Some grasp the coaching turnover we have had recently as being due to negative issues and that we lose more than we gain. Granted, some need to be negative and look for things to rally around, even past disappointments even given a brighter future, but consider:
Gone --
Rippon - 'nuff said
Peterson - Left for a true OC slot. Other choice was to remove Legg from OC, months after he led one of the top offenses in the country, and put Peterson in that place. Will (might?) miss him as QB coach. Legg will take over there...Might be even better for the play caller and coach to get on the same page.
Parker - Enjoyed success here as WR coach. Parlayed that into a position in the Big Ten.
Wade - Seems that many here think he underperformed as OL coach anyway.
Midget - Hardly counts - in and out. Reportedly got $150k more at PSU. Good for him. Will be hard to miss him since he probably never even met a single player here.
Miday - S&C. Attached himself to Bobby Petrino's star at WKU. Petrino looks to be putting together a strong staff, including ex- MU coach and L'ville DC Mike Cassity. A good move, IMO. Wilks followed him there.
Pollard - Think most here wanted him gone anyway (CB coach). Went to his Alma Mater, So Miss.
Not as well publicized, but we also lost our Ass't Head Trainer to a Head Trainer slot at IL and our HS relations director went to UTC, his Alma Mater
Hard to say any of these guys were rats leaving a sinking ship. With a new DC in place and given past performance, Pollard was probably gone anyway. Others elevated themselves.
Gets --
Heater > Rippon. A real coup.
Mirabal - OL. Led FIU's OL to a top ranking in the Sunbelt and national recognition on ESPN. Brought along highly touted recruit Sandley Jean-Felix as a flip from FIU. Excellent Miami area/So FL recruiting contacts (past Ass't HC at FIU, a title usually reserved for top recruiters - perhaps backup in case we someday lose Seider).
Fuller - Believed to be LB coach. Very successful DC at UTC, some thought he would be a candidate for Heater's slot. Big upgrade over Ripon coaching LB's. Could step into DC role in future?
Sinclair - Looks to be a very solid hire for S&C from UCF. Highly decorated.
Gonzales is a reported target/option for receiver's coach which could be an upgrade over Parker. Still have TEs and/or Special Teams, either of which may be covered by a current coach in place. No reason to think the upgrade trend won't continue unless we are running low on funds with the current hires.
This along with another top level recruiting class, including Props, Jucos, and transfers who may see the field immediately, are reasons, not excuses, to be positive going into Spring Practice and a re-tooled CUSA in the Fall.