College Coaching

Over this summer we have been assaulted by several college sports scandals. At USC, at UNC and at Kentucky. In all cases, blame has been placed on the college level players for accepting money or for hiding their past. You may correct me if I am wrong, but everything I have ever been made aware of through newspaper accounts, interviews, etc. leads me to believe that college coaches are very detail oriented and are control freaks. Additionally, these same coaches are the ones who reap the most benefits from their success. At Alabama our first association is Saban, at Florida it is Meyers at Penn State it is Paterno and so on. These coaches, and most all others at the major college level, are the athletics leaders at their schools. AND, they reap the rewards in terms of fame, opportunity and pay.

So, why is it that they are not held accountable for the dalliances of their players? If you truly wish to stop these instances of crime, greed and bad choices, hold the coach responsible for these problems. They are the ones recruiting the players, they are the ones controlling their respective "programs" and they are the ones interacting with alumni groups and other university people. These coaches are the ones making several millions of dollars each year because of their supposed coaching expertise.

So, first violation, eliminate any bonus associated with that coach's compensation, plus take away player's scholarship (no matter who they are) Also, no contract clauses that allow for a "loophole" for this punishment. Second violation, cut compensation in half. After that fire them and have the NCAA post a rule that no member university be allowed to hire them. AND, do it quickly, no more than 6 months from time of complaint.

That should end most of the problems since these guys will not wish to exit the gravy train. It will also make them more responsible about who they recruit, nipping many problems in the bud.

If coaches really wish to impact player's lives (they all say that is the most important part of their job), then make them responsible for their programs. I am tired of seeing the coaching merry-go-round and tired of seeing coaches shifting the blame to those who do not lead their programs.