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Coach Ron McBride deserved better!
His unceremonious firing belies the enormous contributions he made to University of Utah football and to the extended statewide community.
Think of what he accomplished!
Foremost, he restored honor and integrity to a program plagued by a succession of marginal programs under less successful coaches. And he did it with players who revered him.
His teams, for the most part, were winners – ten winning seasons in 13 years. Among all Utah coaches, his record is second best.
He brought the Utes national prominence. Remember the 8th place final national ranking in 1994? Before Coach Mac, the Utes had played in a total of three post-season bowls. McBride’s teams went bowling six times and won three of them.
He energized the love-hate rivalry with BYU. Before McBride the Utes could only muster two wins in two decades. He leveled the playing field between Salt Lake City and Provo and made the rivalry fun.
What he didn’t do consistently was sell tickets. But, was that his fault? To think a change in coaches will summarily fill the stands with rabid fans is an illusion.
A more likely scenario in future years will be a longing for the "good ‘ole days" when the lovable Ronnie Mac came along for a time to rejuvenate Utah football.
Yes, Coach McBride deserved better!
