Tress I love you, now change or bye bye! This is a University and athletic powerhouse because of one reason. Football. There is a downward trend going in Columbus and an upward trend going on in Cincy. That's not good for the future!

Things need to change, because after this loss there isn't any more stat to rely on. We can't even out athlete teams anymore!

Anybody we get here is going to be able to recruit and anybody we get here is going to have to recruit kids that get in meeting certain guidelines i.e. grades. We need someone who can produce, teach, and develop the talent that we get. It's not happening on the o-line, running backs, wide receivers and most especially QB.

Convert or die!!!

It is the AD's job to "coach the coaches." Smith should tell JT to practice what he preaches: set aside the ego for the "good of the group." But before Smith does anything, he has to have Gordon Gee's backing; it seems Gee believes JT can walk on water

I'm with you Duane, but here would be my pitch to Tressel if I were Gene Smith. I take out my check book and say "Who do you want?" "We will spare no expense, we will go after absolutely anyone you want and pay them whatever it takes." If Tressel says there is no coach in all of the land that he would want... no coach who he is impressed with and would hand over the offense to... then you know you he is being unreasonable, and a firmer approach may be needed.

Completely agree.

It needs to be done very gently so as not to bruise any egos, but it absolutely needs to be done.

I certainly love Tress the man and you've got to respect what he's done on average. However, I fear he has to go. Still, I'd let him decide after told the conditions under which he'll operate from here on out.

I for one certainly don't want him making the choice of new OC or even working up the list as you suggest as options. Nor do I want him having ANY hand in the offense from here on out...not even "go / no go" decisions.

For that reason, I'd fire Bollman immediately and exile Tress to the press box for the rest of the season. I'd tell Tress he can be figurehead HC with no offensive input from here on out, he can resign / be fired or we can find some other admin role for him. I doubt he will want to still be HC without control...or at least a hand in...of offense. Nonetheless, I'd give him his choice of the above options.

Then I'd promote Uecker to OL coach and Hazell to interim OC for the rest of the season. I'd tell them they are coaching for their jobs and if the Offense / Line is not spectacularly better (top 20%) over the last 3 games and bowl...they're fired. I'd also bring in Walt Harris as QB coach immediately (even if it cost big bucks to talk him/Akron into coming RIGHT NOW). Walt's job would be safe for 2 years. The other Off. coaches would be told they are all auditioning now and the new OC / HC will decide their fate in Dec. / Jan.

Finally I'd launch an OC / HC-in-waiting or HC search from FBS schools with the most balanced, highest scoring offenses vs. the best competition. I'd pay them whatever it takes to bring them in (whether Tress hangs around or not)...they may make more than Tress if need be.

And that would be a good start at fixing our problems.

So to answer your question Duane (How far would I go?), I wouldn't shoot Tress. However, I would move him out of the Offensive room...with muscle if necessary.

If Tressel can go and hire anyone he wants, he will probably seek on the creator of the quarterback draw.

Big Man, you have never given any of us insight on why Bollman is leaving and if it is his choice, Tressels,,,

Hazell was OC for two years at Oberlin?

We have a quarterback coach who's a video coordinator.

What about Cam Cameron as OC? I thought when he drafted TGII -- I heard he talked to Tress before making the selection?

One thing is that Keith Uecker is not experienced enough as a coach. He has playing background, that may be questionable.

Siciliano, Dick Tressel and Jim Bollman should either be fired or retire.

OC/WR - Darrell Hazell (allowed to call the plays)
QB - University Appointed New hire/Not Tressel
RB - University Appointed New Hire/Not Tressel
OL - University Appointed New Hire/Not Tressel

LB/DC - Luke Fickell (no longer co)
DL - Jim Heacock
CB - Taver Johnson
S - Paul Haynes

Nothing will change because Gene Smith does not have enough power in him to force changes and Jim Tressel won't adapt/grow/move on.

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written by dumbme, October 19, 2009
If Tressel can go and hire anyone he wants, he will probably seek on the creator of the quarterback draw.

Big Man, you have never given any of us insight on why Bollman is leaving and if it is his choice, Tressels,,,

Already a done deal that he is headed to an administrative position.

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written by MYoung, October 19, 2009
Hazell was OC for two years at Oberlin?

We have a quarterback coach who's a video coordinator.

That is what his bio says.

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written by Buckeye Chuck, October 19, 2009
What about Cam Cameron as OC? I thought when he drafted TGII -- I heard he talked to Tress before making the selection?

I could quickly get right with that. Known to be a great recruiter too. Michigan assistant and Indiana head coach so he knows we don't cheat our stinkin' guts out like the SEC schools. Sounds like a great fit to me.

I have a lot of doubt that Cam Cameron would go from OC with the Ravens to OC with OSU. I just don't see it.

Duane you can't neuter a coach like that. Look at the quagmire that is Jim Zorn and his "offensive consultant" Sherm Lewis. JT is not an idiot and I don't think Smith should start putting lists of who his OC should be. After all, what makes Smith more qualified to put such a list together? And what high profile coach is going to come here with an AD that just neutered somebody as successful as JT? An Urban Meyer type is not going to come here if that is how the AD is going to operate.

JT is not going to go outside of his network IMO. If he is your coach you have to live or die with that as AD and I for one do not think it is time for the nuclear option. If I am Smith I first wait and see if Hazel rights the ship by the end of the season. If he does, no need to converse. If the ship continues to sink I have a man to man talk and suggest that JT go outside of the staff but stay within his network and find an OC. JT is connected enough that I think he could bring in somebody talented and that he trusts.

Is this post from the same person that wrote the Buckeyes would the the National Champion in 2010/2011 less than one month ago?

Duane, I think you need to take another day away from the keyboard and collect your thoughts. Go one way or another...you can't have both.

There are so many things to love about Tress. He is EXACTLY the kind of man in terms of what he stands for every father wants his son to be influenced by in arguably the most critical years of a young mans life.

We see the result of the choice of Tress to have a hands off approach to the defense. One is hard pressed in his 9 years as a head coach to find a "bad defense" at Ohio State.

The evidence is damning. Outside the junior and senior seasons the OSU offense, in total offense, has failed to finish in the top half of the NCAA. Actually it is worse than that as it has finished in the bottom 1/3rd. 2001 67th in scoring offense, bottom 1/3rd. 2002 41st in scoring offense. 2003 74th in scoring offense bottom 1/3rd. 2004 71st bottom 1/3. 2005 26th in scoring offense. 2006 8th in scoring offense. 2007 41st did not make the top 1/3rd. 2008 43rd did not make the top 1/3rd.

2009 currently 57th or near the bottom half.

If the goal is to always average 30 points a game the Jim is consistently failing. With Ohio States defense, if the offense consistently scored 30 points per game then OSU would have lost only 5 games since 2001.

The fact that as memory serves, the only offensive coach to even interview for a HC or OC job at another university is Hazel is further evidence that supports the concept that the Offensive staff is largely to blame.

The evidence is too strong to ignore. I really believe the problem isnt play calling its coaching and scheme.

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written by Coolrahski, October 19, 2009
Duane you can't neuter a coach like that. Look at the quagmire that is Jim Zorn and his "offensive consultant" Sherm Lewis. JT is not an idiot and I don't think Smith should start putting lists of who his OC should be. After all, what makes Smith more qualified to put such a list together? And what high profile coach is going to come here with an AD that just neutered somebody as successful as JT? An Urban Meyer type is not going to come here if that is how the AD is going to operate.

JT is not going to go outside of his network IMO. If he is your coach you have to live or die with that as AD and I for one do not think it is time for the nuclear option. If I am Smith I first wait and see if Hazel rights the ship by the end of the season. If he does, no need to converse. If the ship continues to sink I have a man to man talk and suggest that JT go outside of the staff but stay within his network and find an OC. JT is connected enough that I think he could bring in somebody talented and that he trusts.

The consensus is that we are beyond hamstringing him. He has created a situation with his insular ways that we don't trust him. We expect him to go out and find a guy who is going to do the same thing we are doing right now.

The ironic part is Jim Tressel is a man most of us would trust with our lives. That we no longer trust him to do the right thing in regards to the offense speaks volumes about this situation.

Not that I am anybody important, but I've got your back on this one Duane. I think what you've outlined in terms of the 3 options is something that absolutely needs to happen for the good of the program, and the recruits.

Duane this post are the ramblings of and idiot.
You do not even sound like DL would you after winning 84 percent of your games 1NC and more Big Ten Championships than any Coach but WWH take this offer.If you say yes then you are mentally retarded.

You are a good man that I have no doubt and you have a arrogance that a guy that does what you do has to have because with out any real scouting or recruiting credentials your critics which at times I can be will always bring that up.But for all your bluster and self admiration you know football and you know how Big Time coaches think.

Has this offence under JT been poor in most years I agree 2002 with out Clareet it was throw deep and pray.2003-4 bad bad 2005 pretty good 2006 great 2007 started of very good got worse as TB faltered.08 was poor 09 bad the pattern is JT needs a solid QB he can trust right now Pryor is having to many what was the play again moments he is erratic,confused ,and honestly over thinking.This offense should have stayed in the I formation and used the shotgun at times.All this spread did was exaggerate his already flawed fundamentals. A three and 5 step drop would have allowed him to practice over and over the proper mechanics and footwork needed to throw with power.Stop the juvenile rants about what gENE Smith should do you do not really think he can tell JT who can coach for him Do you and if you guys would get your wish and get JT relieved of his job whatever coach you ingrates bring in better beat Michigan more than JT and better go 12-0 every year because I will tell you chief you don't know what you got until its gone NUFF SAID.

The consensus is that we are beyond hamstringing him. He has created a situation with his insular ways that we don't trust him. We expect him to go out and find a guy who is going to do the same thing we are doing right now.

The ironic part is Jim Tressel is a man most of us would trust with our lives. That we no longer trust him to do the right thing in regards to the offense speaks volumes about this situation.

Either he's your coach or he is not if you are the AD. Bottom line is if you don't trust him then he shouldn't be your coach. I don't think the majority are ready to see JT hit the road, and if you do be careful what you wish for. Besides like I said earlier Tressel is not an idiot. He sees the wagons circling. You yourself pointed out the defense changed philosophy when push came to shove. I think we are about to see the same with the offense.

A follow up comment Duane even though I just posted -- is there anything the average fan can do to help make something like this happen without yelling, screaming, and acting like children?

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written by Razrback16, October 19, 2009
A follow up comment Duane even though I just posted -- is there anything the average fan can do to help make something like this happen without yelling, screaming, and acting like children?

You can continue to do what you are doing right now. Anyone who does not think the power of public opinion matters in this is out of touch. Letters to the editor matter. At least they did at one time. Now it is the internet that drives this. That the public would support or oppose the removal of a coach matters to those making the decision. Fallout has an impact on those decision makers. If they can make a big decision like this with the publics support, it makes it easier to do. An unhappy public stays home. They don't buy tickets. They don't spend money at the stadium. I have friends that are longtime season ticket holders to the Browns. They are going to give up their seats after this season. An unhappy public does not watch games, hurting advertising rates. An unhappy public does not go to Schottensteins to buy a jersey and then notice something else to spend money on too. An unhappy public boos the team in earshot of recruits and microphones.

People that make decisions pay attention to what the public is saying. There are some that argue that there is more to this than what is happening on the field. I find it ironic that they often tout the overall record as one of Tressels pluses, but I digress. The question I ask them is why do they assume that decision makers are not football fans, and are as tired of this as we are?

Either he's your coach or he is not if you are the AD. Bottom line is if you don't trust him then he shouldn't be your coach. I don't think the majority are ready to see JT hit the road, and if you do be careful what you wish for. Besides like I said earlier Tressel is not an idiot. He sees the wagons circling. You yourself pointed out the defense changed philosophy when push came to shove. I think we are about to see the same with the offense.

Lets hope. I think the number of people who want Jim Tressel to go is a pretty small one. I feel confident speaking for those that have chimed in that the best possible outcome is keep our coach and get a new offensive coordinator who will bring an effective offense to the program.

What??
written by BuckeyeHouse, October 19, 2009
Is this post from the same person that wrote the Buckeyes would the the National Champion in 2010/2011 less than one month ago?

Duane, I think you need to take another day away from the keyboard and collect your thoughts. Go one way or another...you can't have both.

That has not changed. Keep in mind that I have believed we would have a new OC since before the season started. I made that statement from the belief that we would have someone else running the offense. I believe that even with Hazel it will be better. We will have the horses. When you see this train wreck of the offense, do you not think that anything would be better than more of this?

Duane: Gene Smith is a smart man and an excellent AD. I'm sure he will sit down with JT aftter the season and asses the status of the football program as he does with all the coaches at OSU. I'm sure he will ediscuss the failure of the offense and they will discuss ways to fix it, including hiring a new OC from outside the program.
Remember though, we only pay the OC about $250,000. Most SEC teams pay $500 or better. Will we do that?
In addition, if you hire a Mark Whipple or Norm chow cline, they will want to bring in their own and so out with Doc Tressel and Siciliano, at least. Will JT agree with that?
We are in a serious predicament and it will take enormous skills on the part of Gene Smith to resolve it.

Ok... I wanted to wait and think about this before replying today. How often has forcing a HC to get an OC from outside his circle worked? I can think of a few examples where it didn't.

I really just hate the fact we're in this mess to begin with, and frankly it brings my opinion of Tressel down some. Not just the offense, but the fact we've had so many years of bad offenses, and despite all the evidence that change is needed I don't think Tressel will do so without outside pressure. And that's very disappointing. He has so much integrity and does so many right things, it drives me nuts to see this kind of hubris.

Marvin brings up some really good points. Fact is the BigTen doesn't pay its coaches competitive wages, and it shows on the field. I'm sorry that paying the staff might cut the budgets down for some of the non-revenue sports--but ask Florida how much extra money those two NCs in three years brought the program. When OSU won in 02 the revenue went up dramatically as I recall. You pay these coaches to bring that revenue in, and you have to pay competitive wages to get the best coaching talent.

I think we haven't seen changes pushed because, frankly, we were still making BCS games and therefore still seeing big payouts. I don't think the Delany and the presidents/ADs really care if the teams win or lose so long as revenue doesn't dip. But that's a side point.

I love what Tressel has done with this program on the whole. It kills me to consider this. But, honestly, I wonder if getting a new OC (including Hazell) will help, since I don't see Tressel releasing the death grip he has on things right now. If the only alternative is an ultimatum of "let go of the offense or you're fired", I can't help but think we're in a lose-lose situation. He won't let go, and I don't want him fired, but something has to give.

What I see here (and on Bucknuts) is that most want their cake and to eat it too. Life just isn't that way. So it's time to man up to reality. The (reality) bottom line is what I laid out above...in all likelihood "Tress has to go" is the only answer.

We should give him (and he's earned) the option. However, the only solution is to take his hands (and network/cronies) COMPLETELY off the Offense. And that very likely means Tress has to go.

It is what it is (and has been 8.5 years). So we need to venerate him, waive good-bye and move on. The Senator can still be an Ambassador for OSU if he desires. (He just can't be the HC as he understands the job anymore.)

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written by marvin schrager, October 19, 2009
Duane: Gene Smith is a smart man and an excellent AD. I'm sure he will sit down with JT aftter the season and asses the status of the football program as he does with all the coaches at OSU. I'm sure he will ediscuss the failure of the offense and they will discuss ways to fix it, including hiring a new OC from outside the program.
Remember though, we only pay the OC about $250,000. Most SEC teams pay $500 or better. Will we do that?
In addition, if you hire a Mark Whipple or Norm chow cline, they will want to bring in their own and so out with Doc Tressel and Siciliano, at least. Will JT agree with that?
We are in a serious predicament and it will take enormous skills on the part of Gene Smith to resolve it.

One thing where I am not in agreement with my change now brothers is that we must go out and get a "name" coach. I don't see that as necessary. Go out and get a talented unknown. There is a most prominent example sitting right in front of us. He currently occupies the office marked "Head Coach" in the WHAC.

Maybe that coach is Darrell Hazel. A friend contacted me privately after reading the blog today and brought up something that I had not considered in all of this. Jim Tressel is who is. He does not trust easily. Alot of people don't. I have been accused of being a not so trusting person a time or two in my life. If we try to bring someone in that is outside JTs comfort zone, what are the odds that he will trust him enough to listen to him?

I agree to a large extent with JarheadBuck. The difficult part is that it is tough to separate your opinion of Jim Tressel the man and Jim Tressel the football coach. I have had the honor to meet Coach Tressel and he is a wonderful human being. Off the field, he embodies everything you want in a football coach.

Performance on the field is another story. It is easy to pretend the frustration is all due to Ohio State's loss to Purdue, but this debate has been taking place for the past 5-6 years when skepticism began to creep in for some posters. I was perplexed after changes did not occur after the loss to Florida. Even more after OSU lost to LSU, USC, and Texas and had many close calls along the way. I was dumbfounded when no changes happened this past off-season. Like many fans, I was sure that Hazell's involvement in the offense was going to turn things around. OSU fans are perpetually hoping that we turn the corner and it just has not happened.

At this point, I think it is too late for Coach Tressel to make that change. I am still not convinced he will make that change. Even assuming he did, it will take a couple of years for the new system/style of recruiting to be implemented before we may finally see progress. By that time we will once again be a young team and be a couple of years off from recruiting. Better to make the change, instead of drag the program down.

I have no issue with Smith dictating a few terms to JT... and if JT doesn't like it then leave...

I used to die for gameday... watched every second of every game intently... not much anymore... I watched USC intently and have paid half attnetion to the others... this offense is so painful its not even funny...

'Sis' scares me as he is the only coach I can remember to have his own fan club w/o proving anything... well the only coach since Bollman... Bollman & Sis got pimped royally for whatever reason... when assistants who do nothing have people pumping them up it causes me concern...

If 'Sis' was so good - why would he want to be a QB coach at OSU when you aren't really the QB coach - as JT sticks his nose in there so much? I don't get it... why would anyone with talent want to play 2nd fiddle and let JT really call the shots at QB?

If I'm Smith I would give JT a choice - get rid of friends & family or leave...

Just get new coordinators on both sides of the ball and we'll be fine. I know the defense has looked good, but as soon as someone throws them a curve ball things fall apart. We lack the ability to make in game adjustments. Keep Tressel and find someone who can open up the offense. I have friends who are SEC fans and they can see that we have talent and wonder the same things we do.

I know JT felt tremendous heat after the USC loss. That sparked some change where we saw Hazel take over more responsibility. This loss has brought down an inferno.

Look, I am not advocating firing JT but I also believe it is a HUGE mistake to wait until things begin to fall completely apart and THEY WILL if he doesn't make some SWEEPING changes to the entire way they approach offense.

JT states that their goal is 250/200 or 450 in total yards per game. His BEST season reached 384. By any standard when you NEVER reach your goal you are consistently failing.

The contrast between the defense and offense is as stark a contrast as there is. JT has pretty much a hands off approach to the defense and TRUSTS his coaches to get the job done. WITH REGULARITY, the OSU defense is in the discussion for best in the conference and in the country.

Just looking at the scores, OSU would have lost a total of 5 games with the defenses they have had and had the offense scored 30 points and Id argue they wouldn't have lost that many because of the pressure that a scoring offense puts on the opponent.

Only twice have the buckeyes just flat out been smoked... Floria 41-14 and USC 35-3. With an offense that averaged 30 game Id argue that they USC game would have been completely different.

This business of ROUTINELY finishing in the bottom 1/3rd in total offense is completely unacceptable and it has to stop immediately. There is FAR too much talent on the offensive side of the ball for the offenses to be this inept. It starts at how they coach the positions particularly on the OL and ends with a schizophrenic mishmash of difference concepts that lack any pretense of continuity.

I am an alumni, and a diehard Buckeye fan, but the people on this board are the main reason it is hard to be a Buckeye fan sometime. The arrogance of a fan base that wants to force out its coach after his first loss to a non top ten team in forever is amazing. All of you people that know exactly how JT needs to do things are amazing. You must have all been great football players and coaches.

Get some perspective. JT is not a perfect coach. I was as frustrated as anyone Saturday. But look at the Tressel era as a whole. Then step back from the ledge, and get over yourselves.

I for one am tired of seeing a team that plays the game not to lose. At some point you have to play with aggression. That starts with Tress.

I think he is coaching a system that he is unfamiliar with. Think about what Tressel has had success with.

1. A big punishing RB. i.e. Mo C, Beanie........which we don't have

2. Running your offense out of the I formation.......We are now a spread team that runs out of the shotgun 95% of the time.

3. A QB that manages the game and doesn't commit turnovers......We have a true Soph that is not making progress. He seems so afraid to make mistakes that he plays tight and ends up trying to do too much.

Whether Tressel wants to realize it or not, the game has changed and continues to change. You have to scheme to get your playmakers the ball in space. You have use misdirection to keep defenses off balance and to keep them from keying in on plays. You know it is bad when you can watch a game and know what offensive play they are going to run. Because if oyu and I know then I can garuntee the defense knows as well.

With that said changes need to be made. Duane, Any rumblings about possible candidates to replace Bollman after the year?

LABuck:

Get some perspective. JT is not a perfect coach. I was as frustrated as anyone Saturday. But look at the Tressel era as a whole. Then step back from the ledge, and get over yourselves.

One could make the argument that the grumblings you're hearing now are *from* taking a look at the Tressel era as a whole. We've been terrible on offense almost every year he's been coach. The stats on this are well documented at this point.

I don't want Tressel to be fired. I just want a perfect world where he released his grip on the offense, we get a great set of assistant coaches, and the hair on my head grows back. I'm not sure which of these is least likely though.

Saw on ESPN they interviewed USC's QB coach (or an ex-qb coach) and they asked him what his thoughts were on TP. He said the kid is extremely talented and had no question he could have success. Problem is he has developed NO Rhythm. He needs to know on a slant rounte from under center it is three steps and throw, from the shotgun it is one step and throw. On a post it is 5 steps from under center, from the shot gun it is three steps.

TP is getting the ball and running sideways, shuffling feet, throwing off wrong foot. From a techinical standpoint it is horrible to watch from anyone remotely familiar with the QB position. He needs a good QB coach that can work with him and the OC to develop that rhythm!

Our OC, QB coach, and head coach are coming off like they dont have a clue! They have one of the most dangerous potential weapons in the NCAA and they just are baffled how to use him.

Try spelling his name right.