Ross Gone

[Deleted]

I would for us to make an outside-the-box hire, if possible.

[numberonebrave]

Thanks Coach , hope you can leave us with more memories in Oregon .

[Bornthrilla]

May 24, 2022 15:12:39 GMT -5 @westcoastaggie said:

I would for us to make an outside-the-box hire, if possible.

Like a big-named former Olympian? Please explain.

[Deleted]

May 24, 2022 15:20:45 GMT -5 Bornthrilla said:

May 24, 2022 15:12:39 GMT -5 @westcoastaggie said:

I would for us to make an outside-the-box hire, if possible.

Like a big-named former Olympian? Please explain.

Exactly. Allyson Felix would be one person I'd reach out to if I were the AD.

[aggiechamp]

Thank you Coach Ross! We’re rooting for you at Tennessee. Aggie Pride!

[Bornthrilla]

May 24, 2022 15:28:12 GMT -5 @westcoastaggie said:

May 24, 2022 15:20:45 GMT -5 Bornthrilla said:

Like a big-named former Olympian? Please explain.

Exactly. Allyson Felix would be one person I'd reach out to if I were the AD.

Does she have previous coaching experience? Or is that not really a major concern in your scenario?

I think Coach Ross' greatest attribute was his ability to teach the sweet science of sprinting.

[Jesse Jackson's Side eye]

It was fun while it lasted, but this still some bulsihit

(Note: yes, I intentionally spelled it wrong 😂)

[thefriscotxaggie]

You also have to remember he / she had to be responsible for other things as well I.e academic success of his teams. That can be a hurdle for someone with no coaching experience as the kids are student athletes and not just athletes as in the pros

[Deleted]

May 24, 2022 15:36:55 GMT -5 Bornthrilla said:

May 24, 2022 15:28:12 GMT -5 @westcoastaggie said:

Exactly. Allyson Felix would be one person I'd reach out to if I were the AD.

Does she have previous coaching experience? Or is that not really a major concern in your scenario?

I think Coach Ross' greatest attribute was his ability to teach the sweet science of sprinting.

The whole sprint technique item is a huge one. However, I theorize someone with the name caché as Alyson Felix, or any of our recent American T&F stars who are certified coaches, should be able to attract a capable team of coaches to assist in the technique teaching needed. If we can maintain the same level of financial support for T&F that we've provided, why not?

[Babynupe]

Man, this one hurts. While I knew this day would come, it doesn't hurt any less. Wishing Coach Ross and his family much success. Grateful for all that he has done at A&T. As far as a replacement, what are your thoughts on Tim Langford (Current Oklahoma T&F coach; formerly coached at CSU, HPU, and SCSU)? Is it a pipe dream to get Carl Lewis?

[saabman]

May 24, 2022 15:45:44 GMT -5 thefriscotxaggie said:

You also have to remember he / she had to be responsible for other things as well I.e academic success of his teams. That can be a hurdle for someone with no coaching experience as the kids are student athletes and not just athletes as in the pros

Leroy Burrell had no coaching experience when he became the head coach at the University of Houston and Carl Lewis was only a volunteer coach for one year at HU before he was appointed to the coaching staff as a full time coach . In my experience Track student athletes are mostly more academically prepared and focused to handle the academics at the college level then any other sports programs on campus. Felix would make a great addition not only as a coach but she and the program could also benefit from her connection to Athleta and her own brand Saysh footwear.

Also there are numerous individuals right in the state of NC that have the qualifications to fit the bill..i.e Justin Gatlin .

[Aggie One]

May 24, 2022 14:24:55 GMT -5 aggie2039 said:

Aggie incompetence is definitely the straw that broke the camels back.

Much larger programs have been after him for years. Our department and understanding of athletics is so JV we assume the AD needed permission for the hire from their BOT.

Tennessee relieved their coach of responsibilities on Thursday and hires Ross in less than 5 days.

We have an article published on Friday regarding an ineligible athlete, the women’s 4x100 and 4x400 can’t compete now because of this.

We messed up, the HBCU curse of apathy bit us in the butt, hopelessly we learn a lesson and get off our @sses.

Give "the HBCU curse" take a rest. This had been in the making way before today. Power 5's don't hire and fire coaches on a whim. They make very calculated moves when they really want someone. Trust and believe Ross was already gone well before last week.

[Bornthrilla]

Neither Leroy Burrell or Carl Lewis are on the level of coaching that Ross is at.

This will not be an easy replacement. A big name hire without the requisite skill set won't get the job done.

[marchingband1969]

Hey guys, let's face it, we're always going to have this problem! If we hire a coach that builds a great program, somebody with deeper pockets is going to pay him or her to leave. We're never going to be financially able to out bid the big boys for great coaches. So let's just get use to it. Our only other option is to hire marginal coaches that build mediocre programs that no one wants to hire.

So my only suggestion is let's get better at identifying and hiring coaches that the power 5 will eventually want to buy off. I'd rather have a winner like Coach Ross for a short period than some of the mediocre coaches we've hired for a lifetime!

[Deleted]

May 24, 2022 16:33:56 GMT -5 Bornthrilla said:

Neither Leroy Burrell or Carl Lewis are on the level of coaching that Ross is at.

This will not be an easy replacement. A big name hire without the requisite skill set won't get the job done.

To be fair, it took Ross a few years to get the program to where it is. Justin Gatlin or Allyson Felix would be excellent hires pending we maintain the level of support to Track and Field.