[NU Sports] Fitz: The Future is Now

[Michael Vance]

SjT (Stephen J. Truog) wrote:
>> First, let me say that I think Fitz was the right
> 
> Well, it was certainly what NU needed. We've gone from
> shock and sadness to reverent energy and humbling hope
> with Fitz. I loved reading all the commentary from
> fans and press -- particularly Bill Curry's open
> letter to Fitz on ESPN.com. I think a lot of people
> will be rooting for our new coach.

This was by far the best of a litany of bad options.  As Fitz and 
virtually everyone else has said, this was supposed to happen, but it 
wasn't supposed to happen yet.  But this was the choice that had the 
least downside

This especially when you consider that given the circumstances and his 
pedigree, Fitz will (or should) have a longer window in which to prove 
himself.  There has been plenty of discussion in the past on this list 
about the appropriate number of years a college coach should be given 
before the ax starts to fall and we've generally agreed on five.  I 
think that Fitz gets an extra year for the circumstances and one or two 
for his bleeding-Purple resume.  Unless there is an obvious implosion 
along the way, I can't see him getting anything less than seven years to 
prove himself.

The news reports that I saw said that he agreed to a "long-term" deal, 
but that the exact terms weren't announced, at least not at that time. 
Has anyone heard anything yet?

>> fans.  I personally 
>> will be giving grumbling a rest this season and
> 
> :) - dunno if I can make THAT promise -- I'll probably
> criticize a few things in recaps this year.

We just need to make an extra effort to keep the criticism constructive 
this year.

-Michael