NCAA and NFL for 2009

2009 was a bit peculiar in the world of college football. We saw a coaching legend "ran out of town", a punch, and a waffle.

5. Player treatment

I know we just heard about the news concerning Mike Leach of Texas Tech, so many may think this is here only because of that. Remember, Mark Mangino was forced out at Kansas due to allegations of verbally abusing players. Jim Leavitt is under investigation at South Florida because it's alleged that he "hit" a player duting halftime of a game. The news of Leach placing an injured player in a shed and then in an electrical room only adds to this. Back in the day, this may have been viewed as toughening a player up or a way to discipline a player. Not anymore.

4. The exit of Bowden

The way Bobby Bowden will exit from Florida State is none to flattering. The Seminoles will play West Virginia, Bowden's first stop in coaching, in the  Bowl. Bowden made Seminole football and he deserves a far better way to exit the program. He deserved to have a "tour" in order for the man who put FSU on the map to receive his proper recognition.

3. Mark Herzlich's battle

Herzlich was coming off a 2008 that many college players dream of. He was a first team All-American, ACC Defensive Player of the Year, a finalist for Butkus Award as the nation's best linebacker and Herzlich was rated a mid 2nd round pick for the 2009 NFL draft. Herzlich chose to stay at Boston College for his senior year. In mid-May, Herzlich was diagnosed with Ewing's sarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer. Herzlich took the disease head-on and at the end of September, Herzlich announced he was cancer free. BC doctors confirmed this. Herzlich plans on playing for the Eagles in 2010 and doctors have given him the ok to play. Since Ewing's sarcoma is found in the bones and soft tissue, a rod was surgically inserted in Herzlich's leg for support and to aid in traning. Herlich received the 2009 Disney Award for Spirit despite not paying a down.

2. LeGarrette Blount

In a game that was to promote sportsmanship, Oregon Duck tailback LeGarrette Blount did the unthinkable. After the 19-8 loss to Boise State, Blount was apprached by Boise State's Byron Hout. Apparently, Blount was spouting off during the week. Hout approached Blount by thumping on Blount's shoulder pads. Hout proceded to say something to Blount. We will never know exactly what Hout said, but Blount obviously didn't like it and Blount fired a punch t the chin of the defenseless Hout. The reason Hout was defenseless was because Boise State's head coach Chris Peterson was already in the process of admonishing Hout's behavior. But it doesn't end there. Blount then aimed his distaste to the Broncos fans. Blount attempted to enter the crowd, but he was restrained by Oregon players and personnel. Blount would be suspended for the remainder of the season, but head coach Chip Kelly would later rescind the suspension after Blount completed a reinstatement plan.

1. Urban Meyer pulls a Brett Favre

This also just happened this past week. After the SEC Championship game, Meyer had to be taken to the hospital due to dehydration. It was furhter revealed that Meyer's health was deteriorating due to a heart condition and Meyer decided that it was time to get away from the game and retire from his position. In a press release, Meyer stated he'd ignored his health for too long and it was time to address the issue. Meyer also said he wanted to take time for his family. Upon attending the Florida Gator's Sugar Bowl practice the following day, the Gator players showed spirit and Meyer changed his stance on retirement. Meyer will take a leave of absence and leave Steve Addazio as the interim coach. In an iterview with ESPN's Tom Rinaldi, Meyer said what really made him change his mind was the thought of someone else coming into the Florida situation and changing things from the way he has them. What an ego. I guess his job is more important than hs family.

The NFL provided a few good moments, too. I've already referred to one. Here's my top 5 from 2009.

Three Coaches, Three Very Different Futures

Today could be the day, the day in which three NCAA football coaches have their fate determined. Even if Florida State's Bobby Bowden, Notre Dame' Charlie Weis and Kansas' Mark Mangino are all let go, they are all heading in vastly different directions.

Bobby Bowden is the highest profile among these three. According to the Orlando Sentinel, Bowden wants to return as FSU's head coach. But this season has been anything but sunny for the 80 year old Bowden. The Seminoles finished 6-6. FSU suffered yet another embarassing loss to rival Florida. And there were times as if Bowden was unaware of his team's situation.

Some want him out and some think Bowden has earned the right to determine when he walks away. As much as the Florida State administration wanted to plan for Bowden's departure, it might be that exact reason the decision becomes complicated.

Jimbo Fisher is to be the next head coach at FSU. Long time defensive coordinator Micky Andrews is leaving. Who will pick Andrews' replacement? If you want to move on with the program, you let Fisher make that choice, and not Bowden. Let me make this clear, I am a big fan of Bobby Bowden. He is the reason I ever watched a Florida State game. But it is time.

Charlie Weis' future is already defined. The odds of him being retained by Notre Dame are slim. Very slim.

After a 45-38 loss to Stanford on Saturday night, Weis was to travel with his team (maybe for the last time) back to Sounth Bend to meet with Notre Dame AD Jack Swarbrick. Most feel Weis is gone. And most feel that is why QB Jimmy Clausen will be leaving. The fact the Clausen home has been sold is a major indicator. But what if Swarbrick has a change of heart and decides to let Weis have another year?

Who am I kidding! We all know Charlie's history. And we all know what his future holds. It was reported yesterday on Sunday NFL Countdown that 6 NFL teams have already contacted Weis about being an offensive coordinator. Yes, Charlie Weis will be back in the NFL.

Kansas' Mark Mangino's future may have been written more by those actions off the field as much as on. Former players have alledged that Mangino has been physically and verbally abusive. Current players have Mangino's back.

Mangino has pointed out that when Kansas hired him, the program needed discipline and he has given the Jayhawks program that...and then some. And Mangino has delivered winning seasons on top of the "discipline" he was asked to deliver.

This fact doesn't help Mangino's case. After starting out 5-0, Kansas lost its last 7 games. And the Kansas loss in the Border War on a last second field goal won't sit well either. The Jayhawks had the game and let it slip away...or they threw it away, literally.

Regardless of which side you're on, Mangino may not return to Lawrence. And if he's not there, where will he end up?

That's a big question in which there is currently no answer.

If any of these three were to keep their positions, I'd be surprised. But I'm on the record for saying I'd let any of them coach my team.

Anytime, anywhere.