ItsAUThing.com — Formerly allCanesBlog.com — It's All About 'The U'!

Just over a week ago, athletic director Kirby Hocutt made what he called one of the hardest decisions of his career – letting fourth year head coach Randy Shannon go in the wake of this season’s 7-5 run.

Hocutt had the full backing of president Donna Shalala, who many were quick to say would gladly accept mediocre football as long as kids stayed in class and trouble-free.

While as fans we aim to back our head coach, our loyalties remain with the university, as no one man is bigger than the program. We wish Coach Shannon the best in all future endeavors as he’s given decades of his life to ‘The U’ and will always be a part of this football family.

Per the Thanksgiving weekend Sunday press conference, a message was sent; losing football games at this capacity is unacceptable. The University of Miami wants to field winners both on the field, as well as the classroom.

Beyond that, a line was drawn in the dirt regarding money not being a factor. For the first time in forever, UM appears financially committed to doing what needs to be done in regards to luring a big time head coach to Coral Gables. The stigma of being ‘frugal’ with coaches’ salaries appears to be a thing of the past.

At allCanes, we couldn’t be happier to hear of the financial commitment UM is willing to make regarding bringing a top flight head coach on board and we want to do our part.

Because of that, we’re resurrecting the popular “U Family” t-shirt – with more modern flair for the new era – and we’ll be donating $7.50 of each purchase back to the University of Miami in what we’re calling the “UM Coaching Fund”. (Now in stock!)

Seems a better way to spend one’s hard-earned cash than flying a pointless, crude banner over a half-empty stadium – on Senior Day, no less.

For those of you not in the market for a new tee, at least spread some good cheer this holiday season.

Email or call your president and athletic director and instead of chastising them, thank them for their commitment to Miami football and athletics as a whole. Let’s fire some positivity back that way instead of continuing to fuel this avalanche of negativity.

It’s time for a complete change in culture, Hurricane Nation. ‘Tis the season of good cheer and as fans, it’s time to both celebrate and give thanks that this beloved program appears ready to turn over a new leaf.

Out with the recent “glass half empty” mindset. No more getting out-coached, losing to inferior teams, making excuses or settling for second-best as fans, or an athletic department as a whole.

The nation is watching as Miami football prepares for the next episode. Prospective coaches are watching, too – as are their wives, children and family members. So many of us feel that UM gets a bad rap as far as the media and rival fans are concerned, yet too many keep the stigma alive with negative words, displaced frustration and knee-jerk commentary.

This is time for excitement and positivity at ‘The U’. Time to bury a mediocre era of Miami football and to be optimistic instead of pessimistic. Get on board, or get out of the way as a large percentage of this fan base is excited for are expected to be better days ahead.

New coach. New regime. New attitude. Better game-day atmosphere. More wins. Period.

If you don’t want to open up your checkbook, that’s fine – but at least open your heart. A new year is upon us and if you truly love this program, join allCanes in being part of the solution.

It truly is great to be a Miami Hurricane and there’s so much to be thankful for – even the old regime, which officially wraps with an uncharacteristic, unexpected and welcomed bowl game against Notre Dame and the opportunity to close in style, feasting on some Irish stew like the good ol’ days.

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