Just before the Missouri Tigers' football game against Kansas last month, several Jayhawk fans told the Missourian they supported Mark Mangino, their former football coach, despite the trouble he faced from accusations of misconduct. Several said they hoped to see him back in 2010.
Evidently other people with more power felt differently, as the Kansas administration together with Mangino agreed that he should resign. It closed a season already bitter with seven straight losses.
Turner Gill, previously the University of Buffalo head coach, was named to the same position Monday at Kansas. Gill, 47, played quarterback at Nebraska. He had previously been mentioned as a potential replacement for schools looking for new coaches. Coincidentally, his daughter Jordan is a KU student.
Before departing, Mangino had improved the perception of the Jayhawk football program. Kansas was ranked as high as No. 2 nationally two years ago before the team's loss to Missouri, and the Jayhawks won the Orange Bowl. However, KU won just one Big 12 game this season.
While KU's decision is not specifically a local matter, it is bound to create some casual discussion among many in Columbia and Missouri who follow the Tigers and naturally keep up with the goings-on of their rivals in Lawrence.
What were your thoughts on the accusations Mark Mangino faced and his ensuing resignation? Will Kansas football be stronger with Turner Gill in charge?