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| Wednesday, January 3 User feedback: Why was Cooper fired? ESPN.com |
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We asked you to comment on John Cooper's firing. What were Cooper's shortcomings as a coach? Why was he unable to lead Ohio State to its first national championship since 1968? Who do you think should be patrolling the sideline next fall in Columbus? Here's what you had to say: I am 54 and have been a Buckeye fan since I could hold a football. It has been disheartening over the past few years to witness the lack of leadership provided by John Cooper and some of his coaching staff. They have created unmotivated, undisciplined and self-centered players. It is time for the OSU spirit to come alive. Losing isn't the end of the world, but losing without effort and heart is unacceptable. I wonder if Lou Holtz would leave South Carolina? Jeff Grossl Las Vegas
I'm sorry to see coach Cooper go, but I think it was the right time. He had a great record in September and October, but just could not finish the season. I think the university should dig deep into their pockets and hire Terry Bowden. He would be a great replacement. The recruits coming in would be excited to play for him. Bob Schaal Reynoldsburg, Ohio
Cooper is a good coach, but if you don't beat the team up north, you will never make it in Columbus. As a former OSU student and lifetime fan, we need a coach who will get fired up on the sideline. Chris Spielman, Lou Holtz, or Glen Mason would be great at OSU. They would demand that the players have mental and physical toughness. We need someone who has been a part of the program and understands the importance of beating Michigan. Matt Nisbet Cincinnati, Ohio
I hated to find out about Cooper's firing. He had a great regular season record at Ohio State for most of his years there, except in the big games. His record against Michigan and in the bowl games contributed to his dismissal. However, an overall lack of discipline by the players and an unimaginative offensive attack certainly didn't help. Glen Mason seems like a candidate for the job. He seems able to get his teams up for the big games. Fred Pagac also seems like a likely candidate, providing something gets changed on the offensive side of the ball. Brad Stephens South Carolina
As a Michigan fan, this is a very sad day in college athletics. John Cooper has meant more to me as a college football fan than I can ever imagine. How can I ever pay him back for his 2-10-1 record against the team up North? Michigan Fan Denver
It's about time. John Cooper's dismal record against Michigan and in the postseason had me calling for his head for several years. He may be a good recruiter and a good coach, but his inability to win big games against Michigan potentially cost the Buckeyes two national titles. Matt Prorok Latham, N.Y.
While I've always been quick to point out Cooper's strong points (i.e. recruiting), and I do not dislike him personally, his firing is welcome news. His record against Michigan and in bowl games speaks for itself. However, he now has clearly lost control of the team. Given the level of fighting among the team, the lack of sportsmanship the players showed at the end of the bowl game, the fact that we can't win an important game despite having the best talent in the nation over the past decade, and the fact that we have the lowest graduation rate in the Big Ten means Cooper must go. Here's hoping Glen Mason (Minnesota) or Walt Harris (Pittsburgh) are interested in leading our program. Brian Keatts New York
I don't believe coach Cooper should have been fired. He wasn't the only one in charge of the team. Coach Cooper deserves the right to stay for all that he has done for Ohio State. Adam Rice Franklin, Tenn.
Being a student at Ohio State, I feel that I have a good idea of the feelings of the student population here. I do not feel bad that he got canned. I will give him one thing, he is a great recruiter. He brought in some of the best athletes ever to play at Ohio State. Bob Motter Columbus, Ohio
Being a hardcore Michigan fan, I love watching OSU lose. However, it really has been a shame to see a team with such talent (I don't believe I'm actually saying this) over the past several years keep coming up short. I honestly think they needed a new coach. It was a little overdue for Cooper. Paul Splitt Cincinnati, Ohio
Cooper's biggest shortcoming, his inability to lead OSU to the national championship, the reason why he couldn't beat Michigan and, ultimately, the reason why he was fired, was the fact that he let so many great players from Ohio slip away to other schools (including, among others, Michigan's two Heisman Trophy winners during his tenure – Desmond Howard and Charles Woodson). Losing games you shouldn't lose is bad enough. Getting beat by players that choose to leave home and play for your arch-rival is humiliating. Hail 2 Michigan Los Angeles
The university is losing a good man. He tried his best to give them what they wanted. The problem is not his. It is the administration and the players problem. John will end up somewhere and be sucessful. Hopefully it will not be in the Big Ten. Donald Black Vinita, Okla.
John Cooper's ultimate failure arises from the fact that he has never been a disciplinarian. His teams make mental mistakes (offsides, illegal motion, blown coverages in the secondary) in key situations due to a lack of focus. The events of the past weeks indicated a further erosion of his control over this program and were a clear signal that a change was necessary. His team imploded due to a lack of direction, discipline and focus. Darren Cook Hermitage, Tenn.
In my opinion, John Cooper was fired two or three years too late. I believe one of his biggest problems was not finding an adequate offensive coordinator/quarterback coach after Walt Harris left for Pittsburgh. Ohio State recruited the best offensive talent across the country, but it was never properly showcased. Michael White Fairfield, Ohio
I love Coop, but he has obviously lost control. It's time for new blood. Dennis Erickson, Walt Harris, and Jim Tressel should all be on the short list Mike Eastman Wadsworth, Ohio |
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