ESPN: Toughest assistants to replace

[NAM37]

From http://insider.espn.go.com/espn/blog/index?entryID=2323408&name=feldman_bruce&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fespn%2fblog%2findex%3fentryID%3d2323408%26name%3dfeldman_bruce :

5. Rick Kravitz, South Florida: The Bulls' co-defensive coordinator, along with vet Wally Burnham, built defenses that were ranked among the nation's top 20 in three of the past five years. He also did a great job recruiting the Florida Panhandle for the Bulls. Kravitz was, in large part, the soul of the USF program. The 51-year-old, who was the first assistant USF coach Jim Leavitt hired, was one of only three assistants who had been a part of the program since it began in 1996.

The Tampa Tribune's Brett McMurphy has the low-down on the coach and explains the reason why Kravitz left USF to coach safeties at N.C. State:

"Kravitz was among the players' favorite assistants. Even though Kravitz was diagnosed with prostate cancer in July 2004, he delayed his surgery until after the season so he wouldn't inconvenience the team.

"Kravitz said he left USF for a chance to coach in the ACC and because his fiancee has a great job opportunity in the pharmaceutical business in the Raleigh, N.C., area. Kravitz turned down N.C. State's first two offers before accepting."

"N.C. State asked 'what would you like' and they met it," Kravitz told the Trib. "I felt like I was a high school recruit."

[bullz97]

**** NC State, wish him the best!  Stay out for the panhandle Wolfpack.

[bulls96go]

his heart and fire will be hard to replace

burnham will keep up the coaching end!

[mutt]

Very tough on us, but I hope Kravitz eventually becomes head coach, he's a great guy.

[smazza]

reminds me of neil sedaka's song

"breaking it up is hard to do"