One of Lyle's biggest problems has been transitioning to success. I think he is a great rally the troops, underdog, back in corner, kind of guy. He hasn't shown the poise id like to see to take the next step. The late game rallies were spun as a positive, while the unpreparedness that led to the deficits was brushed over. The truth is, there were serious issues prior to the injuries, and prior to the first game.
At first, the talent overcame the issues, but something bad was brewing. I think its still there. Sure, Hurd and Williams can become an easy scape goat, But they're gone, and if there are major defections in the off-season and recruiting steps back, how long can people blame a couple of players who are no longer there?
I've seen this side of Lyle first hand. Almost exactly a year ago, I was at a company dinner and he came by to say a few words. Most of it was fine, but he started talking about those who were against him and how he was keeping a list. It was a circle the wagons speech and just came off to me as desperate, not to mention out of place. My wife still jokingly asks me if I'm on the list.
I think Butch is a script guy. He has a good script, but i think he is lost when off script. All coaches have cliches, but this is getting insane. Think about how annoyed you get hearing them once a week. Now imagine being a player or assistant and hearing it everyday. It loses its affect, gets annoying and can even come off as disingenuous. Hey, maybe Lyle is different off camera.
I think he's genuinely frustrated because the "infallible" system has been exposed, and he hasnt really come to grips with it.
