was clearly awful by the end of his tenure (although great in 2001). Bronco, by contrast, is mediocre. Most objective fans would not call Bronco awful. Myself included. But years of mediocrity also becomes awful, it just happens slowly. It's almost more dangerous because it is deceptive and can catch you unaware. The good news is Bronco can right the ship. But it must be done right now. Unfortunately, actions like retaining Howell after last year suggest that Bronco may just not get it.

What I really don't want to happen is I wake up in 5 years and the program is left behind, wallowing in mediocrity and irrelevance with no future in sight. In my opinion, that would be the functional equivalence of 2004.