According to the Herald Times, incoming IU AD Fred Glass has put his stamp of approval on Head Coach Bill Lynch.
This was his first major decision as Athletic Director. He had a chance to nip it in the bud. He had a chance to proclaim that winning football was a priority at Indiana. He had a chance to keep the ship afloat.
But instead, he used downright ridiculous justification to keep Head Coach Bill Lynch in Bloomington until atleast after the 2009 season.
“I think contracts need to mean something at Indiana University,” he said.
Really?
In 2006, Terry Hoeppner brought in the “Seven Blocks of Limestone” – James Brewer, Alex Perry, Mike Stark, Rodger Staffold, Pete Saxon, Cody Faulkner, and Jarrod Smith – seven true freshmen offensive linemen that were to be the base of Indiana’s future football successes. The team won 5 games, the highest total since 2001. We all know what happened next. The Hoosiers pulled together after Hoeppner’s death, using his motto “play 13″, to get bowl eligible.
It’s clear that Lynch rode Hoeppner’s success, but you can only do that for so long. The players weren’t playing for Lynch. And now the recruits aren’t either.
Linebacker/Safety project Jeremy Gainer, who is widely considered the top recruit for the Hoosiers 2009 class, is wavering on his commitment. Expect him to change sides to Minnesota, who has turned up the heat. Others will likely follow.
Glass made the decision to keep recruits commited for 2009, that much is clear. But the “We’re behind you” line is – more often than not – the coaching graveyard knocking on the door. The writing is on the wall. Why wait?
The limestone hasn’t yet eroded, there is still time. But with a comment like that, Glass has two options: Let Lynch ride out the final three years of his contract, or prove himself a fraud and a liar. Neither will lead to the vision Terry Hoeppner had in mind.
