[2006alum]

Please explain why, given the exact same players, the exact same outcome is a complete failure for one coach and "not a bad outcome" for another?

I think it's fair to assume a new coach has a steep learning curve to get to know the players, maximize their talents, figure out a school's culture, develop offensive and defensive schemes that work for the particular permutations on hand, etc. In other words, all other things equal, it's reasonable to think a new coach's team would perform worse in year 1 than a mediocre coach's same team in year 9.

I agree with you that it might seem nonsensical on the surface, but I also think most fans care more about trajectory and prospects for the future. I would have preferred Dawkins to have several years of 10-20 in the beginning but a 25-5 season at year 8. The problem with Dawkins was that in year one we went 18-13 (pre-CBI) with limited talent after the loss of the Lopi and seven years later we went 15-15 with far superior talent to that team. That doesn't provide much hope for the future, and it suggests the coach has plateaued in terms of his ability to succeed at a school.

[2006alum]

Please explain why, given the exact same players, the exact same outcome is a complete failure for one coach and "not a bad outcome" for another?

I think it's fair to assume a new coach has a steep learning curve to get to know the players, maximize their talents, figure out a school's culture, develop offensive and defensive schemes that work for the particular permutations on hand, etc. In other words, all other things equal, it's reasonable to think a new coach's team would perform worse in year 1 than a mediocre coach's same team in year 9.

I agree with you that it might seem nonsensical on the surface, but I also think most fans care more about trajectory and prospects for the future. I would have preferred Dawkins to have several years of 10-20 in the beginning but a 25-5 season at year 8. The problem with Dawkins was that in year one we went 18-13 (pre-CBI) with limited talent after the loss of the Lopi and seven years later we went 15-15 with far superior talent to that team. That doesn't provide much hope for the future, and it suggests the coach has plateaued in terms of his ability to succeed at a school.