Former colleagues come to KU coach Mangino’s defense

Glen Mason took over the Kansas football program in worse shape than Mangino did, and he didn't have the promise of any new facilities on the horizon as motivation. He managed to go to two bowl games and finish 6-5 two other seasons (oh yeah, they use to play 11 games and D2 wins didn't count - now they play 12, and teams get one sub-FBS win a year towards bowl eligibility). More teams now make bowl games than get left out. There are 34 games involving 68 teams with only 120 teams in the FBS. Merely getting to a bowl is not even coming close to the upper echelon of college football. And being left out should be grounds for an "investigation" every year when you are a top 20 salaried coach with with facilites and resources to match.

And I'm glad someone brought up Mangino did not single-handedly negotiate the Big 12 TV contract. I can see Baylor and Iowa State on TV just as much as KU.

November 24, 2009 at 12:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Former colleagues come to KU coach Mangino’s defense

Nice posts jahawkdave.

If the Mangino era ends it will be about wins, losses, and what the program has not achieved. Kansas football is on the same trajectory it has been on throughout history. The team puts together a dream season about once every ten years sprinkled with some mediocracy and a healthy share of disappointment. And even the dream season of 2007 is tainted by the embarrassing loss to Missouri (all losses to Mizzou are embarrassing). Should Mangino be praised just because it is so much easier to become bowl eligible with a proliferation of bowl games? I guess there are some who feel Mangino is the best coach for Kansas football, and that this is the best we can ever hope for at the University of Kansas. And maybe they're right, but what if they're wrong?

November 24, 2009 at 9:28 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

What if KU stuns Texas?

Colorado played with some pride last night for their lame duck coach, albeit against a second and third string quarterback, but not a bad job on the road against a top 15 program. I haven't seen KU play that inspired all season.

I've seen the weight issue brought by some folks the last couple of days. I will only add this: Ralph Friedgen at Maryland has lost almost 100 pounds in the last year. He probably is healthier and feels better than ever, however the Fighting Turtles will more than likely finish 2-10 this year. Friedgen is an old school coach, like Managino, who has adjusted his style this year. He's been more understanding and shortened practices. In doing this the players have openly been applauding these changes. The bottomline: A skinnier (by his standards), kinder, and gentler will be coaching for his job these last two games and even a miraculous 4-8 may not be enough to save it. Apply this to the current KU situation however you want.

November 20, 2009 at 1:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

What if KU stuns Texas?

Here's a list of upsets in the Mangino era:

Technically, I believe the Orange Bowl win over VT was an upset, but a minor one considering the spread. Other than that, the above list is complete. Mangino up until this year collected wins over teams KU was supposed to beat, and considering the program, that was acceptable. Just don't look for a win tomorrow...unless..."History Awaits!"

November 20, 2009 at 8:45 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Not-so-gentle reign

I would not be surprised to see a couple of talented players leave the program this year because of position switches. 4 Star Recruit to WR then to CB then to the doghouse and the bench - that scenerio hurts recruiting more than a poke in the chest or verbal abuse. How can you keep promising recruits they will be offensive football players in your program and then at the first sign of trouble throw them on defense? It also shows a true lack of being able to evaluate your team's defensive talent. How many different combination of linebackers and defensive backs has the defense put on the field this year? I know the defense isn't that good, but the inconsistency in the personnel has only added to KU's defensive woes.

November 19, 2009 at 9:15 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Investigation under way

lighthawk - I love the optimism, and I'm sure folks will correct me if I'm wrong, but Mangino coached teams have not produced one upset where we were double digit dogs. And the straight up upsets are few and far between. For the most part the Mangino era has been defined by picking the low hanging fruit and hoping it's enough to fill up your basket.

And for my personal feelings, I don't care who the coach is as long as he gets the most out of his players and puts the University of Kansas in the best position to win football games. If he's a great person, fine. If he's not, well he just better be that much more productive for KU, just like any other institution or business would expect. I was in Norman when KU upset the #1 Sooners in 1975, and I was in Manhattan in 1987 for the Toilet Bowl tie (for those who still think Terry Allen was the nadir of KU football). I fully support the KU football program whoever leads it, and most of all I believe in the redemptive power of victories over Mizzou.

November 18, 2009 at 2:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Center Aldrich steady

I can't believe Cole only had 5 blocks. Was he shortchanged? Maybe he just alters so many shots and comes close to blocks that it just looks like he is pushing double digits by halftime.

November 18, 2009 at 9:59 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Investigation under way

This just in: There is an investigation on whether or not Head Coach Mark Mangino knows when to call a pooch kick on a kickoff or kick it through the endzone when KU grabs the lead in a close game. Footage from the Texas Tech and Nebraska games has been subpoenaed. Speculation remains that no such decision will need to be made this Saturday.

November 18, 2009 at 9:49 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

The great escape

Just feed Cole and the Hawks will be fine. Everybody else, including Sherron, will have their ups and downs, but if they run the offense through Cole the season should meet our expectations.

KU: Cole has a little hitch in his free throw shot. Just letting you know so that will be your last lane violation this season.

Dick Vitale: Seriously? There is a game going on in front of you! Yes, you love college basketball, but that really isn't your job, is it?

ESPN: Dick Vitale, seriously? Wasn't his act wearing thin 15 years ago? At least put him in the studio to minimize the damage. You don't have Lou Holtz doing color on college football games!

Sherron: The dude wouldn't have been my first choice to rub out that cramp over on the bench. There looked to be a better choice pretty close by...I'm just sayin'.

November 18, 2009 at 9:22 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Investigation of Mangino launched after player complains coach poked him

foco - I agree with you. Mangino hasn't responded well to being put on the spot or accepting blame. And for the most part the media have given him a free pass. He never provides any insight or explanation for his decisions when things go wrong. It is the total opposite what you get from Bill Self.

November 17, 2009 at 1:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )