Cincy 26-WVU 23: Stewart Must Fire Himself As Special Teams Coach

Several things were puzzling during WVU’s loss to Cincinnati on Saturday night but one thing became achingly clear: Coach Bill Stewart must relinquish his duties as special teams coach. Because whatever he’s doing, it’s making things worse, not better. WVU was already ranked 119th in the NCAA in kickoff “coverage,” giving up long returns to every team, including two of 60-plus yards to Auburn. But that was before WVU gave up a 102-yard return for a touchdown on the opening kickoff against Cincy. There is never any excuse, ever, for giving up a 100-yard kickoff return. It’s clear that Stewart, and probably no one, can be an effective head coach and an effective position coach. Stewart maintained his duties as special teams coach when he became head coach and it’s clear now that it’s a mistake. And please, coach, your down-home routine about “yelling at the special teams coach” is really, really wearing thin. You can’t aw-shucks ... (link)