Mark Stoops went 2-10, 5-7, 5-7, 7-6, 7-6, 10-3. He wasn’t successful until he was. A lot of UK fans were calling for his job before this year. I’m not saying that giving a coach longevity will guarantee sucess but it takes time to turn around a program. Duzz May or may not be the guy to right the ship but he’s had 2 solid seasons, one mediocre, and one bad. Maybe this year will be his breakthrough 10 win season, who knows.
Heather Lyke's thoughts on Coach Narduzzi's future
- Thread starter ERICCARTMAN
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Either he wins or he doesn't. He has another year or 2 to either hang himself or prove he's not a stiff.
I don't see any reason to get excited for this team until they prove to us that they are more than a .500 team for multiple years in a row.
One thing he can do is open his mind to his QB choice and insist that Whipple honestly assess what they have, determine the best one no matter who it is, and design plays to leverage that man's talents most optimally. And call them aggressively with intent to jump on teams to win, rather than not to lose. We absolutely cannot meander through a third season in a row with terrible QB play, and gutless pathetic riskless soulless boring style. This has to be priority 1. And 2, 3, 4, 5 ...
You would think that Whipple would have made it clear that he would run the offense carte blanche.
I feel pretty confident that Narduzzi is going to give Whipple a great deal of freedom in running the Pitt offense last year. Just like he probably gave Watson too much freedom in letting him direct last season's dismal passing attack.
Well step one has been accomplished. No way this happens with Watson in charge Hiring Whipple was a good first step. Add in getting a new Wr coach to coach up the wrs as a good step one a
I doubt or at least I’d hope that whippple who has no reason to be loyal to any kid will choose the QB who gives the team the best chance to win
The good news is that Patti has a year in the program and Bevillle will be here to learn the offense this spring. So there should be legit competition
Again it’s enviurahimg that Duzz recognized there was a huge problem on offense and took corrective measures to fix it. Whippple seems like a good hire in the surface. We’ll see if it works out but there’s reason to be somewhat optimistic
It is sometimes overlooked that HCPN had no previous head coaching experience prior to coming to Pitt. There certainly have been growing pains for sure, but the next two years will be telling as to his ability. The coaching staff had to be upgraded, that happened. Will recruiting get better, well that remains to be seen.
I think a blue blood would have dumped Narduzzi a month ago. This feels like the Charlie Weiss era at ND. You sort of let it run its course another year or two and get your act together before you head out and try to do better. I also think Heather understands that if she wants to make an impact hire, she needs to muster all of the resources to make that happen. There isn't a huge outcry so the boosters she needs won't be as quick to go along with it. She's riding it out. The statement you quoted isn't exactly an endorsement.
Arguably, Pitt just finished with its best season in a long time as division champs. It was ugly at times and not a shining example of success but it's something.
Arguably, Pitt just finished with its best season in a long time as division champs. It was ugly at times and not a shining example of success but it's something.
I fully support Lyke and Narduzzi. We need consistency in building the program. Also need fan support win or lose.
My attitude toward the situation are similar to how I felt about Foge, great guy and football man but "head coaching material" is in question, time will tell. Also, I am really hoping that my belief that the overall improvement on defense is a result of getting the right kind of players in position and that a 9 win regular season is on the horizon, 2019 or 2020 led by great team defense....a fan can dream can't they?
Yes, these are the things to have legit hope about. 2016 showed that a dynamic offense can really lift a team beyond its expectations, both purely with W-L and perception. It was just a shame it ended there.
You forgot Foge was a helluva recruiter. And if he was given 2 more years I’m fairly certain he would have matched or exceeded Gottfrieds record. Not that is saying much.
Foge also took his skillset to the NFL where he was a pretty good coordinator. Duzz is Foge who can’t recruit. Bad combo.
On the surface yes, but not apples to apples. The Golden Panthers were still operating then. Also, recruiting has changed a lot. Recruits are more national in thinking (less reluctant to look out their region); Pitt was not far removed from its glory seasons and wasnt written off as a hopeless case locally (as seems the case today); and kids today are far more cynical and unwilling to not go with a 'sure thing'.
In addition to what you said - there were about 10-15 4 or 5 star level recruits on average in the WPIAL during the early 80’s. That number is down to about 2-5 on average.
You're in luck because I doubt Whipple came here to be Narduzzi's stooge. Pickett may very well be the starter next year but he is going to have to beat the others out.
True but right now we have little idea the caliber of the competition. Now if Beville turns into a Trevor Lawrence clone then we may really have something great going forward.
