takethepoints
Helluva Engineer
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- 6,148
As I've said before, I think Key's biggest asset is that he's affordable. It is true that the team went through a lot this season and performed well in some games. Tech beat Pitt (8 - 4), Puke (8 - 4), and UNC (9-3), two of those away. The team also lost at home e to UVA (3 - 7) and da U (5 - 7), this last in a blowout. We also lost to Ugag by 23 points. That is not impressive unless compared to the complete collapse last year. The headlines said it right; it was a rout where we were outscored 27 - 7 in the second half. I don't look on retaining the present staff as a necessary plus either, but I'm just a fan. Retaining the players would be a plus, but I expect most of them to stay no matter what. In short, I don't see a resume that leads me to keep him in the job unless we don't have the money to deal. If that is so, Key has just enough going for him to justify the choice. Then we will have to live with the results. The one positive there is that people are now wishing strongly for a 7 win season instead of dancing around with visions of sugar plums in their heads.My choice now is to retain Key. He has proven he can coach at the P5 level after inheriting a rudderless team mid season. He was immediately down one position coach (his own) and then lost his RB coach. He then had to replace his injured QB with a transfer who struggled mightly in his first start. He then had to go to a freshman who had been on the scout team. He was performing well until he was injured. So back to the transfer. Key got the team ready to play against the coastal champion in an away game and wins.
The team was prepared to play an away game against the number one ranked team with two transfer backup QB's. A badly botched snap/punt and fumble gave up two scores. Tech was competitive in that game. Last year we were not.
Retaining Key likely keeps his positive momentum going, retains most of his current staff, players, and recruits. He has beaten other peer ACC teams with experienced coaches and did it without the benefit of an off season to implement changes.
I personally think it best to promote within an organization IF possible and IF qualified. In my mind Key is qualified.
If the deals with Chadwell has fallen through - I doubt it has, btw - and there are doubts about Key then a call to Fritz could be a logical next step. He was considered last time and for good reason. The decision will be made soon enough and then we'll go forward.