Can you help me?

I humbly ask for your help because I cannot show sufficient support on my own.

When you have the time this holiday season, can you write a letter of support to Frank Solich?

Hand written, or typed, email (solich@ohio.edu), or mailed (Peden Stadium, 5 FLR, Athens, OHIO 45701), in your own words, can you take the time to show Frank Solich that you support him as the leader of this Bobcat football program for the years ahead?

A display of encouragement at this juncture is critical.

I will tell you a cautionary tale, and I will tell you what I believe is in it for you as a Bobcat fan.

In 2003, Kansas State head coach Bill Snyder won his first conference championship at the age of 63. It was his 14th season at Kansas State. The conference championship was the Wildcats first in 69 years.

The following 2004 season was rough. Bill's Wildcats went 4-7 on the year and was 0-6 against teams with winning records. The fan base suffered a frustrating 45-21 home loss to Frenso State.

The following season was not much better. The Wildcats went 5-6 and they did manage a 2-5 record against teams with winning records. But a November 45-17 loss to a 7-5 Iowa State team may have been the breaking point for Bill Synder's tenure.

Bill retired after that 2005 losing season. He was beloved by the fan base. They actually named the stadium after Bill shortly following his retirement. But one can imagine the tremendous pressure being exerted upon him from outside forces after following up a Fiesta Bowl appearance with back to back losing seasons.

Bill's replacement head coach didn't exactly hit the ground running. And in year 2 and 3 of the replacement head coaches tenure, the Kansas State Wildcats endured two additional losing seasons.

At the age of 69, Bill Snyder came out of retirement to coach in the stadium that honored his name. The Wildcats went on to win their second conference championship since 1934 under Bill Snyder in 2012. And the Wildcats are currently 9-2 on the season with one regular season game left to play.

Hopefully I've illuminated some of the dangers of prematurely pressuring a head coach. Kansas State needs Bill Snyder in the same way that OHIO needs Frank Solich.

If you're a fan of Bobcats football. And you're disappointed with the past two seasons, take it on the chin, and get back up.

We have the years ahead to look forward to. And your encouragement is what it's going to take to make sure Frank Solich is leading the way. With Frank, the future is bright.

Football is a game of inches. Do not allow a vocal minority to forfeit this inch. Do not let our hall of fame coach slip away. The OHIO football fan base needs to fight for Frank Solich.

Can you help me? Can you show your support for Frank Solich?

Mark,

Bill Snyder did not get fired, he retired.

I don't fear that Frank will get fired.

There were reports that last season was very frustrating to Frank. A little positive reinforcement goes a long way. He's not just a coach; he's a person.

I'm asking for a letter of encouragement. He knows he's good. We know he's good. But people can't read minds; we need to remind Frank that we know he's good. Help offset that pressure to win that he probably puts on himself.

I just sent him a note wishing him a Merry Christmas and thanking him for all he's done for OHIO football. Even though I don't agree with all things OHIO football, especially some of the offensive (in more than one way) calls, I think he's been very good for us, and I hope he stays on for a while longer.

Thank you, guys.

Go Bobcats!