I know some of this has already been covered but here are my thoughts.
First UCONN and the state of Connecticut must decide if they want to be a Top Ten football program and compete equally with Michigan, Alabama, Oklahoma etc. If they do then they have to commit to the hard part of making the needed financial comittment in a tough economy. The marketing and lobbying efforts have to be intense and as others have suggested go to Fairfield County where the money is and market the brand. The endowment has to be increased Watch the recent 60 Minutes piece on Michigan and Alabama which shows how it is done. In a down economy where University funds are being cut private investment will be key. Big Time athletics do attract students but they also could attract businesses that want to be involved with the brand. So the lobbying effort could start with UCONN Football is good for business and state pride. Additionally, our venues have to be filled. Empty seats are bad business and are poor for TV visuals. If needed give away tickets on game day to ensure full houses.
Second a new coach has to be hired and admit that UCONN will be a stepping stone school(we know he'll leave in 2 or 3 years) for the time being. The coach should be a coordinator from one of the big conferences and understand how the current big time game is played and recruit players from football heavy states. We may not be getting the top recruits from these areas but the ones we do get still will still be better than from this area.
Feel free to add or criticize.
First UCONN and the state of Connecticut must decide if they want to be a Top Ten football program and compete equally with Michigan, Alabama, Oklahoma etc. If they do then they have to commit to the hard part of making the needed financial comittment in a tough economy. The marketing and lobbying efforts have to be intense and as others have suggested go to Fairfield County where the money is and market the brand. The endowment has to be increased Watch the recent 60 Minutes piece on Michigan and Alabama which shows how it is done. In a down economy where University funds are being cut private investment will be key. Big Time athletics do attract students but they also could attract businesses that want to be involved with the brand. So the lobbying effort could start with UCONN Football is good for business and state pride. Additionally, our venues have to be filled. Empty seats are bad business and are poor for TV visuals. If needed give away tickets on game day to ensure full houses.
Second a new coach has to be hired and admit that UCONN will be a stepping stone school(we know he'll leave in 2 or 3 years) for the time being. The coach should be a coordinator from one of the big conferences and understand how the current big time game is played and recruit players from football heavy states. We may not be getting the top recruits from these areas but the ones we do get still will still be better than from this area.
Feel free to add or criticize.
