Willoughby Hills, Ohio (Tues. November 25, 2003)
Open letter to Joe Paterno:
Joe, let me open by introducing myself as a 30-year journalist who has had the unparalleled privilege of covering your football team often.
Let me also express the appreciation of literally millions of fans for what you have done for the Pennsylvania State University. Nobody anywhere could even entertain the dream of repaying you for the role you have played in making Penn State one of the nation's 50 top academic universities.
Additionally, on your precedent-setting watch, Penn State football has established itself as one of the nation's top three programs as far as fan loyalty is concerned.
It is a gift that will perpetuate itself for generations to come.
It is difficult to quantify the effect you have had on not just Penn State football and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, but also the college game and education as well.
In a year where frustration and negativity stole too much of the spotlight, it is very important to take a step back and remember what you have meant to the entire Penn State community, to the school's past, present and future.
Being one of the most visible figures in the entire sporting galaxy, I know your "assistant coaches" probably number at least in the hundreds of thousands if not millions.
And of course, when the misfortunes of a year like 2003 blind some folks' perspective and one of the nation's largest media corps pokes and probes, it can be the classic recipe for disaster.
The dignity and self-control with which you have faced this adversity will not be soon forgotten. A far greater individual than I once said, "This too shall pass."
Far be it for a somewhat detached observer from another province to offer a couple of suggestions, but on the chance you are in off-season evaluation mode, here are 10 thoughts for your consideration from a guy with a little too much spare time.
1. ANALYSIS/ASSESSMENTS | Your staff, of course, is capable, loyal and well-schooled in evaluating everything from health situations to game day preparation, the academic side and off-campus developments. But at times, it occasionally appears maybe a bit more in-depth evaluation of certain negative events might be in order.
To borrow a phrase from a close friend, maybe think of it as "C.S.I. Penn State." By this, infer that maybe a little more than just breaking down game tape and taking copious notes might be helpful.
A possible hard search for more in-depth problems endemic to play execution, practice preparation and mental ability to implement an offensive or defensive set that will apply an imaginative, creative approach to game situations might include the hiring of an outsider — a consultant or coach — to offer some serious input as to what went wrong and why.
2. DISCIPLINE | I know the pop culture generation presents a whole new era of communication challenges. But I know equally that you are still an exceptional communicator on the recruiting trail, in dealing with player and family alike, and that for the most part, Penn State has been a beacon of sanity in a culture where disrespect and rebellious attitude have become accepted norms in some quarters.
But the instances of off-campus skirmishes have been more publicized of late, if not more numerous than in the past.
In kicking one individual off the team late this fall, you sent an unmistakable message through the team. Would the possibility of a zero-tolerance liquor policy be a good second step? Many folks seem to think so. How would this affect recruiting? Many will think some athletes would be turned off and head instead toward places they perceive as more lenient.
But then, they probably wouldn't qualify as "Penn State-type kids". The parents, very often your strongest allies, would emphasize what four years of your leadership will mean to their young man.
And from this, you will still be able to land some of the great bluechip prospects locally and nationally. But that extra dimension regarding a zero-tolerance situation might be a good insurance policy against some of the unhappy off-campus events of the past couple of years.
3. WEIGHT TRAINING | One prospect's father pointed out the difference in workout systems between Penn State and the school he ultimately chose, about the emphasis being more on endurance rather than power.
But as the weekly grinder sessions that are the longtime essence of Big Ten football often produce critical game junctures where the biggest dog in the fight does win, would it be a good time to re-evaluate the direction of Penn State's power training workouts. Comparing them, for example, to Michigan's, Ohio State's, Iowa's or Minnesota's, to name a few, might be truly instructive, a sort of corporate sometimes-you-learn-from-the-competitor approach.
In the end, the 12-15 pounds of extra hard body mass, keyed by a 50-60 pound higher bench press or squat workout regimen, might win you some key line-of-scrimmage scrums that make the difference between a 4-4 league season and maybe 6-2 or 7-1 and perpetual contendership in the Big Ten race.
4. AGILITY AND QUICKNESS | This is somewhat related to the weight training approach. A tour of some of the current-day perpetual national title contenders' workout centers, as well as those of successful N.F.L. teams, might lend a whole new perspective to how your program can best take advantage of its athleticism and exploit each player's optimum assets. From quarterback ball delivery, to applying instant on-your-feet decision making and improvising to convert a losing situation into a major gain, the agility/quickness factor will combine well with a possibly-upgraded weight training program to put Penn State in the forefront of Big Ten programs.
5. LEADERSHIP | This brings in the concept of mentoring players. I am sure your program has a sophisticated, creative system of bringing out the best in each student-athlete and for the most part, the evidence shows an exemplary approach. If not already a part of the program, what about the concept of each assistant coach being responsible for a certain number of players on and off the field, to watch for telltale signs of possible difficulty, to guide them back on course?
6. SPECIAL TEAMS | This is an achilles heel for many a football coach. In Michigan's two losses this year, the Wolverines' special teams imploded — pure and simple. Lloyd Carr had the offensive answer for a failed running game at Oregon — John Navarre, who had a career passing day.
But the Wolverines' kicking game was brutal and they came out of Eugene with a loss. Same at Iowa, where punts and placekicks alike were blocked or returned for touchdowns. Such plays kept U-M most likely from playing Oklahoma for the national title.
Perhaps a weight-training emphasis on the fiber muscles that produce maximum power on kickoffs, thus carrying out of the end zone. Same emphasis on punts as well. Can the staff say it is fully satisfied with its special teams preparation, a critical part ot today's game more than ever.
7. ENTHUSIASM | Harken back to the sidelines of the '70s and '80s and remember the animated enthusiams players showed in support of their mates. It's tougher when things aren't going as well, but even in those rare years when your teams weren't at least in semi-contention for a Top 10 ranking or national title. And it's equally difficult to gin up half-hearted support. But perhaps, if you're not satisfied in this area, the staff can address it in the off-season.
8. LEARNING FROM OTHERS | The amazing application of the Delaware Wing-T offense that shocked a terrific Maryland team in the mid-1970s is still part of who you are, of the legend of Penn State football. Maybe a visit to some other campuses to pick up some current-day wrinkles you can throw at your 2004 opponents may help. Some at times appear to be in a defensive — and offensive — comfort zone and that builds their confidence.
9. COACHING SUCCESSION | I know even though you are reportedly not an inveterate in-season newspaper reader, that you have heard more than your share of retirement and longevity questions and, quite honestly, you have handled them with an uncommon grace and dignity that continues to emphasize what all of us never doubted about you — you are unique.
A possible suggestion might be to just begin to consider putting together a blueprint for a smooth transition when you feel it is time. A possible list of coaches both on your staff and who command your respect nationally might complete truly orderly transition, one which clearly carries your stamp.
10. THE RUNNING GAME | From Franco and Lydell, through Cappalletti, Carter, Wagner and Thomas to Enis and Johnson, it seems as if your teams have always had a high-powered running game. Austin Scott, the young man from Allentown Parkland, seems a logical successor.
Many coaches are somewhat reluctant to throw their brilliant freshmen prospects into the battle early. But some view Scott as a Tony Dorsett-type runner who can truly dominate a game. Maybe when you land another bluechip running back, given the success numerous freshmen elsewhere have encountered, you might consider getting the young man into the action earlier.
No doubt, Joe, you will get a blizzard of e-mail and the more conventional type as well. And your millions of unhired "assistants" will offer a mountain of suggestions.
My fondest hope is that you have a healthy, hearty off-season and holiday season. And that somehow you maybe find a couple of these suggestions helpful as you prepare for your 39th season at Penn State.
God Bless...
— Paul Smith
