[NU Sports] RW leaving?

[NEONRye at aol.com]

If Fitz is as great as everyone (probably justifiably) believes, and given 
that his has the perfect NU pedigree, then the question becomes what is his 
relationship with Mark Murphy and also RW.  Does Murph view him as Head Coach 
material, and does he see him now as one of "his guys" for the long term.  And 
assuming Coach Walker would like to finish his career at NU (and frankly, other 
than the OSU job, since he is from the Buckeye state and has already coached at 
his alma mater,  I can't see RW going anywhere else unless pushed there), is 
he prepared to groom Fitz as his eventual successor?  Perhaps RW, having had 
his encounter with coronary issues, would like to ease up in, say, 5-6 years.  
Then Fitz can step in without missing a beat, unless, as was pointed out, Greg 
Colby is still in place as DC.  But between Murph and RW, one can credibly 
assume that they might be able to place Colby in a more high-visibility program, 
assuming he, too, has Head Coaching aspirations, so that Fitz can move up 
some time in the next few years.  Of course,  none of us know the interpersonal 
dynamics between these 4 individuals, so there is no way to really predict how 
this comes out.  And if President Bienen retires or moves on at any point, 
that, too, becomes a factor, as his replacement may want input in the process.   
What is clear is that Fitz would have amazing credibility among alumni and 
status as a recruiter, given his storied career and "up from his bootstraps" 
successes in spite of the fact he was not heavily recruited or touted.  And I do 
remember a post some time in the past year about what a gracious individual he 
is in a one-on-one basis with children, etc.

Anyway, IMHO, RW is not going anywhere.  Nor should we want him to.  Is he p
erfect?  No.  But would we step back considerably if he left?  You bet.  And 
has his overall approach and game managerment improved?  Yessiree. He clearly 
seems more at peace now when he is interviewed.  Between the Rashidi tragedy and 
his own illness, he seems to have found a different place.   I don't know 
about anybody else, but if we beat Hawaii, finish 7-5 with our tough schedule and 
5-3 in the BT (ahead of you-know-who U.), and then win a bowl game at last, 
I'll be one happy guy.

Happy Thanksgiving, All.

Paul Levinson