Letter to JW

[dasher]

Dino hasn't and will never put down roots in Syracuse.

He doesn't live here? What would he have to do for you to say that he has put down roots. He has been here for 5 years. Does his luggage still say Bowling Green?

 

[Trueblue25]

We wont have a fan base if he’s retained after a 4 win season

 

[Bayside44]

I get you like JW but his performance as AD has done nothing to give confidence he is up for the job.
He has personal relationships with people here. People like him because he isn’t going to look for another job and would stay here but that honestly isn’t a factor I would care about when your sports teams aren’t doing well.

I don’t care if people good at their job go to better jobs.
It means they will have done well here.
I don’t need wildhack for 20 years. If we had an AD that did well and a bigger dog wanted him then find another AD. Just like coaches.

The fact that he doesn't conduct AD business in public is a mark in his favor.

And yes, the fact that he can pick up the phone and get anyone in Syracuse or sports TV world to take his call and take it seriously is an insane plus.

Not sure what people think about these jobs in an AD shop - they're basically filled with sports vagabonds and local heroes.

We had an absolute con artist then a competent guy who looked around, realized who the most powerful man on campus was, and moved on.

 

[GoSU96]

After the game my Father and i along with some long time SU corporate supporters hung out. This is a group comprised of very good long time friends who own some of the long time Syracuse area businesses. Businesses that every poster on this board is familiar with.
For over 50 years our families have hung out together, gone to church, school, weddings, birthdays, and funerals. We have shared the best and worst of life together and we have always shared a love and passion for Syracuse University. It is and will remain a common thread.
So with that as a background on Sunday my Dad and one other individual who most of you have heard of, possibly know decided to write a letter to JW expressing their concern with the football program as well as the overall situation within the Athletic department. I thought that the letter was fair in both its praise of the ADs accomplishments and in its criticism of the current issues surrounding the football program and specifically the women's basketball program.

Yesterday we received a response from the AD. It wasn't a form letter. It was directly from JW. Im not going to share the contents but suffice to say that his response while guarded was extremely well thought out and fair. In short the past 2 years have been very challenging. JW pointed out the Dome project, Covid, and major internal and external issues such as NIL and the transfer rule as example that normally wouldn't be compacted in such a short time period. He wasn’t making excuses simply pointing out the fact that his department and the University in general and the collegiate landscape was in the midst of unprecedented change.

The bottom line for me is that based on the response we received it is very clear that JW is aware of and not pleased with the current state of the football program. He mentioned that sports are results based. Both on and off the field.
I appreciate the fact that he replied and im sure that the names of the individuals who signed the letter hold weight with him. I do know that one very significant donor is going to follow up with him in private.
As an FYI our group will be at the VT game which is this years designated road trip.
Last note. I suggest that anyone should reach out to the AD and express their feelings, positive or negative about SU athletics. JW is as passionate about SU as any of us and the more input he receives from SUs base of support the better.

How did he react to the offer of assistance and resources from these very important people and captains of industry? That had to be a big part of such an important letter of concern.

 

[dasher]

The fact that he doesn't conduct AD business in public is a mark in his favor.

And yes, the fact that he can pick up the phone and get anyone in Syracuse or sports TV world to take his call and take it seriously is an insane plus.

Not sure what people think about these jobs in an AD shop - they're basically filled with sports vagabonds and local heroes.

We had an absolute con artist then a competent guy who looked around, realized who the most powerful man on campus was, and moved on.

First of all, I haven't been on campus in quite a while. So, I am not the most powerful man on campus. I haven't ever met Coyle.

 

[syrBossHogg]

My understanding is that ADJW has done a good job getting the AD finances in order and has also been a big part in improving fundraising for the sports programs. But how the department handled the Softball and Hillsman issues was very poor and embarrassing.

Mixed bag so far, hopefully there's improvement.

 

[Bayside44]

First of all, I haven't been on campus in quite a while. So, I am not the most powerful man on campus. I haven't ever met Coyle.

I'm talking people post Ben, not pre...

 

[orangeinohio]

I am not saying you agree with but our AD keeps Dino with another 4-8 then my 15 years as a season ticket holder end.
I pay for tickets I don’t use to support the AD but my god. 1 winning season in 6 years and you don’t make a change then fine.

It’s crazy that people don’t expect a bowl or change.
This isn’t year 4 it’s year 6.

I’m not trying to be rude at all but, from a financial perspective, I bet that if Wildhack had to choose between getting a few million more dollars out of Babers’ contract vs risking losing more season ticket holders, he’s choosing Babers.

 

[orangecuse]

I am not saying you agree with but our AD keeps Dino with another 4-8 then my 15 years as a season ticket holder end.
I pay for tickets I don’t use to support the AD but my god. 1 winning season in 6 years and you don’t make a change then fine.

It’s crazy that people don’t expect a bowl or change.
This isn’t year 4 it’s year 6.

I couldn't agree more with this sentiment. If we only win 3 or 4 games as some here have opined, and that is "good enough" for Dino to be retained, then it just solidifies for me that Syracuse University doesn't take football seriously and either should its broader fan base. Five out of 6 losing seasons under Dino is NOT what was ever envisioned when he became head coach. Folks here can continue to go along with all of the excuses, etc. to justify the apparent moving of the goal posts/expectations for this program.

With such a weak OOC schedule, and the fact that the ACC is not anything close to a gauntlet type football league, getting to 6 wins in YEAR 6 shouldn't really be considered such a feat. BC, Wake and the like are getting to bowl games, and relatively consistently at that. We should at a minimum, be able to have those same expectations.

It's great being in a P5 conference, taking all that coin, etc. from the ACC invite/winfall (which every single fan of SU sports should be forever grateful for and never lose sight of that IMO). If we are going to pitch to recruits, etc. being in one, then we should at least act as if we are. Otherwise, SU Football is a fraud and we should be exposed accordingly for being precisely that.

My goodness, if we hadn't been so fortunate for the good graces of the ACC, Syracuse University Football, no doubt IMO, would be right there with UConn...descending further and further into the abyss...dead & buried.

 

[Cusefan0307]

I miss the days when the OP was freaking out because Dino was headed to USC.

 

[Alsacs]

I’m not trying to be rude at all but, from a financial perspective, I bet that if Wildhack had to choose between getting a few million more dollars out of Babers’ contract vs risking losing more season ticket holders, he’s choosing Babers.

The fact Wildhack would chose what you said says Syracuse doesn’t give a chit about trying to win.
This strategy would be so stupid.

 

[orangeinohio]

The fact Wildhack would chose what you said says Syracuse doesn’t give a chit about trying to win.
This strategy would be so stupid.

I’m not defending that perspective.
I just think the budget carries more weight than raising the chances of potential future success.

 

[Alsacs]

I’m not defending that perspective.
I just think the budget carries more weight than raising the chances of potential future success.

I didn’t blame you.
I am just saying Wildhack thinking that is enough for me to stop giving money.

 

[CIL]

You guys are nuts.

if I could like this 1000 times I would.

 

[007]

I didn’t blame you.
I am just saying Wildhack thinking that is enough for me to stop giving money.

Al, there are so many more factors at play than many here appreciate. I am not an apologist or a STH that is satisfied with mediocrity (when where we last medium, BTW?) or whatever other categories you have. The win/loss record and results on the field are important factors for sure. At SU, and many other private universities hemorrhaging money since January 2020, financials take precedent.

Are people aware that the CFO at SU recently resigned?

 

[Alsacs]

Al, there are so many more factors at play than many here appreciate. I am not an apologist or a STH that is satisfied with mediocrity (when where we last medium, BTW?) or whatever other categories you have. The win/loss record and results on the field are important factors for sure. At SU, and many other private universities hemorrhaging money since January 2020, financials take precedent.

Are people aware that the CFO at SU recently resigned?

Are we burning thru 35+ million annual checks from the ACC?

That doesn’t include donations, sponsorship money and doesn’t include tickets.

 

[007]

Are we burning thru 35+ million annual checks from the ACC?

That doesn’t include donations, sponsorship money and doesn’t include tickets.

Do you know for a fact if the 35+ million is distributed exclusively to the AD?

 

[Alsacs]

Do you know for a fact if the 35+ million is distributed exclusively to the AD?

So SU athletics which generates the revenue isn’t getting it?
If that is so then the university is even more dumb. Deduction would tell you the AD is receiving the ACC TV money.

https://www.newsobserver.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/luke-decock/article251597963.html

 

[kcsu]

He doesn't live here? What would he have to do for you to say that he has put down roots. He has been here for 5 years. Does his luggage still say Bowling Green?

Easy Dasher find your inner Ohana it's all good.

 

[kcsu]

How did he react to the offer of assistance and resources from these very important people and captains of industry? That had to be a big part of such an important letter of concern.

Stuff your crap. You dont have a clue.

 

[Trueblue25]

Today is why 4 wins, and even 5 wins, should not buy Dino another year.

Played major contributors into the second half vs Albany.

Didn’t get our third string QB in when we put up 60+…. Vs freakin Albany

Our team looks clueless on special teams

Penalties, penalties, penalties.

We’re probably a 7 or so win team with a coach that can game plan and maintain discipline.

It’s not a talent discrepancy anymore.

 

[HtownOrange]

So SU athletics which generates the revenue isn’t getting it?
If that is so then the university is even more dumb. Deduction would tell you the AD is receiving the ACC TV money.

https://www.newsobserver.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/luke-decock/article251597963.html

SUAD is noted as paying money into the general fund. SU runs the program correctly (one reason we mock Rutgers for their financial dealings). That said, people that manage finances responsibly, tend to look at the costs in ways the average person does not - it's whey they are successful to begin with. Every angle and variable is considered.

Getting into coaching buyouts is a bad practice. See UConn, Rutgers, et al. Doing so periodically may be necessary, but but buying out too many years can be far costlier than suffering through one more losing season.

Regardless, Babers has the players to win 6 or more games. Let's see how things play out. Next week will be really revealing.

 

[SUFan44]

if I could like this 1000 times I would.

I respect your opinion as you have been a valued member of this board for a long time. But, the women’s basketball situation alone would have gotten an AD into hot water elsewhere. The men’s lacrosse + softball situations as well.

Add to that a football program that has regressed, a basketball program that is mediocre within its league, and an across-the-board regression in Olympic sports, and I ask how you could be 100% in agreement with Wildhack’s tenure.

Mixed bag at best.

 

[CIL]

I respect your opinion as you have been a valued member of this board for a long time. But, the women’s basketball situation alone would have gotten an AD into hot water elsewhere. The men’s lacrosse + softball situations as well.

Add to that a football program that has regressed, a basketball program that is mediocre within its league, and an across-the-board regression in Olympic sports, and I ask how you could be 100% in agreement with Wildhack’s tenure.

Mixed bag at best.

You make a lot of valid points - my post was directed at kc, who’s knee jerk posts and reactions after every game are mind numbing.

 

[IthacaMatt]

It was good of you to share this with everyone. Thank You. Hopefully, our AD welcomes hearing the concerns and frustrations of supporters. The worse case would be the growing apathy toward the program. Beyond the product on the field, this Head Coach has an almost non existent community presence outside of paid endorsements - that is my overwhelming perception.. Say what you will about previous coaches , but past coaches have had high schools camps, open practices, Syracuse based coaches clinics that all extended the brand in our communities. My Son attended and benefited form these experiences and now plays for Tulane. Currently, in the off season(s) you almost forget we field a football team until season ticket notices hit our mailbox. I have not seen this topic talked about much on the forum, but I do not believe Dino or the University have not been well served by this the bubble approach with the program. ( Not speaking about the COVID period). As a 30 year season ticket holder, I am very discouraged by the product both on and off the field. Thanks again for sharing the information about the letter.

Terrific post. I strongly agree with this. Dino's paranoia has made the football program invisible. There is zero outreach to fans. This football program exists to make money. They shouldn't forget about that.