We will be killed on the recruiting trail if Dooley is retained. Dooley will still be on the hot seat next year and nothing will be decided long term if Dooley is still here at the end of the year. There is just no way Hart can justify retaining Dooley no matter if he wins out including a bowl win.
Do you really think he has to justify retaining Dooley for another year? No.
Don't say he
has to logically justify anything.. If he wants to keep him, then he can keep him. If he wants to drop him, he can drop him. He's the AD, NOT THE FAN BASE (thank god).
Now, that being said, can a wrong decision be jeopardizing his career? Yes, of course. He could easily be in trouble for the wrong call.
According to the impatience of our fan base (and half of them are just plain ignorant, but plenty have understandable and viable reasons), the wrong decision is to keep Dooley.
I personally do not like Gruden (or any other coaches I've caught rumors about), however, I do agree with the fact that Dooley hasn't gotten it done.. yet. He has 6 years on his contract.. he's been through 3. Another year will not harm anything, and will give a lot more insight to his capabilities. Just my opinion. I will admit, there is partial bias on my part due to Dooley's integrity as a person; what can I say? I think he's a great guy and I truly believe he wants it enough to actually get the job done.
But heck, if he gets canned and Gruden (or any of the other coaches) comes our way, I'm all for supporting Gruden until the next head coach after him!