Texas Tech loses, D Coordinator Resigns…Coincidence?

After a pitiful showing yesterday by the Texas Tech defense against Oklahoma State, the team’s defensive coordinator, Lyle Setencich announced his resignation. Reports today indicate he was leaving for “personal reasons.” Sounds like Setencich is taking the 49-45 loss personally.

Now, I can’t assume that he’s not truly leaving for legitimate reasons. Maybe a family member is sick. Maybe her received a job offer somewhere better. Maybe his wife threatened to stop having sex if his defensive line doesn’t shape up. In any case, what I’d like to believe is that he really does have a valid reason for leaving.

What is more likely is that the stats of Saturday’s game (and previous games) are finally getting to him. Three rushers from Oklahoma State surpassed 100 yards for the first time in school history in Saturday’s game. Three. School record. That’s inexcusable. Maybe Setencich just doesn’t believe that his d-line will ever be worthwhile, so he’s looking for greener pastures. Maybe he asked himself, “WWJD? What Would Jones Do?”

I don’t like when a coach leaves mid-season. It’s college football, and you can’t be fair-weather about it as a coach. As a player, you only have four years to try to prove that you’re good enough to turn pro and get the million dollar contract. As a coach, you can at least have the decency to stick out the season. It’s your career, and you have until your well into your 60s to get your chance at a winning season. Even if you do have a legitimate reason for leaving (other than “because my defense sucks”), think about all of the hard work you’ve put into these kids this season. Now they have to get used to a new coach and a new way of thinking. That’s tough.

Sigh.

Unless, of course, it is YOU that sucks and they’re making you leave! I have to admit, I don’t know enough about the Texas Tech story here to know what’s really going on.

Well, I don’t think my little rant here will stop any coaches from leaving mid-season, but my heart does go out to the people who get screwed in the process. At Texas Tech, the defensive coordinator position  will be covered by Ruffin McNeill until they find a new one, with the help of Charlie Sadler, the current defensive ends coach.