The Washington Huskies football program stepped into a whirlwind before during and after its loss to the Oregon Ducks last Saturday. One of the worst days in Husky football saw fans experience, wind, cold and expected rain. While it sounds like good old Husky football weather the elements were too severe even for old die-hard Northwesterners.
FALL FROM GRACE
In addition to fighting the elements and witnessing another loss to the Ducks, Husky fans saw an uncharacteristic display of emotion by Head Coach Jimmy Lake. In an attempt to stop one of his players from fighting Lake stepped in separated the players turned his attention to Ruperake Fuavai , and allegedly made contact with the special team player’s facemask and pushed him in the back as he was walking away. The incident raised some eyebrows, but the game went on. Lake was asked about the sideline incident during the post-game conference, and he denied striking the player.
UNRAVELING OF LEADERSHIP
On Sunday afternoon the Husky Athletic Department issued a statement stating that Offensive Coordinator John Donovan had been relieved of his duties. A move many were calling for three weeks into the season. Wide receivers coach Junior Adams was named interim offensive coordinator. On Monday morning the Washington Athletic Department issued another statement on the next week’s suspension of Jimmy Lake effectively immediately. Interim tag number two was handed to Defensive Coordinator Bob Gregory as the head coach leading up to and during Saturday’s Arizona State game.
UW Football Announcement Regarding Head Coach
https://gohuskies.com/news/2021/11/8/uw-football-announcement-regarding-head-coach.aspx
Monday Morning Lake offered an apology.
Monday afternoon Adams and Gregory met with the media and discussed how the programs plans for moving forward.
NOW WHAT ?
Before the blame game begins first and foremost is the question of how the players move one. Imagine your head coach being suspended for a week without pay I might add for unacceptable behavior towards one of your teammates? Do you pick a side? How much trust is lost and how can it be regained in seven days? Lake will resume head coaching duties after Saturday’s contest with Arizona State. The Huskies have two remaining games against Colorado and Washington State .
Can the team rally around him? Will the University rally around him? Maybe to the first question and not a chance to the second.
NEVER GIVEN A FULL CHANCE
Many believe Lake was never the long-term solution and that he was warming the seat for an eventual return by Chris Petersen. Not sure I buy that though it is looking like that is the direction the program is headed. There are many questions. Was Donovan a Lake hire, why did current Dallas Cowboys offensive coordinator and former Boise State star Kellen Moore decline the offensive coordinator role here last year? Where was Jen Cohen when it was time to stand in front of the microphone and announce the leadership void in the Football Program? As they say, actions speak louder than words. Lake is certainly done at the end of the season and sure feels like that is the way most people wanted it after the embarrassing loss to Montana. Add Lake‘s comments before the Oregon game, his conduct during it the man never had a chance.
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