After 24 hours of wondering if Louisville’s own would return home, we now know the answer. Jeff Brohm chose to honor his commitment to Purdue and to the players he recruited. I’m not gonna lie, this one stings a bit but I respect him more for staying.
I always thought the day would eventually come where Jeff would come back home and lead the Cardinals. Not only lead but take the team to greatness. It still may happen but not anytime soon. The timing just wasn’t right.
I remember my junior year in high school, I was standing in the lunch line. Jeff Brohm was standing in front of me. The football coach walked up to him and handed him several envelopes. He thumbed through them right there in line and I caught a glimpse of several school logos in the top left corner. Michigan, Notre Dame, Tennessee and few others that I don’t recall. Jeff could have played anywhere but he chose Louisville.
As a UofL fan, I loved his decision. I knew exactly the type of guy Louisville was getting. I knew he came from a good family with morals and integrity. The Trinity football helmet reads, Pride, discipline, Loyalty and achievement. Jeff was the role model for that slogan.
He hasn’t changed.
And that’s exactly why he turned down the Louisville job. It wasn’t about money – I promise you that. It was about integrity. As much as he wanted to come home to the school he loved, he couldn’t go back on his word he gave to the players. It was reported (but I can’t confirm) that Brohm promised Rondale Moore that if he came to Purdue, he would stay until Rondale graduated.
“All the reasons we wanted Brohm is why he stayed there” – Brandon Davis.
I couldn’t agree more with Brandon.
Brohm’s statement – “This has been a very difficult and emotional decision for me and my family. We are extremely happy at Purdue and thankful for the opportunity to lead this program. After intense and thorough discussion, I believe it is important to finish the building process we have begun and honor the commitment I made to our football program, players, and recruits. While going home was very appealing and meaningful to me, the timing was not ideal. I believe that remaining at Purdue is the right thing to do, and I am excited for the challenges ahead. I want to thank the University of Louisville and Vince Tyra for reaching out and expressing their interest in me. As a former Cardinal player and coach, I want nothing but the best for the University of Louisville. Under the leadership of President Neeli Bendapudi and Vince Tyra, the future of the university is in great hands. I also want to thank all Cardinal fans for their support over the years.”
How you gonna argue with that? I’m sorry but I can’t argue with integrity. I’m not bitter even though this one hurts. I wish Jeff and his family well and now it’s time to welcome and support a new coach.
As Always, GO CARDS!
