Poll Results: Fans Split on Level of Excitement for New DC Knowles

As we all know by now, Oklahoma State has hired, what we expect to be their new Defensive coordinator David Knowles, away from Duke.

There’s been a pretty heated debate over whether or not this was an inspiring hire. Kyle Porter has offered some great thoughts and responses to reader’s take and opinions this week, and there has been much said on both sides.

Which brings us to the poll; whether or not fans are excited about the hire. Based on the poll, fans seem split.

Poll Question Tuesday is an easy one today: Are you excited about #okstate hiring Duke defensive coordinator Jim Knowles?

— Pistols Firing (@pistolsguys) January 30, 2018

Technically, fans are more excited than not, though 51 percent to 49 percent isn’t exactly an overwhelming victory. As usual, the negative comments outweighed the positive. Though, many seemed to fall more in the category of “meh” than excited or not.

“Based off of Duke’s defense last year alone, I’m excited. 3rd in total D (behind Clemson and VT), and led the ACC in 3rd down defense. Where OSU has been BAD.” – Brody Coday

“Voting no from a recruiting standpoint. Would have liked to see a young guy come in that recruits would be excited to play for (i.e defensive version of Arroyo).” – Matt Hechtner

“Not excited, but I’m always willing to give him a shot, much like Boynton. Here’s hoping he can make a difference.” – Jerod Bridenstine

“Not excited but cant say I’m disappointed either. Just OK with it.” – Chris Heasley

“I’m just excited for a change. Something to shake things up a bit. Can’t judge until we see what he does.” – David Jennings

“I’m mildly excited. As must as I liked Glenn Spencer the man, I am happy that change was made, even if it was simply for the sake of change. I feel like that’s the same thing that happened when Spencer was hired – change for the sake of change. It seemed great for one year.” -Mark

“I am because Gundy went through a good process. This process was the opposite of hiring Boynton. He didn’t interview two position coaches and then promote one to DC. Gundy spent weeks making his decision and interviewed six candidates. Multiple more ‘exciting’ candidates were linked to the job. Personally, I was with Adam Lunt hoping for Vic Koenning, but at some point you have to trust the best head coach in the program’s history.” – ryno1613

I think I fall more in line with the final comment, though I wouldn’t say I’m excited about the hire.

I was excited when Mason Rudolph and James Washington announced they were returning for their senior seasons. I was excited when Josh Henson was named the new offensive line coach. Excitement isn’t the feeling I had when the Knowles hiring was official.

That being said, I trust Gundy. He knows what he wants in a coach. Honestly, until he finishes filling out his new staff, it’s going to be difficult to understand exactly what his plan is overall.

Also, being excited about a hire is a bit overrated. It feels like hiring someone to “win the introductory press conference.” Make the best win for your program, and we can all be excited about the product on the field next season.