The alleged atrocities of Jerry Sandusky have caused some heavy hearts around the country in recent weeks. The Bob Costas interview did little to engender public support for the accused. The public outcry has included indignation toward those in the Penn State family who allowed the supposed behavior to continue over a substantial period of time.
Joe Paterno has experienced unparalleled success between the lines as a football icon. Now, his image will forever be tarnished with this dark cloud hanging over his head. Urban Meyer has been constantly on the minds of Buckeye fans ever since the Jim Tressel termination. He may now be on the boosters’ radar in State College as well. He certainly would be a viable candidate for each job, assuming that he is in it for the long haul.
I, however, believe that Tony Dungy should put his microphone down from NBC Sports and consider taking on another challenge. There are certainly many reasons not to fill the vacancy, but someone like him is needed to restore credibility to the entire athletic department. I realize that coaching on the college level has differences from that on the professional realm, but his track record would bring him instant credibility to any team he chooses to lead.
Tony Dungy is familiar with the Big Ten because he grew up in the Midwest and he played for the Minnesota Golden Gophers. (He still holds many passing records at the school). He is also accustomed with the style of play necessary to compete week in and week out in the league. Dungy has had the reputation of being a life coach to those in need. He has already transformed numerous lives through his coaching tenure, speeches, and books. He could restore an entire football program that once was put on a pedestal by people all across our great nation.
The allegations against Sandusky are worse than murder charges. At least those victims are dead and don’t have to live through the ramifications and with the memories of the incidents for years to come. Dungy can restore order to the situation and would treat the young men in a manner that makes it clear none of the transgressions are their fault. Part of moving on and achieving their goals will rest on whether they are able to push the distractions aside.
The first order for any new coach will be to replace the entire staff-whether the people were part of the ordeal or not. The new blood will boost morale and make progressing much easier. Guilt by association is too strong of a description, but Dungy’s staff would be his own regardless.
The second order of business is to engage in recruiting. It is much easier to be a brilliant coach and compete for national titles if one has the horses. His success in Indianapolis is married to Peyton Manning and any accomplishments at the college level would be because of quality athletes. The Board of Regents has a lot on their plate for the foreseeable future. The head coaching position is simply one item.