[NU Sports] A Word of Caution

[dpenderg at aol.com]

 I've been following the worshipful chorus of approval for Fitz as the new head coach and fully understand the compelling emotional and sentimental reasons.  He exudes a passion and a commitment which any longtime supporter of NU football welcomes. At the same time, I think Murphy/Bienen made a calculated leap of faith in going with someone lacking any significant coaching experience at the major D-I level.  Their choice was continuity and stability in the program rather than going outside for a newcomer. Fitz was the strongest inside candidate, although that may not be saying much.  
 
Bottom line is that Fitz still has not yet demonstrated the ability to organize and manage a major college program.  He's been a position coach.  Period.  Clearly, Murphy/Bienen and many others THINK he has that capability, but we really don't know.  Only the coming season (and the next) will tell us definitively.  I want him to succeed, but as with leadership change in any organization, failure and success are equally possible.  And, without a track record as head or even unit coach, we have little to trust except his undeniable enthusiasm and infectious personality.  I really hope that a few years from now (or earlier), people will not be grumbling that Fitz had been elevated too soon and should have had more grooming.  Just a thought.
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