OT: Bill O'Brien/Penn State

Just finished reading an interesting article written about Bill O'Brien and his departure from PSU.

http://www.pennlive.com/sports/index.ssf/2014/01/bill_obrien_the_outsider_arriv.html

I don't particularly want to turn this thread into yet another "when Frank leaves..." discussion but this article does give some perspective on the difficulties that those in the coaching profession face that aren't always apparent to the average fan. Bill came to PSU to satisfy his career goals, nothing more. When the time was right he was going to move on toward the NFL, where his heart lies. The frustrations of trying to placate a college fan base that had gotten used to things being done a "certain way" for decades combined with the opportunity the Texans provided him merely accelerated his timeline.

There are only so many Bobby Bowdens, Joe Paternos, Phil Fulmers and Frank Beamers in this world and it creates a unique situation for their successors. Florida State appears to have righted the ship with Jimbo Fisher. Tennessee has been a dumpster fire ever since Fulmer was forced out and it remains to be seen whether Butch Jones will be able to fix things on Rocky Top. Penn State, to me, seems to be hanging in the balance. There hasn't been enough time post-Paterno to determine whether O'Brien is their version of Lane Kiffin or if it's just a speed bump on their way to the top. Almost everything will hinge on making the perfect hire for O'Brien's successor. A Derek Dooley hire could set the clock back 5-10 years further than the NCAA sanctions already did.

Looking at those three schools and comparing; Florida State moved on to a new era in a somewhat messy fashion in order to do what was best for the University. Bowden had to be told it was time to go and FSU kept Jimbo in the fold, ultimately setting them up for success. Tennessee forced Fulmer out and 5 years later they are 5-7, Lane Kiffin is unemployed, John Chavis is churning out elite defenses down at LSU and Cutcliffe just got Duke, Duke, to 10 wins. Almost everyone in Knoxville would tell you that they wish UT had handled that transition differently. Penn State had no choice but to move to a new era and hired a young, exciting and bright coach from the Belichick coaching tree. Although he only stayed two years, he managed to put the program in a position to rebound much more quickly than most people would have estimated the day sanctions were handed down. The next coach they hire has to be the right coach or they risk becoming the second coming of the University of Tennessee.

When a football program reaches a point where it has to move on from an iconic figure and head in a new direction it is not always apparent. The process is complex and unique to each individual situation. If and when we as Hokies are forced to face this reality we must realize it will not be easy. People will be upset, feelings will be hurt and expectations will not always align. The best and only thing we can do as a fan base is to stand together through the difficult times. As Hokies I think we all know that the strength and resiliency of the University equals the strength, resiliency and solidarity of the alumni and community. The strength and resiliency of the football program will equal the strength, resiliency and solidarity of the fan base.

GO HOKIES and Happy New Years everyone!