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The thought.
In the age of instant gratification, it's easy for fans to feel like if the coach isn't winning today, then somebody else can win tomorrow. The truth is that it's not that simple. Countless programs have been destroyed by premature coaching changes. One good example would be the Kansas Jayhawks who, if you don't remember, finished the 2007 season 12-1 and ranked No. 7 in the AP poll. Since then, the Jayhawks have gone through three head coaches, none lasting more than three years and the 14-58 record since 2009 speaks for itself. This is obviously an extreme example, but it's not an isolated case either. Just look at how much the Texas Tech defense suffered from the constant changes in defensive coordinator since 2009.
Of course, a lot falls on the coach as well and if a floundering coach is allowed to stay for too long, it could damage a program for years to come. So the question is, how do you determine if a coach deserves time to build or just needs to be cut loose? Most fans will go straight to the win/loss column for guidance. The problem with that is win totals reveal very little about the process itself. Bill Snyder, for example, went 26-26 in his first five seasons at Kansas State before taking the Wildcats to constant 10 win seasons.
If not the win totals, then what should we look at when analyzing a coach? The losses. Specifically, what issues caused the loss and what is being done to correct these issues. If the team is showing improvement, then it makes sense to allow the team to continue to build on their current system.
So what do the facts say about Kliff Kingsbury in four and a half seasons?
The facts.
- Texas Tech was ranked 128th in overall defense the last season under Kliff Kingsbury. This year the defense is ranked 99th overall and 13th overall in takeaways.
- The offense was ranked at the top of the FBS last season. This season the offense is ranked 7th overall but has been in the top ten each season under Kliff Kingsbury.
- Last season, Texas Tech averaged 12 penalties per game. This season they averaged seven per game.
The take.
Based on the team's performance this season compared to last, I’d say that Kliff Kingsbury should have at least another year. I may be forced to eat my words if there is a late season collapse but, as we stand this week, I think a coaching change may do more harm than good especially when it comes to the defense which is just starting to find it's stride. Kliff Kingsbury is also one of the best offensive minds in the country and to replace him would mean that our offense will take a hit as well.
Whats your take?
Poll
As we sit today, should Kingsbury get another season?
This poll is closed
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73%
The team is improving. Let Kingsbury continue to build the program.
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26%
Five seasons is enough. Time to move on.