This isn't directly aimed at Kelly, but sort of based on the circumstances.

 

However, what is a coach supposed to say at a press conference like Kelly was at. He was asked, two days before a title game remember, if he had any interest in the NFL.

 

His first answer was more or less, yes and no, depends on the time and place, etc. A pretty PC answer. Asked again, he said he had a great job, had no intention of leaving.

 

So he essentially said he wouldn't close the door on the NFL, but as of then, didn't plan on leaving.

 

What else is he supposed to say? If he says a definitive yes, he gets killed to bailing two days before the title game. If he says no, he gets killed if he ever decided to go. If he says what he said, he gets killed if he interviews, even though he said he might in the future.

 

Basically, the only acceptable answer would be, "No, I am 100% with ND, I would never interview with the NFL", then of course, never interview.

 

However, if it is in his mind at all that he'd like to try one day, what else is he supposed to say?

I dunno but ask Will Muschamp. He interviewed with the Chicago Bears earlier this week. Ask Chip Kelly, he interviewed with the Chiefs/Browns.

 

I'm glad our fans are so similar to Boston College though. Remember when BC fired Jeff Jagodzinski for interviewing with the Jets? Congrats thin skinned ND fans! You're just like Boston College. Good work.

How about, "I'm flattered by the interest because the NFL is the greatest football league on earth, but right now, my focus is on winning a championship. This team has unfinished business."

How about, "I'm flattered by the interest because the NFL is the greatest football league on earth, but right now, my focus is on winning a championship. This team has unfinished business."

 

This 110%...

How about, "I'm flattered by the interest because the NFL is the greatest football league on earth, but right now, my focus is on winning a championship. This team has unfinished business."

 

How about, "I don't know the next time I'm going to have the clout to make sure the university meets all of my demands. I'd like for my assistant coaches to get paid 7 figures so we can keep them. I'd like to be among the top 5 highest paid coaches instead of the 29th highest. I'd like a jumbotron, field turf and the largest buyout in the proffession."

 

Because what you said isn't going to get him and his staff paid. You can "focus" on winning a championship but he doesn't know for sure if his stock will ever be higher than just after a championship appearance.

How about, "I don't know the next time I'm going to have the clout to make sure the university meets all of my demands. I'd like for my assistant coaches to get paid 7 figures so we can keep them. I'd like to be among the top 5 highest paid coaches instead of the 29th highest. I'd like a jumbotron, field turf and the largest buyout in the proffession."

 

 

This 111%...

How about, "I don't know the next time I'm going to have the clout to make sure the university meets all of my demands. I'd like for my assistant coaches to get paid 7 figures so we can keep them. I'd like to be among the top 5 highest paid coaches instead of the 29th highest. I'd like a jumbotron, field turf and the largest buyout in the proffession."

 

Because what you said isn't going to get him and his staff paid. You can "focus" on winning a championship but he doesn't know for sure if his stock will ever be higher than just after a championship appearance.

 

Piratey, I think all those demands are within his rights to make: but they're to be made in the negotiation room, and not via his agent leaking them to ESPN reporters. I understand he gains more leverage by going public like that, but it's disrespectful to Swarbrick, his staff, his players, and recruits. Heck, he could have given Swarbrick a call on his cell and said, "Hey, Jack, I want to let you know that I'm going to talk with the Eagles tomorrow. I'd like to hear what they have to say." Instead, he blindsided everyone and hasn't made a public remark yet -- which is why I insist that he's holding Swarbrick hostage.

How about, "I'm flattered by the interest because the NFL is the greatest football league on earth, but right now, my focus is on winning a championship. This team has unfinished business."

 

And if you believe his assistant coaches are a part of the reason why the team succeeded in recruiting and on the field, this is how he is able to retain them and protect the interest of his players and fans...

 

All of you soft stomached cry babies really showed your colors over the past 48 hours and its embarrassing some of the thread titles, comments and belly aching that went on here...

 

Not exactly the group of guys I'd want in a foxhole with me...

And if you believe his assistant coaches are a part of the reason why the team succeeded in recruiting and on the field, this is how he is able to retain them and protect the interest of his players and fans...

 

All of you soft stomached cry babies really showed your colors over the past 48 hours and its embarrassing some of the thread titles, comments and belly aching that went on here...

 

Not exactly the group of guys I'd want in a foxhole with me...

 

Like I said elsewhere...Our fanbase has proven to be no different than Boston College after they fired Coach Jag for interviewing for the Jet's. It's downright embarrassing how this fanbase is acting.

And if you believe his assistant coaches are a part of the reason why the team succeeded in recruiting and on the field, this is how he is able to retain them and protect the interest of his players and fans...

 

All of you soft stomached cry babies really showed your colors over the past 48 hours and its embarrassing some of the thread titles, comments and belly aching that went on here...

 

Not exactly the group of guys I'd want in a foxhole with me...

 

You think Kelly did this for his assistants? Then why didn't they know a damn thing about it? When recruits asked them, they were just as clueless as everyone else.

 

PS: I used to defend Kelly because I thought he could get the job done at ND. Now I realize otherwise: he's scared of the expectations and is trying to find a way out before he's exposed. Same thing he did at Cincy. I don't even think this is primarily about money. I think he's uncertain whether he can win it all here.

Like I said elsewhere...Our fanbase has proven to be no different than Boston College after they fired Coach Jag for interviewing for the Jet's. It's downright embarrassing how this fanbase is acting.

 

This, 112%. Sheesh, it's like a bunch of 8th grade girls that saw their boyfriends at another girl's locker.:violin:

You think Kelly did this for his assistants? Then why didn't they know a damn thing about it? When recruits asked them, they were just as clueless as everyone else.

 

PS: I used to defend Kelly because I thought he could get the job done at ND. Now I realize otherwise: he's scared of the expectations and is trying to find a way out before he's exposed. Same thing he did at Cincy. I don't even think this is primarily about money. I think he's uncertain whether he can win it all here.

 

How do you know the Assistants didn't know anything about it?

 

He's scared of the expectations? Are you freaking kidding me. He just lead ND to its first undefeated regular season in forever. Your PS part makes me feel like my head is going to explode. Unbelievable.

Piratey, I think all those demands are within his rights to make: but they're to be made in the negotiation room, and not via his agent leaking them to ESPN reporters. I understand he gains more leverage by going public like that, but it's disrespectful to Swarbrick, his staff, his players, and recruits. Heck, he could have given Swarbrick a call on his cell and said, "Hey, Jack, I want to let you know that I'm going to talk with the Eagles tomorrow. I'd like to hear what they have to say." Instead, he blindsided everyone and hasn't made a public remark yet -- which is why I insist that he's holding Swarbrick hostage.

 

True, but the problem is, we have no idea how negotiations were going. What if Kelly and Swarbrick had been talking, but getting nowhere. Or if those above Swarbrick had been saying no to demands like assistant raises, athletic improvements etc.?

 

What if he had been trying to keep it quiet, but in getting nowhere had to go nuclear? That is the issue, we don't know what was going on behind closed doors. This could be step 1 in negotiations, or it could be step 11.

True, but the problem is, we have no idea how negotiations were going. What if Kelly and Swarbrick had been talking, but getting nowhere. Or if those above Swarbrick had been saying no to demands like assistant raises, athletic improvements etc.?

 

What if he had been trying to keep it quiet, but in getting nowhere had to go nuclear? That is the issue, we don't know what was going on behind closed doors. This could be step 1 in negotiations, or it could be step 11.

 

It could also be step, "It worked for Kirk Ferentz. It worked for Les Miles. It work for Chip Kelly. It worked for Bob Stoops. It worked for Nick Saban. Because this is completely normal and this is what coaches do when they find success and need to cash in on it because you only get 1-2 chances in your career to get paid like this." (Pretty long step)

True, but the problem is, we have no idea how negotiations were going. What if Kelly and Swarbrick had been talking, but getting nowhere. Or if those above Swarbrick had been saying no to demands like assistant raises, athletic improvements etc.?

 

What if he had been trying to keep it quiet, but in getting nowhere had to go nuclear? That is the issue, we don't know what was going on behind closed doors. This could be step 1 in negotiations, or it could be step 11.

 

The reason I think the nuclear option should not have been exercised is because Kelly and Swarbrick were set to meet after the season ended, and Swarbrick had already stated publicly that raises and extensions were on the table. This is what leads me to believe that Kelly was interested in more than just money -- he's interested in jumping to the NFL and is testing the waters. That's certainly his prerogative, and I'm not going to cry if he chooses to leave. I just think that he has the media savvy of Lebron James, and he's lost a lot of personal equity from those at the university for creating a media storm over it.

 

PS: Since Gunslinger likes my postscripts, here's another: does anyone remember how coldblooded Kelly was when asked about the possibility of his assistants looking for other positions or interviewing? If I recall, he said that if they plan on doing so they better hope they get the job, insinuating that he didn't want them back. He demands loyalty of his coaches, why shouldn't ND demand at least the tactfulness to handle these things privately?

Edited January 11, 201311 yr by Phillydomer