LETTER: Olsen should replace Dennehy

Editor,

The news of Coach Dennehy’s firing does not come as much of a surprise. While it can be easily argued that he has coached through an unfortunate set of circumstances, the losses have continued to pile up and in collegiate athletics that means the coach will shoulder the blame. I’d like to thank Coach Dennehy for leading our Aggies during this rough time, but it is time to look forward.

As we are set to join the WAC next year, it is a good time for a fresh start. However, I think this new beginning needs a good dose of the glory days of USU. I hereby nominate Mr. Merlin J. Olsen to be the next head coach of our Utah State Aggies. It would strike fear in opposing coaches to see a member of the “Fearsome Foursome” across the field. At the same time the players would take it easy while wondering why Mr. Garvey, a character from “Little House on the Prairie” reruns, was on the sideline. What team wouldn’t take a college and professional football Hall of Fame member, 14 time pro-bowler, Outland Trophy winner, and local hero as their head coach. He could demand the respect of his team just by pointing to his name on the press box high above the football field.

The hiring would bring some immediate national media attention to our football program. Fathers and Grandfathers who saw Mr. Olsen play would encourage their sons to take a look at USU. Recruiting would improve immediately. “Little House on the Prairie” fans would flock to Romney Stadium to cheer on the show’s frequent guest star. Freshmen girls would start carrying their lunches in little metal pails. The glory days of Utah State football would return.

Mr. Spetman and President Hall, please accept my formal nomination of Father Murphy … I mean Merlin Olsen… as the next head football coach of our Utah State University. Will anyone second that?

Chad Mano