I was going back through some of my posts from last year. Urban is an absolute legend, but he's now facing a credibility crisis with his own players. You can't talk the talk about a high performance culture and keep people like Beck around. It's toxic to the commitment you're asking of players. I posted this last January - am I wrong, or does the offensive tape stick out like a sore thumb?
"Was going back through Urban's book earlier tonight and transcribing notes from the pages I'd dogeared - this paragraph stuck out. Remind me again why this guy is still here?
"If players are going to make the big push to join the elites, they need to believe it will be worth it. It’s important to remind them of the quality of leadership at Ohio State - let them know they are being taught by masters of their craft who have made a significant difference in other players’ lives. I make sure that my assistant coaches showcase the achievements of other great players they have worked with. Visuals such as videos and images are incredible tools to convey a message. It may not seem like a big deal, but these sorts of associations are important. It’s not about bragging. It’s about reinforcing that this is a special place that has produced special players. It’s about motivating the 80 percenters. When I walk into my own office and I see championship trophies, photos with presidents, keepsakes, and mementos and clippings of the Heisman Trophy finalists and winners I’ve coached, I feel good. If a prospective recruit is motivated by wanting to be part of that club, well, that makes me feel good, too."
We all remember what Zeke said last year - plus Taylor Decker (first minute):
These are Buckeye legends who are going to come around campus for decades to come. Think about how awkward it would be for them to publicly blast a coach knowing he's going to be there when they return - you only do that when you feel incredibly strongly. The good news is Urban's built a culture where people feel that level of ownership - the bad news is that is at risk the longer you keep people around that step on all the hard work the players put in. Beck doesn't belong. He'd lost the players last year, and did nothing but cement their suspicions this year.
Sounds like Urban's saying the right things post-game today - but he said similar things last year about it "not being a part of our history, and not happening again" last year: (first 6 minutes + 15:25 in):
I hope this time it's backed up by action so we don't have another year wondering what might have been. We all know you can't win championships every year, and there are some ways of losing you have to accept. Losing this way is not one that we should accept, and since championships are so hard, we can't continue to throw away opportunities like we have the last 2 years.
. seriously though, good luck and congrats for the run your on. i hate to admit it but bama is making college football better as everyone has to work harder to raise their play to their level. ugh... i did not enjoy typing that.