Cedar Rapids Gazette, IA
11-21-06
Cyclones turn to coaching search
As McCarney says goodbye with victory, what's next for ISU?
By: Jeff Johnson - The Gazette
AMES, IA - Now what for the Iowa State football program?
First things first, and that's hiring a new head coach and coaching staff. That's
Athletics Director Jamie Pollard's gig, and it would be surprising if he doesn't
have it wrapped up by next week at the latest.
Then it's time to figure out how many, if any, returning Cyclones will opt out of
ISU. There are quite a few guys still upset about Dan McCarney's "resignation,"
though you haven't heard anyone say he is going to leave.
That includes standout wide receiver Todd Blythe, who had a sickness-filled,
disappointing junior season.
"Obviously, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't upset and disappointed with the
decision," Blythe said after Iowa State concluded the McCarney era with a 21-16
upset win over Missouri on Saturday afternoon. "We're basically losing, not only
the face of the football program, but of Iowa State University. I think if you talk to
anybody in this state about the first thing that comes to their mind when you say
Iowa State, it's Dan McCarney.
"But that was the decision that was made, and we have to live with that decision
as players. And we will. We'll roll with it, we'll adapt, I'm sure we'll get used to it. It
still stings right now, it still hurts. We're losing a hell of a coach and a hell of a
guy."
Once a new coach is hired, it'll be time for him and his staff to hit the road and
recruit. McCarney's staff had secured six known oral commitments for next
season, though those are non-binding.
After all of that is done, Cyclone fans finally will be able to sit back and speculate
about what kind of season 2007 will be.
You'd figure it couldn't be a whole lot worse than 2006's 4-8 record. But let it be
pointed out the brutal schedule Iowa State had this season will be revisited next
season.
That means games with Texas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Iowa, etc., etc.
"I want to thank the Iowa State fans for the tremendous support, not only today,
but throughout my 12 years here," McCarney said. "We built a tremendous Iowa
State fan base, and the next head coach, the next coaching staff coming in is
going to be in for a tremendous thrill to play in front of these fans and to coach
my guys."
"Coach Mac, you can't put into words what he's done for this program,"
quarterback Bret Meyer said. "Being a player, you almost feel like it's your fault
(he's leaving), in a way, because of the way we played this year."
How they played this season was poorly ... on both sides of the ball.
That was expected some on defense, considering there were eight new starters
this season. On top of that, the defense's top player, cornerback DeAndre
Jackson, blew out his knee midway through the season, leaving a suspect
secondary in even larger peril.
Basically, everyone returns from one of the nation's worst units statistically, with
the exception of Jackson, defensive tackle Brent Curvey and defensive end
Shawn Moorehead. Linebacker should be the defense's strength next season,
with the return of four experienced starters, including Alvin Bowen and Tyrone
McKenzie, who finished in the top 10 nationally in tackles.
Offensively, Iowa State will have to replace virtually its entire offensive line,
though that might be a good thing considering its disappointing play this fall. The
only returnees with any experience will be guards Tom Schmeling and Reggie
Stephens.
Meyer regressed this season, throwing only one more touchdown than
interceptions. Some of that had to do with the lack of a viable running game and
a definite lack of protection. Iowa State led the Big 12 Conference in most sacks
allowed.
At the skill positions, Blythe will be back, which is a good starting point. Iowa
State seems to have plenty of capable receivers with Blythe, Milan Moses, R.J.
Sumrall and tight end Ben Barkema.
Jason Scales should go into spring drills the No.1 tailback, though he must stay
healthy, which he hasn't been able to do in his ISU career. Freshman Josh
Johnson saw some time in the backfield late in the season.
Then there's motivation.
"Obviously, this was a tough season," Blythe said. "We're not just going to let that
go. We're going to think about that, talk about that, and remember it for next
season. All the guys who are coming back, we'll take this next week off for
Thanksgiving, then come back and hit it hard. I've already talked to a lot of the
guys coming back next year about that."