Friday, December 11, 2009

Fat Ass Coaches

OK. I fully realize all of us are not all as "svelte" as we used to be, but Notre Dame's hiring of Brian Kelly brings about an interesting question - Who was the last overweight head coach to be successful?
Mark Mangino had some success at Kansas, but we all know how that turned out. And don't bring up Bill Parcells - we are talking straight up college here. Let's be honest - if a fat ass coach walked into your home in an attempt to recruit your son, would that affect your opinion? Think about Pat Fitzgerald from Northwestern, Charlie Strong, or Gene Chizik sitting in your living room as compared to Ralph Friedgen. Just like fat women may turn off guys, do fat coaches have a negative impact on prospects' parents?
Granted, Brian Kelly is not "biggest loser" material, he does have at least 35 lbs too much in the gut. Will that affect his success at Notre Dame? History says yes. Look at the best coaches in college. Steve Spurrier, Nick Saban, Pete Carroll, Bob Stoops, etc. Notice a trend here? Charlie Weis and Mark Mangino were just fired. Ralph Friedgen has one foot on a banana peel.
When the headset is stretched to its limit, you can bet the person wearing it is not too successful. Will be interesting to see if Mr. Kelly follows suit.