[Maple Leaf]

I wish I had been the one to start this thread, because the correct title — as in the email from the Athletic Dept — is “Thank you, Coach David Shaw.”

Now is a great time to reflect on the incredible accomplishments during Coach Shaw’s tenure, including becoming the winningest coach in Stanford history and delivering two Rose Bowl victories.

During an era of scandals in sports, Coach Shaw delivered extraordinary accomplishments while constantly reaching to do things the right way, making a greater impact on society as a whole, and contributing to the excellence and reputation of the university he loves.

It is no surprise to me that even his departure was done in a way that is best for the university — starting the process of a new search at an optimal time, with no drama or scandal.

When the news was announced that Stanford would be modifying its processes to accommodate the realities of the transport portal, some viewed it as a cynical ploy for Shaw to cling on, but I think it is clearer now that, until his last day, he was taking steps to make the program stronger regardless of who leads it next.

Of course I would love for an even greater era to lie ahead in Stanford’s future,  but I can’t imagine a greater run than Shaw’s — when I consider both what he accomplished and how he did things.

Thank you, Coach David Shaw!

Well said, Snorlax. 

It is the end of an era; that era included a few increasingly bad years at the end, but many good years at the beginning.  In fact, the best years in Stanford football history.  I had many more games of enjoyment than of frustration under Shaw.

David Shaw must have decided to leave some time ago, given the prepared statements and the timing immediately after the last game.  In that last presser when he discussed changes to NIL and transfer, when he said the focus was on trying to send the seniors out on a win...he knew.  Even in his departure, David Shaw was attempting to do what was best for the long term future of Stanford football and his student-athletes. 

So I do say "thank you" to David Shaw--genuinely felt.  Thank you for being a principled and ethical representative of my alma mater.  Thank you for bringing our program to its most successful stretch in program history.  And thank you for departing in a classy way.

Coach Shaw's departure reminds me of Bill Walsh's decision to step down.  Both have made great contributions to Stanford, both on and off the football field for which Stanford is better for.

[Maple Leaf]

I wish I had been the one to start this thread, because the correct title — as in the email from the Athletic Dept — is “Thank you, Coach David Shaw.”

Now is a great time to reflect on the incredible accomplishments during Coach Shaw’s tenure, including becoming the winningest coach in Stanford history and delivering two Rose Bowl victories.

During an era of scandals in sports, Coach Shaw delivered extraordinary accomplishments while constantly reaching to do things the right way, making a greater impact on society as a whole, and contributing to the excellence and reputation of the university he loves.

It is no surprise to me that even his departure was done in a way that is best for the university — starting the process of a new search at an optimal time, with no drama or scandal.

When the news was announced that Stanford would be modifying its processes to accommodate the realities of the transport portal, some viewed it as a cynical ploy for Shaw to cling on, but I think it is clearer now that, until his last day, he was taking steps to make the program stronger regardless of who leads it next.

Of course I would love for an even greater era to lie ahead in Stanford’s future,  but I can’t imagine a greater run than Shaw’s — when I consider both what he accomplished and how he did things.

Thank you, Coach David Shaw!

Well said, Snorlax. 

It is the end of an era; that era included a few increasingly bad years at the end, but many good years at the beginning.  In fact, the best years in Stanford football history.  I had many more games of enjoyment than of frustration under Shaw.

David Shaw must have decided to leave some time ago, given the prepared statements and the timing immediately after the last game.  In that last presser when he discussed changes to NIL and transfer, when he said the focus was on trying to send the seniors out on a win...he knew.  Even in his departure, David Shaw was attempting to do what was best for the long term future of Stanford football and his student-athletes. 

So I do say "thank you" to David Shaw--genuinely felt.  Thank you for being a principled and ethical representative of my alma mater.  Thank you for bringing our program to its most successful stretch in program history.  And thank you for departing in a classy way.

Coach Shaw's departure reminds me of Bill Walsh's decision to step down.  Both have made great contributions to Stanford, both on and off the football field for which Stanford is better for.