Wellman isn't close to flying solo on this. Did you read his email? He's already had a group out there vetting candidates and gauging their interest.
The line about Hatch was all telling.
Wellman isn't close to flying solo on this. Did you read his email? He's already had a group out there vetting candidates and gauging their interest.
How long do you think Dan has been waiting to send "Send" on that piece?
I think with @theschiffman breathing down his neck Dan knew he needed to step up
The inescapable conclusion was that Wellman fired Gaudio – a scant five months after extending his contract – for reasons he was not ready to divulge. Call it admirable for not kicking a man after laying him out, but the unintended consequence to [Redacted]’s chances of making a go of it at Wake were devastating.
Not only did the Wake fans not know anything about [Redacted], they didn’t even know why he was their coach.
-Dan Collins
Dear Dan,
Your questions and coverage of the press conference were courageous. Thanks!
But, you went easy on Wellman in your MTOW today. Ron Wellman has single-handedly caused the bitterness and polarization that now characterizes Wake athletics. For four years he has arrogantly condescended to, and insulted the intelligence of, all Wake alumni, donors and fans. THAT is why the students rolled the quad to celebrate. Wellman made an inexcusably horrible hire in Jeff [Redacted], everybody in the sports world knew it at the time, the Wake fan base knew it, and Ron Wellman has spent four years telling us that the earth really is flat because he says so. Instead of honestly admitting he made a horrendous mistake and asking for unity and healing, he spent yesterday's press conference bitterly continuing to insult the intelligence of everyone by acting as if Jeff [Redacted] was a great coach who was unfairly maligned by ignorant Wake fans and alumni. It is clear that Ron Wellman, at this point, is more concerned about defending his own ego and personal status, than in bringing a splintered Wake alumni and fan base back together and making a great hire.
Further, Dan, you should note that Wellman has obviously had his wings clipped. In the past he has arrogantly boasted that Wake's hiring committee is "a committee of one, ME." None of that yesterday. He had to admit he will be forced to use a committee approach and Pres. Nathan Hatch will be involved. Not that I trust a committee or Nathan Hatch to pick a coach (Notre Dame assistant, anyone?), but this admission was evidence that Ron is no longer calling the shots. THAT was the real news at the press conference yesterday. Don't ignore it, Dan.
Good work overall Dan, but don't let Ron Wellman off the hook for this ongoing disaster.
Though I am nervous that it appears Wellman is flying solo, I do believe that he knows he has to knock this hire out of the park to save his legacy (What's left of it). Think it's funny that Hatch is in on this as well. Doesn't look like Wellman has the freedom he once had!