While I certainly don't think UM is anywhere near the top programs in terms of the amount of money, I have a hard time believing that they are as cash strapped as people would have you believe. I think the problem comes from lack of pressure from the media and surrounding community. Sure we have the fanbase who is vocal about their displeasure with Golden and the athletic program overall, but since we tend to be much smaller in number our voices are a bit easier to ignore. I live in Birmingham, AL, which is less than an hour from Tuscaloosa and about 2.5 hrs away from Auburn. Also, I heard on the radio some time ago that people in this area consume more college football than any other area in the nation. When I tell you that these bammas are crazy about their football programs, I really mean it. There is no way that that the fans, boosters, even local media would let any of the big schools continually wallow in mediocrity. Nick Saban has won 3 national championships while here at Bama, but if he were to go 6-7 like Miami did last season, please believe they would be at his front porch with pitchforks ready to drag him out into the streets. They care just that much about their programs. Back in 2013 when Auburn beat Bama in the Iron bowl on that miracle missed field goal return, a lady in one of the Birmingham suburbs of hoover shot and killed her best friend because she wasn't that particularly upset that Bama lost. I know that is an extreme case, but you get the idea of the seriousness behind it. They are ready to put foot to *** for their programs if they aren't performing up to expectations. Not to mention that where I work (downtown Birmingham) I am about a 15 minute walk from the SEC headquarters, so that puts things into perspective even more. Miami's disadvantage is a) being in a large metropolitan area with many many options and b) having a large international community where American football just isn't very popular, therefore an afterthought to many. If the media were to put more pressure on UM for its continued mediocrity and lack of apathy towards its football program then we would begin to see them Athletic department as well as the BOT be more proactive in terms of making changes. Until there is continuous pressure coming from all fronts, then this administration will continue to move at a gradual pace in terms of getting things done.
