Mike Anthony On The Diaco Flameout

[huskymedic]

For those who want to relive the HCBD era...

UConn Insider Podcast: Football Beat Writer Mike Anthony On The Diaco Flameout

>>In Part I of a two-part episode, Anthony shares some of his process for finding the heart of sports stories beyond the box score (6:00), dives into the Diaco debacle (9:30), pinpoints the moment when the 2016 Huskies lost their way (11:57) and breaks down the circumstances that allowed for the Randy Edsall redux (15:44).<<

 

[UConnDan97]

For those who want to relive the HCBD era...

UConn Insider Podcast: Football Beat Writer Mike Anthony On The Diaco Flameout

>>In Part I of a two-part episode, Anthony shares some of his process for finding the heart of sports stories beyond the box score (6:00), dives into the Diaco debacle (9:30), pinpoints the moment when the 2016 Huskies lost their way (11:57) and breaks down the circumstances that allowed for the Randy Edsall redux (15:44).<<

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I haven't read it yet. I gave you a "like" for the racoon...

 

[sdhusky]

Says Diaco lost the team after the Navy game and coached the kids on what to say to the media.

The players were under a lot of pressure re: their answers to the media. Diaco really did NOT like the media.

 

[sdhusky]

On Dec 22nd, AD Dave had submitted documents saying they are negotiating with a coach who was going to bring his son with him.

Interesting.

 

[JMick]

Says Diaco lost the team after the Navy game and coached the kids on what to say to the media.

The players were under a lot of pressure re: their answers to the media. Diaco really did NOT like the media.

That's the least surprising thing I've heard all week. He was obsessed with his image. I'd argue he cared more about image than results.

 

[BlueMAB]

That's the least surprising thing I've heard all week. He was obsessed with his image. I'd argue he cared more about image than results.

Ironically, that would have been just fine here if his offensive philosophy was a bit different. The same 11-26 record would have been embraced by a lot of posters here if we were losing while scoring 30+ points per game.

Most of Edsall's detractors downplay the results, because of his image.

 

[Stainmaster]

The players were under a lot of pressure re: their answers to the media. Diaco really did NOT like the media.

The people I've talked to on the Courant staff have confirmed this emphatically.

 

[freescooter]

Ironically, that would have been just fine here if his offensive philosophy was a bit different. The same 11-26 record would have been embraced by a lot of posters here if we were losing while scoring 30+ points per game.

Most of Edsall's detractors downplay the results, because of his image.

I disagree with that bigly. I think Diaco had lost the fan base by the end of the season too. It wasn't just the offense. It was the awful record the head scratching decisions, the nonsensical comments. And the losing. There were many who wanted to give him 1 more year and a number who figured we were more or less stuck for another year but few who thought that 3-8 was acceptable.

 

[businesslawyer]

The people I've talked to on the Courant staff have confirmed this emphatically.

Beyond the normal coaches paranoia about the press, it's quite possible that the meanness with which the press treated Mante Teo's non-existent girlfriend may have influenced Diaco's attitude.

 

[uconnphil2016]

I disagree with that bigly. I think Diaco had lost the fan base by the end of the season too. It wasn't just the offense. It was the awful record the head scratching decisions, the nonsensical comments. And the losing. There were many who wanted to give him 1 more year and a number who figured we were more or less stuck for another year but few who thought that 3-8 was acceptable.

You been hanging out with Donald?

 

[FDNY99]

Beyond the normal coaches paranoia about the press, it's quite possible that the meanness with which the press treated Mante Teo's non-existent girlfriend may have influenced Diaco's attitude.

There had been rumblings during the entire time he was at ND that he was extremely difficult to deal with from the media's standpoint.

 

[CTMike]

Beyond the normal coaches paranoia about the press, it's quite possible that the meanness with which the press treated Mante Teo's non-existent girlfriend may have influenced Diaco's attitude.

And the whole Civil conflict situation... he was clearly agitated when asked about that.

 

[BlueMAB]

I disagree with that bigly. I think Diaco had lost the fan base by the end of the season too. It wasn't just the offense. It was the awful record the head scratching decisions, the nonsensical comments. And the losing. There were many who wanted to give him 1 more year and a number who figured we were more or less stuck for another year but few who thought that 3-8 was acceptable.

Maybe, maybe not.

For years there have been a number of people here more concerned with our style over our results.

 

[History Geek]

Says Diaco lost the team after the Navy game and coached the kids on what to say to the media.

The players were under a lot of pressure re: their answers to the media. Diaco really did NOT like the media.

In his opinion he thinks Diaco lost the team after the Navy game. He states he has no direct proof. Having said that, I think he may be right.

 

[Go_Huskies]

That's the least surprising thing I've heard all week. He was obsessed with his image. I'd argue he cared more about image than results.

Yep, vanity was his weakness and led to his downfall That is why he hired mediocre offensive coordinators and didn't want the guy who went to Rutgers. He wanted all the credit and did not want anyone else to steal the spotlight.

 

[ZOOCONN]

Meanwhile in Lincoln, FHCBD is still talking about putting on layers of paint...

Is it just me or does he look like hell?

 

[ktuck911]

Says Diaco lost the team after the Navy game and coached the kids on what to say to the media.

The players were under a lot of pressure re: their answers to the media. Diaco really did NOT like the media.

Wow... Lost the team EARLY in the season... wow..

 

[Husky25]

And the whole Civil conflict situation... he was clearly agitated when asked about that.

The spine was bending downward vs. Syracuse and in hindsight, I'm surprised that UConn beat Cinci. However, the straw that finally broke my camel's back, in terms of defending Diaco was his reaction to UCF. He seemed to be flat out disengaged by then.

That said, Diaco is no longer coach. I'm still not full on board with Coach Edsall's return, but at least it seems he knows what he wants and how to achieve it. I'm moving on.

 

[cttxus]

Is it just me or does he look like hell?

Not to pile on because we've all had to work through things like this at some point in our lives (if we're honest with ourselves) but, I think Bob is right now working through the consequences of letting pride and greed get in the way of his better judgement. I think he lacks self confidence in that video. He was simply not ready to be a HC, at least not at this level.

 

[uconnphil2016]

Not to pile on because we've all had to work through things like this at some point in our lives (if we're honest with ourselves) but, I think Bob is right now working through the consequences of letting pride and greed get in the way of his better judgement. I think he lacks self confidence in that video. He was simply not ready to be a HC, at least not at this level.

Agreed. It almost sounds like he's trying to convince himself of what he's saying.

 

[brasssbonanzaa]

In his opinion he thinks Diaco lost the team after the Navy game. He states he has no direct proof. Having said that, I think he may be right.

I totally agree, Navy got the ball rolling and rolling fast. From there, the Syracuse loss got it rolling even faster, and then things went spiraling out of control.

 

[brasssbonanzaa]

Is it just me or does he look like hell?

Not that this is necessarily and indicator of anything specific to his coaching, but it does seem that he's put on a little bit of weight. I'd noticed that during the season too. Nothing significant, but if you look at pictures of when he was hired here and during his first couple of years he's noticeably skinnier. Perhaps it's the stress of the job and the related consequences.

 

[Husky92]

You been hanging out with Donald?

@uconnphil2016, I love you man, I really do, but please, please change the avatar. I'm in pain here. I keep seeing that face in my sleep...please....

 

[BlueDogs]

Interesting Freudian mindset:

'Not that we all love the roles we are in...but can't help being excited by improvement.'

The man looks like a beaten hollowed out guy trying to convince himself he's happy.

 

[Ldandy]

Agreed. It almost sounds like he's trying to convince himself of what he's saying.

Diaco has to be feeling the pressure of expectation being at a place like UNL. Their supporters expect success and are none to happy with the results of the last few years. They want to see a dominating Blackshirt Defense. Anything less will be unacceptable. He has to know this, and it can't feel great with his confidence level already shaken.

Uconn Fans and The CT Media gave Diaco and his nonsensical ramblings more than a fair shot. Coming off of a bad stretch with Pasqualoni they seemed willing to allow him a LONG rope in order to turn things around. That he eventually hung himself with said rope was completely his doing. Husker Fans were raised on the straight forward and to the point media style of Dr. Tom. I can't wait to see how fishcakes and Batman stories play in The Heartland. If I was him I'd hide the table leg. It looks like it would make a great torch.