What the Press Release Should Say

[Ozcuse]

THIS IS PURELY WHAT I FEEL THE COACH SHOULD SAY IF RUMORS ARE TRUE

"Due to Terrell Hunt's injury which will keep him out for an extended period of time and our offensive performance over the past few games, I am giving Quarterback Coach Tim Lester more responsibilities in assisting Offensive Coordinator George McDonald prepare the offensive game plan and with play calling duty during certain game situations. Coach Tim Lester has extensive offensive coordinator experience and he knows the capabilities of our backup quarterback (not known who at this time) better than anyone else on the coaching staff. I am confident that he along with Coach McDonald will prepare a game plan that will put us in the best position against Florida State and our schedule going forward.

Based on my evaluation of our performance both in practice and on the game field in the next few weeks, there may be more changes ahead. Go Syracuse football and the Next Man Up!"

-This focuses on the injury and the fact that Lester works with the backups every day and knows their capabilities. McDonald works with the rest of the offense and doesn't really have time to know what our backups can/cannot do.

-It would also let McDonald save some face as he is not completely out, just has to share some responsibilities due to the injury situation.

-It also gives Coach Shafer an out to potentially shift back to 100% McDonald or to completely transition to Lester depending on how the team/coaches respond.

What do you think?

 

[leftytg]

I think anyone would see it for what it is - a smoke screen. QB's get hurt all the time and backups go in. This does not result in the QB coach "getting more opportunities in assisting" with the game plan, or at least the need to issue a press release stating as such. This would effectively mean that the part talking about the QB injury would (rightly) be ignored and the "due to...our offensive performance" part would be the focus, as that is the part that would typically call for a press release.

Nice idea and all, but being evasive - especially when it isn't convincing - will only serve to whip things up further. The demotion would be richly deserved and not hard for fans/media to understand. If they think a press release is necessary, I think they should simply be up front about what would quickly be obvious, and not insult the intelligence of the fans/media.

 

[Ozcuse]

I think anyone would see it for what it is - a smoke screen. QB's get hurt all the time and backups go in. This does not result in the QB coach "getting more opportunities in assisting" with the game plan, or at least the need to issue a press release stating as such. This would effectively mean that the part talking about the QB injury would (rightly) be ignored and the "due to...our offensive performance" part would be the focus, as that is the part that would typically call for a press release.

Nice idea and all, but being evasive - especially when it isn't convincing - will only serve to whip things up further. The demotion would be richly deserved and not hard for fans/media to understand. If they think a press release is necessary, I think they should simply be up front about what would quickly be obvious, and not insult the intelligence of the fans/media.

If the rumors are true, I guess we will see what they have to say.

This is why I never hire friends or family- when it doesn't work out it makes it that much tougher.

 

[IthacaBarrel]

I wouldn't put anything out there, internal change should be just that. Right now they are both in the box, none of us would know any different

 

[Crusty]

THIS IS PURELY WHAT I FEEL THE COACH SHOULD SAY IF RUMORS ARE TRUE

"Due to Terrell Hunt's injury which will keep him out for an extended period of time and our offensive performance over the past few games, I am giving Quarterback Coach Tim Lester more responsibilities in assisting Offensive Coordinator George McDonald prepare the offensive game plan and with play calling duty during certain game situations. Coach Tim Lester has extensive offensive coordinator experience and he knows the capabilities of our backup quarterback (not known who at this time) better than anyone else on the coaching staff. I am confident that he along with Coach McDonald will prepare a game plan that will put us in the best position against Florida State and our schedule going forward.

Based on my evaluation of our performance both in practice and on the game field in the next few weeks, there may be more changes ahead. Go Syracuse football and the Next Man Up!"

-This focuses on the injury and the fact that Lester works with the backups every day and knows their capabilities. McDonald works with the rest of the offense and doesn't really have time to know what our backups can/cannot do.

-It would also let McDonald save some face as he is not completely out, just has to share some responsibilities due to the injury situation.

-It also gives Coach Shafer an out to potentially shift back to 100% McDonald or to completely transition to Lester depending on how the team/coaches respond.

What do you think?

You only have one shot at telling the truth in these obvious circumstances. Just put it out there and thank him for his service and move on.

 

[Ozcuse]

I wouldn't put anything out there, internal change should be just that. Right now they are both in the box, none of us would know any different

I would agree if the rumors weren't already spreading like wildfire. Coach will be asked during his show at Destiny this week, the AD or Giansante will be asked on the radio this week so if it has any truth they should probably get in front of it with a unified message before Coach starts blabbering about ISIS and ebola and whatever else again.

 

[BlazeOrange]

I agree with everybody...
- No need to issue a press release or even offer up any information
- Will need to prepare a response to the inevitable questions
- Shifting focus to Hunt's injury and Lester's familiarity with the remaining QBs is a good dodge and valid point to say that his gameday/planning role will increase - leave it at that

What not to do:
- Get caught up in discussing job titles (current or re-assigned ones)

If prompted, just throw out some coachspeak about how the staff all works together anyway, BAU... And hope no one directly asks who's gonna call the plays next weekend.

 

[Ozcuse]

For the record, I liked my statement more than HCSS from a putting out fires point of view. I'm not privy to the internal discussions of the coaching staff though, and maybe McDonald told him to do it.