Financial repercussions of Gamecock defensive staff being retained

The Gamecock offense is setting
records. But it's not enough to
compensate for the terrible defense. 

While South Carolina Head Coach Steve Spurrier said, in reference to his coaches: “Everybody is safe” that is only what he – or any coach – is required to say.

Spurrier's assurance of retaining defensive coaches came with the promise that job performance would be evaluated and the job protection is only good until the end of the season.

All who truly care about the program should be comforted by the addendum. Firing the defensive staff should not even be a debatable issue.

After another fourth-quarter implosion versus Tennessee, the ugliest of three this year, it would not only be bad football to retain Lorenzo Ward and his staff, it would be a poor business decision.

While there was an early movement to absolve the likable Ward of blame for the hideous defensive play, that affection has totally evaporated.

The most constant of Spurrier's enemies (The State newspaper) seems to be lobbying for Ward and Co. to stay, but some fan sites, like CockyTalk are already calculating the cost to fire Ward. It is said to be $1.5 million. And USC will lose money - initially - to clean house of all of its defensive staff.

But if the defensive staff is left intact fans will vote their disapproval with their pocketbooks.

If drastic changes are not made, there would likely be a big bite taken out of ticket sales and crowd attendance. General interest in the program - and respect for it - would be reduced. 

Three years of 11-win seasons not only spoiled fans for victory, but it showed them the Gamecocks can be superior to almost all programs.

Once you've tasted high quality, don't expect the fans to settle for bottom-rung coaches, just to be nice. Recruiting is already being negatively affected by the nosedive of the team's fortunes. 

If the USC leadership does not address the horrible mess on the defensive coaching staff as soon as possible, there will be financial repercussions. Not moving to fix the obvious problem will damage the trust and confidence Spurrier has earned.

Dumping the defensive staff is the best way to assure angry and bewildered fans that you are still committed to winning.

Right now, Gamecock Nation needs that assurance.