FIRE THE COACH! (just sayin')

Thus far this season, Nebraska, Pitt and Notre Dame have racked up a combined 7-13 record. A .350 winning percentage after -- for two of them -- the easy part of their schedule is over.

What do these teams have in common?

Nebraska and Pitt changed coaching horses in 2004, Notre Dame in 2003, and all three thought they were bringing in the man to "take them to the next level."

Where were they at?

Nebrasaka, with Frank Solich, finished 2003 with a 10-3 record and a win over Michigan State in the Alamo Bowl. No Big 12 title, no national championship run. Sorry Frank! Forget about that 11-2 season and a Rose Bowl vs #1 Miami two years earlier. C'YA!!!!

The year after changing coaches, Nebraska had its first losing season since 1961.

Pitt had Walt Harris. 8-4 season in 2004, Big East co-champs, BCS appearance in the Fiesta Bowl. BCS? Pitt???? Not enough. C'YA, Walt!

Notre Dame with Tyrone Willingham. 6-6 record, and a loss to Oregon State in the Insight Bowl. Notre Dame lose a bowl game? Who'd have thought it? Willingham had them 10-3 two years earlier? Not enough. BYE-YA!

Not one of those teams is playing anywhere nearly as healthy a few years later than they were doing the year they changed coaches or even two years before they changed coaches. In all cases, a glass half full (or nearly dry, in Notre Dame's situation).

All told, a lesson for those looking to ditch their coach for success not fulfilling their expectations. Experienced haters of Lloyd Carr, Kirk Ferentz and others... take note. There's a reward for sticking with a coach who has shown some knowledge of what he's doing. Ask Rutgers, Kentucky, Kansas, Penn State and others whose fan bases have rashly rioted for change over the last few years.