"They didn't have to stay at Penn State, but they committed to each other, they committed to Penn State, and they committed to our coaching staff. I felt it was important that they understood that I was committed to them. What are you if you're not a man of your word?"
That's such a damning quote from O'Brien (before the UCF game last season). And you're right. I think it's horrible that these KIDS can't reverse something that they were essentially conned into while the coaches can leave whenever they want. But I think a lot of the recruits and players who stayed are the same players who would remain committed to a program no matter who the head coach is (sans the All-America wide receiver who was going to the NFL even if O'Brien had stayed).
But I do believe that, when he took the job at Penn Stae, O'Brien planned to stay at PSU beyond two years. He was definitely using the job as a springboard to a "dream job" in the NFL (but really, who doesn't in the college ranks?). I just don't understand what made the opportunity in Houston different in comparison to similar opportunities that come up every year.
That's such a damning quote from O'Brien (before the UCF game last season). And you're right. I think it's horrible that these KIDS can't reverse something that they were essentially conned into while the coaches can leave whenever they want. But I think a lot of the recruits and players who stayed are the same players who would remain committed to a program no matter who the head coach is (sans the All-America wide receiver who was going to the NFL even if O'Brien had stayed).
But I do believe that, when he took the job at Penn Stae, O'Brien planned to stay at PSU beyond two years. He was definitely using the job as a springboard to a "dream job" in the NFL (but really, who doesn't in the college ranks?). I just don't understand what made the opportunity in Houston different in comparison to similar opportunities that come up every year.
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