Recruiting Whiffs: Pinkel and Co. see a break down in their system of identifying and developing undervalued talent in 2012-2013. We know it broke down in 2012, at least from yielding quality depth. The same with 2013. The clock began ticking down to last year, when the final members of the 2011 class began to cycle out.
Staff strife: We heard whispers last year about animus from Kul toward Barry. There were rumblings about issues between coaches about the composition of the OL. The handling of Maty's situation didn't help. So now there is a lack of talent, and a lack of cohesion among the staff.
Locker room fracture: A less-talented group doesn't have the same make-up mentally as prior groups. It sees the staff friction. It's leadership has changed, and those that take its place struggle to maintain continuity.
November protests: Enough said.
A hampered search: Gary retires. Mack has a toxic situation to sell to elite candidates (see Fuente) or solid choices (see Campbell). He hires Barry, perhaps too early.
Quality staff, poor talent: The staff assembled is decent, but it faces a major talent deficiency. Those that remain aren't inclined to buy in.
