Arguing that Heacock was a competent HC is like arguing turtles are fast. "If it wasn't for those tiny legs..they'ed clobber the rabbit"
After Heacock's first two years (in which was was playing with Tressels players), he only had a winning record in the Gateway two out of seven years. Despite inheriting a playoff caliber team, it took Heacock six years to get in the playoffs, and he never made it back in since. Wolf likely will have a playoff team in his fourth season as HC. Heacock destroyed a playoff caliber team, and Wolf has progressively (albeit slowly) improved a broken team.
FBS teams clobbered Heacock teams, and the Wolf beat one in his third season. Heacock never beat UNI in nine years, the Wolf did it in his third year.
My point is, Heacock is pale in comparison to the Wolf...or Tressel...or Narduzzi.... His contract renewal after no playoff appearances IMO is scandalous, and should have lead to the dismissal of the AD.
Also, if Heacock's contract was renewed after decimating a team and having no playoff appearances (again, this team made the playoffs 9/12 years prior to Heacock), why would the Wolf's contract not be renewed after making the playoffs this year?
How is Purdue's defense this year? Thank God for that 6 point win over the Sycamores!
Nation.....I haven't read anyone here talk about how fantastic a coach Heacock was or wasn't (me included). What we've all been saying was that preparation wise, Heacock blows Wolford out every single time, with arguably less talent and depth. If, and I mean IF YSU loses these last 2 games....both coaches will have identical records in their first 4 years. And according to you, it will be with identically stacked teams. Heacock with Tressel leftovers and Wolford with his own guys who have supposedly provided better talent and depth than in the last decade. I don't think anyone is questioning the talent he's brought in, but development-wise, sorry man this coaching staff is not getting it done. Now, I will never question anyone's gripes with Heacock being around WAY to long, as I thought he should've never received an extenstion.
Back to Wolford, yesterday was the first time in nearly 4 years he actually admitted a loss was on him. Whether he meant it or not....only he knows, but that was a great step forward, at least for me. When it comes down to it, he is the Head Coach and a loss that happens because of a lack of preparation/focus or a lack of making a bold decision is strictly on him and no one else. I don't care what anyone says.
I would like to add a caveat to this, I'm 100% behind Wolford and this team. I hope they get their crap straight and play well. Even though I'm his biggest critic, he has brought an err of excitement but at the end of the day, if there are no playoff runs.....he'll be a failure, just like Heacock. And if he is the man he claims to be....when this season is over (regardless of what happens), he will tell Stollo, no contract extension discussions until next season. Because let us not forget, Kurt Hess is a senior. And there is no likely replacement at this time.