John Blake steps down. What is next for UNC?

UNC Football

While North Carolina can say that their experience in Atlanta was a good one, even if coming home with a loss to LSU by the final of 30-24 stings thinking about what it could have been, the players that did step on the field did a heck of a job. Unfortunately, after that high the university, the program, the team and the coaching staff is once again thrown back down to the reality of things. Meaning that the NCAA and UNC two pronged investigation is still in full force and it has now taken down one of the coaches. John Blake, the associate head coach, resigned yesterday after being at coach Davis’ side for four years. This is what Blake said in a written statement about leaving the football program (found on UNC’s athletic web site: TarHeelBlue.com):

“While I have enjoyed my tenure at the University of North Carolina, it has become apparent to me over the course of the past few weeks that my presence has become a distraction to my family and to this great University, too. Consequently, I have determined that it is in the best interests of my family, the University community at large, and the Football Program for me to step down from my position as associate head football coach effective today, September 5, 2010.

“I thank the Lord for the opportunity I have had to work with Butch Davis while at the University of North Carolina. I have grown to love and respect the school, my fellow coaches, and the young men who have worked so diligently to improve both as students and as football players. That love and respect has led me to the conclusion that the best decision for all involved is for me to step aside at this time. I wish the players, the coaches, and the University all the best.

“I thank the Tar Heel Nation for the overwhelming support I have received. The memories I have made here will last a lifetime. May God bless you all.”

This brings me to think many things. Is Blake the token gesture to the two pronged investigation or is he just the beginning of the coaching staff having to resign (or be fired), which eventually will arrive at the head coach’s door? Also in question could be the fact that the associate head coach had a good friendship with Gary Wichard, an agent from the West coast, and could that be the reason why he decided to move aside. Or maybe I am just so negative in all of this that anything that happens I think that worst, especially when in an article by The State it is reported that UNC will pay Blake all of his salary, something that might not happen if the school thought he had lots to do with what has happened over the summer.

In the end, after a great game that put a positive spin on UNC for a couple of days it’s back to the reality that North Carolina is still working on fixing what is a huge problem. And even worst, it’s a problem that is not going to go away anytime soon! For us fans, and maybe for most of the people in the know, all we can do is wait and see the results, but with defensive end Marvin Austin all but gone and now a coach done, you have to admit that things can not look too good at this point.

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