29th, coaches will be on the run, literally.  One night they'll be in Aurora, Colorado and the next in Sioux City, Iowa.  It's the proverbial dash to the finish line.  Miles logged in the air and meals eaten on the run are common.  Each hour and each day has its importance.  If you think these times don't cause some tossing and turning, think again.  People's jobs depend on the ability to reel in a treasured recruit.  And to hold onto them.  For programs like Iowa, the development aspect of an athlete has become more important than the actual signing.  With the prospect of three running backs and a potential stud linebacker/defensive end leaving the program....it's caused the fan base to wonder about the future.  And for good reason.  It would appear there are a number of holes in the dike.  Fill one spot with a recruit and two more pop up with defections.  Hardly an equation for success.    Many consider this off-season crucial.  Crucial in making the right hire for a defensive coordinator to replace a legend in Norm Parker.  Critical in adding a defensive line coach that can breath fire back into a front four that has been average at best in the last two seasons.  And important to soothe the hearts and minds of a legion that clamors for double digit winning seasons and bowl trips of note.  Not back to back Insight Bowls.

So, let's talk about the fans of HawkeyeNation.   Are they a spoiled bunch?  Are they asking too much from a program that has endured 8-5 and 7-6 in the last two years, respectively.  The quick answers are yes and no.  Of course they're a spoiled lot.  And why wouldn't they be.  Success bred success in Iowa City.  It is what it is.  To expect anything less would be accepting complacency.  Head man Kirk Ferentz took over a program from Hayden Fry that was slowly losing its way.  Fans are not wanting a return to those days.  If you listen to the sports radio talk shows, fans are incensed with the Hawkeye hoopola.  Feverish in some households.  I'm sure there are a few that lie in bed and think of any number of scenarios regarding current or potential Hawks.  The time and energy they devote to their addiction more than likely promotes lack of sleep. 

The next two weeks will define the depth of a roster of future and present Hawkeyes.  It will indicate the boldness in a coach and a program in making two coach hires.  And lastly, it will have much to do with  injecting or depleting the enthusiasm of a fan base that is "tired" of a whole lot of goings on surrounding the program.  And that's Kirk Ferentz's job.  If you think he doesn't lie awake at night...think again. 

Thanks for reading,

John                

          

NO MORE PASSING GAS FOR IOWA'S FERENTZ

Iowa Football began in a quandary in 2011 when reports of rhabdomyolysis involving current players began circulating in the local media.  Questions began to mount and then reports went national....the scrutiny began.  Critics were quick to point out a slow response Iowa officials showed in their reaction process.  Probably a point well taken.  After many weeks of bad press clippings, the program was able to weather the storm.  Did it hurt recruiting?  Did other programs use that against Iowa...for sure.  Oh, life in a fish bowl.

When the season kicked off this past September there was glowing optimism.  In the season opener, true freshman running back Mika'il McCall helped fuel those thoughts when he ripped off 35 yards in 6 carries.  He looked to have tremendous promise.  On the sixth carry, McCall suffered a foot injury which later turned out to be a broken ankle.  Many fans were distraught.  McCall was first thought to be out for the season, however that was not the case.  After weeks of rehab he was able to return to practice.  When would McCall return to action?  That seemed to be a weekly media question to Ferentz....yet he continued to sit.  When he finally hit the playing field against Purdue he fumbled the ball on his second carry.  McCall was promptly benched.  The McCall response to "riding the pine" was to raise his middle finger in protest at Ferentz.  Soon thereafter, he hit Facebook with some candid remarks to show his disgust.  The outcome of his reaction was a suspension by the Hawkeye head man.  Weeks later, another off-field incident surfaced involving McCall which cemented any hope he had in returning to the team for the bowl trip to Arizona.  Ultimately McCall decided to transfer.  Bump#1

Bump #2 and #3.  Long-time Defensive Coordinator Norm Parker decides to retire on December 11th.  A fan favorite for many year's, Parker's health had become a concern.  Ultimately Norm decided to concentrate on his diabetes issues, thus opening the door for a replacement to the coaching staff.  The question now, does Ferentz stay in-house or go outside for the hire?  Many fans are hopeful of a new approach to the defense and want someone new.....others feel defensive back coach Phil Parker deserves a chance.  Ten days after Parker announced his retirement, came news of defensive line coach Rick Kaczenski departing the Hawkeyes for Husker Nation.  Losing a key coach to rival Nebraska was looked at as a unusual move.  More than anything, it brought up a myriad of questions.  Why was he leaving?  Was he being forced out?  Was there a rift between he and Ferentz?  How were potential recruits going to react to both Parker and Kaczenski leaving?  Ultimately, Kaczenski responded to his departure by saying the opportunity was just "to great" to turn down the Nebraska offer and was leaving on good terms. What's left unanswered is the recruit issue.   Ferentz doesn't seem concerned.

As of today, there has been little discussion of staff replacements for the two.  One name that surface last week was Penn State interim head coach Tom Bradley.  Known for his defensive prowess while serving under Joe Paterno...is he the man you want to try and sell to the masses?  Bradley might be a terrific coach, however with tenous times in Iowa City, I'm not sure he's the right hire.  Would it be too much to ask for Ferentz to hire someone with a Hawkeye background?  Regardless there are two openings on staff that need filling....the sooner the better.

BUMP #34. 1/11/2012.  Suspended running back Marcus Coker decides to leave the program and transfer to another school.  Who could have seen this coming?  Despite a clouded reason for Coker not making the trip to Arizona, most felt the Hawkeyes top rusher in 2011 would return.  Something or someone convinced him to leave.  While some will say, "next man in"...this line is gettng far too old.  For various reasons, the Hawkeyes have lost running backs Jewel Hampton, Brandon Wegher, McCall and Adam Robinson in the last few years.  And now Coker. 

Step on the Gas and do some "Explainin"

What's happening in Iowa City?  That's what alot of people would like to know.  2012 recruit Jaleel Johnson responded via Facebook, "Starting to have doubts about the future, what is going on in that place"?                

Johnson's words should be enough for Iowa officials to step up and do some explaining.  Ferentz was flippant in a remark about personnel matters as he came off the practice field while in Arizona.  "I passed gas out there about an hour into practice. Did you guys catch that on mic?  I'll see if I can muster one up for you right now." 

Now is not the time for funny.  I can think of 3.65 million reasons to talk.   A little "explainin" and truth will go a long way. 

Thanks for reading,

John

CHICAGO SPORTS TEAMS LOSE SOME BAGGAGE

In the last two days, there has been a different air blowing in Chicago.  Maybe that's why they call it the Windy City.   First, on Tuesday, the Bears began the day by firing General Manager Jerry Angelo.  Hours later, Offensive Coordinator Mike Martz and Quarterbacks coach Shane Day were shown the door.  Head Coach Lovie Smith suggested Martz left due to philosophical differences.  Martz commented that "the time was right for him to move on".  Shane Day was likely dismissed because of his association with the stubborn Martz who was never able to duplicate the "Fastest Show on Turf" he enjoyed in St. Louis.

For many fans, the Angelo and Martz dismissals were a day of great rejoicing.  Despite guiding the Bears to four divisional titles during his time, Jerry was never embraced by the public or the media.  These past two years explemified  Angelo's general lack of preparation for the unknown.  All National Football League teams must have a back-up quarterback.  When injuries sidelined Jay Cutler, the less than household names of Todd Collins and Caleb Hanie came to the rescue.  Neither were the answer.  In fact, they were horrible.  Then let's throw in Angelo's less than stellar drafting ability.  Only three number one choices are on the current roster since 2000.  Brian Urlacher, Chris Williams and Gabe Carimi.  Only Urlacher was healthy the entire year.....and he had to be held together with bubble gum and baling wire.  It didn't help that in 2006, 2009 and 2010 the Bears were without their number one pick.  That's hardly a direction to success, especially when division rival, the Green Bat Packers, have shown the ability to not only draft, but develop homegrown talent.

Now that the shoe has dropped on Angelo and Martz, the big question that is beginning to surface is, in what way will Bear's brass fill their positions.  There seems to be a mind-set the Bears will go cheap and could go in-house to replace Angelo.  Former Seahawk General Manager Tim Ruskell is on staff, he could get a look-see especially if Lovie Smith gets to weigh in on the decision.  If......and I say that will great apprehension, IF the Bears are truly committed to changing the landscape in Chicago, they will go outside the organization and hire someone with a track record of success.  And at this time there is only one person that fills that distinction, Bill Poilan.  However, given the age of the former Indianapolis head man,  it might be smarter to look at someone who has directed player personnel decisions and is young, creative and above all, able to stand up the test of the Chicago Bears fans and media.  Who could that be?  Try Baltimore Raven's Director of Player Personnel, Eric DeCosta.  He's 40.....has been interviewed and sought after by more than one organization in recent years. He's a hot item and he's your man. (Update 1/6.  DeCosta stays with Ravens)

With DeCosta in hand, you let him and Lovie come to an understanding as to who the replacement for Offensive Coordinator will be and that results will be expected.  Immediately.  (Update 1/6 Bears Line Coach Mike Tice accepts OC job)  And if they don't succeed, then Smith should be shown the door.  Is that a recipe for failure?  I think not.  The NFL has no time for middle of the roaders.  Either you succeed or you don't.  With one year observation, DeCosta will know if Luvable Lovie is his man.

On the North Side...Cubs fans were flabbergasted Wednesday when G.M. Theo Epstein sent Carlos Zambrano packing to the Miami Marlins.  Good riddance.  As I mentioned in an earlier post, by dumping overpaid and combustible players, Epstein could be thought of as Theo Einstein and not Epstein.  With this money dump of some $15 million, Epstein rids the ballclub of a big cancer.  The new general manager wants a change of attitude in Chicago.  This move signals a distinct move in that direction.

Are the Chicago winds still blowing?

Do these moves by the Bears and Cubs suggest to another team, for instance, the White Sox, that it's time to make some bold moves?  Outfielder Alex Rios has two years left on a contract that looks almost as ugly as Alphonso Soriano.  The only problem is, he doesn't produce anywhere near Soriano's numbers.  Then there is pitcher Jake Peavy and DH Adam Dunn.  Both suffered through the 2010 campaign, Peavy with injuries and Dunn experienced issues switching leagues.  Both have proven over the years to be capable professionals and have earned the opportunity to right their careers.  If they don't by mid-season, then they should be moved.  Then there's GM Kenny Williams.  The production of the three for mentioned is and should be tied to William's future.  Because of they don't come through, another big wind needs to wisk through the Chicago area and continue the seasons of change.  Wouldn't that be refreshing?        

Thanks for reading,

John