Not surprised by this. I think they have every right to "hate" Edsall because of the way he left. But I don't think Edsall is on the hot seat, as this article would implicate. I don't think Kevin Anderson is going to make a change before his contract is up, and I think they (KA and President Loh) believe (as do I) that he's pushing this program in the right direction. Recruiting has gotten better every year, the records look to be improved each year, and Edsall is getting more fans every year.
His first year was a bad one from most standpoints, I'll give you that. Players leaving happens anytime a new head coach comes in, and Friedgen's coaching style was very different from Edsall's. People like to claim that the team was "very good" when Edsall came in, but the reality is that Friedgen only had that one good season when he was forced to use his own recruits, and not Vanderlinden's.
But Edsall's second year was miles better. They found better recruits (Diggs, Brown, Madaras, etc.) and if not for a crazy number of injuries would have made it into a bowl game. Remember, they were 4-2 (2-0 ACC) after the UVA game (Perry Hills' last full game at QB). Plus he locked up commitments from the likes of Yannick Ngakoue, Derwin Gray, Shane Cockerille, etc.
You have to understand that Edsall, while he may not be the most personable guy, really does love this University. He puts academics first in every respect, but also is able to put together a good team. He's finally got his players in, and you're seeing what he can do with them. The recruiting class for 2014 looks to be even better than last season's, and I'm sure the 2015 class will be even better than that. Mike Locksley and Brian Stewart are very talented coordinators, and it looks like they're here to stay. That defense looks great, despite losing 5 of their starting front 7. Terps fans don't have to like Edsall as much as I do, but you have to understand how much he truly cares, and how much he can do with this team.
Agree with you re:the way Edsall left UConn, not exactly a lot of class there.
I don't think he's on the hot seat per se, but with the move to the Big 10, I do think it adds some pressure this year to get things clearly in the right direction. Not sure how much you can make from two games against clearly inferior opponents. UConn really isn't too good either, although they lost to them last year. I think their first real test against WVU.
Friegen's last season was really good, got him ACC COY honors -- no one would've blamed Maryland had they fired him in the wake of a 2-10 season, it was just cost prohibitive. Edsall's first year, probably would've been better at Fridge been retain but I can't really say that with any certainty. I think Maryland was thinking long-term when they decided to can him.
One thing I will say is if Locksley and Stewart get better offers, that's a good thing, it shows how good of a job they are doing. Not that I want them to take them.
I think it's going to be hard to find a more passionate Edsall fan outside of his family than Zack, so even if they do very well, I'm not expecting everyone to love him personality-wise, not that that will really matter.
