Next Coach Perhaps?

[Sly Fox]

I'm not trying to start anything but this story on ESPN.com today certainly gets the wheels turning toward the type of coach who might consider LU and have an immediate impact. Obviously, the racial statements are not appropriate. But having a successful coach with a passion for Christ is certainly the ideal:

DeBerry should retire before his legacy slips

By Pat Forde
ESPN.com

This is looking like an excellent time for Fisher DeBerry to retire.

He's had a great run at the Air Force Academy -- arguably the greatest run for a service academy coach in the last 50 years, since Red Blaik at Army -- but his remarkable legacy is sinking fast. Why lose it in the quicksand of unwise racial remarks, combative Christianity and too many losses? Why not call it a career at the end of this, his 22nd year as head coach, and ride off into the Rocky Mountain sunset?



He deserves a hero's sendoff. He doesn't deserve to end his career being beaten on the field and beaten up in the court of public opinion. But that's the direction the 67-year-old DeBerry is headed, after his second plunge into controversy in less than a year.

Last year the outspokenly religious coach hung a banner in the Air Force locker room that read, "I am a Christian first and last. … I am a member of Team Jesus Christ." It might have been appropriate at Liberty University -- maybe. It was not appropriate at a taxpayer-funded government institution that presumably counts Jews, Muslims, agnostics, atheists and others among its student (and student-athlete) population.

And the banner unveiling was rather poor timing, given that the academy was embroiled in lawsuits alleging religious intolerance and an oppressively Christian atmosphere at the time. The banner was removed two days later.

Then, after losing to TCU Saturday to drop to 3-5, DeBerry explained that the Horned Frogs' defensive success is attributable to the fact that it starts 11 African-Americans.

"… Afro-American kids can run very, very well," DeBerry said. "That doesn't mean that Caucasian kids and other descents can't run, but it's very obvious to me they run extremely well."

Again, not ideal timing. On Monday, the academy welcomed a new superintendent, Lt. Gen. John Regni, who pledged a zero-tolerance policy toward discrimination. On Tuesday, DeBerry piped up about TCU's African-American players, stopping just short of saying, "We need us some more of those black fellers."

I'm not saying that Fisher DeBerry discriminates. I went to high school on the base of the Air Force Academy, and I graduated a few years ahead of Fisher's son, Joe (who was a fine baseball player). I don't know anyone in my hometown of Colorado Springs, Colo., who doesn't think highly of DeBerry.

So it's not like DeBerry was inventing something here -- or even saying something many coaches don't talk about in private. But given the decades of wrongly stereotyping black athletes as physically superior and mentally inferior -- run fast, think slow -- the coach was walking into a minefield. He was creeping toward Jimmy "The Greek" territory -- and every coach knows that you don't go there. Certainly not without great care.

I'm all for a more open dialog about race in America, and especially in sports. But sweeping generalizations about fast black players are going to get a coach in trouble.

Combine DeBerry's two tone-deaf episodes and you have the unsettling feel of a coach who is losing his way. Combine that feel with the on-field results -- Air Force has lost 14 of its last 22 games and could have its first back-to-back losing seasons since 1980-81 -- and you have concerns about the state of the program.

For two decades, few coaches in college football have done better than Fisher DeBerry. In a no-win situation, he won routinely.

DeBerry's career record is 164-99-1. He's had just three losing seasons in 21 years -- the third-longest tenure in the game, behind only Joe Paterno and Bobby Bowden. He's won at least eight games in 11 different seasons. He's dominated the Commander In Chief competition against Army and Navy. His option offense has been perfectly tailored to the Falcons' strengths -- discipline and intelligent decision making -- and compensates for their physical shortcomings.

But that option offense is looking a bit worn and dated these days, and so is the man who coaches it. His contract runs through 2009, but it's time for Fisher DeBerry to concoct an exit strategy that preserves his dignity and serves the Air Force Academy as well. He should retire this year and accept the applause he deserves, before his legacy sinks any further.

Pat Forde is a senior writer for ESPN.com. He can be reached at [e-mail].

sports.espn.go.com/espn/columns/story?columnist=forde_pat&id=2204334

Can you imagine Zach at the reins of DeBerry's triple option?

[coastal89]

DeBerry is familiar with Big South football since he was on the advisory committee for Coastal football. He also sent Bennett a congratulatory letter after the JMU win. Maybe Liberty could use the contacts through Coastal to start talks he he becomes available.

[krh44]

LU will need to get someone w/ bigtime football experience if they are looking to go DI. I was looking at the 93 media guide and every year from 88-92 we were ranked in top 25 at some point. One year we had over 50000 in attendance for 6 home games. We should be able to that now over 15 years later and a much larger student body.

[still me]

I'm for coaches that run the triple option, or the wishbone, or wing T, or other gimmick offenses. I think that's what we need...

They seem to work well at the 1-AA level. Elon used too and I believe that Richmond still does run some sort of weird wishbone type offenses. I thought Air Force ran somekind of wishbone as well, did this coach run the wishbone?

(This is actually jimflamesfan...I haven't saved my password on this computer)

[flamesfan710]

With somebody like Zach Terrell a wishbone or triple option or some sort of offense along that line would be pretty good. if we use triple option we need a fullback

[eddantes]

Why would Liberty want to have the coach at Air Force? It's the logical solution -- not exactly something we're known for.

[PAmedic]

For two decades, few coaches in college football have done better than Fisher DeBerry. In a no-win situation, he won routinely.

I vividly remember the whole Jimmy the Greek thing- what a jerk. My question, and I asked this on the other "God in the Air Force" thread: does guy offend you?

[Sly Fox]

His blatant Christianity obviously should offend anyone at our school. That's why Forde made the snide comment referencing us.

His comment about black players did offend me to an extent. I never like it when blanket generalizations are made based on race. I fully understand that he was just speaking honestly and meant no harm. But that doesn't change the fact it was neither appropriate nor positive for his testimony to non-believers.

[thelaxman]

This Guy from Air Force has been there a long time and is close to retirement. So I don't see him leaving Air Force nor taking a new Coaching job and moving his Family to Virginia from a place like Colorado Springs. Sorry I don't see it unless Jerry gave him several Million.
It is not going to happen. But there are a lot of strong Coaches out there with NFL and NCAA Div.1 experience
that have great testimonies for the Lord that may come to Liberty. Let's see what happens.

Thelaxman

[Sly Fox]

Actually, we have made a similar yet higher profile move in the past with Sam. But you are correct that its not likely.

[thesportscritic]

In my opinion this guy is not saying racist comments. He is just telling the truth about African American players who are quicker athletes than caucasion people. In my opinion he is not dissing white people he is just making a point. Maybe he could have kept that comment to himself. I have seen white and black athletes and they (Blacks) are quicker. That is just the plain truth. White athletes are great athletes too.

[eddantes]

Just a question, how is it being mean-spirited by saying that people are good at something?

[Bald Spot]

I think Canadians are better hockey players than Americans. There, I said it. I'm out of the close and I must be a racist according to some.

[Sly Fox]

I'm going to go out on a limb and suggest that if you don't see any issue with the comments, you are in all likelihood white like me. I don't want to belabor discussion on a subject for which DeBerry has already apologized for and been admonished. But there implications to such comments that are very clear to many folks. Perhaps this discussion might be better suited to the 'Off Topic' forum instead of the football board.

Suffice it to say that when you bring race into any statement, you are walking in an area where someone can easily be offended unintentionally. I believe that is what occurred here.

[thesportscritic]

I'm going to go out on a limb and suggest that if you don't see any issue with the comments, you are in all likelihood white like me.

If you are referring to me SLY no I am black. That is just what I have observed over the past several years. There is a time and a place for everything and I think he could have kept the comments to himself. But he is telling the truth in my opinion but like I said there is a time and a place for everything. Like for example men are stronger than women. Not knocking women but that is just the facts of life to me.

[Sly Fox]

I wasn't referring to anyone in particular. Experience and an interracial marriage have opened my eyes over the years to the fact that generalizations are not only sloppy but also extremely hurtful. That goes for race, religion or whatever.

[Bald Spot]

DeBerry's apology was of the "to the extent I've offended anyone variety." If we can leave the world of PC behind for a moment and follow his conversation in total, I think you'd find that only a few Seminole Indians from Oklahoma would be offended.

Go FSU.

[thesportscritic]

sumner said:

I wasn't referring to anyone in particular. Experience and an interracial marriage have opened my eyes over the years to the fact that generalizations are not only sloppy but also extremely hurtful. That goes for race, religion or whatever.

I will give you that SLY good point.

[SCAR]

I come from a multi racial family. (Sly this is a personal resume warning). I have Philipino, Peruvian, German, Korean, Haitian Italian and of course blacks in my family. Race can be a sensitive issue obviously with the make up of our country and its history in the area of civil rights, slavery, women's rights etc. Knowing these facts, Coach DeBerry was irresponsible for saying what he said even if he feels that way. I know plenty of white guys that run fast and jump high by the way. We don't have a monopoly on athleticism. I hate how announcers perpetuate the stereotypes too. White players are smart and savy and always in good position where minority players are often said to be "naturally gifted" or athletic. I try not to buy into the stereotypes when I do games. The truth is that many people feel that the coach was accurate in his statements based on the number of blacks in the speed positions at the high school, college, and pro level....Seinfeld said it best. If I like the race, how can I be racist (the episode with the Native American lady and Al Roker on the cover of TV guide). Seriously though I was not offended but I think offense varies from individual to individual. Being around so many different races growing up has made me less sensitive I think.

[Bald Spot]

Fair enough. I could never disagree with Scar. Too classy of a guy.

BTW. To the extent I've offended American hockey players, I apologize.

[SCAR]

I appreciate the compliment Bald Spot (I'm going to assume you don't know me personally if you feel that way ).

[Bald Spot]

I have some memories. One was perhaps the single best individual effort in LU history. Occurred at Clemson Coliseum. A skinny guard takes off from the foul line, jumps over someone named Dale Davis and grabs a rebound. As there was no outlet pass available, he takes off down the court. Puts a move on some no name point guard at mid-court then reaches the paint where he puts an incredible move on someone named Elden Campbell and then lays the ball on the cylinder as he passes underneath. Got a standing ovation from fans on both sides.
Too bad the ball rimmed out. Still a great play.

[SCAR]

Wow Bald Spot, maybe you do know me! I remember the Clemson crowd showing me much love too. I didn't want to bring it up because I like to focus on my dunk on ESPN that I won't let die :-). I have looked at the old tapes of that game and if you are a true SCAR fan you may remember the reverse layup that started as a dunk but did actually go in. I ran the baseline for a left handed dunk (which as most people know was my strong dunk hand...Ok nobody knows that!) and Campbell and Davis both jump to block it and they would have too. So I glide and hang and duck underneath the 2 hairy arm pits of the future NBA stars (ok NBA players) and lay it in on the other side! I can hear Jerry Edwards now, "what a play by Timmy Scarborough...He learned that on the streets of Philly!" Back to the play you brought up though. The move I made actually was to split 2 defenders by putting the ball behind my back and between my legs at the same time (and I also played baseball and hit a linedrive up the middle and I was so fast I got hit in the head sliding into second with that line drive). Seriously though the hoops things on this thread really happened. I have the video tape and the exaggerated memory and now Bald Spot's memory to prove it...Bald Spot are we related? Mom is that you? B Spot you gotta register man (or woman) so we can instant message and talk about our favorite hoops memories! Apologies to Medic for the hijack! If anyone cares they can start a new thread about their favorite moments in my career (really I'm kidding!).

[Bald Spot]

I think I did register but on a different computer and now I can't figure out how to log an entry from my new computer. My memory is a little hazy but I think I may have been your RA during the first couple weeks of your freshman year before you moved into the Bball dorm.
I'm still upset at Meyer for blowing your redshirt year. I'll get over it someday I guess.

[bigsmooth]

im part black and part white, and i had no problem what coach de berry said. he probably should of left it at we need speed, but the majority of really fast players are black. thepeople who should be offended are the fast white guys like the rams kevin curtis, the patriots tim dwight that come to mind. this world is too PC and it just kills me. i do not think de berry is racist, he just should have stopped his statement before the color thing came out.

[Sly Fox]

I agree wholeheartely, bigsmooth. I don't think he's racist either. But the public comments weren't appropriate. As Christians we should go out of our way not to offend a brother unless we are admonishing sin.

And you forgot guys like Jeremy Bloom ... he may the fastest white guy ever. You're going to hear a ton about him in the Winter Olympics and then the NFL Combine. The kid is amazingly quick. Everytime he touched the ball for Colorado he was a threat to take it to the house.

[SCAR]

Distorted perceptions about athlete's abilities go on all the time in the Black community. When I was young, my boys used to say, don't let that white boy take you to the hoop, or if a white guy plays with a bunch of black guys you just assume he is a shooter. It is wierd. Whenever a white player is good he is instantly compared to Larry Bird. Dirk Nowitski is a prime example. His game is nothing like Bird's to me but you always hear the comparison. He is way more likely to dunk on your head and is no where near the passer that Larry was but they are both white. In the 90's at Liberty there was an intramural team called the Regulators that was all white and they were some of the best athletes on campus. Everyone thought it was so neat because just about all of them could dunk well. I wasn't surprised because they all played high school ball and looked athletic to me. Whenever they played the football team's intruamural squad you would always hear stuff coming from the stands and the players like, we can't let these white boys beat us. As if to say the Regulators were somehow inferior to them because they were all white. Smart money was always on the regulators. I think they won 4 or 5 years in a row. I did have to draw the line when people would say they could beat our men's team. They were good but they were not that good. They probably could have beaten a lesser Liberty team though. We just happened to have some really good teams back then with Jackson, white, Boykin, and Aluma.

[bigsmooth]

the regulators were nasty, but no match for the flames! i do agree with SCAR, those stereo types are crazy, but you hear them all the time. back on the coaches note, i would love to have de berry or bobby wallace at temple. i know...temple sucks, but he was a very successful DII coach in alabama, and i believe won one or two national championships.

[beigledog]

I'm going to say that there is no way that DeBerry would coach at Liberty. There is far too much controversy regarding his comment last week. Liberty has enough controversy of its own just by being Christian. Adding a coach that makes a comment that is taken as racist wouldn't be a good idea.

[LUconn]

We have plenty of contraversy already, but then again, this school seems to like it. I don't think anybody but the media has taken it as racist. In this hypothetical situation of him wanting to coach here, the only question is: Would recruits view it as racist?

By the way, are you the beagle that was in all my finance classes?