AJC > Sports > Blog > Archives > 2006 > September > 26
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Five coaches in rough spots
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
When you think you’re having a bad day or a bad month, just be glad you’re not these coaches:
1) Dirk Koetter, Arizona State: Koetter made headlines this summer when he awarded the starting quarterback job to senior Sam Keller only to change his mind 48 hours later after meeting with some of his players. Sophomore Rudy Carpenter, who was awarded the job, has thrown eight interceptions in four games. And because Koetter embarrassed Keller, the Sun Devils (3-1), who got waxed by Cal 42-21 in their Pac-10 opener, don’t have a plan B.
2) John Bunting, North Carolina: Bunting was a great NFL linebacker. He is honest. He is straightforward. His kids graduate. But inexplicably, the Tar Heels can’t play defense; giving up over 500 yards in each of the past two weeks to Furman (yes Furman), and Clemson. Bunting’s position after the Clemson loss (52-7) was that every aspect of the UNC football program is on schedule - except for the wins and losses. That’s like me telling my wife that every aspect of our family finances are on schedule, except for the fact that I haven’t made a house payment in five years.
3) Larry Coker, Miami: I now wonder if there is anything Coker can do to save himself short of winning the ACC championship. Some of the hard line Miami folks are convinced that the U. has lost something under Coker’s watch. What they’ve lost is the Big East schedule that gave them more breathers than they have now. Are they really going to bring back Butch Davis? Will that work?
4) Ed Orgeron, Ole Miss: After the Rebels signed a nationally-ranked recruiting class in February, the Ole Miss faithful were convinced they were off and running. But quarterback Brent Schaeffer, who didn’t get there until August because of academic issues, is struggling. Could it be because he’s still learning the names of his offensive linemen? When you get blown out at home by an undermanned Wake Forest team, you are not having a good month.
5) Ron Zook, Illinois: The Zooker won this first two games as the Illinois coach last season but since then not a whole lot has gone right. The Illini have lost 12 of their last 13 games, the only win coming against I-AA Eastern Illinois. This week Illinois goes to Michigan State, which is not in a particularly good mood after blowing a game against Notre Dame.
