Is It Time For Cut To Retire?

[hallcity]

I am proud of what Coach Cutcliffe has done for Duke football. It’s more than I imagined anyone could do. If he retires now, he goes out as one of if not the greatest coaches in Duke football history. I want more. He wants more. There may just be fixed limits on what Duke football can achieve.

That said, we’re dead in the water. We may win another couple of games and go to a bowl this year (or even sneak in with five wins) but there’s just no excitement about Duke football. Attendance is terrible if the opponent doesn’t bring at least 10,000 fans. We’re not getting 4* much less 5* athletes. There’s no reason for anyone to have much hope for even an eight win season any year in the future.

I’m certainly not convinced that a new head coach will do that much better but we’ve got to inject some hope into the program even if it turns out to be false hope.

Age will probably force Cutcliffe’s retirement in the next two or three years anyway. Wouldn’t it be best for all if he just announces his retirement before the Wake or Miami game? I think he’ll go out with a lot more glory now than if he waits two or three years.

[CDu]

No. No, no, no.

[Devilwin]

No, not just yet. But a new oc should be in the works, and a new db coach..

[TheOldBattleship]

Are we going to have some version of this thread after every loss to a ranked team in a rebuilding year after our star QB left early for the NFL?

[Bob Green]

Emphatic NO is my answer!

[OZZIE4DUKE]

No, not just yet. But a new oc should be in the works, and a new db coach..

Cut is 5 months younger than I am. Neither of us is ready to be put out to pasture. But Roper has to go. I wonder if Stevie Visor would like the OC job to coach his grandson?

The question of why a renowned quarterback guru can’t recruit a 4 or 5 star quarterback, and I think that is a valid question.

LGD GTHc! Beat Syracuse!

[Reddevil]

Coach Cut has Duke realistically striving for bowl appearances every year. That is so far above what took place for most of the past five decades that I can't even wrap my head around this thread. Most football programs are in this category, just as most BB programs strive to make the Big Dance. There are a few giants that are usually there, but it is incredibly difficult to reach that level and stay there. Be thankful for the Cut era and be careful what you wish for. Change does not always mean growth. These are the good old days. Smell the roses.

[Papa John]

I am proud of what Coach Cutcliffe has done for Duke football. It’s more than I imagined anyone could do. If he retires now, he goes out as one of if not the greatest coaches in Duke football history. I want more. He wants more. There may just be fixed limits on what Duke football can achieve.

That said, we’re dead in the water. We may win another couple of games and go to a bowl this year (or even sneak in with five wins) but there’s just no excitement about Duke football. Attendance is terrible if the opponent doesn’t bring at least 10,000 fans. We’re not getting 4* much less 5* athletes. There’s no reason for anyone to have much hope for even an eight win season any year in the future.

I’m certainly not convinced that a new head coach will do that much better but we’ve got to inject some hope into the program even if it turns out to be false hope.

Age will probably force Cutcliffe’s retirement in the next two or three years anyway. Wouldn’t it be best for all if he just announces his retirement before the Wake or Miami game? I think he’ll go out with a lot more glory now than if he waits two or three years.

You're joking, right? The guy has made our program, which was basically a punchline before he arrived, competitive.

[uh_no]

You're joking, right? The guy has made our program, which was basically a punchline before he arrived, competitive.

that's a straw man in this case. nobody is denying what he's done, only asking if he will be unable to accomplish more moving forward.

[HereBeforeCoachK]

You're joking, right? The guy has made our program, which was basically a punchline before he arrived, competitive.

True, but in fairness, the OP did NOT ask if should he be fired - or even be on the hotseat. He asked if it's time for Cut to retire, for Cut's own good and legacy.

Now I would say no, not yet...but I would point out that he seemed to have peaked as a 58-59 year old coach, and now he's a 65 year old coach with a plummeting program, and too much loyalty to current staff to make needed changes. That has me very bearish on the short and long term future of Duke football.

[peloton]

No, definitely don't agree regarding Cutcliffe. However, as others have said, he should take a long, hard look at some of his staff. I realize we have some limitations this year at some key positions, but I'm not sure we're getting the most out of some of our players on offense. We might be though and if so, that may not be a problem remedied by new staff.

I still support both David Cutcliffe and this team. Let's focus on Syracuse and get a much needed win.

[richardjackson199]

It might be a straw man, but it is relevant IMO to state the facts. Duke Football has made a bowl every single year since the 2012 team under Cut, and every single one of those bowl games Duke was must-watch TV.

We've had non-conference games against Bama and Notre Dame, but we haven't missed a bowl yet this year either. I could not be more grateful for what Cut has done for Duke. I do not think Cut should retire, I don't want him to retire, I don't think it's time for him to retire, and this season isn't over yet.

I think this thread should be closed. But just my opinion.

Let's go Duke! Beat Syracuse. I trust Cut and could not be more thankful he coaches Duke football. I hope that continues for many more great years.

[HereBeforeCoachK]

It might be a straw man, but it is relevant IMO to state the facts. Duke Football has made a bowl every single year since the 2012 team under Cut, and every single one of those bowl games Duke was must-watch TV.

We've had non-conference games against Bama and Notre Dame, but we haven't missed a bowl yet this year either. I could not be more grateful for what Cut has done for Duke. I do not think Cut should retire, I don't want him to retire, I don't think it's time for him to retire, and this season isn't over yet.

I think this thread should be closed. But just my opinion. .

Uh, I think your facts are wrong on 2012. I seem to remember a 4-8 in there somewhere. And we may be headed to another one. As for "must see" TV, only one really made that category, the 2013 Peach, although the Pin Stripe might fit that too. Certainly the Detroit snoozer bowl and last year were not.

If we can't have a thread like this, started with the POLITE QUESTION...not statement, QUESTION...should Cut retire for his own good and own legacy...then there's no forum, it's just a boy band fan site.

[richardjackson199]

Uh, I think your facts are wrong on 2012. I seem to remember a 4-8 in there somewhere. And we may be headed to another one. As for "must see" TV, only one really made that category, the 2013 Peach, although the Pin Stripe might fit that too. Certainly the Detroit snoozer bowl and last year were not.

If we can't have a thread like this, started with the POLITE QUESTION...not statement, QUESTION...should Cut retire for his own good and own legacy...then there's no forum, it's just a boy band fan site.

My mistake. You're right - Duke was 4-8 in 2016, the year we upset Notre Dame at Notre Dame when Devon Edwards blew out his knee. I had forgotten that season.

Every bowl game was must-watch TV for me. I loved the blowout wins, and the heart-breaking losses were incredible games. Duke was prepared and showed up for every bowl game.

[HereBeforeCoachK]

My mistake. You're right - Duke was 4-8 in 2016, the year we upset Notre Dame at Notre Dame when Devon Edwards blew out his knee. I had forgotten that season.

Every bowl game was must-watch TV for me. I loved the blowout wins, and the heart-breaking losses were incredible games. Duke was prepared and showed up for every bowl game.

FTR, I have no fault in any bowl game preparation. A couple were spectacular...and yes most of the games were exciting...but I also know that the program has been in decline for six years, and nothing on the close horizon indicates a turn around. And I think that a polite discussion about that on this forum is extremely appropriate.

[75Crazie]

After seeing this question in a forum header for the second time in three weeks, I cannot help but think that the intent behind the OPs was to really ask "Is it time for Cut to be forced out?" Because nobody can realistically think that his retirement decision is in any way guided by opinion on this board.

Broken record, but it bears saying again: Cutcliffe has a lifetime pass from me for the service he has provided to Duke. He has earned the right to retire on HIS decision, not that of an over-zealous fan group. Critique his performance? Fine, that is what any coach signs up for. But this particular discussion is pointless, not to mention absurd.

[carteretdevil]

After seeing this question in a forum header for the second time in three weeks, I cannot help but think that the intent behind the OPs was to really ask "Is it time for Cut to be forced out?" Because nobody can realistically think that his retirement decision is in any way guided by opinion on this board.

Broken record, but it bears saying again: Cutcliffe has a lifetime pass from me for the service he has provided to Duke. He has earned the right to retire on HIS decision, not that of an over-zealous fan group. Critique his performance? Fine, that is what any coach signs up for. But this particular discussion is pointless, not to mention absurd.

I agree totally. 3 winning seasons in the previous 1/4 century....taken the laughing stock of college football and made the Devils relevant again. Kids can see a path to the NFL through Duke. Great face of the university. Can't believe that this is a serious conversation.

[Bob Green]

Can't believe that this is a serious conversation.

It is not.

The serious Duke football fans do not want to see Coach Cutcliffe forced out. Personally, I think a statue of Cutcliffe should be erected at the stadium entrance.

The gist of the conversation is an upgrade at several assistant coach positions is due, overdue actually.

[budwom]

It is not.

The serious Duke football fans do not want to see Coach Cutcliffe forced out. Personally, I think a statue of Cutcliffe should be erected at the stadium entrance.

The gist of the conversation is an upgrade at several assistant coach positions is due, overdue actually.

Absolutely right Bob, and that was the perspective of the OP as well, despite the attempts of people to distort what he said.

[Acymetric]

It is not.

The serious Duke football fans do not want to see Coach Cutcliffe forced out. Personally, I think a statue of Cutcliffe should be erected at the stadium entrance.

The gist of the conversation is an upgrade at several assistant coach positions is due, overdue actually.

Absolutely right Bob, and that was the perspective of the OP as well, despite the attempts of people to distort what he said.

I think one thing that impacts the tone of this discussion is that some (many?) people assume (with some reasonable basis) that these things won't be done. Maybe for OL, but I would be shocked if Zac Roper isn't the offensive coordinator for at least the next year. If I were placing a bet I would bet he is the OC until Cut retires unless he moves to OC at another power 5 program or HC at any D1 program.