If we are forced to endure Collins’ “full body of work” through the end of this season, it will be like voluntarily throwing ourselves on a live grenade. In doing so, we will have sacrificed ourselves for the benefit of others. That body of work should deter any other major college football program from ever getting suckered into the notion that the guy can handle a head coaching position. I guess we could pat ourselves on our backs for that feat of public service.
Man, I hear you, I understand and I empathize!
But here’s the reality the way I see it. My unsolicited opinion based on probably as much information as you have, but with as little emotion as possible.
There are two parties to this agreement....
GT made a financial decision (not a football decision) to stay the course and save $3.3M. If we had turned out gangbusters, no one would’ve been unhappy, but $3.3M is the driving factor. Until circumstances surrounding that financial decision change, that decision is unlikely to change.
The most profound influence on that $3.3M is party #2, CGC. If I am CGC, I have no incentive right now to even discuss my termination, much less any “give” on the buyout. If GT wants me gone, they can pay up and make it so, but if they come to me looking for money I say:
- we’re 1-2. Right where most everyone expected, even if last week was not a good showing.
- Our two losses are top 15, potentially top 10 teams.
- I’m looking at a schedule that still has UCF, Duke, UVA and VT on it... all winnable games. That’s 5 wins potentially. I believe in myself and I believe in my guys and I’m not throwing in the towel now.
- if we catch a break and see the improvement I expect, we could be in a position to win another game or two... potentially 7 wins
- not only am I considering $3.3M, I’m also considering my future. I can sell 5 or 6 wins to somebody. It didn’t happen as fast as GT would’ve liked, but the rebuild was happening.
GT can look at that and call the man crazy, but they can’t prove it wrong UNTIL IT IS WRONG. If they feel strongly enough that it’s wrong, they can pay up
I think if we are sitting at 2 or 3 wins in mid November, GT has all sorts of ability to start having real talks about the buyout and the timing of events. Once it is truly a forgone conclusion, both parties will come to the table. The question is WHEN it becomes a forgone conclusion. If we can’t get UCF and then drop either of Duke or UVA at home, both parties have to admit what it is and come to the table. If we sneak a couple of wins, Collins has less incentive. If I’m Collins, I’m looking for as many chances as possible to catch lightning in a bottle and have something to point to for my future.