Thank You Steve Spurrier

[Jedi.Knight]

Thank you for being the prototype example of what a college football coach should be. You had the wherewithal to know that at 70 years old, there was nothing more you could do to the South Carolina football program and that a younger, hungrier, more enthusiastic coach is what your program needs heading into the future.

You didn't criticize your players on the way out. Instead, you took responsibility for the losses and you were truly remorseful that you let your program down. Stepping aside halfway into the season, you gave your program adequate time to find a suitable replacement so as not to jeopardize recruiting for next year. In a nutshell, you put your team ahead of yourself.

Since you and George O'Leary are friends dating back decades, can you please do a quick favor for the UCF Knights kingdom? Please ring up your old buddy, have a heart to heart sit down over a case of Coors Light, and tell that S.O.B. that he's worn out his welcome here and that if he doesn't leave voluntarily we may be forced to storm the castle with pitchforks and torches to get medieval on his ass.

 

[UCFBS]

You didn't criticize your players on the way out.

Can someone please post some quotes of GoL criticizing players?

All I've heard is GoL focus on inexperience and other things like fundamentals. In fact, in a several cases, he's only defended a lot of players, from Holman's youth (especially early expectations of a Bortles' like RS Junior) as well as a walk-on at WR.

So, if I'm wrong, I'd like to hear it. Because I keep hearing people say, but I cannot find anything in the papers. I only have the interviews and other clips to go on.

Because in my talking to a lot parents over the years, including down years like 2008, they always respected how much GoL shields their kids from the media (let alone fan) scrutiny. So I clearly must be mistaken.

 

[Jedi.Knight]

Can someone please post some quotes of GoL criticizing players?

All I've heard is GoL focus on inexperience and other things like fundamentals. In fact, in a several cases, he's only defended a lot of players, from Holman's youth (especially early expectations of a Bortles' like RS Junior) as well as a walk-on at WR.

So, if I'm wrong, I'd like to hear it. Because I keep hearing people say, but I cannot find anything in the papers. I only have the interviews and other clips to go on.

Because in my talking to a lot parents over the years, including down years like 2008, they always respected how much GoL shields their kids from the media (let alone fan) scrutiny. So I clearly must be mistaken.

GOL: "We need better and faster players."

That's just one of many quotes where he's basically thrown the team under the bus. Not to mention how he hung Stanback out to dry over some fcuking weed (when UF's QB gets to come back next year after testing positive for PED's).

And if I may ask, why would you -- a simple rivals poster like myself -- be talking to parents "over the years" regarding the UCF football program? Either you're full of sh!t or you're somehow connected to the program at the upper echelons. If the latter is correct, tell GOL to go fcuk himself!!!!!

 

[UCFBS]

GOL: "We need better and faster players."

Ummm, that's pretty weak dude. That just goes along with his comments about fundamentals and other things.

That's just one of many quotes where he's basically thrown the team under the bus. Not to mention how he hung Stanback out to dry over some fcuking weed (when UF's QB gets to come back next year after testing positive for PED's).

^^^^ You're kidding me here, right? Did you really just say that?

And if I may ask, why would you -- a simple rivals poster like myself -- be talking to parents "over the years" regarding the UCF football program? Either you're full of sh!t or you're somehow connected to the program at the upper echelons. If the latter is correct, tell GOL to go fcuk himself!!!!!

Travel to some away games and you'll meet a lot of great parents. Maybe learn a bit about them too, and what makes UCF different in their eyes.

But your statement on Stanback ... that told me everything. You obviously didn't follow a lot of the threads on this, including the insider knowledge. The upperclassmen, especially the seniors, lead this team. Stanback didn't take that seriously, and it's detrimental to the team, especially since he would be a senior next year.

Losing seems to bring out the worst in our fanbase.

 

[Jedi.Knight]

Don't hand me that crap about Stanback; a good player is a good player . . . even if he's accused of rape (Jameis Winston) or illegally taking money for autographs (Johnny Manziel), a thoroughbred is going to play on Saturdays regardless of any personal BS. George O'Leary is just a petty small potatoes coach that can't get past his own ego.

I too have been to several away games and talking to parents never comes up as an agenda item; student body, yes -- but parents aren't typically on my radar so maybe you're dating yourself a little here. But yes, GOL has repeatedly placed the blame on the players while shielding his coaching staff from any criticism. Even Stevie Wonder can see that sh!t plain as day.

 

[UCFBS]

Don't hand me that crap about Stanback; a good player is a good player . . . even if he's accused of rape (Jameis Winston) or illegally taking money for autographs (Johnny Manziel), a thoroughbred is going to play on Saturdays regardless of any personal BS. George O'Leary is just a petty small potatoes coach that can't get past his own ego.

Please send back your tickets and ask for a refund of your GKC donation. Please do not associate yourself with the program if you have this attitude, because you're the type of booster that will destroy it.

Stanback was given multiple chances. I was sad to see his scholarship yanked with it too. I even questioned it, until those details came out. It was the hard, disappointing move that had to be made. I hope he does catch on elsewhere and moves on.

I too have been to several away games and talking to parents never comes up as an agenda item; student body, yes -- but parents aren't typically on my radar so maybe you're dating yourself a little here.

Yes, I'm well into middle age. Was that supposed to be an insult or something? That I'm too old to understand kids want to do things at times and should be encouraged to not?

But to answer your actual question, I don't go seeking parents, but it just often happens if you sit in the UCF section, or attend various pre-game events. All of them have been by pure chance, especially early on when we didn't travel as well.

But yes, GOL has repeatedly placed the blame on the players while shielding his coaching staff from any criticism. Even Stevie Wonder can see that sh!t plain as day.

Ummm, I'm still waiting on an example of him throwing a kid under the bus.

Again, please return your tickets and ask for a refund of your GKC donation. Rules are rules and if the rules at UCF are too much, there are some other, great institutions of higher learning with less restrictive or career-ending ones. I just don't want to see them at UCF ... ever.

This is one of the reasons I'm always and extremely proud of our student-athletes. They are the best ... and represent.

 

[AussieKnight]

UCFBS - Have you ever listened to his press conference after a loss??? I mean he never takes responsibility. He always says the kids have to play better/smarter. Not saying that can't be the case some of the time, but the best coaches take blame publicly, maybe in private they say different things.

I mean come on man. No one is going to look up all the stupid press conferences to find you an exact quote.

 

[ks2-1]

Can someone please post some quotes of GoL criticizing players?

All I've heard is GoL focus on inexperience and other things like fundamentals. In fact, in a several cases, he's only defended a lot of players, from Holman's youth (especially early expectations of a Bortles' like RS Junior) as well as a walk-on at WR.

So, if I'm wrong, I'd like to hear it. Because I keep hearing people say, but I cannot find anything in the papers. I only have the interviews and other clips to go on.

Because in my talking to a lot parents over the years, including down years like 2008, they always respected how much GoL shields their kids from the media (let alone fan) scrutiny. So I clearly must be mistaken.

So now your the parent liaison? Whatever......

 

[UCFBS]

UCFBS - Have you ever listened to his press conference after a loss??? I mean he never takes responsibility. He always says the kids have to play better/smarter. Not saying that can't be the case some of the time, but the best coaches take blame publicly, maybe in private they say different things.

I think you guys are really stretching here. I listen to a lot of coaches, the full press conferences. I don't know the problem.

If anything, you get into his interviews, and he's always defending the kids from various criticisms. He's lauding how far they've come.

So now your the parent liaison? Whatever......

Dude, re-read what I said. You guys just want to argue.

 

[ucfversusbcs]

Can someone please post some quotes of GoL criticizing players?

2015 - GOL talked about how he doesnt like it when the players say my bad.

2013 - GOL on the defensive line after Penn State - I thought defensive line-wise, we did not play very well. We didn't put any pressure on the quarterback and we had a couple where really it was more of a coverage play where he held the ball too long and you can cover for so long but we just didn't get to the quarterback.

jan 2010 - after the bowl game vs Rutgers - "I'm just really disappointed in the consistency of our offensive line. That was the game right there, because we didn't do much of anything with the run or pass (with the offensive line). It's hard to call a game when you can't establish anything in the run game. And in the passing game, Brett (Hodges) has had better days, but there was a lot of pressure on him all day. Brett didn't play his best game, but he wasn't helped much either."

nov 23 2010 - on Jordan Ozerites "I still think he is a freshman and makes a lot of mistakes, but I think he athletically has a lot of talent, there is no question. If the score was closer [at Tulane] I would have been yelling. I said to him after the game `If the score was close what would you have done?' He [Ozerities] says, `Take a knee.' He asked me a question and was like `Take a knee?' I said yeah and score the way it was. I think it was a good run and well executed by him. Again, I think he has a chance to be a very good player. I think he has great ball skills and he obviously has good speed."

GOL on Micah Reed transferring - "I told him competition is what we build the program on and you’re fourth because of where you were put by the position coaches on the offense [. . . ] But I said ‘you played last year,’ so . . . I never try to talk kids out from leaving or staying because . . . that’s the second time he’s tried to do this, not the first. Once they start doing that stuff it’s not worthwhile because they’ll end up just quitting sometime during the season which I’d rather see kids that are fully committed here right now working."

 

[ucfversusbcs]

Its sad with what happened to Stanback, but rules are rules. Even on the field he was a disappointment. Should GOL be blamed for that? I dont know. I do know that after 2013, he only showed glimmer of what we felt we were promised.

As for UCFBS, i give him credit for engaging fans and pushing the support GOL message during the games. Unlike smug posters like KL who spout off half facts, BS is out there making sure GOL is seen in a positive light and isn't afraid of addressing the haters. He seems to not mind having lengthy conversations on the street. Didnt he attend the Fiesta Bowl to gaugea response, rally the fans and collect support for GOL to coach the program indefinitely? I'll trust that he actually watched some of the game on the side.*
He sorta reminds me of a street preacher.*

 

[cnsaguy]

Link

George O’Leary (16), Central Florida. In a story that wound up barely generating a blip on the overloaded radar Monday, O’Leary stepped down as interim athletic director. That will allow him to try and salvage the rest of a football season that has utterly imploded. UCF is 0-6 despite a schedule that includes FIU, Furman, Tulane, Connecticut and a South Carolina team that just drove Steve Spurrier to retirement. When you’re getting blown out in consecutive games by Tulane and UConn, your program has collapsed. The stunning thing is that this collapse follows seasons of 10-4, 12-1 and 9-4. The new athletic director – whoever he is, and whenever he is named – needs to convince O’Leary to step down from his day job, too. If this season turns around now that O’Leary is no longer multitasking, he might buy himself another season – but a turnaround seems highly unlikely.

 

[HammerB08]

Link

George O’Leary (16), Central Florida. In a story that wound up barely generating a blip on the overloaded radar Monday, O’Leary stepped down as interim athletic director. That will allow him to try and salvage the rest of a football season that has utterly imploded. UCF is 0-6 despite a schedule that includes FIU, Furman, Tulane, Connecticut and a South Carolina team that just drove Steve Spurrier to retirement. When you’re getting blown out in consecutive games by Tulane and UConn, your program has collapsed. The stunning thing is that this collapse follows seasons of 10-4, 12-1 and 9-4. The new athletic director – whoever he is, and whenever he is named – needs to convince O’Leary to step down from his day job, too. If this season turns around now that O’Leary is no longer multitasking, he might buy himself another season – but a turnaround seems highly unlikely.

That's spot on. If O'leary really wants to continue coaching this squad he will need to demonstrate something we've been calling for every game -- progress! The young and inexperienced kids need to show some growth now that they have a half season under their belts.The coaches need to show some faith in the kids and not call the game scared. Let them try to go out and make plays. What do we have to lose at this point in the season? Get creative. Go win a ball game.

 

[C-MontCityKnight2]

That's spot on. If O'leary really wants to continue coaching this squad he will need to demonstrate something we've been calling for every game -- progress! The young and inexperienced kids need to show some growth now that they have a half season under their belts.The coaches need to show some faith in the kids and not call the game scared. Let them try to go out and make plays. What do we have to lose at this point in the season? Get creative. Go win a ball game.

Nope. He has had over 11 years to not lose to FCS schools. Even if we end up 6-6 (hahahahahahahahahahahahaha) he still needs to be fired.

 

[jetsaholic]

@Jedi.Knight , I cannot like your posts more than once but if I could, I would.

Watching Spurier yesterday, I kept saying "why can't O'Leary do this?"

I said it once and I'll say it again: I'm grateful for everything the grumpy old bastard has done for us but it's time for new blood and I hate that we'll have to go through an 0-12 season for him to figure that out.

 

[HammerB08]

Spurrier, unlike too many of his contemporaries, didn't need to be told when it was time to go. He didn't need to be cajoled into retirement or bargained with or placated with some phony exit strategy to keep the veneer of power. There was no need to assemble boosters behind him and wage internal warfare against an administration that recognized the need for change.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sport...arolina-interim-coach-shawn-elliott/73865816/

 

[firm_bizzle]

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sport...arolina-interim-coach-shawn-elliott/73865816/

I wonder what coaches they are talking about?

 

[YouSeeF]

I wonder what coaches they are talking about?

Just wait, UCFBS will be in here to tell us shortly how it's not GOL since he likes to play a fervent 'devils advocate'.

 

[ucfversusbcs]

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sport...arolina-interim-coach-shawn-elliott/73865816/

He was a great role player for the Spurs. I had no idea he had a football mind too.*

 

[mattropolis]

Can someone please post some quotes of GoL criticizing players?

All I've heard is GoL focus on inexperience and other things like fundamentals. In fact, in a several cases, he's only defended a lot of players, from Holman's youth (especially early expectations of a Bortles' like RS Junior) as well as a walk-on at WR.

So, if I'm wrong, I'd like to hear it. Because I keep hearing people say, but I cannot find anything in the papers. I only have the interviews and other clips to go on.

Because in my talking to a lot parents over the years, including down years like 2008, they always respected how much GoL shields their kids from the media (let alone fan) scrutiny. So I clearly must be mistaken.

I'm on your boat, and I can't think of a college coach that does actually call out their players by name. They may talk about a kid but they don't say, "That kid is the reason we lost". In general, yes, they all do. I also can't find where all these recruits say they don't like him either. If you can, then fine but you could probably do that for almost every coach. They have a personality and the kid has a personality and sometimes they don't mesh. It's like hiring people where you work. That's why you interview them so you can see if it is a good fit.
Spurrier rips his players. He just does it second-handed. I watched his LSU post-game from this year and he said, "The only way I thought we'd have a chance is if LSU didn't play well". Really showing up for his kids, ehh. He seemed extremely frustrated with their defense as he brought up the fact that they couldn't tackle or cover the LSU players on many occasions. He said everything GOL says, just in his own way. Anybody who thinks he isn't ripping them a new one in the locker room and in practice lives in a fantasy world.

 

[mattropolis]

2015 - GOL talked about how he doesnt like it when the players say my bad.

2013 - GOL on the defensive line after Penn State - I thought defensive line-wise, we did not play very well. We didn't put any pressure on the quarterback and we had a couple where really it was more of a coverage play where he held the ball too long and you can cover for so long but we just didn't get to the quarterback.

jan 2010 - after the bowl game vs Rutgers - "I'm just really disappointed in the consistency of our offensive line. That was the game right there, because we didn't do much of anything with the run or pass (with the offensive line). It's hard to call a game when you can't establish anything in the run game. And in the passing game, Brett (Hodges) has had better days, but there was a lot of pressure on him all day. Brett didn't play his best game, but he wasn't helped much either."

nov 23 2010 - on Jordan Ozerites "I still think he is a freshman and makes a lot of mistakes, but I think he athletically has a lot of talent, there is no question. If the score was closer [at Tulane] I would have been yelling. I said to him after the game `If the score was close what would you have done?' He [Ozerities] says, `Take a knee.' He asked me a question and was like `Take a knee?' I said yeah and score the way it was. I think it was a good run and well executed by him. Again, I think he has a chance to be a very good player. I think he has great ball skills and he obviously has good speed."

GOL on Micah Reed transferring - "I told him competition is what we build the program on and you’re fourth because of where you were put by the position coaches on the offense [. . . ] But I said ‘you played last year,’ so . . . I never try to talk kids out from leaving or staying because . . . that’s the second time he’s tried to do this, not the first. Once they start doing that stuff it’s not worthwhile because they’ll end up just quitting sometime during the season which I’d rather see kids that are fully committed here right now working."

Nothing said here that isn't said by almost every coach, if you watch press conferences. I just don't know why there is so much of an obsession with him apologizing. I guess enough of the people on here didn't get enough love growing up or something?

 

[UCFBS]

And this is what I don't understand.

There are so many things that one can, objectively, state about GoL that are negative, but factual. One can focus on the results and other things. The statistics don't like, and when you look at them objectively this year, we're really bad. I don't know if we'll pull out of it next year either.

But why are people so wanting to stretch things to things that just aren't true? That I don't understand. I really don't. Beyond ignoring the statistics that do favor O'Leary, they want to invent things about "oh, he throws kids under-the-bus," that are just not true.

I've also added my experiences in informally talking to parents, but that can only be offered, of course, as hearsay. I'm objective enough to admit that.

 

[UCFBS]

That's spot on. If O'leary really wants to continue coaching this squad he will need to demonstrate something we've been calling for every game -- progress!

And he has not, agreed! I told you, if I didn't see progress, I would call for his firing.

But just not after only 6 games when we've had 3 conference leading seasons prior. He still has 6 more this season, and an off-season, to show full progress, including coming back and having a winning season next year.

If it doesn't look like that is happening, then yes, he needs to go. Right now, I don't think he will right the ship by early next year.

The young and inexperienced kids need to show some growth now that they have a half season under their belts.The coaches need to show some faith in the kids and not call the game scared. Let them try to go out and make plays. What do we have to lose at this point in the season? Get creative. Go win a ball game.

We'll see what happens.

 

[UCFBS]

As for UCFBS, i give him credit for engaging fans and pushing the support GOL message during the games. Unlike smug posters like KL who spout off half facts, BS is out there making sure GOL is seen in a positive light and isn't afraid of addressing the haters. He seems to not mind having lengthy conversations on the street.

You guys just keep ignoring the facts I post, and playing games. You "will" your "facts" to be truth, despite what I continually present. Majority voice does not mean correct.

Didnt he attend the Fiesta Bowl to gaugea response, rally the fans and collect support for GOL to coach the program indefinitely? I'll trust that he actually watched some of the game on the side.*
He sorta reminds me of a street preacher.*

And this is what you do, as a few others have done, when I've posted links and statistics and other information. You just go with this junk, as if I cannot be objective.

And that's the thing. I hate what's happening. I didn't want Key as OC. But I'm being objective. Instead of just "running with the hateful herd."

 

[Ucfmikes]

Stanback was one of my favorite players, but in the end, he made the decision to take illegal drugs and got what he deserved. Yes,, pot is illegal. It was his adult choice and he wasted his talent

No point in using him as an example in any argument

 

[ucfversusbcs]

Nothing said here that isn't said by almost every coach, if you watch press conferences. I just don't know why there is so much of an obsession with him apologizing. I guess enough of the people on here didn't get enough love growing up or something?

Bleacher Report article sugar coated O'Leary by commenting no other coach can be so candid as he. I'd also like to add he comes across superficial and walks the line in inflating his point of view when he speaks of players.

 

[ucfversusbcs]

You guys just keep ignoring the facts I post, and playing games. You "will" your "facts" to be truth, despite what I continually present. Majority voice does not mean correct.

And this is what you do, as a few others have done, when I've posted links and statistics and other information. You just go with this junk, as if I cannot be objective.

And that's the thing. I hate what's happening. I didn't want Key as OC. But I'm being objective. Instead of just "running with the hateful herd."

You keep ignoring facts that i present and continue to push his agenda. I already told where i came from and you insist because of that GOL, yourself and the administration ignore me. My concerns are in vain.

 

[Ucfmikes]

That's spot on. If O'leary really wants to continue coaching this squad he will need to demonstrate something we've been calling for every game -- progress! The young and inexperienced kids need to show some growth now that they have a half season under their belts.The coaches need to show some faith in the kids and not call the game scared. Let them try to go out and make plays. What do we have to lose at this point in the season? Get creative. Go win a ball game.

I'm fine with this. If he can coach these players (getting a pass for injuries) to show progress then he should continue.
However I would be willing to bet that even under the best circumstances, he's not coaching beyond next year.

He will be allowed by Hitt to finish this year unless he quits. Next year if the team is not doing well after say 2-4 games, he will quit or be fired.

 

[ucfversusbcs]

Nothing said here that isn't said by almost every coach, if you watch press conferences. I just don't know why there is so much of an obsession with him apologizing. I guess enough of the people on here didn't get enough love growing up or something?

What about him ripping on some players from last year calling them "me guys"?

 

[AussieKnight]

You guys just keep ignoring the facts I post, and playing games. You "will" your "facts" to be truth, despite what I continually present. Majority voice does not mean correct.

The facts are we play in a very average football conference. Being in Orlando, Florida we should ALWAYS compete for the conference title. We have nicer facilities than every school in Florida (Not including the stadium).

We are getting destroyed by awful teams. He has lost his edge. Without Taffe his offenses at UCF are very sub-par.