Time for Erickson to go

[Gaddabout]

I don't disagree with anything you've written, Mao. Considering the subject, how is that possible?

 

[82CardsGrad]

In modern day college football you're only as good as your staff. Ultimately they do the bulk of scouting and recruiting the players, they develop the talent, they devise most of the scheme, they are the closest to the individual players on a personal level.

Dennis Erickson by himself is better than the following coaches whose teams have performed better than ASU the last few years: Mike Stoops, Lane Kiffin, Rick Neuheisel, Steve Sarkisian, Jeff Tedford. His resume clearly speaks for itself. The difference is those guys don't fill their staffs with unqualified family members and over the hill buddies from the glory days.

I think Erickson keeps his job next year and finds a way to win 8-9 games and holds on for the time being but ultimately he needs better people under him if he's ever going to take ASU to the next level.

Agree for the most part, however, at some point the head coach does need to take accountability for the never-ending mistakes (Turnovers, Penalities and lack of discipline)... ASU is arguably as talented as several other Pac-10 teams. Yet, they literally can't get out of their own way. Burfict is a prime example... The kid is a mental midget who needs to be mentored and managed far better than what has transpired thus far...

 

[Dr. Jones]

I am still hoping for the day when the Devils are in BCS games.... I love that helmet... And they will always be my CFB team.

 

[devilalum]

I keep thinking all this program needs is ONE signature win against a top 10 opponent to go to the next level.

 

[AzStevenCal]

I keep thinking all this program needs is ONE signature win against a top 10 opponent to go to the next level.

Assuming no one gets thrown out of school (for stupidity) or arrested (again, for stupidity), I think we're going to get several signature wins next season. Despite the losses, the talent on this team is becoming more evident with each game. With just about everybody back, expectations should be very high next season.

Steve

 

[Nasser22]

Assuming no one gets thrown out of school (for stupidity) or arrested (again, for stupidity), I think we're going to get several signature wins next season. Despite the losses, the talent on this team is becoming more evident with each game. With just about everybody back, expectations should be very high next season.

Steve

My expectations are high because it is clear that our talent level is up there. However, I worry that this coaching staff isn't one that will help them reach their potential. The playcalling and lack of discipline is a cause for worry. I do find a positive in the fact that this team has not given up despite all these heartbreakers. It really shows you the character of some of these guys. If Erickson can make some improvements on the o-line, we will be in good shape for next season.

 

[Gaddabout]

Crow said today that Erickson will finish his contract. I was about 15 feet from him when he said it. Heard it with my own ears.

 

[chickenhead]

Finish with no chance of an extension? Or does a bowl game and a few big wins next year buy him one? I worry about that.

A coach finishing a contract and not being renewed is a strange situation, and intuitively it seems bad for recruiting. But I also suppose that they could be an attractive program to take over next year if improvement is shown.

 

[Gaddabout]

Finish with no chance of an extension? Or does a bowl game and a few big wins next year buy him one? I worry about that.

A coach finishing a contract and not being renewed is a strange situation, and intuitively it seems bad for recruiting. But I also suppose that they could be an attractive program to take over next year if improvement is shown.

Reading between the lines, if the program flips on the win switch, Erickson will be extended. If not, then the contract expires and both parties part ways more or less amicably. Erickson wants 200 wins and a Rose Bowl. He will pursue staying at ASU as long as he can to get there. He's got 171 wins, he's 63, and has had successive seasons of 5, 4, and (so far) 4 wins. You do the math. The clock is ticking harshly on his agenda. At this point I'd be willing to be he'd settle for a Rose Bowl unless ASU clicks off some unforeseen consecutive 10-win seasons.

ASU's been in this boat before and made the wrong decision -- extending a coach on hope the program's going the right direction. The past two times they paid dearly for it in buying out Snyder and Koetter. Considering the athletic department is so deep in the red, they're forced into making the frugal decision this time. Snyder got an extra two years arguing he couldn't recruit in a contract year. So did Koetter. Erickson's contract is what it is, and I'm guessing a decision will likely be made by next November one way or another to stem any recruiting problems they might have.

 

[HooverDam]

I imagine ASU will look to extend Erickson if he goes into Pac 12 play next year undefeated. That would mean decent wins against Missouri and Illinois and perhaps a sign things are headed in the right direction. Or Love could wait to see the results of the SC game which is at home.

If they're going to do it, it seems like they have to do it in the first quarter of next season though as to not totally tank recruiting. With the huge SR class next year, Erickson is going to need to plug a lot of holes and have a tough time doing it. I imagine we'll see him go full bore on his traditional JC route, bleck.