A Note To National Journalists: Fridge Isn't On the Hot Seat

by Ben Broman on Sep 16, 2009 4:47 PM EDT in Football Comment 2 comments

I'll admit it, after a blowout loss to California and a close win over James Madison, it's not hard to think Ralph Friedgen's job is in jeopardy. Honestly, I kind of wish there was some pressure on the big man - it could help in the Ws and Ls category (not saying he's unmotivated, but it's a possibility.

But before Maryland sneaks out a win over MTSU and the national media begins to discuss how Fridge's chair happens to be quite toasty (Fox didn't even wait that long - this is actually the article that made me write this), I'd like to issue a clarification: it isn't. Unless Maryland loses every game from here on out, it won't be. Fridge decides when Fridge leaves...as long as it's within three years.

That's not to say he's earned it, per se - as a matter of philosophy, I don't believe anyone's earned the right to pick when they leave, not even HOF Gary (let's not get into that debate again, though). With that said, he's not getting fired anytime soon, for one simple reason: economics.

Maryland's athletic department isn't swimming in cash, and paying a large buyout isn't feasible, now or any time soon. Even if they could afford the buyout, James Franklin is guaranteed to be the replacement, who has been named Coach-In-Waiting, and legally has to be the coach by 2012 (ie, three years) or he gets a $1mil buyout.

It's doubtful that Franklin, the current OC, would change much - it wouldn't be a massive alteration, only slight adjustment. The offense would remain the same. The recruiting would remain the same. The defense would likely remain the same, as long as Don Brown can pull the crew together enough to hold his job for another few seasons. The only thing that would change would be energy level and certain, minor philosophical changes - nothing to spend a huge amount over so it arrives two years earlier.

It might be fun conjecture for bloggers and national writers, but no, Fridge isn't on the hot seat, and won't be. Now, if I can just figure out a way to get this to ESPN to preempt any attempt to say contrary, I'd be fine.

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seems defeatist

Your post sounds kinda defeatist, don’t you think? I thought the same for Chan but eventually the fans just grew incredibly tired of stagnancy, lack of progression offensively, etc.. Big time guys don’t want their money going into the garbage can so to speak.

Do you think it says something about your program if your fans aren’t willing to spend for a winning coach or find ways to motivate the big man to win? Seems like Gary gets tons of pressure but Ralph gets none, from my POV.

Fight, win, drink, get naked

by BirdGT on Sep 17, 2009 8:31 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Perhaps

It might sound defeatist, but there’s an increasingly smaller budget for football. Our AD, Debbie Yow (who is hopefully/likely on a shortlist of potential replacements for Miles Brand), doesn’t give nearly enough support to the revenue sports, chiefly football. When that’s combined with budget cutbacks all across the board for the university…well, it’s not pretty. It’s not a matter of want – it’s simply impossible to pay for a buyout and stay competitive, and even then you basically retain the same coaching staff. Not worth it. If the economy wasn’t like this, it’s definitely possible (nay, probable) that he could’ve been forced out after this year. In a recession…not happening.

As for the Gary/Ralph thing, we’re a basketball school through and through. Nothing compares to men’s basketball for us, even though we haven’t been elite lately. That should explain why Gary has a lot more pressure on him.

by Ben Broman on Sep 17, 2009 3:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs