<img src="<a href="<a href="<a href="<a href="https://encrypted-tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTylsOQqRUKYfRfYIG0yOyMwoxztlXcXkGXLr8OEMidyBgv-Obb0w""""" class="postlink " target="_blank">https://encrypted-tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTylsOQqRUKYfRfYIG0yOyMwoxztlXcXkGXLr8OEMidyBgv-Obb0w""""</a> class="postlink " target="_blank"><a href="https://encrypted-tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTylsOQqRUKYfRfYIG0yOyMwoxztlXcXkGXLr8OEMidyBgv-Obb0w"""</a>" class="postlink " target="_blank">https://encrypted-tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTylsOQqRUKYfRfYIG0yOyMwoxztlXcXkGXLr8OEMidyBgv-Obb0w"""</a></a> class="postlink " target="_blank"><a href="<a href="https://encrypted-tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTylsOQqRUKYfRfYIG0yOyMwoxztlXcXkGXLr8OEMidyBgv-Obb0w""</a>"" class="postlink " target="_blank">https://encrypted-tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTylsOQqRUKYfRfYIG0yOyMwoxztlXcXkGXLr8OEMidyBgv-Obb0w""</a>"</a> class="postlink " target="_blank"><a href="https://encrypted-tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTylsOQqRUKYfRfYIG0yOyMwoxztlXcXkGXLr8OEMidyBgv-Obb0w""</a></a>" class="postlink " target="_blank">https://encrypted-tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTylsOQqRUKYfRfYIG0yOyMwoxztlXcXkGXLr8OEMidyBgv-Obb0w""</a></a></a> class="postlink " target="_blank"><a href="<a href="<a href="https://encrypted-tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTylsOQqRUKYfRfYIG0yOyMwoxztlXcXkGXLr8OEMidyBgv-Obb0w"</a>""" class="postlink " target="_blank">https://encrypted-tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTylsOQqRUKYfRfYIG0yOyMwoxztlXcXkGXLr8OEMidyBgv-Obb0w"</a>""</a> class="postlink " target="_blank"><a href="https://encrypted-tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTylsOQqRUKYfRfYIG0yOyMwoxztlXcXkGXLr8OEMidyBgv-Obb0w"</a>"</a>" class="postlink " target="_blank">https://encrypted-tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTylsOQqRUKYfRfYIG0yOyMwoxztlXcXkGXLr8OEMidyBgv-Obb0w"</a>"</a></a> class="postlink " target="_blank"><a href="<a href="https://encrypted-tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTylsOQqRUKYfRfYIG0yOyMwoxztlXcXkGXLr8OEMidyBgv-Obb0w"</a></a>"" class="postlink " target="_blank">https://encrypted-tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTylsOQqRUKYfRfYIG0yOyMwoxztlXcXkGXLr8OEMidyBgv-Obb0w"</a></a>"</a> class="postlink " target="_blank"><a href="https://encrypted-tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTylsOQqRUKYfRfYIG0yOyMwoxztlXcXkGXLr8OEMidyBgv-Obb0w"</a></a></a>" class="postlink " target="_blank">https://encrypted-tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTylsOQqRUKYfRfYIG0yOyMwoxztlXcXkGXLr8OEMidyBgv-Obb0w"</a></a></a></a> /><br /><br />Shouting down a deep dark well has about the same effect...

<blockquote><div class="name-said">KoreAmBear;662268 said:</div><hr>Here's mine (I may or may not send this, but I'd like to hear yours; I know there will be plenty of disagreement):<br /><br />Dear Sandy,<br /><br />Another football season has ended and it's quite clear now that the trend in our football program is downward. Before the loss to Texas, it was considered success that we were able to get to the Holiday Bowl for a 7-5 season where our best win was against a middling Utah team at home. <br /><br />At one time, Coach Tedford allowed us to be a relevant player for BCS contention (2004 and 2006). Now, although the recruiting has been remarkable, the coaching has been mediocre at best. Yet Coach draws a salary that should at least cause us to be in contention for a BCS or P12 title every few years. Besides that, I believe Coach Tedford insults the fan base when he seems so cantankerous, sensitive and defensive at post practice press conferences. This is when the local media asks some even remotely tough or insightful questions that address his management of the team. The local media is not even close to being critical like the way you see around other big time football programs. In that way, Coach should understand that he has it good. <br /><br />Coach Tedford wants the support of the fans as well as wants us to empathize with his plight. Yet he closes practices, our offense which he "specializes in" has not produced even an above-average quarterback in years, and he seems to play so conservatively, it allows other talented teams to force their will on us and undercuts our own team. <br /><br />I believe that being dominant against bad teams at home is not good enough for this program, at this point (in 2002 it was a huge success to win 7 games). Cal alums and fans are going to show it by not upping their commitment and even just staying home, if the product remains the way it is. USC are Oregon are already exceptional and it would seem they may even be better next year. <br /><br />Something drastic has to happen. Yet we see in the papers that Coach Tedford thinks that we are fine at the QB position and not try the host of other extremely talented QBs with more upside, for next season. Will it be worth having another season like this in terms of low attendance turnouts and less merchandising revenue? <br /><br />I know you do not want to second guess your coaches, but look at Billy Beane. If we want the culture and ethic of the program to change, perhaps it will take the GM or the AD to take some control of it. I do not think the alums can handle another year of Coach saying we need to execute better or that we were a few points short of being a great team. We believe he has the talent to be a great team now. <br /><br />The issue in the last few years has been the coaching, not the talent. We have not heard Coach say that there is a problem with his coaching. We only hear about execution, injuries, lack of a true home field, etc. In other words, there are too many excuses. The main issue for me, though, is that we fans feel like we deserve to see some of the talent recruited at the QB position and whether we do well next year, we should go down trying and developing them. This is in no way disparaging our current QB who is a good Cal student athlete, and is only doing what he is being asked and trying to live out his dream. I saw a quote where Coach said our QB problems seem to have been addressed. This was highly concerning as the situation would only be addressed if 7-6 seasons were now the standard. <br /><br />I know this is just some venting from a Cal alum who does not know everything behind the scenes. But I just would respectfully ask that you would consider some of these thoughts as many are considering staying home next season, even while we have a sparkling brand new stadium. These new facilities are supposed to cause more success on the field but if we continue along this path and Coach refuses to admit to changing some of his fundamental principles in coaching (being way too conservative and being so inflexible in changing or developing more than 1 QB during a class cycle, as being two examples), you are going to lose more and more fans (thereby not obtaining the revenue you may be seeking). That would be a shame, as we want to showcase one of the best facilities in the nation in what I believe is the best setting in the nation. I would like nothing more than for Coach Tedford to regain his coaching prowess and bring us back to relevancy. Right now, the signs are not indicating towards that direction but I believe they can be but perhaps sound accountability would help in the matter. <br /><br />Thank you for taking time to reading this alum's rambling opinions. <br /><br />Best regards and Happy New Year!, <br /><br />KAB<hr></blockquote><br /><br />You have captured my thoughts and frustration. Not sure about the effectiveness of letters, but we can't continue this run of mediocrity with our offense and special teams........

...rally the troops up here. There are a couple of excellent letters, but how could we get one that is agreed upon and then put it out there to sign?<br /><br />While one letter is probably insignificant to her, one with 1000 signatures might wake her up. Didn't she get caught interviewing for another job? If so, she may be ready to bail herself here.<br /><br />:gobears:

I have received responses to e-mails I've sent to both Sandy Barbour and Jeff Tedford, so the thread that you read to the contrary is not accurate. I've also voiced my opinion in person to Sandy. More Bear fans, especially Bear Backers, should do so.

<blockquote><div class="name-said">Golden One;662576 said:</div><hr>I have received responses to e-mails I've sent to both Sandy Barbour and Jeff Tedford, so the thread that you read to the contrary is not accurate. I've also voiced my opinion in person to Sandy. More Bear fans, especially Bear Backers, should do so.<hr></blockquote><br /><br />Hope you discussed the ATO because if she is listening, she surely doesn't care to fix that long term problem.

Good job, KAB......agree! I love Cal football, love many things about JT and what he has done for Cal, but we are now PAINFUL to watch. Time to give someone else a chance to get us to the top level.

<blockquote><div class="name-said">BearsLair72;662568 said:</div><hr>...rally the troops up here. There are a couple of excellent letters, but how could we get one that is agreed upon and then put it out there to sign?<br /><br />While one letter is probably insignificant to her, one with 1000 signatures might wake her up. Didn't she get caught interviewing for another job? If so, she may be ready to bail herself here.<br /><br />:gobears:<hr></blockquote><br /><br />Anyone who wants to be included on my letter should pm me with your name. I'll change the "I's" to "We, the undersigned." If KAB wants to send one with some names attached to that, I don't think that will dilute things, as long as we both have a decent sized list of names. Also, if someone in the know could please tell me the best way to send a communication to Sandy--either by letter or by email--I'd appreciate that!

The fans are revolting, indeed.

<blockquote><div class="name-said">Spazzy McGee;662228 said:</div><hr>GREAT idea guys! A letter to the AD! I wrote one and just sent it off! Did I get the message right? <br /><br />Dear Sandy,<br /><br />It has been a tough year for many Bear fans, myself included. ...<br /><br />... Thank you for your tremendous work.<br /><br />-Spazzimus Desidus Aurelius McGee III<hr></blockquote><br /><br />Haha. I will never make fun of you ever again.<br /><br />Thank you Spazzy.

<blockquote><div class="name-said">BearsLair72;662568 said:</div><hr>...rally the troops up here. There are a couple of excellent letters, but how could we get one that is agreed upon and then put it out there to sign?<br /><br />While one letter is probably insignificant to her, one with 1000 signatures might wake her up. Didn't she get caught interviewing for another job? If so, she may be ready to bail herself here.<br /><br />:gobears:<hr></blockquote><br /><br />I'm a big fan of Facebook. I think we should all join up as Friends, then right a nasty letter to Sandy.

<blockquote><div class="name-said">L.A. Bear;662596 said:</div><hr> Also, if someone in the know could please tell me the best way to send a communication to Sandy--either by letter or by email--I'd appreciate that!<hr></blockquote><br /><br />Count me out please.

<blockquote><div class="name-said">L.A. Bear;662140 said:</div><hr>It's hard not to be dismayed by the quality of play of the Bears over the last few years. This latest debacle, replete with terrible decisions--including the ridiculous attempt by the SENIOR Marvin Jones to try to field that bounding punt--undisciplined penalties, bad execution even of basic shotgun snaps, predictable play calling, poor quarterback play, etc., is merely a microcosm of what we've been seeing for a number of seasons. At this point, I'm considering not renewing my season tickets and not donating, and sending a letter to Sandy saying that I'll not do either again until new leadership is installed. That wouldn't be easy because of how much I love going to Memorial on Saturday afternoons, but how can us fans speak otherwise in a way that will be heard? Are any of you season ticket holders and donors contemplating the same?<hr></blockquote><br /> <br />As a donor and season ticket holder for 20 years it is hard for me to justify new tickets with JT at head coach. I will probably stick it out as I know Cal cannot pay him off. He has had a great run compared to coaches hired since Snyder and it is so obvious that it is time to pass the baton to someone new.

Your voice will be heard when you offer to donate $1 million a year.<br /><br />Talk is cheap.

<blockquote><div class="name-said">DrDanger;662367 said:</div><hr>All that season ending drama won't exist... Big Game is going to be in October next year, in the middle of the season. Announcement soon.<hr></blockquote><br /><br />I'll adjust my prediction accordingly if/when announced<br /><br />Regardless that would really stink unless we are getting something tangible out of it. We already know Nevada is Sep 1, @Ohio State is Sep 15. We expect an additional home game OOC since the ticket announcement presumes 7 games (5 Pac12). They wouldn't have a high profile game late November with @Ohio State on the schedule, so moving Big Game would have to be accomodating TV agreements or getting some favorable coverage to entice Cal/furd to make the move.

<blockquote><div class="name-said">BBBGOBEARS;662667 said:</div><hr>As a donor and season ticket holder for 20 years it is hard for me to justify new tickets with JT at head coach. I will probably stick it out as I know Cal cannot pay him off. He has had a great run compared to coaches hired since Snyder and it is so obvious that it is time to pass the baton to someone new.<hr></blockquote><br /><br />Agreed.<br /><br />Remember, how you fire your coach telegraphs to the next guy what to expect. We're not Alabama who can fire a coach for going 8-4 and still be on Urban Meyer's shortlist, and that fired coach will likely get another job. We need potential coaches to know we are serious about winning, and that they won't risk their career ending prematurely.<br /><br />Maybe Sandy was ready to pull the trigger after SC or UCLA this year, that would have been entirely justified, but could she payoff the contract?

<blockquote><div class="name-said">CrimsonBear;662417 said:</div><hr>Unfortunately, Sandy is part of the problem, not the solution. For whatever reason(s), she bid against herself and gave JT the extension w/o any kind of buyout or option.<br /><br />I'll be there rooting for the Bears at the new Memorial, but then again, I was there for Holmoe. The players change, the head coaches change, but I will always be there for the Bears. I love that Cal laundry.<hr></blockquote><br /><br />If JT doesn't get the extension, while the neighbors are holding up the facilities improvements, JT was viable enough to get a better job. It had to be done.<br /><br />I too love the Cal laundry. I also believe that outside of the small chance JT evolves very quickly, Sandy will replace him with a good hire that will leverage our current strengths:<br />* Young talent<br />* Top level facilities<br />* High expectations<br />* Pac12 visibility<br />* TV $<br />* Acacemic reputation

<blockquote><div class="name-said">calumnus;662203 said:</div><hr>That was my assessment as well. Better to secure the ball than leave it up to the refs to decide who the ball hit.<hr></blockquote><br /><br />+1

<blockquote><div class="name-said">jabes;662944 said:</div><hr>Agreed.<br /><br />Remember, how you fire your coach telegraphs to the next guy what to expect. We're not Alabama who can fire a coach for going 8-4 and still be on Urban Meyer's shortlist, and that fired coach will likely get another job. We need potential coaches to know we are serious about winning, and that they won't risk their career ending prematurely.<br /><br /><b>Maybe Sandy was ready to pull the trigger after SC or UCLA this year, that would have been entirely justified, but could she payoff the contract?[/</b>QUOTE]<br /><br />This was never a consideration. It has been a given that Tedford gets to coach 2012 in the new facility, regardless of how this year's team performed. He has earned that, all things considered over his 10 year career, and where we were, and what the facilities were when he got here.

<blockquote><div class="name-said">ManBear;662450 said:</div><hr><br />keep up the good work! back to the Insider board for me.<hr></blockquote><br /><br />Off you go now.

<blockquote><div class="name-said">DrDanger;663038 said:</div><hr><br />This was never a consideration. It has been a given that Tedford gets to coach 2012 in the new facility, regardless of how this year's team performed. He has earned that, all things considered over his 10 year career, and where we were, and what the facilities were when he got here.<hr></blockquote><br /><br />Yes he has. everyone just chill and enjoy 2012 football. try not to begin the meltdown until 2nd the half of the season. Tedford isn't going anywhere for the time being, nor should he.

<blockquote><div class="name-said">CrimsonBear;662417 said:</div><hr>Unfortunately, Sandy is part of the problem, not the solution. For whatever reason(s), she bid against herself and gave JT the extension w/o any kind of buyout or option. [COLOR="Blue"]Plus Sandy has said repeatedly that Tedford is going nowhere.[/COLOR]<br /><br />If she fires JT, she looks like an idiot to the major donors and a part of the fanbase (see above). She already looked bad from the cutting sports programs PR debacle. Also, the seating nightmare at ATT (especially against $C) was embarrassing.<br /><br />She would need to raise the money for the remainder of JT's salary from donors that are pretty unhappy as it is. It's a much bigger nut than Braun's buyout.<br /><br />The reality is unless Cal completely craters next year and delivers a 2-10 season or starts off 0-5 (which will not happen), JT is safe.<br /><br /><b>No way JT (or Sandy) is going to ruin Cal football for me.</b> I have lost faith in JT (and that's not coming back until he actually delivers a RB or BCS game). It took the last 4.5 years to lose that faith. It wasn't even the Texas game (although that was painful). Even if we won, so what? The fact that Cal lost in that fashion only made it worse (and confirmed my opinion of JT). <br /><br /><b>I'll be there rooting for the Bears at the new Memorial, but then again, I was there for Holmoe. The players change, the head coaches change, but I will always be there for the Bears. I love that Cal laundry</b>.<hr></blockquote><br /><br />Nice post, especially the last statement. I am hopelessly addicted. Maybe we will get better seats as the "revolution" unfolds.<br /><br />I have not lost faith in Tedford, but my expectations have been reduced.<br />I no longer base Cal's chances on the their level of talent, for example.<br />Cal's problems go beyond coaching. But I believe that one day we will get someone like a Pete Carroll or Harbaugh that will make us realize how stessful these Tedford years have been. I disagree with folks that think we can't pull someone like Urban Meyer hear. UC Berkeley football will have $$ to spend on HC hiring once we get the $20Mil/yr. promised from the Pac 12 network. Granted that some of that will have to go to the general fund to offset budget problems. Also, most high profile coaches have some connection of other to the UC system or the bay area and would love to live here.<br /><br />Having said all this, I wonder how much this thread is based on the Holliday bowl loss to Texas. That loss was mostly due to superior talent of the Texas defensive front 7 and poor ST play on Cal's part. I also continue to question Pendergast's scheme that allows us to be burned for long pass plays late in the game in crucial situations. Hopefully, Shaq's presense at Safety will lessen that next year despite the scheme.<br /><br />Rather than a fan letter writing campaign we need to spend more money of better quality ST coaches, get more conditioning under Blasquez for our O-line and recruit for more speed at LB and DB.<br /><br />If we had those things this year, we might have had 10 wins, because we would have beaten Washington, Stanford, and Texas. <br /><br />I will concede that Tedford has some serious clock management issues and seems to resort to field goals too often.