The End At UMass

I was surprised to hear that UMass parted ways with Coach Mark Whipple after five seasons.

Things have not gone well for him during his second stint with the team. Back to back 4-8 seasons set things in motion.

He still has two years left on his contract and will work out a settlement for the $500,000 owed him.

Whipple won a Division 1AA National Championship in 1998 during his first time with the team from 1998-2003 before he left for a coaching job in the NFL with the Steelers. His record was 49-26.

UMass has struggled with their Independent schedule. His record of 16-44 was not good enough to keep his job.

Who will UMass get at this point? The salary is a turn-off for the big-time coordinators looking to move up. Recruitment and retention could become an issue.

It's a long road ahead as the team looks to another season.