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?

I'm considering what you propose, but most likely I will choose to renew so that I can be there for the inaugural season of the New Memorial. Writing a letter to SB is a good idea, and perhaps I should say this will be my final season unless we see significant improvement.<br /><br />Ironically, when the team does well, more games are televised here in L.A.; when they sink to the depths of conference standings there are fewer games broadcast and thus greater need to have the tickets.

<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 />L.A.Bear: I lot of what you say probably resonates well with a lot of Cal fans right now. One thing I would take exception with is the decision making of SENIOR Marvin Jones. I do not think he had any intent of touching that punt. He was waving everyone off. Then the ball came down in the midst of two Texas players and one Cal player (if I recall correctly), and he must have made a split second decision that it might have been his teammate that it hit, and with it bouncing in his direction, decided to take away any potential loss had it hit a Cal player. I think what you imply was stupidity (not your words) may have been a reasonably good reaction gone wrong, until saved by the officials.

While I understand your angst, it would be shame for Cal alums and fans to withdraw support--when it is most needed. I am pleased to have my six ESP seats and support the Bears thru thick and thin. Having the disappointments is offset by the thrill of the high points.<br />Go Bears!

you were figuring this plan out during the weeks that followed the Furd and ASU games?

How about a letter writing campaign to Sandy? Someone draw up one of those form letters and we all sign and continue to email/mail her so that she responds, has this in mind, and even brings it up with Tedford?

<blockquote><div class="name-said">OdontoBear66;662147 said:</div><hr>L.A.Bear: I lot of what you say probably resonates well with a lot of Cal fans right now. One thing I would take exception with is the decision making of SENIOR Marvin Jones. I do not think he had any intent of touching that punt. He was waving everyone off. Then the ball came down in the midst of two Texas players and one Cal player (if I recall correctly), and he must have made a split second decision that it might have been his teammate that it hit, and with it bouncing in his direction, decided to take away any potential loss had it hit a Cal player. I think what you imply was stupidity (not your words) may have been a reasonably good reaction gone wrong, until saved by the officials.<hr></blockquote><br /><br />That was my assessment as well. Better to secure the ball than leave it up to the refs to decide who the ball hit.

I have ESP seats, so I'll be at the games at Memorial for the rest of my life. However, I have written to Sandy in November about the disgusting state of our football program, and I intend to write another letter to her within the next couple of days. It's time for all true Cal football lovers to step up and voice our displeasure with the mediocre results Jeff Tedford has delivered. I'm tired of being embarrassed by virtually any team with a winning record and having to depend on wins over bottom feeders to reach bowl eligibility.

<blockquote><div class="name-said">Golden One;662211 said:</div><hr>I have ESP seats, so I'll be at the games at Memorial for the rest of my life. However, I have written to Sandy in November about the disgusting state of our football program, and I intend to write another letter to her within the next couple of days. It's time for all true Cal football lovers to step up and voice our displeasure with the mediocre results Jeff Tedford has delivered. I'm tired of being embarrassed by virtually any team with a winning record and having to depend on wins over bottom feeders to reach bowl eligibility.<hr></blockquote><br /><br />I read on a thread a long time ago, that SB does not see or answer those e-mails. Her and JT must have a person filtering those which means he/she has excellent job security

I think a carefully worded letter would help immensely. It should make the points about the last 4-5 years, but state simply that we realize that JT will be coaching in the new facilities next year, but that if we have another year like the last 5 that many people will stop attending games, which risks our financial future, and that therefore a change will be needed in a much more competitive Pac-12. i would define success as 9 wins plus a 10th win in a bowl, and coming in no worse than 3rd or 4th in the conference and preferably contending through the season for the playoff AND beating Stanford at home. That is a pretty easy bar in my mind.<br /><br />By the way, letters to AD's can have a great effect. I wrote a letter to Bob Bockrath about grass versus turf and he basically sent me the nastiest "fuc* you" letter I have ever seen. I sent it over to Glenn Dickey who wrote a column and include a large piece of Bob's letter in there and poff, within a short period that idiot was long one...so it sometimes works. <br /><br /><br /><br /><blockquote><div class="name-said">KoreAmBear;662177 said:</div><hr>How about a letter writing campaign to Sandy? Someone draw up one of those form letters and we all sign and continue to email/mail her so that she responds, has this in mind, and even brings it up with Tedford?<hr></blockquote>

<blockquote><div class="name-said">BearsLair72;662216 said:</div><hr>I think a carefully worded letter would help immensely. It should make the points about the last 4-5 years, but state simply that we realize that JT will be coaching in the new facilities next year, but that if we have another year like the last 5 that many people will stop attending games, which risks our financial future, and that therefore a change will be needed in a much more competitive Pac-12. i would define success as 9 wins plus a 10th win in a bowl, and coming in no worse than 3rd or 4th in the conference and preferably contending through the season for the playoff AND beating Stanford at home. That is a pretty easy bar in my mind.<br /><br />By the way, letters to AD's can have a great effect. I wrote a letter to Bob Bockrath about grass versus turf and he basically sent me the nastiest "fuc* you" letter I have ever seen. I sent it over to Glenn Dickey who wrote a column and include a large piece of Bob's letter in there and poff, within a short period that idiot was long one...so it sometimes works.<hr></blockquote><br /><br />Why don't you draft one and we could negotiate some of the verbiage and then for those that want to, sign off on it and send to Sandy? I don't think it's the number of wins per se or whatever that should define the letter. It should focus on JT making BCS money and not producing BCS type coaching -- esp. recruiting BCS talent at the QB position and then not trying be creative and use this talent. Instead, he's again entrenched one QB, an arguably shaky one at that with mid-major upside, and not trying the stable of other Elite 11 QBs we have. Plus, I'm tired of his attitude towards the press and directly and indirectly through the press, his attitude towards the fans. His Turd Ferguson pressers after practice are just plain rude, esp. with how his season has gone. He has nothing to be aloof about -- something has to drastically change. Perhaps humility is the first step and Sandy could provide a wake up call.

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. I am sure you are aware of the fanbase's acrimonious response to last Saturday's extraordinarily disappointing loss to what was perceived as a very weak Bruin team. Many immediately have sought shelter in scapegoating our head coach, with the knee-jerk response of "Fire Tedford," assuming that firing a head coach will instantaneously solve the team's problems in the same way that a manager of Starbucks might turn his store around by firing a bad barista. I think hiring and firing coaches does not work this way.<br /><br />Moreover, given the dozens of inputs and outputs, vagaries, and plain luck involved in winning a football game, I've always found it curious that a fanbase immediately gravitates towards firing the person with singularly the most knowledge of the football program than anyone else. To me, it would be like finding out a dear friend of mine is sick and in the hospital and immediately calling out "FIRE THE DOCTOR!" It seems silly to me.<br /><br />The last football game aside, looking at the last ten years of Cal athletics, I find myself astonished at the overall success of the entire program, largely under your tenure, in many of our NCAA sports. Normally this would be accomplishment in and of itself, but in the context of the incredibly challenging climate for simply running a 27-sport athletic department at a public university in the state of California, the final result is truly mind boggling. Volleyball continues to rise, women's basketball had several fantastic seasons, men's basketball won their first championship in decades, swimming and diving continues to spit out olympic-caliber athletes like a Pez dispenser. Even Cal baseball, so close to termination, defied all odds by qualifying for the college world series.<br /><br />Against a backdrop of unprecedented and debilitating budget cuts, massive campus-wide construction, the tree-sitter horror-dramedy, and the funding and construction of the SAHPC as well as new Memorial Stadium, the aforementioned accomplishments only seem that much more impressive and a testament to the program-wide skill of our coaches and, especially, our student athletes.<br /><br />Given this, I just want to say that as long as I live within driving distance of Berkeley I will be at all the home football games (as I have been since I was a student starting in '03), yelling for our Golden Bears, and frankly I don't care who our coach is. I fully support you and your past, present, and future leadership of our athletic department. Thank you for your tremendous work.<br /><br />-Spazzimus Desidus Aurelius McGee III

Nice and concise:<br /><br />Dear Sandy:<br /><br />You talking to Teddy re: Cal's mediocrity? I hope so because you really need to. Or else I'll be supporting Stanford if you don't.<br /><br />Sincerely,<br /><br />Orenthal James Kaydo

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

<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. I am sure you are aware of the fanbase's acrimonious response to last Saturday's extraordinarily disappointing loss to what was [COLOR="Red"]perceived[/COLOR] as a very weak Bruin team [COLOR="Red"]but in truth turned out to be far worse than weak[/COLOR]. Many immediately have sought shelter in scapegoating our head coach, with the knee-jerk response of "Fire Tedford," assuming that firing a head coach will instantaneously solve the team's problems in the same way that a manager of Starbucks might turn his store around by firing a bad barista[COLOR="Red"] even though our coach is making $3 million not $5.00 an hour[/COLOR]. I think hiring and firing coaches does not work this way [COLOR="Red"]because our coach is a grande not a venti[/COLOR]<br /><br />Moreover, given the dozens of inputs and outputs, vagaries, and plain luck involved in winning a football game, I've always found it curious that [COLOR="Red"]we don't have vagaries and luck against good teams[/COLOR] and a fanbase immediately gravitates towards firing the person with singularly the most knowledge of the football program than anyone else [COLOR="Red"]instead of firing the person with the least knowledge[/COLOR]. To me, it would be like finding out a dear friend of mine is sick and [COLOR="Red"]suffered malpractice [/COLOR]in the hospital and immediately calling out "FIRE THE DOCTOR!" It seems silly to me [COLOR="Red"]just because the patient died[/COLOR].<br /><br />The last [COLOR="Red"]two years against decent teams [/COLOR]football game aside, looking at the last ten years of Cal athletics, I find myself astonished at the overall success of the entire program, largely under your tenure, in many of our NCAA sports[COLOR="Red"]with the recent exception of football[/COLOR]. Normally this would be accomplishment in and of itself, but in the context of the incredibly challenging climate for simply running a 27-sport athletic department at a public university in the state of California, the final result is truly mind boggling. Volleyball continues to rise, women's basketball had several fantastic seasons, men's basketball won their first championship in decades, swimming and diving continues to spit out olympic-caliber athletes like a Pez dispenser[COLOR="Red"] and the football team even challenged UCLA[/COLOR]. Even Cal baseball, so close to termination, defied all odds by qualifying for the college world series.<br /><br /><br />Given this, I just want to say that as long as I live within driving distance of Berkeley I will be at all the home football games (as I have been since I was a student starting in '03), yelling for our Golden Bears, and frankly I don't care who our coach is [COLOR="Red"]as can be ascertained from my comments[/COLOR]. I fully support you and your past, present, and future leadership of our athletic department. Thank you for your tremendous work.<br /><br />-Spazzimus Desidus Aurelius McGee III<hr></blockquote><br /><br />Spazzy please accept my edits

<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 /><hr></blockquote><br /><br />Way too long. It should be short and to the point, like the one someone posted above (except for the part about supporting Stanford obviously). Anything that long has zero chance of being read by the AD (at least past the first paragraph).

<blockquote><div class="name-said">OskiMD;662310 said:</div><hr>Way too long. It should be short and to the point, like the one someone posted above (except for the part about supporting Stanford obviously). Anything that long has zero chance of being read by the AD (at least past the first paragraph).<hr></blockquote><br /><br />Well it's probably more for me and her anyway. <img src="<img src="<img src="<img src="<img src="" />" />" />" />">

There is zero chance that Tedford doesn't continue as HC through Oct-2012, ZERO. What coach would take a job from Sandy when it can be argued that she fires a coach over one game, at a program that hasn't been in a BCS level game for generations? If Sandy had the $$, and the idea, the only window she had this year was between the SC game and Big Game.<br /><br />If Cal continues as we expect, we'll be preparing for Big Game next year at 5-6 or 4-7, with blow out losses in at least two of SC/Oregon/Ohio State, and a face plant at Pullman or something equally galling. At that point, or possibly a few games earlier, if that's where we are then Sandy should pull the trigger before the emotion of Big Game creates an illusion of improvement.<br /><br />My prediction:<br /><br />* UCLA is embarrassed in AT&T Park tomorrow<br />* Sandy spends much of the season privately preparing a short list for new football headcoach<br />* Cal is 5-6 before Big Game<br />* Sandy announces that Big Game will be Tedford's final game<br />* Team sends Tedford off with the Axe in Cal's possession (has this happened since Kapp in '86?)<br />* Sandy declines Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl after the Cal/UCLA experiences there this year, and announces a very positive new hire

Yes, given that the ball clearly hit one of the three players in that group, Jones' decision was 100% correct. The ball deflected off of <i>someone</i>, but it's not clear who. If it's a Texas player, it's a dead ball and there's no harm in jumping on it anyway. If it had hit the Cal player, it's a live ball.<br /><br />You can only fault him for the execution, but it didn't matter anyway.<br /><br /><blockquote><div class="name-said">FingeroftheBear;662186 said:</div><hr>Jones return was handled correctly by him, even if it looked bad. From the IR tape, it appears a Cal man might have touched the ball thus making it live ball, thus forcing Jones to attempt to pick it up or cover the live ball. Lucky for instant replay and decent officiating this was held up. As mentioned, Jones had a split second to decide.<hr></blockquote>

By the way, I am buying tickets at CMS. I don't look at Cal Football as a season-by-season decision.<br /><br />I agree with the letter writing, but if you suggest something impractical it will be ignored.<br />* Don't try to fire a coach during bowl season<br />* Don't assume we can get Chris Peterson or Urban Meyer<br />* Don't think you spend more time thinking about which current assistant coaches would do better at Cal than Sandy or her designate for that sort of thing<br />* Don't talk about spending $Millions to pay off Tedford's contract if you don't have $Millions to contribute to that cause

<blockquote><div class="name-said">jabes;662340 said:</div><hr>There is zero chance that Tedford doesn't continue as HC through Oct-2012, ZERO. What coach would take a job from Sandy when it can be argued that she fires a coach over one game, at a program that hasn't been in a BCS level game for generations? If Sandy had the $$, and the idea, the only window she had this year was between the SC game and Big Game.<br /><br />If Cal continues as we expect, we'll be preparing for Big Game next year at 5-6 or 4-7, with blow out losses in at least two of SC/Oregon/Ohio State, and a face plant at Pullman or something equally galling. At that point, or possibly a few games earlier, if that's where we are then Sandy should pull the trigger before the emotion of Big Game creates an illusion of improvement.<br /><br />My prediction:<br /><br />* UCLA is embarrassed in AT&T Park tomorrow<br />* Sandy spends much of the season privately preparing a short list for new football headcoach<br />* Cal is 5-6 before Big Game<br />* Sandy announces that Big Game will be Tedford's final game<br />* Team sends Tedford off with the Axe in Cal's possession (has this happened since Kapp in '86?)<br />* Sandy declines Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl after the Cal/UCLA experiences there this year, and announces a very positive new hire<hr></blockquote><br /><br />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.

Who do you want to hire Bear Bryant? He's dead.

<blockquote><div class="name-said">Calcoholic;662346 said:</div><hr>Yes, given that the ball clearly hit one of the three players in that group, Jones' decision was 100% correct. The ball deflected off of <i>someone</i>, but it's not clear who. If it's a Texas player, it's a dead ball and there's harm in jumping on it anyway. If it had hit the Cal player, it's a live ball.<br /><br />You can only fault him for the execution, but it didn't matter anyway.<hr></blockquote><br /><br />Thank you Calc. This is what punt returners are coached to do. If the ball hits a TX player, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain by attempting to pick it up and run with it - it's a "free play," like throwing a deep pass when a DL jumps offside. Marvin was playing disciplined football and you should applaud his decision making.<br /><br />I understand the general frustration of the fan base with our program. I am frustrated by the results, too. But most of us could take a chill pill when it comes to criticizing particular decisions. As fans with limited knowledge of the game and/or the full context behind a particular decision, it often turns out that we don't know what we are talking about. Imagine how frustrating it must be for Marv or any other player to come on here and read that the fans think he made a bonehead play when in fact the opposite is true.

Sandy,<br /><br />We need a new coach or new AD. What do you think we should do?<br /><br />Love,<br />Cal Alum

Dear Sandy.....<br /><br /><br /><br /><img src="<a href="<a href="<a href="<a href="http://erinwilliamscoaching.typepad.com/.a/6a00e550123b7688340133ed049e49970b-400wi""""" class="postlink " target="_blank">http://erinwilliamscoaching.typepad.com/.a/6a00e550123b7688340133ed049e49970b-400wi""""</a> class="postlink " target="_blank"><a href="http://erinwilliamscoaching.typepad.com/.a/6a00e550123b7688340133ed049e49970b-400wi"""</a>" class="postlink " target="_blank">http://erinwilliamscoaching.typepad.com/.a/6a00e550123b7688340133ed049e49970b-400wi"""</a></a> class="postlink " target="_blank"><a href="<a href="http://erinwilliamscoaching.typepad.com/.a/6a00e550123b7688340133ed049e49970b-400wi""</a>"" class="postlink " target="_blank">http://erinwilliamscoaching.typepad.com/.a/6a00e550123b7688340133ed049e49970b-400wi""</a>"</a> class="postlink " target="_blank"><a href="http://erinwilliamscoaching.typepad.com/.a/6a00e550123b7688340133ed049e49970b-400wi""</a></a>" class="postlink " target="_blank">http://erinwilliamscoaching.typepad.com/.a/6a00e550123b7688340133ed049e49970b-400wi""</a></a></a> class="postlink " target="_blank"><a href="<a href="<a href="http://erinwilliamscoaching.typepad.com/.a/6a00e550123b7688340133ed049e49970b-400wi"</a>""" class="postlink " target="_blank">http://erinwilliamscoaching.typepad.com/.a/6a00e550123b7688340133ed049e49970b-400wi"</a>""</a> class="postlink " target="_blank"><a href="http://erinwilliamscoaching.typepad.com/.a/6a00e550123b7688340133ed049e49970b-400wi"</a>"</a>" class="postlink " target="_blank">http://erinwilliamscoaching.typepad.com/.a/6a00e550123b7688340133ed049e49970b-400wi"</a>"</a></a> class="postlink " target="_blank"><a href="<a href="http://erinwilliamscoaching.typepad.com/.a/6a00e550123b7688340133ed049e49970b-400wi"</a></a>"" class="postlink " target="_blank">http://erinwilliamscoaching.typepad.com/.a/6a00e550123b7688340133ed049e49970b-400wi"</a></a>"</a> class="postlink " target="_blank"><a href="http://erinwilliamscoaching.typepad.com/.a/6a00e550123b7688340133ed049e49970b-400wi"</a></a></a>" class="postlink " target="_blank">http://erinwilliamscoaching.typepad.com/.a/6a00e550123b7688340133ed049e49970b-400wi"</a></a></a></a> />

Writing a letter is not effective at all. Unless you contribute a lot of money and you are unhappy with Tedford and the Bears performace, then SB does not care what you think. Especially if you complain then renew your season tickets...<br /><br />Now if enough people do not show up to Cal games and do not buy season tickets then SB has to listen to those complaints otherwise your letters are just complains with no teeth. <br /><br />I want Cal to win too, but complaining does nothing.<br /><br />The one thing that Tedford has going in the right direction is a excellent string of recruiting classes and very good if not excellent asst coaches. The bowl game exposed our OL as a major weakness for our team; no shocker there. That will take time and patience to develop. Cal ran into a better defense than the talent we have on our OL. 7 yards net rushing for the bowl game enough said.<br /><br />Relax things are getting better. 7-6 was a good year considering the talent Cal has right now.

<blockquote><div class="name-said">Cal_Fan2;662396 said:</div><hr>Dear Sandy.....<br /><br /><br /><br /><img src="<a href="<a href="<a href="<a href="http://erinwilliamscoaching.typepad.com/.a/6a00e550123b7688340133ed049e49970b-400wi""""" class="postlink " target="_blank">http://erinwilliamscoaching.typepad.com/.a/6a00e550123b7688340133ed049e49970b-400wi""""</a> class="postlink " target="_blank"><a href="http://erinwilliamscoaching.typepad.com/.a/6a00e550123b7688340133ed049e49970b-400wi"""</a>" class="postlink " target="_blank">http://erinwilliamscoaching.typepad.com/.a/6a00e550123b7688340133ed049e49970b-400wi"""</a></a> class="postlink " target="_blank"><a href="<a href="http://erinwilliamscoaching.typepad.com/.a/6a00e550123b7688340133ed049e49970b-400wi""</a>"" class="postlink " target="_blank">http://erinwilliamscoaching.typepad.com/.a/6a00e550123b7688340133ed049e49970b-400wi""</a>"</a> class="postlink " target="_blank"><a href="http://erinwilliamscoaching.typepad.com/.a/6a00e550123b7688340133ed049e49970b-400wi""</a></a>" class="postlink " target="_blank">http://erinwilliamscoaching.typepad.com/.a/6a00e550123b7688340133ed049e49970b-400wi""</a></a></a> class="postlink " target="_blank"><a href="<a href="<a href="http://erinwilliamscoaching.typepad.com/.a/6a00e550123b7688340133ed049e49970b-400wi"</a>""" class="postlink " target="_blank">http://erinwilliamscoaching.typepad.com/.a/6a00e550123b7688340133ed049e49970b-400wi"</a>""</a> class="postlink " target="_blank"><a href="http://erinwilliamscoaching.typepad.com/.a/6a00e550123b7688340133ed049e49970b-400wi"</a>"</a>" class="postlink " target="_blank">http://erinwilliamscoaching.typepad.com/.a/6a00e550123b7688340133ed049e49970b-400wi"</a>"</a></a> class="postlink " target="_blank"><a href="<a href="http://erinwilliamscoaching.typepad.com/.a/6a00e550123b7688340133ed049e49970b-400wi"</a></a>"" class="postlink " target="_blank">http://erinwilliamscoaching.typepad.com/.a/6a00e550123b7688340133ed049e49970b-400wi"</a></a>"</a> class="postlink " target="_blank"><a href="http://erinwilliamscoaching.typepad.com/.a/6a00e550123b7688340133ed049e49970b-400wi"</a></a></a>" class="postlink " target="_blank">http://erinwilliamscoaching.typepad.com/.a/6a00e550123b7688340133ed049e49970b-400wi"</a></a></a></a> /><hr></blockquote><br /><br />LOL. Hilarious. Bravo. :bravo:bravo:bravo:bravo:bravo:bravo:bravo:bravo:bravo:bravo:bravo:bravo:bravo:bravo:bravo:bravo:bravo:bravo:bravo:bravo:bravo:bravo:bravo:bravo:bravo

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 />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 />No way JT (or Sandy) is going to ruin Cal football for me. 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 />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.

Yo KAB,<br /><br />I like your letter. But, com'on man, what do you mean by <b>"Yet Coach draws a salary that should at least cause us to be in contention for a BCS or P12 title every few years." </b>??<br /><br />I think we should content every year! Oh, well. I can dream.<br /><br /><br /><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>

Here's a draft of what I'd send.<br /><br />Dear Sandy,<br /> As a Cal football fanatic since my days at the University in the late 1980's, I'm no stranger to disappointment. Before Jeff Tedford, there were few bright spots. Our 1991 season was perhaps the one truly shining light prior to him. <br /> Nonetheless, it is painfully clear that Mr. Tedford has hit a plateau. Only a couple of universities in the nation have more players in the NFL, we've had a lot of recruiting success and the Cal name has become a national brand as evidenced by the presence of the North Carolina contingent, including Keenan Allen. Despite all of this, we have been plagued for a number of years by mistakes that can only be placed at the door of the head coach. These include poor special teams play, crushing penalties (including far too many personal foul calls that evidence a lack of discipline), bad quarterback play, conservative, uninventive play-calling, blowout losses and terrible game management. While we continue to love Cal football, we believe that Mr. Tedford has raised the bar for what's possible and what we can reasonably expect from this team. That includes contending for the conference championship almost every year and finishing among the top 3-4 teams in the conference as a matter of course. It's time for someone else to help us realize that vision. I do not want to root for the team solely from the confines of my own home, but if the current situation does not improve dramatically next year, I and many other donors and season ticket holders that I've spoken to are prepared to show with our money how dissatisfied we are. Thank you for considering the sentiments of your fan base.

Dear Sandy,<br /><br />THERE ARE FOUR LIGHTS!<br /><br />Sincerely,<br />Captain Jean-Luc Picard

great stuff, guys. <br /><br />good to see that we can all still act like a bunch of whiney pussies, turn this board into a fucking cesspool for the next few months until Spring ball, then rinse and repeat the whole process again next season. <br /><br />keep up the good work! back to the Insider board for me.

I believe that Cal is building a monster on the defensive side of the football behind the lead of Tosh's recruiting.<br /><br />The offense is below average and the special teams are pathetic. These two areas could stand personnell change. Tedford is not going anyplace until after next season due to the opening of "new" Memorial & the HPC. I'm fine with firing Genyk because the tightends are average and the Bears can not recruit a top echelon TE. The special teams might be weaker than they were under Alamar! I hold my breath every time Cal kicksoff or attempts a field goal. The Bear return team's on KOs & punt returns have been at the bottom of the conference for awhile. Zero punt blocks or attempts. I think the Bears attempted one fake punt that worked. Other teams are more aggressive than Cal: they attempt many more ST fakes as well as all-out punt blocks! <br />GO BEARS!<br /><br /><br /><br /><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>

<blockquote><div class="name-said">ManBear;662450 said:</div><hr>great stuff, guys. <br /><br />good to see that we can all still act like a bunch of whiney pussies, turn this board into a fucking cesspool for the next few months until Spring ball, then rinse and repeat the whole process again next season. <br /><br />keep up the good work! back to the Insider board for me.<hr></blockquote><br /><br />Aren't you one of them CGB sunshine pumpers?

<blockquote><div class="name-said">LessMilesMoreTedford;662475 said:</div><hr>Aren't you one of them CGB sunshine pumpers?<hr></blockquote><br /><br />What???..You mean our ManBear is the same as ManBearCal on CGB?...wow, if that is true, he is much smarter then he looks....*wink*...j/k ....ManBear...go have a drink or 10