Frank Spaziani To Return As Boston College Football Coach

by Brian Favat on Nov 25, 2011 9:25 PM EST in Boston College Football

Following Boston College's 24-17 win over Miami, the Boston Herald's Dan Duggan Tweeted that Gene DeFilippo will retain the services of Frank Spaziani as head football coach for the 2012 season.

Gene DeFilippo on Frank Spaziani: "Spaz is coming back next year and our future here is really, really bright."

It's clear that DeFilippo is banking on a boost to football ticket sales in 2012 based on the strength of the home schedule alone. The home Notre Dame game is sure to be a sell out, while DeFilippo will also get a better turnout for home games against Clemson, Virginia Tech, Miami and Army. Whether BC will be competitive in these games is another question entirely.

Duggan added this quote from GDF [updated full quote in the Herald]:

"It doesn't matter," DeFilippo told the Herald. "I'm with Spaz every single day. Spaz is the best coach that we've had in the 15 years that I've been here."

We've gone from the questionable to the downright insulting here. Spaz the "best coach that we've had in the last 15 years?" Let's not let silly things like W-L record, bowl game performance or home attendance figures get in the way of this evaluation. Let's level here. Tom O'Brien (75-45), the winningest coach in program history, was a better coach. So was Jagodzinski (20-8), who finished with the highest winning percentage of a BC football head coach since Frank Leahy.

Here's what I wrote back in December 2010 when Spaz was given the very unnecessary "must keep up appearances on the recruiting trail" contract extension:

Spaz is 16-10 through two seasons as BC's head coach, though ultimately he'll be judged on how his teams fare in ACC play, against Notre Dame and in our bowl games. Through two seasons, Spaz is 9-7 in ACC play, 0-2 against Notre Dame and 1-1 in bowl games (though his one win came as interim head coach in 2006).

Updated for the 2011 season, Spaz is now 20-19 through three season (.513), including:

-- An even 12-12 in ACC play (.500)
-- 0-3 against Notre Dame
-- 1-2 in bowl games (though his one win came as interim head coach in 2006)
-- Presided over the first losing season since 1998 (I'm sure we'd all love to have that final drive against Northwestern, the entire second half against Duke and the final two minutes of the first half against Notre Dame back, now wouldn't we?)

Indeed, this is the resume of the best coach we've had on the Heights in 15 years.

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Comments

I really can’t take much more of this crap from GDF.

by hoyaeagle on Nov 25, 2011 9:29 PM EST reply actions

This sounds like a sickening spoof by GDF

But it is not and it absolutely sucks

GDF Is a fool and Father Leahy a “do nothing”

Even GDF’s timing blows

by eagleosprey on Nov 25, 2011 9:31 PM EST reply actions

our only hope

is that its not going to be GDF’s call to make… but something tells me that this is a Christmas gift we’ll never get

by bloomsday16 on Nov 25, 2011 9:32 PM EST reply actions

This is the most arrogant insult

possible to BC football fans and the players. Does the school place any limits whatsoever on this little dictator’s power? I hope there is a huge outcry.

by janebc on Nov 25, 2011 9:56 PM EST reply actions

Jerry York, 3 National Championships … second best coach of last 15 years

Editor, BC Interruption

by Brian Favat on Nov 25, 2011 10:06 PM EST reply actions 1 recs

What a d!ck

read his twitter feed, sounds like he is more worried about name-dropping than planning for a successful future.

The question becomes “what is to be done.”

BC has the best sport graduation rate in the NCAA.

by WhoNeedsRudy on Nov 25, 2011 10:13 PM EST reply actions

i strongly dislike

Those hipsters down on the Greenway but I am all for Occupy Chestnut Hill. GDF is an embarassment and needs to go. The delusion in the athletic department is embarassing. I won’t lie when I see things like this I say in the back of my mind “I’m glad I didn’t go to this school” as much as I wish this leadership knew what it took to succeed on football field and yearn to someday see it in a BCS bowl game.

by HarryAgganis on Nov 25, 2011 10:14 PM EST via mobile reply actions

Your Updated quote. "it doesn't matter' = you, the fan, does not matter to BC or GDF

When GDF says "it doesn’t matter, " I believe GDF is saying he does not care what fans say.

Really an unbelievably stupid comment to make. But that is signature GDF. He needs a media advisor.

Why couldn’t he wait a few days on this too?

by eagleosprey on Nov 25, 2011 10:59 PM EST reply actions

* you, the fan, do not matter to BC or GDF

by eagleosprey on Nov 25, 2011 11:01 PM EST up reply actions

i think he means more along the lines that

an athletic director can’t be persuaded by public opinion when he “knows” whats actually going on (i.e., spaz is a fantastic coach who has had all the cards stacked against him which has lead to an underwhelming season)

however, the way he is coming off is either as an arrogant ass or an ignorant moron. This “assurance” game that was reason enough for GDF to make such a claim was horrifically coached. I went to the Herald sight and read some of the comments and the only people who still defend Spaz say ridiculous things like “sure there has been some clock management issues but mostly you can blame the injury bug”… Spaz’s impact on that game is very hard to measure for the most part. Everyone executed beautifully almost every aspect of the game which might mean that the coach having them prepared, or it might mean that the players wanted to win really badly. The only direct impact that can be judged and immediately attributed to Spaz are decisions like the two Bordner ones, and they are the type of decisions that we just have come to expect whenever we watch our team play. Two horrific redzone trips where everything was going perfect and he intentionally stopped doing what was working so that we could have two turnovers.

by bloomsday16 on Nov 25, 2011 11:22 PM EST up reply actions

Did the staff have the kids prepared (on short rest, on a holiday weekend) or did the players want to win really badly? I’ll take the latter.

Editor, BC Interruption

by Brian Favat on Nov 26, 2011 6:55 AM EST via mobile up reply actions

Timing

The timing was perfect if you are GDF. The only move that looks worse is the Al Golden contract extension through 2045.

Editor, BC Interruption

by Brian Favat on Nov 26, 2011 6:58 AM EST via mobile up reply actions

Stealing my Logan suggestion Brian? So long as it happens, I’m okay with it.

by polarbearbrother on Nov 25, 2011 11:15 PM EST reply actions

Head coach-in-waiting!

It’s a pipe dream though. Logan thought he deserved the HC job in 2009 (he did). Why would he coach for Spaz?

Editor, BC Interruption

by Brian Favat on Nov 26, 2011 6:56 AM EST via mobile up reply actions

If I didn’t go to this school and love it for so many other reasons, I’d wash my hands of this athletic program. It’s a complete shitshow led by morons.

FearTheSword, SBNation's Cleveland Cavaliers blog

by Conrad Kaczmarek on Nov 25, 2011 11:32 PM EST reply actions

Nodding.

by hoyaeagle on Nov 26, 2011 12:01 AM EST up reply actions

Come on don’t you like being the butt of every joke from other college football fans?

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by A.J Black on Nov 26, 2011 12:10 AM EST via mobile up reply actions

“The rest of the ACC thanks you” and “jokes on you” were common refrains from our opposing ACC fans last night on Twitter.

Editor, BC Interruption

by Brian Favat on Nov 26, 2011 7:15 AM EST up reply actions

BC football is a joke

down here. When I explain to people that BC is usually good and has been VERY good: “Really? When?”

by Beerfart on Nov 26, 2011 7:19 PM EST up reply actions

Can anyone (other than GDF) say that they are excited for another Spaz led football team?

by Wisconsineagle on Nov 25, 2011 11:34 PM EST reply actions

I will always love the return of BC football in the late summer/fall. I may not like that the team is coached by Spaz, but I will always be excited for the start of a new season.

by polarbearbrother on Nov 25, 2011 11:59 PM EST up reply actions

There is a guy on Twitter that is calling us all morons for hating on Spaz and thinks this program is going in the right direction. Look him up. His user name is VinnySHiggins

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by A.J Black on Nov 26, 2011 12:00 AM EST via mobile up reply actions

Nothing says a program is going in the right direction like decreasing win totals.

by Wisconsineagle on Nov 26, 2011 12:46 PM EST up reply actions

The rest of the ACC.

by hoyaeagle on Nov 26, 2011 4:16 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

Chase Rettig

Certainly was angry last night

“Know one knows what we have gone through this season besides the guys in our locker room. Love my team. #quiethaters (via Twitter)”

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by A.J Black on Nov 26, 2011 7:44 AM EST via mobile reply actions

Yeah, I can’t imagine having to survive the urge to go to sleep during Spaziani halftime speeches. #twitterisforbabies

by bc2208 on Nov 26, 2011 6:03 PM EST up reply actions

So Spaz is returning...

I wonder how many players will consider not returning if Spaz is head coach? For starters, I don’t think Montel is returning and if he does, then I can see one or two of the other running backs departing. The running back they just recruited may even change his mind. I wouldn’t be surprised if Marscovetta left either. It looks as if he will only get to play if someone gets hurt. Personally, I thought he had the best potential of all their QBs. Will Ramsey return?

As far as coaches, I suspose if Spaz has done a good job (according to GDF), then how could anyone justify letting any of the other coaches go? Rogers is done unless you believe there’s a cure for what ails him which is a dose of " I’m not sick just fed up with Spaz".

by bblaqus on Nov 26, 2011 9:31 AM EST reply actions

I wouldn’t be surprised if Marscovetta left either. It looks as if he will only get to play if someone gets hurt

No offense to the kid, but I can’t imagine many programs are banging down his door for his services. Might as well just stay at BC, play in a few mop up games and get a solid education.

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by A.J Black on Nov 26, 2011 9:46 AM EST reply actions

Hopefully

he sees it that way. If I were BC I wouldn’t put up any resistance as they could use the scholarship for a lineman if nothing else.

by bblaqus on Nov 26, 2011 11:11 AM EST up reply actions

Crowded backfield, crowded under center next season.

Editor, BC Interruption

by Brian Favat on Nov 26, 2011 12:19 PM EST up reply actions

The team looked good at the end of the year and with montel back I think it’s gonna be a good year next year and if it’s not then spas must go no excuses by gdf

by BCeagles1994 on Nov 26, 2011 10:25 AM EST via mobile reply actions

I love football seasons that end in November. Thanks Spaz & GDF

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by A.J Black on Nov 26, 2011 10:38 AM EST reply actions

Montel schmontelI

I think we have good RBs without Montel. We can do fine without him should he choose to leave. Barry Sanders he is not, but I’d rather he stayed.

Rettig is surely improving over the past 4 games, receivers are improving too.

OL and DL have really improved too. Also look at pass coverage against ND and the U – impressive.

Much as I despise Spaz as an in-game coach, the team has improved. That is no reason to retain him, but there has been marked improvement in the entire team and the team did not quit, also good.

by eagleosprey on Nov 26, 2011 11:14 AM EST reply actions

Agree

I agree with these points. Defense was starting to look like a BC defense of old these last few weeks. Offense didn’t look like world beaters but have shown improvement.

I’m fine with Spaz staying IF and ONLY IF the search for a real OC starts today and Spaz is told hands off the offense next year or you’re toast.

by DCash on Nov 26, 2011 12:10 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

The OC dilemma

Who would coach under Coach Flip, I mean Coach Spaz? Any OC at any other BCS program — including Indiana, Kentucky and Ole Miss — would be better off staying put.

My guess is we’ll have Brock as OC next year. Excuses cited: he didn’t have a full year to shape offense, injuries, offense played better down the stretch …

Editor, BC Interruption

by Brian Favat on Nov 26, 2011 12:22 PM EST up reply actions

True, but no matter how hard we all crow about firing Spaz it will not happen. GDF has dug his heels in and placed his all in bet. This is an obvious case of meeting force with force being a failure. Where we should place our energies is finding a competent OC with head coach potential as a succession plan. Appeal to GDF’s napoleon complex and influence him to make a smart decision for the future of the program.

by DCash on Nov 26, 2011 12:33 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

Agreed

But I wouldn’t expect a change on the offensive side of the ball, new OC or Brock. At a certain point, after going through three different OCs and watching patterns develop, you’ve got to think some of this is on Spaz and not the coordinator.

Editor, BC Interruption

by Brian Favat on Nov 26, 2011 12:37 PM EST up reply actions

I absolutely blame Spaz. My plan is moot if he isn’t finally told he HAS to be hamnds off on offense.

by DCash on Nov 26, 2011 12:52 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

That’s funny considering what Spaz’s hands did to Kevin Rogers’ face, but please respect his privacy!

by bcnyceagle on Nov 26, 2011 3:53 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

Recs all around.

Editor, BC Interruption

by Brian Favat on Nov 26, 2011 3:55 PM EST up reply actions

Totally agree that GDF has dug his heels in here. Just won’t admit he hired the wrong guy in 2009, won’t admit he hired the right guy in 2007 and won’t admit he didn’t have to fire that coach in 2009.

Just one bad decision after another.

Editor, BC Interruption

by Brian Favat on Nov 26, 2011 12:40 PM EST up reply actions

Don't forget

youth. Can never have enough excuses.

by Beerfart on Nov 26, 2011 7:29 PM EST up reply actions

Thanks, GDF, you're saving me $$$ and helping St. Jude's Hospital

No season tickets in 2012 and my contributions will go to a great program and not to BC’s. Can GDF possibly be serious? He should go too

by suffolk eagle on Nov 26, 2011 11:55 AM EST reply actions

By calling Spaz the best coach ever,

it seems like GDF feels the need to over-justify his decision. He has correctly predicted that the feedback will be negative (which it rightfully should be), and is already getting defensive by throwing out these outlandish comments. I pray that the assistant coaches can step up and take the reins as much as possible.

"I think you'll see my style of man beast will definitely come through" - Brad Pickett

by bcpjkell on Nov 26, 2011 4:37 PM EST reply actions

when GDF said our future looks very, very good; did he mean

“our” = BC football? or “our” = him & Spaz?? If him and Spaz, doesn’t look good. Looks fucking great. Those two are set. If BC football, not good.

by Beerfart on Nov 26, 2011 7:34 PM EST reply actions

He said “bright,” meaning the bright lights of the hot seat.

by bc2208 on Nov 26, 2011 7:57 PM EST up reply actions

Not surprised, but disappointed

Pretty much what I figured would happened. A couple of wins and a competitive showing against ND enough to cover GDF’s backside and keep Spaz in the seat. While the comments here clearly show people wanted him gone, the question about where Spaz was in the overall blame pie for this season was always something GDF could lean on if the team showed any improvement at all. Not happy with the decision, more from a long term standpoint than what will happen in 2012. Notice nothing but positive from GDF about Spaz, no talk of staff changes or need to progress next year back to a bowl team. All that, if it happens at all, stays in house. Both of them should be glad this isn’t a college football town, it really does allow them to stay away from any media scrutiny. I doubt you will ever see one story questioning Spaz’ job security.

by CoachJF on Nov 26, 2011 8:08 PM EST reply actions

also

there arent that many sexy names out there on the coaching market..might as well let Spaz try 1 more year against a brutal schedule, fire him, hire les miles. and win 10 BCS championships over the next decade.

by bcflog on Nov 26, 2011 8:22 PM EST up reply actions

Thanks

I just chortled really loudly.

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by A.J Black on Nov 26, 2011 8:32 PM EST up reply actions

There’s no guarantee there will be any more “sexy” coaching candidates next offseason. Urban Meyer is soon to be off the market. RichRod just landed on his feet. Even Bob Davie found gainful employment this offseason.

Just watch though. Spaz will win 4-5 games next year, Spaz/GDF will cite same tired excuses from this season and Spaz will again be coach in 2014.

Spaz is GDF’s boy. Gene has dug in here. It will now take a change at the AD post to be rid of Spaz as HC.

Editor, BC Interruption

by Brian Favat on Nov 26, 2011 8:36 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

Now who takes over as OC?

If anything has become evident this season, BC has zero ability to throw the ball. Chase Rettig doesn’t get the chance to make plays due to the recievers getting NO seperation. The heart and soul and the BC offense is its backfield, between Andre, Deuce, and Taij (don’t forget Montel) they have the ability to power through lines and create plays. So we should be looking for am OC that mirrors Alabama, that seems to be the route to go. Forget the west coast crap, we don’t have the skill players for that. Use what you’re good at, and BC is creating a rep for putting up a solid running game. So start working on creating an O-line that’s faster and can open holes and create opportunities for our work horses. AND STOP RUNNING JOSH BORDNER PLAYS! LET HIM THROW THE BALL OR DON’T USE HIM AT ALL….JESUS!!

by G-Man3 on Nov 26, 2011 10:33 PM EST reply actions