There is something to be said about the idea that we are better off with one more year of Wilcox than not, heading into the ACC. Then replacing him on our own schedule and terms. If Wilcox were to leave today, for any reason, do you trust Knowlton to replace him with anyone better in short order, and Ott et al to not hit the portal in the Spring? So the concern wouldnt be about losing the coach but the uncertainty about losing the person. Which is all a moot point of course anyway..
of course, no one should trust Knowlton to turn on the lights. But his pick of Madsen has at least added some excitement to this season. Mark may not get us to the Sweet 16, but he's a smart guy and fast learner, and the trajectory looks bright.
Moreover, I have no doubt that big time NIL investors (umm, donors) will descend on the Chancellor to reinforce the need for a real football coach with a prove-it contract.
And TBH last off-season was a success WRT improving the roster and play on the field, and we're making similar quality roster upgrades through the portal now.
Is Wilcox a championship caliber coach? Probably not. But he was doing a good job building the program before covid, took steps backward 2020-22, and now is back to what seems like good program building. Upward trajectory ahoy!(?)
If only they can turn around the defense this year to be at least above average... I don't think Sirmon is the guy long term but also have no clue who else we could get with our budget 🤷
So USC / UCLA are losing to Purdue next year, UW may very well end up on that train, and UO is the only power left as the only school that actively did not want to leave the P12.
Agreed, Cal would be more in line with the Oregon St./Washington St./Pac 3 side if not for the bail out by the ACC (and really, Stanford), but the national perception (or what little there is of it for Cal football) is as a Pac 12 deserter. Personally I would have liked to have seen them try to be part of the rebuild of the Pac #, but I think we all know that would have been a death knell for much of the athletic program as a whole. Might still be.
We should be aiming for Tetairoa McMillan should he enter the portal!
and Jedd Fisch apparently replacing Deboer, and best players expected to transfer. Sucks for Arizona, one good year and then their program is gutted.
Sweet! A little karmic payback for Tosh-Sarkisian-Boat Gate.
Delighted that UW and Bama are both suffering. May they both not win a game again in my lifetime.
Oh wait. Wilcox might be a candidate for the UW job? Cue famous gif.
Why would Wilcox moving be "a concern"?
He was candidate in the last coaching cycle for UW.
He was only a candidate in his agents eyes. His agent used Oregon and UW to extort Cal for his ridiculous raise and buyout.
I know. I was kinda joking, about why be "concerned". It might be a good thing to move on from his mediocrity.
There is something to be said about the idea that we are better off with one more year of Wilcox than not, heading into the ACC. Then replacing him on our own schedule and terms. If Wilcox were to leave today, for any reason, do you trust Knowlton to replace him with anyone better in short order, and Ott et al to not hit the portal in the Spring? So the concern wouldnt be about losing the coach but the uncertainty about losing the person. Which is all a moot point of course anyway..
of course, no one should trust Knowlton to turn on the lights. But his pick of Madsen has at least added some excitement to this season. Mark may not get us to the Sweet 16, but he's a smart guy and fast learner, and the trajectory looks bright.
Moreover, I have no doubt that big time NIL investors (umm, donors) will descend on the Chancellor to reinforce the need for a real football coach with a prove-it contract.
And TBH last off-season was a success WRT improving the roster and play on the field, and we're making similar quality roster upgrades through the portal now.
Is Wilcox a championship caliber coach? Probably not. But he was doing a good job building the program before covid, took steps backward 2020-22, and now is back to what seems like good program building. Upward trajectory ahoy!(?)
If only they can turn around the defense this year to be at least above average... I don't think Sirmon is the guy long term but also have no clue who else we could get with our budget 🤷
Definitely ring up Hunter.
This is my karmic reward for bandwagoning with the Huskies this season.
Hide ya wife, hide ya coach. Bama's got a vacancy.
Interesting point about Hunter.
oh my. news to me. I will prepare some popcorn and refreshments later for when I check out the Seattle Times and various husky blogs and podcasts
So USC / UCLA are losing to Purdue next year, UW may very well end up on that train, and UO is the only power left as the only school that actively did not want to leave the P12.
I really don’t care, do u?
Justin Wilcox isn’t going anywhere and I wish all the Pac12 deserters nothing but pain and suffering.
Isn't Cal in that group?
Technically? Yes. Honestly? No, not even close. We were one of the last ones off the boat and we are taking massive hits to do it.
Agreed, Cal would be more in line with the Oregon St./Washington St./Pac 3 side if not for the bail out by the ACC (and really, Stanford), but the national perception (or what little there is of it for Cal football) is as a Pac 12 deserter. Personally I would have liked to have seen them try to be part of the rebuild of the Pac #, but I think we all know that would have been a death knell for much of the athletic program as a whole. Might still be.
X Marked safe from powerhouse recruitment.
-Justin Wilcox
-Coach Sirmon
Perhaps we coudl trade JW for 'Bamas water boy.
Love this. Wish all the Pac12 traitors nothing but misery.
Go Bears