I think that Wellman's hands have been tied by Hatch and the BoT as a result of the Buzz disaster. His behavior around the hire was simply inexplicable and irresponsible. Most everyone could see that. Wellman may have been told by higher ups to get better student athletes into the program but Buzz with his losing and apparent arrogant incoherence was not what the powers that be had in mind. And the resulting financial losses were certainly not what they had in mind. So, Wellman was told to get rid of Buzz, and he was not given a free hand in the hiring of replacements for Grobe or Buzz. Wellman has been allowed to stay on, to appear publicly to be formally making the hires, and until he finishes his stint with the NCAA selection committee. Then, he will be honorably retired. This way, the leadership probably believes, is - under the circumstances - the least embarrassing possible alternative for the university and for them. And oh yeah, they probably told Wellman to shut up and say as little in public as possible.
The big questions now become who will replace Wellman and what changes will be made in the athletic department to get Wake athletics into the 21st century? How can we create athletic programs that can compete successfully at the highest levels and still be a part of a top national university? Wellman and LOWF are obviously not the answer. Stay tuned.
