The contradiction I've pointed out incessantly this morning is bad news for the program. It leads me to believe that firing James was in retaliation for his ill-advised/stupid press call undermining Manny, not about professionalizing the program. Or maybe it was but Frenk can more easily see how James is a lightweight (as an administrator) than Manny (who is a coach).
So much of this reminds me of the Zo/Reed story a few years back. People who cared wanted Zo in a role above Manny. Manny pulled strings to block that idea, but presented a fig-leaf compromise in Ed Reed that would work UNDER Manny. Similarly, hiring a new AD symbolizes progress, but Manny gets more time and maybe even a lightweight that won't fire him at all.
This is all feels like optics designed to save Manny. None of it reads like a sincere interest in competing on a national level...and good lord if they hire the New Mexico guy...
So much of this reminds me of the Zo/Reed story a few years back. People who cared wanted Zo in a role above Manny. Manny pulled strings to block that idea, but presented a fig-leaf compromise in Ed Reed that would work UNDER Manny. Similarly, hiring a new AD symbolizes progress, but Manny gets more time and maybe even a lightweight that won't fire him at all.
This is all feels like optics designed to save Manny. None of it reads like a sincere interest in competing on a national level...and good lord if they hire the New Mexico guy...
