When Dan Devine left, everyone was happy. They didn't like him. I guess he just wasn't a fan's coach. But he won a National Championship. There was excitement around Gerry Faust. He was a quality human being. He could relate to high school recruits. I remember this. But it didn't take long for the fans base to become exasperated by this folly of a hire, and couldn't understand how the administration could do something so stupid.
Most fans have a very short memory as to how much of the fan base felt about Lou Holtz when he left in 96. Yes, he was a charismatic guy who was loved, and brought the program back from the dead. However, his team was on the decline his last four years. He was perceived as stubborn and set in his ways. He didn't pass enough. The players loved Bob Davie. It didn't take long for into Davie's tenure before Holtz was nominated for Sainthood by the entire fan base. And even today, the legend grows and any criticism of Holtz is considered heresy.
Now I don't have any illusions that the same will hold true for Kelly. He was never as well liked as Holtz, he didn't win a National Championship, and his departure resembled an ugly divorce. However, give fans a little time to get over this. And mark my words, if this program continues to decline under Freeman and the next two hires become Willingham and Weiss, Kelly might not be as radio active as he is perceived right now.
Question of the day: Do you want what you get when you get what you want?