I’m not 100% sure but I’m pretty sure that most programs say goodbye to players when they enter the portal, it’s common practice. It’s not a matter of being stubborn it’s just a reality. Can you imagine if you didn’t do that? Every kid could just enter the portal and see what they get and come back if they don’t find what they want. And what does a program do while they are waiting for a kid to decide if he’s coming back? Do they just not recruit or offer until each kid makes his decision? They could end up in late spring with no kids. They really have to move on when kids enter the portal.
I agree that Joe is a good person and a good football mind, but is he a good head coach? That remains to be seen. My other issue with him, is that he doesn’t seem to be a good promoter/ambassador of the program - unless he’s doing it very quietly behind the scenes (which in and of itself would say he’s not). This program needs a good coach and a good salesman to the public and student body. Like everything, wins would solve most of these issues. It just feels like since he’s been here it’s been one step forward and two steps back - stuck in an endless cycle.