My take away is that Harlan knows what needs to be done and doesn't rely on message boards and instant satisfaction.
If it's better for the program, Taggart's gone... if not, Taggart gets another year
I don't see how keeping him is better for the program. His philosophy is boring, doesn't work here and is driving fans away. Are they looking to see how few season tickets they can get next year?
Easy:
1) Affordability. He's the one that knows more than anyone else whether or not USF can even afford bringing in a new coach
2) I've heard many arguments (from talk shows, news, even from other struggling programs long long ago) that firing a new coach that doesn't succeed fairly early makes it more difficult to bring other quality coaches. Most coaches probably agree (based on new coach speeches) that the first year is usually a rebuilding year and is a throw away. So now if the program doesn't produce the 2nd year they are kicked out...? Coaches want time to build up a bad program.
3) Related to #2... Harlan may have already sent out feelers and know what's currently available.
Agree with points 1 & 2.
In year 2 there needs to be some signs of improvement with the younger guys being the main contributors. Those are signs you look for to determine if there is indeed improvement. At times we saw that with the RBs. Nothing much more to point to.
It would be easy to sell a HC candidate on why a change is needed.
By keeping Taggart, Taggart now becomes Harlan's guy.
Considering where we are on the food chain the next coach will either be an up in coming coordinator, retread not currently coaching, or someone with enough baggage that they were forced out of coaching and is looking for a quick stop for image rehab purposes. I would think most young and up and comers would look at a situation where a guy only got 2 seasons to complete a total rebuild as a MAJOR red flag. Especially at a program where USF is at in the current college football landscape. Why would they want to go to a program that has never accomplished anything tangible (ie championships), has a fan base and administration with perceived unrealistic expectations, limited finances, and just got done giving another young coach what can easily be perceived as less than a fair shake (not to mention just fired another coach after 3 years)? If you don't see how that could severely limit our potential coaching pool and make the Job toxic you need to take off the green and gold goggles. The only way anyone up and coming would look at this job if we fire Taggart is if they have a previously established relationship with Harlan and they trust him. For any outsider that isn't affiliated with Harlan or possibly has a burning desire to coach at USF there would be a TON of red flags about this job if we fire Taggart.
I have to disagree. In an organization when there is change at top no one is safe from the prior regime. Taggart has not demonstrated much to give him lee way. Harlan can make the case that this is just business and Taggart was not the right guy to lead this program. I work in human resources, I know someone will want a shot or be willing to take a chance on coming.