Defilippo cancels interview with Eagle Action

For better or worse, Eagle Action has been the largest and longest-serving independent BC-focused media outlet. They've produced some great work and some equally appalling apologia over the years. Rarely have their editors or lead writers been at the forefront of BC criticism. If anything some of their writers over the years have been considered mouthpieces for certain BC coaches and personalities. That is why Gene Defilippo's decision to cancel his interview with Eagle Action is so surprising.

The interview was scheduled for last Friday with Eagle Action Founder and Publisher Mike Rutstein. Rutstein announced this today:

“Several of you had asked about my annual interview with Gene DeFilippo, which was scheduled for last Friday and which I had hoped to start posting here this week.

Unfortunately, Gene had to cancel our meeting on Friday. In talking to him today about rescheduling, it became clear that he didn't consider this to be a good time for us to sit down. I had sent him a preview of my questions and he seemed disappointed with some of the backward-looking questions about the football program. He held out the possibility of an interview in the fall when Boston College supporters would have the prospect of a new football season ahead of them.

Thanks to those of you who suggested questions for the interview. I hope to follow up in the fall."

If Gene is upset with the tone from an Eagle Action softy, what is he going to do when the Hot Seat talk heats up? Like any leader who has been held a position for 15 years, Gene has made some mistakes. If he doesn't want to address issues from the past, he should at least do it within the confines of an interview. Then he can brush off whatever Rutstein might have asked and steer the question back to his desired talking point. It is media training 101. Cancelling just looks like he has something to hide or no vision for the future.

Unless Spaz pulls a huge turnaround, he is coaching his last season at BC. If Gene wants to lead the process of hiring a new coach, he needs to be out front. He needs to show that he understands where he went wrong and what type of coach BC needs for the future. If he doesn't do that, the BC fans and boosters will just assume that Gene is going to screw up the search again.

Luke Kuechly: Media Star

Luke Kuechly's interview with Raycom was just the start of what I assume will be a busy season in front of the camera. This weekend, he and Montel Harris will represent BC at the ACC's annual media event. Although he is our best player on defense, bringing Kuechly breaks tradition for BC. We've always had two SRs represent the school (even when Matt Ryan was playing). Showcasing Kuechly will help raise his profile and start momentum for postseason awards. With an uncertain season ahead, it is in BC's interest to push its best player and help him win some individual honors.

What others are saying

The message boards are having a spirited debate on our new football coach. The emails I've received have trended negative. You can read the comments on the blog. But what do the less passionate observers think?

Blaudschun kept his focus on the news, but took a positive angle.

For Spaziani, who had fretted over the turmoil of the past few weeks as much as anyone, it was the culmination of a career chase which has finally put him in complete control of a program.

HD also likes the selection.

This is not only the most logical hire for the Eagles, but it's also the best choice.

Kevin Armstrong takes a news approach but adds color on the feeling surrounding the program.

...Spaziani, who has been at The Heights 12 years, brings stability to a program that was in "crisis mode" last week, according to one source close to the program.

Michael David Smith states this will be Gene's legacy.

The bottom line is that DeFilippo has put his own reputation on the line by firing Jagodzinski and hiring Spaziani. If Spaziani turns out to be a coach who can lead BC to an ACC title, DeFilippo will be praised for this decision. But if BC goes in the tank in 2009, everyone will be asking why DeFilippo replaced a proven winner with a relative unknown, just because the winner had ambition.

You tell 'em, Jags!

Jags silenced media members with his retort during Wednesday's conference call. When asked about our tough schedule he responded:

"Guess who else they're going to be tough for? All those teams that we play."

You can listen to the exchange here.