Holtz: "Reports Are Inaccurate"
Holtz: "Reports Are Inaccurate" Save Email Print
Posted: 3:09 PM Dec 7, 2008
 Last Updated: 2:53 AM Dec 8, 2008
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Greenville - The C-USA championship trophy isn't even in the trophy case as the talk over Pirate head coach Skip Holtz leaving for Syracuse heats up.

While some Syracuse media outlets are saying Holtz will be named Syracuse University's next coach on Monday, Coach Holtz said the reports are "inaccurate" Holtz is in Charlotte tonight to be the keynote speaker at the Bronko Nagurski Awards Banquet. Coincidentally, Holtz flies to New York on Monday to attend his father Lou's induction into the Collegiate Football Hall of Fame on Tuesday.

Holtz told reporters today that he has not scheduled an interview with Syracuse but wouldn't rule out the possibility of sitting down with them at some point while he's in New York.

"I'm happy in Greenville. I've got a great job and it would take a special situation for me to leave" Holtz said.

The Pirates take on Kentucky in the Liberty Bowl on January 2nd.
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Posted by: Sam Location: Williamston on Dec 17, 2008 at 02:12 PM
Deadfish, I would not go so far as to calling football a violent sport. The violent sport is hockey. That is where most of the fights come in, and Jim, Dr. Lou loves the tradition and what goes on around Greenville, how can you say that dude? Although I will have to say that the ACC is a little bit better of a conference, they are by far the worst BCS conference in football, and by the way ECU is the best college football team overall in North Carolina. Look at the polls and you will see that the pirates are # 28 in the land and none of these in state ACC schools even have a single vote by the press.
Posted by: Scotty on Dec 11, 2008 at 11:39 AM
ECU would get smashed by any team playing a BCS Bowl. Tulsa had the weakest schedule stregnth in the NCAA this season and that is a fact just look it up.
Posted by: deadfish Location: nc on Dec 11, 2008 at 02:11 AM
Jim: What is ALL that "we" stuff? Secondly that injuries belly aching rhetoric does NOT make a FB team any better. Everybody has them. It is called FB, a violent sport, OK? BTW there isn't anything to imagine. Even if you had had an undefeated season it doesn't mean you are ready for the big boys of CFB. Your healthy undefeated team would NOT get more than 10 points against USC if you're lucky. So much for the hungry dog dreaming about a greasy bone!
Posted by: Jim Location: Elon, North Carolina on Dec 10, 2008 at 09:12 PM
We have 15 INJURED PLAYERS! If so many freshmen and other new players have stepped up to the plate and enabled us to win the conference championship, can you imagine what would have happened if so many injuries had not occurred? We only started losing after serious injuries in Tulane game and then re-grouped to win remaining games. As for the coach leaving, I would not be surprised because his dad has never been fond of ECU and certainly will influence his decision. Once upon a time we had a winning coach who was not interested in leaving. He was with us over twelve years but because of a couple of losing seasons, we put him on the street. His name was Steve Logan, the winningest coach in ECU history! And, we paid a price through many losing seasons before Holtz brought us back.
Posted by: BK Location: Wilkes on Dec 10, 2008 at 04:50 AM
Agree Andy, we're in a catch 22
Posted by: Coach M Location: Rocky Mount on Dec 10, 2008 at 04:03 AM
Conference USA better than ACC, please. And, yes you defeated WVU and VT but then...??? As far as ECU being a force to be reckoned with, take on the Florida's and USC's or like and then we'll talk.
Posted by: Robert Location: Greenville on Dec 9, 2008 at 05:18 PM
ECU beat the ACC champs this year. I think Conference USA was the better conference. At least ECU was. Looks like the ACC surrended the booty!! And got sunk by a Pirate ship.
Posted by: Craig Location: G-Vegas on Dec 9, 2008 at 04:59 PM
I may be a little optimistic about ECU going undefeated. I think that we can beat most BCS teams or at least we have at times. You make very good points about the money but I just don't take Coach Skip as a man that wants to go somewhere for the money. I may be wrong. I don't see Syracuse being a top 5 program. I don't know what will happen but I guess we will see.
Posted by: Andy Location: Greenville on Dec 9, 2008 at 02:46 PM
Craig, I do not think Syracuse is the right place. I also do not believe that ECU will start to dominate Conference USA. We tend to have a good team every couple of years or so, then back to the drawing boards. Also, in order to even be considered for a BCS game we would HAVE to go undefeated, and I can't see that happening. You MUST beat other good BCS teams to boot. Have to beat your rivals as well. Look at N.C. State, lost to them the last 2 years and they have had the weakest teams they have ever had the last 2 years. Money is another issue. I understand the Syracuse can come up with 2 million a year plus incentives. Ecu pays just over $500,000. 1.5 million dollar raise could have something to do with it? There is just nothing here for a coach who's dream is to win a National Championship. Until ECU gets into BCS conference, no one will ever stay here if they are successful
Posted by: BW Location: Wilkes on Dec 9, 2008 at 01:44 PM
If we're ever gonna run with the big boys we're gonna have to keep a good coach.
Posted by: Craig Location: G-Vegas on Dec 9, 2008 at 11:49 AM
Andy, i liked reading your comments. However, do you think that Syracuse would be the right place for Skip to go? I think that ECU could dominate conference USA and potentially get a BCS bowl bid. If I am not mistaken, there are 4 bowl games that alternate to determine the National Champion: Rose Bowl, fiesta Bowl, Orange Bowl, and the Sugar Bowl. I think there are 6 conferences that the champion is garunteed a BCS Bowl bid. That would mean that there are 2 spots for an "at large" team from another conference. I am thinking that with ECU's schedule this year they could be one of those teams if injury hadn't reared it's ugly face. So I think Skip has built a program that can compete with the big schools. If he were to lead ECU to a BCS bowl, I would think his chances of getting a better offer would be certain. It would require another long period of rebuilding if he "settles" for Sarycuse. He is in a good area now and he will get even better players if he stays in greenville. IMHO
Posted by: Andy Location: Greenville on Dec 9, 2008 at 10:33 AM
As much as I would like for Coach Skip to stay here in Greenville, I think he would be crazy not to leave at this time. If he is going to leave, now would be the time to do so, while he is on top. Chances of ECU dominating Conference USA year in and year out are very slim. If he wants to make a move now is the time to do so. He could have a bad year next year and not win very many games, and he will be off the list of coaching choices. Just like any other thing, best time to go is while you have momentum. If he does decide to go, I wish him well. ECU will never have a coach that is successful and stay very long. ECU and other non-BCS schools are nothing but stepping stones for better coaching jobs!!
Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 9, 2008 at 10:29 AM
Syracuse is a horrible team with a horrible record and lots of trouble on the field. I can't imagine Holtz going there...it seems like it would be the career ending move.
Posted by: deadfish Location: nc on Dec 8, 2008 at 07:37 PM
I came across this link: http://www.syracuse.com/poliquin/index.ssf/2008/12/as_we_come_down_coachinghiring.html you guys take it from here.
Posted by: Barry Location: Greenville on Dec 8, 2008 at 03:49 PM
deadfish: Thanks for the info. on Orgeron. Interesting.
Posted by: unk on Dec 8, 2008 at 02:28 PM
Personally, I hope the coach stays here in Greenville for a while. If not, I wish him better luck than the other coaches who left. Seems like when we finally find a winning coach and team, some other conference team scoops him up. I can't blame the coach though, he is without a doubt a person of class and honor. Good Wishes whether you stay or go!
Posted by: Sam Location: Williamston on Dec 8, 2008 at 02:20 PM
As much as I disagree with much of what you put down, I will have to agree with you on this deadfish, cause Skip Holtz has a lot more to do. I like Skip but I know he is getting more attention cause of his dad, and for Anonymous, either the Big East or the SEC, because both conferences have already given the pirates a look, and that is in all sports, if not there would have never been any talks about that happening, and mark that down when the pirates go out of C-USA. It will happen!
Posted by: Dwayne Location: Greenville on Dec 8, 2008 at 02:17 PM
It's an honor for Coach Holtz to be considered. Congratulations to him. Hope he stays. ECU was a natural for the Big East and/or ACC when they added schools last time. I think Greenville is a little further due east than Cincinnatti. Anyway, it would take a 12-0 season to get into a BSC berth while in CUSA and it would have to be one beast of a schedule. Congrats to Utah for making it in. Go Pirates, beat the Wildcats!
Posted by: Sam Location: Williamston on Dec 8, 2008 at 02:11 PM
If Skip were to leace ECU, it would be for Notre Dame and probably nobody else, lets be real now. If that were to happen, then I would suggest Greg Hudson, Bud Foster for Virginia Tech (For very good tidewater VA recruits with ENC recruits), or that guy I have heard of from SoCal Trojans. they would be the best fits for the pirates if the situation comes up.
Posted by: ecu fan Location: Greenville on Dec 8, 2008 at 01:25 PM
"B" is right. Coach Holtz won't be here forever. His time is coming. I just don't think Syracuse is it. We'll be in the Big East Conference one day anyway. If by chance he does take it, I say give Hudson the coaching job. He's great. The "Holtz" name is too Hollywood to stay here. He's bound for Notre Dame.
Posted by: The Pirate Lady Location: Grimesland on Dec 8, 2008 at 12:00 PM
John, Dave made a wager that he would not post here again if ECU won against Tulsa. So unless he's posting under a different name (which he very well could be)he's not around. Anonymous, no one said we were planning on getting into a BCS conference. B clearly said "ECU fans, let’s not kid our selves, until ECU gets into a BCS conference, every time we get a good young coach that does well, there will always be the potential of him leaving for greener pastures!!" He made no implications whatsoever.
Posted by: deadfish Location: nc on Dec 8, 2008 at 10:29 AM
ECU fans I checked about 45 mins. ago that 'Cuse is going to interview for the second time Doug Marrone NO Saints OC and a former Orange Man. This is a fact and NOT a put down. It is this simple the 'Cuse has another losing clip and Dr. Gross the AD is gone. Therefore he has to play the right cards. Check(monitor) again: http://blog.syracuse.com/orangefootball/ ECU is fine in the C-USA conference. Greenville is a very small city therefore ALL that BCS move is with ALL due respect ridiculous. The same applies to that notion of Mr. Skip Holtz HC'ing Notre Dame as well. No disrespect to Mr. Holtz but he is NOT ready for "prime time". Furthermore he does NOT have the profile NOR the thick résumé to be ND HC. I don't care how much his daddy lobbies for him. Guys please? Thank you
Posted by: ECU Student on Dec 8, 2008 at 10:04 AM
ECU--- Throw him some more money!!! We're already paying off how many coaches?? Logan, Lewis, Dye, Randle, so what difference will one more make?? I'll ante up my share of increased tuition to have a winning football team!!!!!!
Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 8, 2008 at 09:46 AM
So what BCS conference are you ECU fans planning on getting into? I for one know it won't be the ACC.
Posted by: neutral Location: nc on Dec 8, 2008 at 09:27 AM
Here is what syracuse.com is saying: http://www.syracuse.com/today/index.ssf/2008/12/skip_holtz_to_explore_syracuse.html
Posted by: John Location: Greenville on Dec 8, 2008 at 08:49 AM
It's a sad situation. Holtz will either leave now for Syracuse or later when some other school offers him an even better deal. The remainder of his tenure at ECU will be a short one...how short is the only question. Until ECU can get into a more powerful conference we will never see a coach with a Joe Pa-like tenure. On a side note with nothing to do with the topic, but deadfish: I haven't seen a comment from Dave yet, but I'd love to see the two of you set your trash talk toward ECU aside, and engage in some toward each other with USC taking on Penn St. That should be interesting.
Posted by: B Location: Winterville on Dec 8, 2008 at 08:24 AM
Skip says it would take a “special” situation for him to leave. I have always said that would be Notre Dame I see the only pros to go to Syracuse is that it’s in a BCS conference and maybe more money. He has no ties and makes it hard to see how it would be “special.” On paper, I think that the Syracuse job right now would almost be a step backward for Skip. Syracuse went 3-9 this season and 10-37 over the last four. They are about like ECU was when he arrived here. With all of the ECU injuries this year ECU still went 9-4. ECU is a very young team with tons of potential next year. I think that if he could string a couple of more seasons together here at ECU I think it could potentially lead him to that “special” job. ECU fans, let’s not kid our selves, until ECU gets into a BCS conference, every time we get a good young coach that does well, there will always be the potential of him leaving for greener pastures!!
Posted by: Calli Location: Greenville on Dec 8, 2008 at 08:10 AM
I was not surprised to hear that there was a possibility Holtz may be leaving. I remember when he came to the program, one of the local news station was interviewing people about Holtz and I remember one older gentlemen who who couldn't get excited about it. He stated that Holtz would come to ECU and do a good job with the program and some other school will just offer him more money and he would leave. I really hope Holtz stay.
Posted by: BJ Location: Glasgow, UK on Dec 8, 2008 at 07:11 AM
Ed Emory? 'T'...it was 4:11 am when you posted that....get some serious sleep.
Posted by: @@@ on Dec 8, 2008 at 06:56 AM
He is NOT the team, the young men that play the game ARE! I hope he stays, but, money talks and men walk! We shall see.
Posted by: T Location: Washington on Dec 8, 2008 at 04:11 AM
Jimbo.. Totally agree with you. I put him in the same category as Rich Rodriguez. To be such an intelligent man, I just cannot fathom why he would even talk with Syracuse. If he goes, I hope he looses every game he coaches. Holtz could rob a bank in G-Ville, and very easily get away with it, because he has done so much with our program. Terry H. is a smart man, and I feel he will take care of business with or without Holtz. Personally, I say bring back Ed Emory. I know people will say I am insane, but look at the teams played while he coached. He did a decent job against huge teams. Oh well. Hope for the best, but always expect the worse.
Posted by: deadfish Location: nc on Dec 8, 2008 at 12:45 AM
Barry: Ed Orgeron is a true Cajun guy from Louisiana. He was USC's Defensive Line Coach and Recruiting Coordinator 2002-2004 when USC won back to back NC's. Ole Miss job was opened and he got it. Yes, he did NOT do great at Ole Miss, then LB's coach w/NO Saints. I honestly think he needed a year or two and could have finally succeeded there. To prove that point Houston Nutt formerly with Arkansas is winning with his players. Credit coach "O" for getting/recruiting QB Jevan Snead from Texas. Who can bench Colt McCoy(!)? LB Patrick Willis was NFL defensive rookie of the year last year and Pro Bowler. Credit coach "O" also for his success. Two years ago when he was at Ole Miss a Sporting News writer said about him that he can recruit a raincoat. He's known for being a hard charger during practices. I believe he's a disciplinarian. If he can recruit in the SEC territories he can recruit anywhere. I hope I answered your questions. If NOT I'll be glad to research further for you, Sir.
Posted by: Rob Location: Greenville on Dec 8, 2008 at 12:03 AM
ECU is a stepping stone job, you are either on your way up or on your way out with this job. All pirate fans can be upset if you like but ECU is not a football power. If you were offered a job in NY that doubled your income would you take it? Can you say "Aloha"
Posted by: Greenville Location: Greenville on Dec 7, 2008 at 10:18 PM
They just stated again on espn that Holts has a meeting with Syracuse on monday. 1018pm
Posted by: Josh Location: Plymouth on Dec 7, 2008 at 09:44 PM
IF he takes the job, no way he coaches the bowl game. I honestly would hate to see him go, but at the same time how much more is left to be done in C-USA? The conference should not matter, but in the age of BCS and TV deals, it is going to be a deciding factor. Any suggestions?
Posted by: The Pirate Lady Location: Grimesland on Dec 7, 2008 at 09:26 PM
I hate to say it, but I'm with you Jimbo. If Skip takes the job, I don't think he should coach the Liberty Bowl. Let Coach Hudson act as interim until they find a replacement or make him the head coach. Oh, and if Skip does leave, I hope he takes Fitch with him.
Posted by: ozone Location: belhaven on Dec 7, 2008 at 08:33 PM
1.2 million or 3 million--I think I would considering leaving too.
Posted by: Jimbo Location: NC on Dec 7, 2008 at 08:29 PM
It's a given Skip is going to Syracuse. I don't know about the rest of the Pirate fans but I do not want the Syracuse head football coach coaching the Pirates in the Liberty Bowl. I would rather lose the game than have Skip coach the team. Remember, we took a chance on Skip when NO ONE else would. Heck, his own Daddy demoted him at South Carolina!!! We also scraped up more money than the majority of Pirate fans will see in their life times to pay him. This is how Skip repays us? I say good riddance to him and his stupid blow hard Daddy!!!
Posted by: Barry Location: Greenville on Dec 7, 2008 at 08:19 PM
deadfish: Let me bother you for a few more thoughts, regarding Orgeron. I'm not sold. I'll admit that I have only given cursory attention to Orgeron. His record at Ole Miss is worrisome to me. He is a defensive oriented guy, and at ECU per head coaches, in my memory, this has really mixed results. Or I might continue to have PTSD from the John Thompson (shudder thy name) fiasco. I know that you follow recruiting, so you know better than I that Orgeron can flat-out recruit. But, he has no local ties. Please tell me what I'm missing (?); you obviously know more about this guy than I do.
Posted by: Barry Location: Greenville on Dec 7, 2008 at 08:00 PM
Jimbo: Great thought about asking if T. Holland is up to speed on what is occurring. Thank goodness Mr. Holland is our AD right now. I trust he'll make good decisions; he has been great thus far (R. Stokes aside). Terry will see to it that we're set-up fine. deadfish: I ain't a betting man, but to my reckoning it is 85/15 Skip leaves this year, and if not this year, 95/5 in '09. It's a business (for better, but mostly worse), Skip will look after his own, and TH will do right for ECU. I appreciate your outside perspective here.
Posted by: Chris Location: Greenville on Dec 7, 2008 at 07:53 PM
I love how these coaches just down play everything like nothing has happened but then you read this - "e're going to be in New York. Notre Dame is having a dinner for me tomorrow night which (Skip) and wife are coming up as well. Syracuse will be there. I think they're going to talk." "Asked if Skip has interest in the Syracuse job, Lou said he did." So why would his dearest father lie? I think we will find out soon enough that Lou is not the liar. Oh well, it was good while it lasted, and like every good fairy tale it must have an ending.
Posted by: deadfish Location: nc on Dec 7, 2008 at 07:35 PM
Thanks to Frank I have been keeping-up with this link which is a MUST READ for ALL the ECU fans: TPL, Barry, Bill and Mr. T: http://blog.syracuse.com/orangefootball/ Based on this report I am inclined to say that Mr. Holtz is gone. This last report was published earlier today at 1648 EDT. ECU fans you have the right to disagree with me. Push Mr. Holland to go after Ed Orgeron...
Posted by: Blog Refuter Location: NC on Dec 7, 2008 at 06:15 PM
It sounds like Holtz might be leaving unless ECU can bring out some big bucks; and with the economy how it is, I don't know. However, schools will go really far to keep a good coach sometimes...
Posted by: Jimbo Location: NC on Dec 7, 2008 at 05:58 PM
Yeah, yeah, yeah. This is Bill Lewis all over again. Deny, deny, even as the moving vans are at his house under the cover in darkness. I'll bet his kids are already enrolled in school up there. Hopefully he is being more up front with Holland so we can find a good coach now before they're all hired. Of course, I would like it better if he would just stay here. You can make great things happen in Greenville as easy as Syracuse.
Posted by: dont believe Location: it on Dec 7, 2008 at 05:29 PM
it just scrolled across the bottem of espn that holtz will meet with syracuse on monday, i betcha he takes the job!
Posted by: deadfish Location: nc on Dec 7, 2008 at 04:35 PM
I am known here as an USC Trojans fan. I have been following this story on the web closely. According to this site: http://blog.syracuse.com/orangefootball/ it seems that we'll know something definitely tomorrow(Monday). You make the call ECU fans. Assuming he accepts the 'Cuse job will he coach ECU at the Liberty Bowl? Stay tune!
Posted by: WITN Moderator Location: WITN on Dec 7, 2008 at 03:11 PM
RK- Thanks for the correction.
Posted by: rk Location: nj on Dec 7, 2008 at 02:55 PM
They haven't been the Orangemen in years. Perhaps the news hasn't made it south of the Mason-Dixon line yet.
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