An open letter to Daryl Gross regarding the state of Syracuse Football

Dr. Daryl Gross,

We here at Getgrossout.com have been some of your fiercest critics in your time here at Syracuse University. We have not been critics because we are malicious but rather because we have great pride and appreciation for Syracuse Athletics. As Syracuse Alumni we feel that we have every right to be as impassioned as we have been during your tenure at Syracuse.

Truth be told, we agreed with your decision to fire Paul Pasqualoni. We were of the opinion that Paul had never really accomplished what could have been accomplished with the talent that he had, particularly in the late 90's. We believed that you were correct in your assessment that Syracuse could do better without Coach Pasqualoni and were completely on-board when you removed him as Head Coach following the Citrus Bowl loss to Georgia Tech.

When your search for a new Head Coach lasted only 13 days and you selected a former NFL assistant who had won two Super Bowls we were at first intrigued and then concerned as we learned how little experience he had. As Spring came and the team was practicing, we were quite optimistic with the host of returning players and the recruits who had stayed on board. We were so excited for the season that we purchased tickets for the O-Zone and were there for the first game against West Virginia. While Syracuse lost that game, we were encouraged by the five turnovers that the team caused and by the fact that it had only been an 8 point loss. After Syracuse beat Buffalo and then only lost by three points to eventual Top-25 Virginia we were optimistic for the rest of the season. As it turned out, the team posted the first 10 loss season in Syracuse history.

Following the 2005 season we were of the opinion that Greg Robinson would be able to make improvements on both sides of the football and that the previous season was simply growing pains. We were encouraged by the increased wins in 2006 and felt that there was the potential that we could see a much improved football team that could compete once again in the Big East for the 2007 season. Unfortunately 2007 came and we were treated to the second 10 loss season in Syracuse's illustrious history. We believed that the team had completely reverted from the positives that they had shown in 2006 and that a change of direction was needed. We, along with much of America, believed that you would fire Greg Robinson and that you would bring in a new coach who would start the process over and bring Syracuse back to its former glory.

When the announcement came that you were bringing Robinson back for another year, we were shocked and dismayed. It was our belief that your interest in giving Greg Robinson another year was essentially throwing in the towel and saying that you did not feel that Syracuse could be a better team with the removal of Greg Robinson.

The 2008 season is now upon us and Syracuse was predicted by most media outlets to finish last in the Big East. Our prediction was that Syracuse would go 2-10 this season, beating Akron and Northeastern. After the events of Saturday, we can say that our prediction was incorrect. Now it is hard for us to find a game, other than Northeastern, that Syracuse could potentially win this season. We believe that everyone has seen enough of what the Greg Robinson era of Syracuse football can bring and it is with this letter that we submit our open plea to you. We ask that you show the same commitment and concern for Syracuse football that you did when you fired Pasqualoni and that you take the immediate step to remove Greg Robinson as Head Coach of the Syracuse football team. We ask that you replace him on an interim basis with his assistant Mitch Browning, who has shown he is a capable coach during his tenure at Minnesota and in the two games that he has coached at Syracuse.

With the removal of Greg Robinson now rather than following an embarrassing defeat to Penn State, you will show a disaffected fan base that you are truly committed to the future of Syracuse Football. By making this statement now, you will show Syracuse Alumni, fans, players and critics that the culture of losing that Greg Robinson has perpetuated will not be tolerable at Syracuse University. The appointment of Mitch Browning, now, on an interim basis allows for the healing and an extensive search for the next head coach to begin. It is our belief that this must happen to ensure that Syracuse returns to its traditional place as a Northeastern and National powerhouse.

The time to make to the statement that you are committed to the future success of Syracuse Football is now. And the statement to make is the removal of Greg Robinson as head coach. We trust that you will show your dedication to the future of Syracuse Football and name Mitch Browning as interim head coach.

Yours,

Getgrossout.com