Ex Players' Relationship with Program/Coaching Staff

[Ish88888]

After reading about the kids clinic Donte Davis is organizing with past players; I still get the vibe that he is trying to mend something and make ex players feel welcome again with this coaching staff. Anyone else sense that? Have info on what is the feeling of alumni about feeling welcome and close to the program? Can't help but think that ex players and NFL players would stimulate motivation for current players and recruiting. Was this vibe hampered by Marrone?

 

[CuseOnly]

Why do former player relationships with the program and university always seem to be an issue here where you rarely see that with other programs?

Serious question...

 

[44PRIDE]

Why do former player relationships with the program and university always seem to be an issue here where you rarely see that with other programs?

Serious question...

I don't think its any more of an issue here than it is at any other program. Teams evolve. Programs change.

And with all due respect to the sacrifices made by former players, to burden a new coaching staff with these childish concerns is selfish on their part. I remember a few years back when Troy Nunes led a contingent of former players upset that Doug Marrone locked them out of practices. Childish...

 

[bnoro]

I don't think its any more of an issue here than it is at any other program. Teams evolve. Programs change.

And with all due respect to the sacrifices made by former players, to burden a new coaching staff with these childish concerns is selfish on their part. I remember a few years back when Troy Nunes led a contingent of former players upset that Doug Marrone locked them out of practices. Childish...

There was no reason for Doug to shut them out of practice though. I don't think it's burdening the new staff at all. Just let your former players watch practice. Unless they're a coach for another school what's the worst that'll happen?

 

[qdawgg]

what's the worst that'll happen?

They walk around on the field disrupting the flow of practice or disrupt the flow in other ways like talking trying to have conversations with coaches during practice and potentially teaching techniques differently than the coaching staff is. Zero reason for former players to watch practice unless they are far off from the field so practice can be conducted like normal.

 

[bnoro]

They walk around on the field disrupting the flow of practice or disrupt the flow in other ways like talking trying to have conversations with coaches during practice and potentially teaching techniques differently than the coaching staff is. Zero reason for former players to watch practice unless they are far off from the field so practice can be conducted like normal.

Oh come on I'm sure no former player would pull a stunt like that. Marrone had no reason to keep them out.

 

[Finwad32]

Oh come on I'm sure no former player would pull a stunt like that. Marrone had no reason to keep them out.

My understanding was that there was a reason to keep a handful out, who were really bad influences. And, it wasn't just practice, it was everywhere. The weight room, the offices, etc. I think once they made that decision, unless it was a special circumstance, it was across the board. Kind of a, couple bad apples ruined it for the whole class scenario.

 

[CuseOnly]

Oh come on I'm sure no former player would pull a stunt like that. Marrone had no reason to keep them out.

I also wouldn't have thought that a group of former players led by Nunes would publicly bash their alma mater's current coaching staff because they felt personally slighted by not being able to go to practice.

But it happened.

 

[Ringostar57]

Former players had 4 or 5 years to go to practice and now they are FORMER players. They should show a little respect to the current players and staff and the program by not interfering and being a distraction. You want to support the team, show up on April 2. I'll be there; will you?

 

[TheCusian]

It's really simple - have it be a system where unless otherwise cleared - you can attend 2 practices a year as a former player. Must call in advance, etc.

There are enough staff people to manage this kind of thing, I think.

 

[bnoro]

My understanding was that there was a reason to keep a handful out, who were really bad influences. And, it wasn't just practice, it was everywhere. The weight room, the offices, etc. I think once they made that decision, unless it was a special circumstance, it was across the board. Kind of a, couple bad apples ruined it for the whole class scenario.

You would know better than me, and if that's the case then fine. But as long as you set guidelines and whatnot I can't see that being a problem, so hopefully Dino knows how to handle it and controls these issues better moving forwards.

 

[qdawgg]

My understanding was that there was a reason to keep a handful out, who were really bad influences. And, it wasn't just practice, it was everywhere. The weight room, the offices, etc. I think once they made that decision, unless it was a special circumstance, it was across the board. Kind of a, couple bad apples ruined it for the whole class scenario.

Ding, ding.

 

[RF2044]

I think the "issue" is mostly exacerbated by having had so much turnover at the HC spot over the last 10+ years. We've had 5 head coaches during that span.

Tough to have continuity or feel connected to the program when you've got a new head coaching staff with no connection to you other than being an alum. Especially if you played 10 years ago and are several coaching staffs removed from the group you played for.

Marrone could have gone out of his way to make former players feel more welcome, but Finwad's post above suggest that there was more going on behind the scenes than simply him not making the effort or disrespecting former players.

Hopefully Babers is here for a LONG time, enjoys a great amount of success, and reestablishes that kind of long-term continuity between former players and the program.

 

[kirbivore]

I thought Nunes was kicked out because he was trying sell his services as an agent or financial advisor.

 

[Orangejet]

As a former player, the only coach who turned his back on the ex-players was Doug Marrone and we couldn't figure out why since he was one of us. Coach Mac thru GRob and Shafer were wonderful and we'll see how Dino treats us which I expect to be great.
Go CUSE...Beat Dayton!