We often seem to have oversimplified reactions to adversity, and I like the way you reminded us of concept of “circumstances”. For an example (of many), the circumstances (and off-the-field University objectives) when Bronco took over were vastly different than they seem to be now, at least in terms of urgency. And, over the years significant progress seems to have been made in terms of repairing and guiding a wrecked ship back to sea. But the college football sea has not been gentile, and we are by no means “there”, nor even assured that we are ever going to get “there” (no matter who is Coach).

Given BYU’s and the Church’s (the Generals) constraints on Coach (the captain), does there appear to have been solid leadership through the seas of rapidly changing circumstances? Of course mistakes have been made, and Bronco’s far from perfect, but who isn’t? Especially given the unique constraints and objectives the Generals?

Is anyone else guessing that the head coaching job at BYU is the toughest in the country? And, don’t we suspect there is a giant portion of Coach Responsibilities (and pressures) that virtually all of us are completely unaware of? Don’t we only see the small tip of the iceberg at best?

And, Bronco is not the same person, nor is the BYU program that was a shipwreck in shambles when he took over. If we are reminded of the circumstances over time, we may find that both he and the program have been dynamic over time (even though the win loss record has been static, lol).

I do see fundamental changes (including changes in constraints and philosophy that may go to the core of the program), and I have hope those changes translate to more W’s, and more important for survival of the program, into P5 type status for sustainability.

I’m not sure if “Bronco is…capable of getting BYU there” (again, my current definition of “there” is P5 status), but I do believe, at least to this point, Bronco has not only avoided the submerged and dangerous icebergs in stormy seas, but appears continue to try to adapt for mistakes he has made, implement creative ideas (taking risks), trying to “hack” into success given the uniqueness of BYU. I also speculate that he has proposed changes to the Generals to help him win this battle with more conventional weapons and tactics… hopefully they are on a course that leads to a rising tide in a safer harbor.

So, based on what I’ve seen and what I speculate may be happening behind the scenes (or under the surface), my guess is that Bronco is BYU’s best bet at the current time. And, he is our only bet for this year. Consequently, I currently support him and expect to at least for this year, despite the frustrations of 8-win seasons, etc.