A recent poll in Sporting News provided interesting insight into the attitudes of Division I Football Bowl Subdivision coaches.
The magazine (almost always a fun read, by the way) surveyed 40 coaches from the spectrum of FBS schools – from the mega-powers to the smaller programs.
A lot of the content focused on which programs run the most effective offenses or defenses, or which coaches are most admired by their peers. But the survey also probed a number of off-the-field hot topics.
To wit:
What would make recruiting more fair and ethical? The most common response (29 percent) was that the number of official visits should be reduced from five to three. A similar percentage also wanted an early signing period during the spring of the prospect’s junior year.
What percentage of FBS programs break recruiting rules? The highest response (35 percent) was that less than 20 percent – the most conservative choice offered – bent the rules to land recruits. The next most popular answer was 20 to 30 percent. In other words, most coaches believed most schools operate on the up-and-up in recruiting.
What is the most appropriate financial aid approach for FBS players? Fifty-four percent favored a full-cost-of-attendance approach, which is currently being explored. Another 46 percent said student-athletes should not receive any additional financial aid support. The third choice was “a salary commensurate with their skill level and importance to the program.” Nobody appears to have chosen that option.
Are there too many bowl games? The coaches said no. Sixty-eight percent were happy with the current 35-bowl arrangement. Only 22 percent wanted a playoff of some sort.
It’s all interesting stuff, but you’ll have to buy the magazine to get the full report. Sporting News doesn’t appear to offer its printed material online for free.
