All I can say is that Wright has infused some energy in the team and it seems he has bought into the role of believing in the program. Pelini was petulant and stubborn.
This guy is approachable, knows the system and has opened the playbook.
I am sure Pelini was holding back Wright. The coaching staff is already in place.
They are young and energetic and are up to date in new recruiting techniques that players nowadays are drawn into.
I like coach Wright and I wish him and the team a healthy and strong final game.

I agree with keeping Wright and the coaching staff in place. These young men have so much excitement and are behind the coaches. Building on what's in place is vital to getting recruits and getting fans into the stadium. As far as seeing what other coaches are out there, we may never know till they are "hired" , and then it's to late.

Wright and his guys are the ones to take this team and move them forward.

I'm typically in favor of going out and having a national search for a coach.  You never know what it is out there until you look.  However, I just don't think what is out there (at our price point), is an improvement over Brian Wright and our current staff.  For FAU to make a change, I think there would need to be a coach that would "move the needle" in terms of exposure/ticket sales/marketing for the program.  Does Luke Fickell do that?  No.  Mark Snyder, Mario Cristobal, or Eddie Gran?  I don't think so.  Unless there is a name out there that I haven't seen yet (or someone willing to work for less than what they are used to or currently earning), I just don't think that the upside is great enough to blow up what is clearly working right now.  

And I completely understand the arguments against retaining Wright and if Chun is looking around to see if there is an upgrade available, I get it…that's his duty to the University.  I know that the success we've had recently has been against (other than Tulane), poor competition and that does factor into the decision.  However, the fact that they are beating these teams so easily should also factor in.  We are going to play bad teams every season, so dominating inferior competition, when last year we were losing to them, is a clear sign of a program growing.  I'm all for change when it is necessary, but to this point, Wright has done all he can to prove he deserves this opportunity.   

fauowls44 said

I'm typically in favor of going out and having a national search for a coach.  You never know what it is out there until you look.  However, I just don't think what is out there (at our price point), is an improvement over Brian Wright and our current staff.  For FAU to make a change, I think there would need to be a coach that would "move the needle" in terms of exposure/ticket sales/marketing for the program.  Does Luke Fickell do that?  No.  Mark Snyder, Mario Cristobal, or Eddie Gran?  I don't think so.  Unless there is a name out there that I haven't seen yet (or someone willing to work for less than what they are used to or currently earning), I just don't think that the upside is great enough to blow up what is clearly working right now.  

And I completely understand the arguments against retaining Wright and if Chun is looking around to see if there is an upgrade available, I get it…that's his duty to the University.  I know that the success we've had recently has been against (other than Tulane), poor competition and that does factor into the decision.  However, the fact that they are beating these teams so easily should also factor in.  We are going to play bad teams every season, so dominating inferior competition, when last year we were losing to them, is a clear sign of a program growing.  I'm all for change when it is necessary, but to this point, Wright has done all he can to prove he deserves this opportunity.   

Posted On: Nov 27th 2013, 8:49 AM #322548

That my friends, was very well said!!! Also, would like to include, all the FAU coaches deserve a chance to stay.

DeltAlumnus said

OWLNATION said

Pat Chun was hired to be the Athletic Director. We haven't even given him a chance to present any of the candidates he's considering. We are stifling the selection process by petitioning for Wright without even knowing who are the potential candidates.

Wright took over at the easy part of the schedule and all of sudden people have become delusional (me included at times) because FAU is winning games decisively against easy opponents. The reality is Wright haven't been tested in competitive games to declare him the de facto person for the head coaching job. I agree he should be considered as one of the potential candidates. Let's give Pat Chun the benefit of doubt to make the decision that's best for the long term interest of the university and the athletic department.

Posted On: Nov 26th 2013, 9:02 PM #322539

I have to agree with this comment. Granted I feel Wright has earned to be in a position to be one of the top candidates for the job. Ultimately he maybe the best person for the job, but let's take a step back and see what other candidates are out there. It would be interesting to see what Wrights long term vision and plan of the program is. Granted with the uncertainty with coaching situation it's tough to criticize the recruiting class, but it looks pretty awful so far. I think we need to find out more about the recruiting efforts we plans to put forth to bring the too talent possible in the area. I think Wright has down the best job possible he can so far, but let's just keep an open mind as well.

Posted On: Nov 26th 2013, 9:32 PM #322541

Very good points and one of the reasons for me to wait and see how we do vs. FIU. If we continue to win and even dominate the lower level teams as we have, I beleive he has done a great job and be in the best position to carry the program forward. Bringing in a new guy and staff and starting over at this point "if" we prove to be one of CUSA's best teams, would be stupid at this point.

And I beleive we are one of the Conferences best. You think if we had this leadership and team unity and spirit vs. Marshall, Rice and even MTSU we would not be 8-3 at this point looking finishing at 9-3 with the only losses at UM, Auburn and at ECU! Heading to a GREAT bowl game with a GREAT payout with GREAT exposure recruiting GREAT future players!

coach wright also has the support of the players too. a group of six lead by J. Johnson talked to the AD and said they want Coach Wright as their head coach. i would link the article, but the palm beach post you have to pay for a online subscription.

If we beat and especially if we dominte FIU than the current staff AND PLAYERS deserve the chance to continue building this program. Not have to start over AGAIN!
Give him a small raise over Pelini's contract and even add in the STIFF WKU type of penalties for leaving early, I beleive Coach W. would accept that limitation for five years to build this program AND his career! He could be and we could have the next Coach Peterson (Boise St.)right here!

Owlshak said

I agree with keeping Wright and the coaching staff in place. These young men have so much excitement and are behind the coaches. Building on what's in place is vital to getting recruits and getting fans into the stadium. As far as seeing what other coaches are out there, we may never know till they are "hired" , and then it's to late.

Wright and his guys are the ones to take this team and move them forward.

Posted On: Nov 27th 2013, 7:50 AM #322545

Based on what I am seeing as far as the 2014 recruits, ex head coach Pelini, interim head coach Wright and staff have dropped the ball on bringing in a better recruiting class compared to last year. The question I have for the Owlsnest community is, do you really think Wright have the established Florida ties and the resume to attract or convince 3+ star recruits to come to FAU and play for him?

If the answer is a resounding "Yes", then Wright is the man for the job. If there are any wavering answers to this question, then Wright is not the candidate for the job.

The safe bet is to pursue a head coach with name recognition, head coaching experience and Florida ties who is familiar with the current offensive and defensive systems in place. He more likely may be willing to retain majority of the current staff.

Just for discussion.  Who says that Wright would keep the current staff?  These guys weren't his picks.  

Here is Yahoo Sports article on the Pelini "situation";

Pelini's resignation withdrawn, FAU fires him - Yahoo Sports

I have been doing A LOT of pro FAU posting to answer the MANY real negative posts regarding FAU! Jump in and defend your program and school guys!