Critics, boosters have varied takes
“Disappointed, but understandable,” said McPherson, an Indianola native who now lives in Memphis. “That’s the problem. I don’t know if this is the best thing for the program because I don’t think we really wanted to start over at the head coaching position.”
Croom, who made history in 2003 when he became the Southeastern Conference’s first black head football coach, resigned just one day after finishing his fifth season at the Bulldogs’ helm. He compiled a 21-38 overall record and was 10-30 in the Southeastern Conference, including Friday’s 45-0 loss to rival Ole Miss.
“That performance Friday was mind-boggling,” said George Vaughan, who has supported Mississippi State since the early 1980s. “I absolutely think it’s the best thing for Mississippi State. I thought Croom was in over his head. I think he’s a fine man, but he was just more of an NFL assistant coach. I don’t think he understood what it took to be a head coach at Mississippi State.”
Clarion Ledger
11/30/8
