TSM Coaching Approval Meter (The Entire Bill Stewart Era)
As you may have noticed, our last TSM Coaching Approval Meter occurred between the Rutgers game and Champs Sports Bowl. Under any other circumstances, I would have done another version of this popular post right away, but with the coaching turmoil, etc. going on, I thought better of that and waited. Now, it seems things have sufficiently calmed so that we can take a bigger picture view of the entire situation.
How do we do that? Well, we evaluate the entire Bill Stewart era, that's how. Sure, it seems certain that Bill Stewart will still be the head coach of the Mountaineers next year, but it will be with a giant asterisk, one named Dana Holgorsen. You can't say the Holgorsen era begins this year, as he won't be the head coach for another year. And you can't completely discard Stewart until he's actually out the door. What you can do, however, is close the book on the Bill Stewart solo act.
Today, you'll be voting on three years worth of Bill Stewart resume, which is as follows:
- 27-12 overall
- Three straight 9-4 seasons
- 1-2 in bowl games
- No solo Big East Championships or BCS appearances
- 1-2 against ranked opponents (2008 Cincinnati, 2009 Pitt, 2010 LSU)
So, for the last time, we humbly ask (and note the past tense):
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I voted NO
With the talent he had available, Stewart should have had at least two double-digit winning seasons. Also, losing two straight bowl games to middling ACC teams sticks in my craw.
"Humanity has advanced, when it has advanced, not because it has been sober, responsible, and cautious, but because it has been playful, rebellious, and immature." ~ Tom Robbins
I voted NO
I supported Stew throughout his tenure, but looking back, 9-4 for 3 years in a row is just not good enough given the situation he faced. My support is basically a reflection of the kind of person I am—-I’m going to give our head coach the benefit of the doubt more times than not. I’m an optimist who always thinks things are going to get better going forward. Now, given the opportunity to look at Stew’s tenure as a whole, I can say that I’m not satisfied with how things worked out. We should have won the Big East at least once, if not two or three times in the last three years. Hopefully Big East championships will be coming in greater numbers under Coach Holgorsen.
No, because there was no appreciable improvement from year 1 to 3. Losing games they should have won and barely ekeing out wins that should have been easy victories given the defense (esp. this year) and the offensive talent available. Yeah, the offensive line was disappointing, but good coaching will figure out a way to compensate for that kind of thing.
It’s all wrong, but it’s all right.
No.
A 9-3 record may be good if you are constantly playing ranked teams. However, as noted, only playing three ranked teams in three years and losing two of those doesn’t qualify as a successful/ productive season.
Can I change my vote?
I voted no, but want to yes now. If he wouldn’t have been so average, WVU never would’ve hired Dana Holgorsen, so I see his tenure at WVU as a success.
by 5th Year Senior on Jan 17, 2011 1:51 PM EST reply actions
Interesting
Great thinking. Definitely a positive outlook. Success it not a given but, I hope it plays out like most Mountaineer fans are predicting
by Shep Shepherd on Jan 17, 2011 1:52 PM EST up reply actions
Nope, with regrets
I voted no, for the same reason I’ve been harping about all this year. And last. and even his first year. Although HCBS had to learn clock management on the job, I do believe he improved.
If HCBS had recognized the continuous slow decline of both his o-line and his offense overall, then he would have made changes in his coaching staff to correct it. In the “loyal to a fault” quality, this was the “fault”. Instead, he continually diminished expectations for his offense and dumped more pressure on his defense to win games. (He did “fire” his special teams coach.)
I actually liked the model of a head coach who ran things, but left much of the decision making (and better salaries) to his assistants.
I hope Holgorsen works out, I really do. I’m only bummed about dumping of our recruit guy and RB coach, I thought he was a keeper, and someone Holgorsen should have kept on hand, someone with a knowledge of east coast recruiting.
No. No. No.
Bill Stewart is the epitome of the word “underachiever.” Average in every sense of the word.
WVU MPA '07
WVU Ph.D. '10
Anyone that blind........
Who couldn’t see the writing in the wall in regards to their OC and OLC deserved to be shit caned. Had he actually thought about it he would have rid us of those losers after the 2009 season and I believe he would still be the head coach. With that being said his record is as see thru as VS lingerie.
I'm not sure what being "shit caned" means
but I’ll bet is gross and painful
"Thus, it is with those nurtured in Appalachia—they leave, but they look back, remembering pleasant things. The land has claimed them, and its ties will not be severed." --Maurice Brooks
Dr. Charley West, Please don't block me if I have typos or poor grammar.
by Oregon Mountaineer on Jan 18, 2011 1:52 PM EST up reply actions
I voted NO
I had voted yes earlier in the season, it was either after the Syracuse or UConn game, because I had the hope his performances in those games would bring in a new coach. Now that we have our new CIW, and ol’ Stewie will be gone in a year, looking back on the entire 3 years, I have to vote no. There was never any time we were a complete team. When the offense was clicking, special teams were horrible. The defense was usually above average (and great this year), but then the offense let us down. It was a rare occasion when adjustments were made at halftime. Turnovers were always a problem. People would argue with me that the coaches weren’t the ones turning the ball over. But when we have 7 in one game, that stems back to coaching. No discipline. I just hope the new coaches coming in light some fires under some asses and get players to play to their potential. Hopefully we’ll have fun watching the offense next season, instead of cringing every play.
by Bleedbluengold16440 on Jan 17, 2011 9:47 PM EST via mobile reply actions
No
and the fact that he “cockblocked” one of his assistants from earning a shot at a head coaching position is embarassing. He has been an embarassing “spokesman” for the state of West Virginia, constantly pointing out to national TV audiences that he’s from there, etc. whenever a large portion of fans/residents would cringe at his comments, perceived ignorance, etc.
He was a mistake from the start and all those people that literally got sick (myself included) when he was hired are vindicated. WVU’s future is as bright as it ever has been under the guidance of Luck…..a highly decorated alum who will place us in position for the elusive NC………WVU is in a position where earning a NC in either of the 2 sports is approaching urgent.
Why does it matter if you are vindicated?
You worry too much about being right. Then again, I may worry too little about being right.
I have my opinions and don’t care if they end up being right or not. My world does not end when I am wrong and I can admit when I am wrong.
I think we all feel that we are in great hands with Luck running the show. Holgorsen seems to be a great hire and will fit in well with Mountaineer fans.
by 5th Year Senior on Jan 18, 2011 1:10 PM EST up reply actions
You've grown so much
"Thus, it is with those nurtured in Appalachia—they leave, but they look back, remembering pleasant things. The land has claimed them, and its ties will not be severed." --Maurice Brooks
Dr. Charley West, Please don't block me if I have typos or poor grammar.
by Oregon Mountaineer on Jan 18, 2011 1:54 PM EST up reply actions
I will be the second to say...
That absolutely no one, outside of yourself, could give a shit about you or anyone like you being vindicated. This is about Mountaineer athletics and Mountaineer athletics only.
by Dr. Charley West on Jan 18, 2011 3:20 PM EST up reply actions
You and others
contested my “extreme thoughts” that his hire was a mistake from the start and that firing him within 1-2 years (let alone 3) is laughable. He was fired 3 years too late.
It’s now crystal clear that Stewart was a mistake by all of the infighting within the coaching staff that happened towards the conclusion of this season.
Yet many wanted to keep this clown based on a perceived “good guy” character exclusively based on media reports/interviews/etc.
Also,
While I think Holgorsen is a good hire, it is no “sure thing.” He has no head coaching experience and has never had to be the go to guy in recruiting. While his offense has produced huge numbers, he has never been “the man” in a program and that burden could take away from some offensive genius.
If this hire goes south, I hope you will be here saying, dang guys I was wrong about getting rid of Stew that quickly. However, judging by your attendance in discussions after WVU wins, I doubt you will be around to admit being wrong.
by 5th Year Senior on Jan 20, 2011 8:52 AM EST up reply actions
I voted no
No improvement, constant frustration, no signature wins, several signature losses. I like HCBS as a man but not as a head coach of a D1 program.
"Thus, it is with those nurtured in Appalachia—they leave, but they look back, remembering pleasant things. The land has claimed them, and its ties will not be severed." --Maurice Brooks
Dr. Charley West, Please don't block me if I have typos or poor grammar.
by Oregon Mountaineer on Jan 18, 2011 1:51 PM EST reply actions
Win v Top 10 Pitt May Have Been A Signature Win
Do you know Stew as a man? I’ve never met him and I’ve often wondered what he is like as a man.
If by "know him as a man"
you mean have we met in the back corner of Bent Willie’s on $2 beer night then no, if you mean to I know him as a man like personally in that case also no, but if you mean know him by his interviews the way his players and other coaches talk about him then well maybe.
"Thus, it is with those nurtured in Appalachia—they leave, but they look back, remembering pleasant things. The land has claimed them, and its ties will not be severed." --Maurice Brooks
Dr. Charley West, Please don't block me if I have typos or poor grammar.
by Oregon Mountaineer on Jan 18, 2011 4:50 PM EST up reply actions
Beating #9 Pitt in 2009 was Stewart's signature win.
He had one other win over a Top 25 school (UConn at #25 in 2008) and losses the other three times he faced a Top 25 opponent. (Pitt at #25 in 2008, Cincinatti at #5 in 2009, and LSU at #15 this year.)
"Humanity has advanced, when it has advanced, not because it has been sober, responsible, and cautious, but because it has been playful, rebellious, and immature." ~ Tom Robbins
by MtnEer_in_SC on Jan 18, 2011 4:56 PM EST up reply actions
hmmm...
do you think it’s a coincidence that no one that voted yes has commented. there has to be at least ONE reason to vote yes. which is why, after much soul-searching, i voted no.
No With An Asterisk
Pastilong/Manchin could have done a lot worse than Stew (Butch Jones, Doc Holliday, Terry Bowden). However, Ken Kendrick said it best when he said “He is so overmatched, it is not even funny. He’s a nice guy, and a father figure. But they had a wonderful architect and they hired the painter to build the next house”.
Stop using that reference it is ridiculous
"Thus, it is with those nurtured in Appalachia—they leave, but they look back, remembering pleasant things. The land has claimed them, and its ties will not be severed." --Maurice Brooks
Dr. Charley West, Please don't block me if I have typos or poor grammar.
by Oregon Mountaineer on Jan 18, 2011 3:34 PM EST up reply actions
Basically overused
and unoriginal, we all get it Stewarts not as good as Rod but should anyone really be quoting Ken Kendrick three years later?
It’s ridiculous because I’m tired of it.
"Thus, it is with those nurtured in Appalachia—they leave, but they look back, remembering pleasant things. The land has claimed them, and its ties will not be severed." --Maurice Brooks
Dr. Charley West, Please don't block me if I have typos or poor grammar.
by Oregon Mountaineer on Jan 19, 2011 3:34 PM EST up reply actions
Posting A Quote Made 3 Years Ago
is an opportunity to determine how prophetic Kendrick was. If you don’t like the post, simply ignore it and go to work with an original groundbreaking quote like the following:
“No improvement, constant frustration, no signature wins, several signature losses. I like HCBS as a man but not as a head coach of a D1 program.”
Other than the fact that Stew did have a signature win and that you don’t know “the man”, it is pure genius.

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