Manny Diaz Comments on Chuck Amato

Couple quick comments from the Dennis Burton written article at The Technician.

On how much credit or blame a coach deserves for the success or failure of a program:

“I think a coach deserves a ton of credit if he builds a program. You look at N.C. State six years ago when we came there. Outside of Raleigh and maybe the ACC, nobody knew about N.C. State. It’s all about relevance to me. Six years ago N.C. State was not relevant nationally. But now, the program is nationally known. We used to have to explain to recruits where N.C. State was, and now they know. Now N.C. State’s on the map. But no one wins every game, and you can’t expect to. The number one thing about what Amato has done there is that N.C. State football is now relevant.”

On the fan base’s unhappiness and criticism of the football program under Amato:

“I don’t think the fan base as a whole is unhappy. The part of the fan base that’s unhappy is just a small minority. It’s a squeaky wheel type of thing. It’s a small voice that’s reacting to what they read in The News and Observer or on other media outlets about the coaching situation.”

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82 Responses to Manny Diaz Comments on Chuck Amato

  1. Dan 09/27/2006 at 3:19 PM #

    Something I would call “incendiary” for Wolfpack fans on RAWFS.

    http://www.redandwhitefromstate.com/article.php/20060927103851346

    I cant help but think the two schools listed cant be a coincidence. People are getting creative in the ways they needle us.

  2. BoKnowsNCS71 09/27/2006 at 3:29 PM #

    I can see Arizona for Chow. He’s left coast person. Remember that his family never came to NC but stayed out west. When he left state he went back to the west coast. The only reason I can think that he would take the Titans job is for money and no need to spend weeks on the recruiting trail.

    I also don’t think he has the desire to be a head coach. He could have written that ticket any time any where he wanted after leaving us.

  3. packpigskinfan23 09/27/2006 at 5:35 PM #

    anyone know why Chow left BYU? I can see why he would want to go to ASU… they are a team that is on the brink of being a National Contender… and here, well he probably feels that with the facilities here and the freedom he would recieve as a OFFcoord here, he could do something really amazing. Rivers-like.

  4. statered 09/27/2006 at 6:01 PM #

    As far as the big donors – they infuriate me. Great, they financed the Murphy Center and Vaughn towers but where were they the 20 years prior to the last six? Johnny come lately on the football program if you ask me.

    If they can’t strut at the cocktail parties with the UNC folks they aren’t happy. I’m sure the UNC folks have been ragging them hard about the red shoes, etc. Well it was the same lame limp wristed attitude that let the bball program get rolled so long ago.

    A good donor gives selflessly, not because what it gets them. If they think they are “buying” the program that stinks. Pull for UNC or something. I would rather us stink and have the grass roots fanbase we used to have than have us turn in to another elitist place like UNC.

    I always preferred Patton to Ike!!

  5. redfred2 09/27/2006 at 8:28 PM #

    statered

    “If they can’t strut at the cocktail parties with the UNC folks they aren’t happy.”

    Keg parties and blue jeans.

    Ah, back in the good ol’ days. Back when NCSU was just plain proud of itself for itself. Cut and dry, a force to reckoned with in almost any field of athletics year after year, and nothing to prove anywhere else. Those were the days!

  6. choppack1 09/28/2006 at 8:02 AM #

    statered – It’s simple economics.

    Does anyone know how the giving breaks out – do 20% of our donors give 80% of the funds?

    Regarding Chow -I’m not sure he would be a great HC – from what I’ve heard, he’d need a strong admin – someone like Chuck – to manage the day-to-day workings of the program so he can focus on his love – offense.

  7. class of 74 09/28/2006 at 8:28 AM #

    ^Absolutely agree. Some are best suited to be assistants not HC’s inspite of their perceived talent.

  8. BoKnowsNCS71 09/28/2006 at 9:01 AM #

    Most of the big donors were working hard on their businesses 20 years ago so that they could be as generous as they are now. They gave selflessly for years but when the school needed big bucks they dug deep. And for folks who give millions to NCSU — they deserve as much recognition as Mr Carter and Mr Finley.

    I happened to run into Richard Vaughn in the parking lot while tailgating. He had dropped by the RV area to see his son. He was friendly, wearing red, and did not stand out. He didn’t put on airs. When we talked about his donation for the Towers he said “I’m just glad I was successful enough so that I could give something back.”

    We don’t need a donor versus student versus TV fan former alumni rift. We are all in this together and had it not been for Chuck’s pushing and Dr Fox supporting — we would be looking at the same ugly field we had since 1967.

    In another 10 to 20 years some of the students and alumni bitchin about donors are going to be the future donors. As long as makes the WP better and provide more appeal for the best athletes, the better we’ll all be.

  9. statered 09/28/2006 at 9:09 AM #

    I am not bitching about the donors. I think it is a great thing that they give. All I am saying is that those donors should not do so expecting to have “bought” the program where they can force personel decisions. I don’t even know if and who thinks that way but from the comments I see here apparently some do. If that is the case I think they need to re-evaluate their attitude.

    This topic always makes me think of the parable about the pharisee and the widow giving their tithe. It is not the amount of the gift but the attitude with which it is given. I know – real world and all that.

    If folks want to have that kind of control they should save their money and buy a piece of the Canes or Panthers.

  10. Pack Laddie 09/28/2006 at 9:31 AM #

    chop asked–

    Does anyone know how the giving breaks out – do 20% of our donors give 80% of the funds?

    chop—I would say that the answer is yes. In fact it may be closer to 10% than 20.

  11. choppack1 09/28/2006 at 10:19 AM #

    statered – I’m just saying – that if you give lots of $$ to an athletic department, you will have access to ADs and coaches. You will have access to a power circle. How we feel about it doesn’t really matter, it’s just a simple fact of life. If I go into the Angus Barne every weekend, order a glass of whine and Ceasar Salad at the Bar, and I say, “You know, you really should offer an Ostriche Steak, or I’m going to Vinny’s” The owner will likely explain why they don’t, but won’t really care if I go to Vinnie’s. OTOH, if I drop a grand in there every week, I imagine the owner/managers are very interested in my opinion.

    Ideally, the AD and coaches listen to all fans – and respect the fact that while some fat cats contribute alot, every person who buys a season ticket or even mini-pack is a paying customer and deserves to be treated w/ respect – and every wolfpack fan, while not entitled to a winning team, deserves to see maximum effort on the field and athletes he/she can embrace.

  12. joe 09/28/2006 at 10:35 AM #

    Auburn has 1 well known big donor who seems to run their FB program. Can’t remember his name, but he was the guy behind the secret late night trip to see the Louisville coach while Tuberville was still coach. I think he made his money in banking.

  13. choppack1 09/28/2006 at 10:42 AM #

    and Oklahoma State has a guy who is giving over $100,000,000 do their football program. I guess these schools can hamstring themselves and say, “No donor can give more than X”….I wonder how well that school would do in college football and basketball.

  14. BoKnowsNCS71 09/28/2006 at 10:49 AM #

    Fact probably is — most of these guys don’t have the team or the desire to meddle with the coaches. Wendell Murphy laughed when he read about all the intrigue because they were using his plane (which he donates) to go interview BB coaches. I’m sure that the WPC went to people like him to try to raise the $3-$4 million dollars it would have taken to make an offer to a Rick Barnes or Calipari that they would consider.

    In the off season he will invite a coach and his family down for a weekend at the coast — on his boat. That’s on a friendly basis and optional. Essentially, the WPC and NCSU staff woo the donors and over time they inevitably become friends who share the same goals of making the Pack better.

    The relationships are symbiotic. I don’t think any of these people are the Jerry Johnsons, Steinbrenners, etc types meddling as much as people think.

    And if the source of the meddling is coming from message boards. Beware. Most of that can be speculative.

  15. BoKnowsNCS71 09/28/2006 at 10:57 AM #

    T Boone pickens has given Oklahoma State about $250 million, starting with $1 million in 1981 to create the Boone Pickens School of Geology. Made a $70 million donation to the school in 2003, of which $20 million went for renovations to the football stadium (that was named for him). Gave a record $165 million for athletic facilities last December. Total non-profit giving in 2005: $229.2 million.

    Who would turn that down. I wish he went to NC State!

    http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/2006-08-15-pickens-oklahoma-state-donation_x.htm

    He livcs in Texas full time. No time or desire to meddle. And at 78 he’s just giving something back.

    BOONE PICKENS FILE

    Age: 78. Born in Holdenville, Okla., May 22, 1928.

    Education : Oklahoma State University, Class of ’51.

    Family: With his wife, Madeleine Paulson Pickens, splits time between Dallas and their West Texas ranch. Has five children.

    Net worth: $1.5 billion, according to Forbes, ranking him No. 207 on its list of richest Americans.

  16. joe 09/28/2006 at 12:11 PM #

    George Lucas just gave $175 mil to USC, but it was for a new building for the film school and scholarships.

    Speaking of Steinbrenner, he spent 1 year as an assistant FB coach at Purdue.

  17. redfred2 09/28/2006 at 1:24 PM #

    ^Bo Interesting stuff, thanks.

    I don’t think anyone really believes that the big donors are making personal demands on the coaches as far as their schemes and coaching styles go. Although it would be only reasonable to assume that some of them express their own “Why did you?” or “Why don’t you consider?” type comments on a fairly regular basis when in the presence of the coaching staffs. They’re human.

    What I do believe is that there is definite influence coming from the big donors about the all important factor of school “image” as it pertains NCSU, and how that one, and overly emphasized factor right there in Raleigh, impacts the inner workings of the athletics department as a whole.

    There is a hush hush mentality in place right now, that is allowing outside influences to control too many aspects of NCSU. The administration only reacts when it is backed into a corner, already too late, and when there are no other options available. NCSU is not in control or presenting a clear image that says to everyone watching, we know who we are…exactly what we stand for…we’re among the best at what we do…and we’re damn proud of it. Come be a part of it.

    Complacency breeds complacency. It’s all around us and exhibited in other close by fan bases. I do not see that ever happening at NCSU, in any sport, at any time. C-F will be packed, the RBC will be jumping, and new fans and new recruits, need to be constantly reminded exactly what cheering for a Wolfpack team, or putting on a Wolfpack uniform, is truly all about.

    Chuck Amato’s recruiting has been great, Sidney Lowe’s can be also, but both could have a hell of a more potential if someone over there in Raleigh would just get up off of their ass, put together a plan together to promote NCSU for what it is, and what it means to all it’s alums and fans.

    I guess maybe my last comments fall more under the PR or the SID department’s umbrellas, but I think that the whole concept is controlled by a bunch of stuffy old sticks in the mud, whose preferences are not be seen or heard from, rather than promote all the great aspects of the university.

    My 2 cents.

  18. statered 09/28/2006 at 1:53 PM #

    I agree with you totally red.

  19. WolfpackMan 09/28/2006 at 4:47 PM #

    When will all of these people finally come to a conclusion that it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to evaluate programs and then make good hires (and fires)? Look at the entire NC State athletic program objectively and it’s in near shambles when compared to the rest of the Atlantic Coast Conference despite the fact the Pack fan base is probably the most loyal and supportive….Fowler shouldn’t be allowed to make the next hire, I agree, unless it’s Bill Cowher, who sources close to the program say has already made behind-the-scenes dialogue with Fowler that he’d like to rescue his old school after a year off (studying the college game)…..Cowher as the head coach and Norm Chow as the offensive coordinator would be a combination few could beat….

  20. Wolfpack4ever 09/29/2006 at 1:47 PM #

    Bill Cowher is treated with respect by the owners or the Steelers – even when he was having trouble, i.e., losing more games than he won. What makes anyone think he would be any different as AD? Come in and fire Chuck because of the opinions of others? I hardly think so.

    The problem with speculation and opinion on the blogs is that we see the world through our own eyes. What we think the big donors are doing is what WE would be doing if we were big donors. What we think the AD ought to be doing is what we THINK we would be doing were it not for instituional controls.

  21. WolfpackMan 09/29/2006 at 2:30 PM #

    Wolfpacker4ever…..????? I can’t understand your blog, it made absolutely no sense to me. But I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt if you are a true Wolfpacker who puts his MONEY where his mouth is! The only thing anyone should always do, as you kind of elude to, is to put yourself in the other person’s chair, and that is EXACTLY what most of us are doing. This isn’t rocket science, I mind you. It should be a lot of common sense combined with sports knowledge.

  22. Wolfpack4ever 09/29/2006 at 9:15 PM #

    WolfpackMan,

    I don’t know if I am a true Wolfpacker or not. I been a State since about 1945, when played in Memorial Auditorium, attended that first Dixie Classic Basketball tournament, attended NC State College, waited on tables in the old Cpllege Inn when Coach Case had lunch with the big-donors back then, joined the WPC when the offices were in the basement of Reynolds, worked on the fundraising drives, am a PSL holder, which means I am an active WPC member. I am not, however, a big donor. Not because I don’t want to be, I just don’t have the where-with-all to do it.

    I don’t like family attacked and smeared and so it is with my wolfpack family of ADs and coaches. I thought a certain bb coach has taken us as far as we could go, yet I didn’t think he deserved to be dissed like he was and I certainly dislile the insinuations of “tug jobs” etc., which is a good example of the accuser seeing the world through his own eyes.

    So, what I mean by “see the world through your own eyes” is simply the what you might think others would do under a given circumstance is what you would do under that circumstance. Not hard to understand, but very difficult to own up to.

    I could care less what the posters here think about me, I will continue to be a thorn in the side to people who think that they can take cheap shots at the Coaches and ADs NCSU. Opinion, fine, cheap shots, no pass.

  23. Wolfpack4ever 09/29/2006 at 9:18 PM #

    Pack Laddie Says:

    “I think the fact that Green, Doc and Herring were “unavailable for commentâ€? speaks volumes. And, to their credit, the old– if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all–maxim holds true for them.”

    Pack Laddie, “unavailable for comment� used to mean they were unavailable for comment. When did it come to mean they had nothing nice to say? BTW are you aware that assistant coaches are almost always “unavailable for comment� about anything?

  24. WolfpackMan 09/29/2006 at 10:51 PM #

    Wolfpack4ever, I guess if Lee Fowler told you to jump off the Empire State Building you would go ahead……You imply those of us who evaluate and are sometimes critical ought to keep our mouths shut….Shame on You!….What we want is excellence in every respect. Like Vince Lombardi said, “The quality of any person’s life is that person’s commitment towards excellence and towards victory, regardless the field he or she is in.”…..Our football program — evaluated and broken down in parts — isn’t where we want it. All I want to be is competitive and that’s what we are not. When have we made a legitimate run at the ACC title? And I want a football program where the players are disciplined both on and OFF the field. Frank Beamer of Virginia Tech takes potiential bowl tickets from players if they commit personal fouls. He runs a disciplined program as others do.

  25. class of 74 09/30/2006 at 9:28 AM #

    ^Bravo WolfpackMan.

    Wolfpack4ever you are the quintessential “hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil” Wolfpacker. Your idea of cheap shots is any criticism base on past postings. Wake up and participate in the real world my friend. Ignoring family problems is not the way to solutions.

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