Should Mangino be Fired?

Mark Mangino isn’t known for being a nice guy. People may have put up with his rants in the past, but with new allegations from players who say that the Kansas coach was abusive during practices, some people are, of course, calling for his head on a platter.

Says Mangino of the issue,

“I run this program with a lot of integrity. I have been in this conference for nearly 20 years, and what I can tell you is that our coaching intensity is not largely different from the rest of the Big Eight and Big 12 teams I’ve observed.”

Mangino was accused of poking linebacker Arist Wright in the chest at a recent practice. Former KU running back Jocque Crawford chimed in when he heard the accusations, saying that he transferred because of Mangino’s “disrespectful” coaching tactics. He was joined by two other former players who wished to remain anonymous, but who say that they were also personally attacked by the coach.

Mark Mangion, Image: Newscom

Some players, however, are on Mangino’s side. Senior captain Kerry Meier says that he never knew there was angry tension between Mangino and the rest of the team. He was surprised by Wright’s accusations and had nothing but praise for the coach, who had taken the team to a 5 – 5 record so far this season. The Jayhawks need one more win to qualify for a bowl game.

Some critics, however, have called Mangino “an abusive bully.” Is that enough for him to lose his job?

Let’s say, for a second, that the accusations against Mangino are completely true. Some are saying they’re not and the coach himself denies the claims, but let’s just pretend that they’re completely true, with no exaggeration. Is the lack of respect enough for the coach to be fired?

I don’t think it is, as long as the team is winning games. This isn’t summer camp. This isn’t high school football. If the coach is an ass, these players can make the choice not to play for him. They’re adults. It’s like working for a boss who is an ass. You either deal with it to make your money or you find another job. That’s what these players can do – deal with it to play for Kansas or find another team.

I don’t necessarily think that being disrespectful to the players is a good idea. It isn’t a way to make your team want to play well for you, and it isn’t a good way to grow closer to win games. Mangino will probably have problems recruiting players because of this issue, too. If all of that means that he’s not the best coach possible, then yes, Kansas should fire him.

But if he’s just a jerk…then players need to suck it up or go play for another school. It’s that simple.