[Papa John]

I'm guessing that many readers on the CARDBoard remember Terry Donahue, the head football coach at UCLA from 1976 to 1995. Donahue compiled an overall coaching record of 151–74–8, including 8-4-1 in bowl games. His teams were champions or co-champions of the Pac-10 five times from 1982-1993 and he was voted conference COY two times. His coaching record in the Rose Bowl was 4-1. He resigned as the winningest coach in not just UCLA, but Pac-10, history. He had a winning record against every other team in the conference.

I started attending UCLA games at the Rose Bowl on a regular basis in the mid-80s, first to accompany my then-girlfriend (now-wife) and later on as a graduate student. I was amazed at the vitriol and discontent spewed in Donahue's direction every time a play didn't work or a player failed to execute. The general complaint was that Donahue had all this talent and didn't know how to (1) develop it or (2) use it effectively.

Don't believe me? Here's a sampling:

http://www.bruinsnation.com/2005/12/29/9028/2408

Even in the face of retirement, Donahue had to contend with his detractors:

http://articles.latimes.com/1995-12-23/s...ry-donahue

In looking at how some fans are treating David Shaw, who has a better winning percentage than Pop Warner, all I can say is..."It's lonely at the top."

[Papa John]

I'm guessing that many readers on the CARDBoard remember Terry Donahue, the head football coach at UCLA from 1976 to 1995. Donahue compiled an overall coaching record of 151–74–8, including 8-4-1 in bowl games. His teams were champions or co-champions of the Pac-10 five times from 1982-1993 and he was voted conference COY two times. His coaching record in the Rose Bowl was 4-1. He resigned as the winningest coach in not just UCLA, but Pac-10, history. He had a winning record against every other team in the conference.

I started attending UCLA games at the Rose Bowl on a regular basis in the mid-80s, first to accompany my then-girlfriend (now-wife) and later on as a graduate student. I was amazed at the vitriol and discontent spewed in Donahue's direction every time a play didn't work or a player failed to execute. The general complaint was that Donahue had all this talent and didn't know how to (1) develop it or (2) use it effectively.

Don't believe me? Here's a sampling:

http://www.bruinsnation.com/2005/12/29/9028/2408

Even in the face of retirement, Donahue had to contend with his detractors:

http://articles.latimes.com/1995-12-23/s...ry-donahue

In looking at how some fans are treating David Shaw, who has a better winning percentage than Pop Warner, all I can say is..."It's lonely at the top."