Bronco, I think you've done a fantastic job as head coach, and I believe there are better days ahead.

Having said that...

You should know by now that the vultures aren't going away, and it doesn't do any good to feed them sound bites. I think you need to quit talking and just start coaching. Quit trying to put a positive spin on everything. Quit trying to be the church's PR guy. Quit trying to convince the critics that you're doing it the right way. Quit criticising 'unloyal' fans. Quit defending the school, the church, the players, the assistants, the administration, and yourself.

The firesides are great, and I'm not suggesting that you stop doing them. But when it comes to the every-day media stuff, just stick to boring coach-speak and focus 100% of your efforts internally on the team. If you win you'll silence the critics. If you lose, NOTHING you say will be satisfactory. In that regard BYU is no different than USC, Utah, or Tulane.

Surely you realize there are tens of thousands of true, diehard, loyal fans; I think it would be wise to "circle the wagon" with these fans on the inside rather than alienating them. We (I include myself) are part of the program. Do EVERYTHING possible to embrace us and forget about the critics and rivals who you'll never "convert" regardless.