I just went through 17 pages and only saw Pam Whitten mentioned once. I could be wrong because it was a quick glance and I didn't fully read every comment. But it's nuts not to recognize the value of leadership from the top.
When she became the 19th president of IU on July 1, 2021 is when the budget, spotlight, and resources shifted to the true revenue maker in college sports. She understood this on day one. No other president in the history of the school ever made such a paradigm shift for the university. And it paid off.
It didn't happen over night, if you recall IUFB shook the trees for a couple of years prior to Curt Cignetti. They, meaning the top brass (Whitten and Dolson), built the infrastructure, hired the right staff, moved to contemporary jobs, and, most importantly, raised the funds that were needed. Once that happened, they did the coaching search. It took roughly 4 years to get to the point where IUFB is today.
I firmly believe had any IUFB coach gone 6-6 or 7-6 over the last two years he'd be in an incredibly hot seat right now. The vision isn't 6-6 and that started when Whitten got hired. The brand isn't 6-6. Having a shot at the CFP is the brand. Understand this.
Bloomington is now a place to be on Saturday's during the Fall. 50, 60 thousands come in and basically get a Little 5 every home game. This is the IU student experience today. The fans are showing up! This is her vision.
Whitten and Dolson aren't done. IUBB will reap the benefits of her vision. Revenue. Revenue from IUFB will help this process. If DeVries doesn't produce to a standard, he'll be gone. That's the M.O. of this current administration, as it should be in my opinion. Coaching matters. You either have it or you don't.
Is the IUBB culture dead? No. Does it need a jolt? Yes. But make no mistake, the top brass isn't treating IUBB like an intramural sport. Give it time and have faith.