Thoughts on Aaron McFarling's "Time for a change at Tech" Column

Aaron McFarling wrote a fire Bryan Stinespring column without typing that f-word once. McFarling argues Stinespring should be replaced as offensive coordinator, but retained on the staff because of how well he recruits, essentially the dream scenario for most Tech fans. I don't recall any member of the local media that covers Tech writing that Stinespring needs to be replaced. So it's kind of a big deal, at least among those who let Tech football consume way too much of their life, which is all of us here.

It's a gutsy column to write. I don't know how many media sessions McFarling attends, but it's more than the zero you or I do. It's part of his job to look these coaches in the eye. He stuck his neck out, and did it in an extremely professional and respectful manner. That is commendable.

However, I don't agree with everything he said, even though I think the program needs to move in a new direction. Play calling has been a problem. Hell, I wrote way too many words about one play, but that's not really a valid criticism of Stinespring anymore. Also, consistency is good, but being loyal to a fault is bad. Both happened over Tech's remarkable 10 wins a year streak.

Either way, there really is no escaping this.

For an accomplished coordinator, you simply could write this off as a one-year hiccup and vow to fix it next year. But Stinespring never built the statistical equity required to get this benefit of the doubt. The Hokies won in spite of his offenses many times. Now, at long last, they are losing because of them.

I have a few thoughts and questions after reading Aaron's piece.

• What guarantee is there that Stiney will remain in Blacksburg? Would you take a demotion and a pay cut in stride and stick around a place you've never been appreciated at? I know I wouldn't. I'd update my resume and look for new a job. Every college football coach wants a tireless recruiter. Stinespring is that, as well as solid positional coach. He's already had his legs cut out from under him once, when Beamer made Mike O'Cain play caller. I hope he remains a part of this program, and if he does, we all owe him a thank you.
• I think Beamer deserves more blame. The Frankinator gushed over Chad Morris' offense during his media session Clemson week. It was apparent all the pre-snap motion added in the offseason was an attempt to makeover our offense, and Clemson was the model. If Beamer wants a Chad Morris offense, then he needs to hire a Chad Morris. Otherwise, he needs to let his coaches run a system they know, and do what they are good at.
• How much do you trust the Frankinator's judgement with regard to a new hire? He's the man who delegated the responsibilities of the offensive staff, and for years has signed off on a "multiple" offense. Those decisions have resulted in a lack of accountability and identity, respectively. Will Beamer risk going outside of his comfort zone, or will a hire be a retread? Will he trust any new coordinator as much as he does Bud Foster, stay out of their way, and let them do their thing?