You've completely missed the point. After four years, Frank was 23-27, and "frankly" trending downward. I'm not saying I don't think Frank has done a good job and should have something named after him. I'm glad he's our coach and I've defended him even through some of the very bitter disappointments that have dotted an otherwise good tenure.
What you're failing to consider is that Solich revived a corpse of a program. I'm not getting into a field-naming debate, but the team was coming off a four-year run of 11-35 football, empty stands and legitimate hopelessness.
Saul Phillips inherited a program that had gone 97-46 in the prior four years. It had won NCAA games. It regularly played on Saturday night in Cleveland. Schaus made him the highest-paid coach in the MAC to maintain that and it hasn't happened.
I disagree. Jim Grobe revived a corpse of a program. Do you think Solich takes a job at the program that Grobe took in 1995? Not a the slightest freaking chance in hell. Knorr hadn't won, but things hadn't been torn down and there were certainly signs of life including solid recruiting and attendance that had actually kept up fairly well through the losing. Recent stadium enhancements, permanent lights, new weight room, etc. What Solich inherited was a far far cry from the "corpse" of a decade earlier. He had a program to work from. Grobe had to beg just to get a strength coach.
What did Saul inherit? that Sweet 16 was old news to everyone but us. He had an incomplete roster whose best players were transfers and whose commitment to the program could best be described as questionable. You can talk about how the program was flying high all you want, but in mid major land, momentum is short lived. you think you're getting a glimpse and then you lose two coaches in three years. Forget about it. SP was starting over. Period.
All that said, I'm not thrilled with the overall level of recruiting. I'll grant that. I'd like to see some sexier names and not just because of how well Buffalo is doing right now. But people who say he's not bringing in ANY talent aren't really paying attention. and People who are judging everything based on Ellis Dozier are just being obtuse. Like every other MAC roster is full of first team talent 1-13 and we're the only ones filling out our bench. Like Christian, Groce, OShea and Hunter didn't have guys like that too. Give me a break. Again, you've watched the MAC before right? You've watched basketball at EVERY LEVEL before, right?