Ruffin McNeil

[NewApp]

I knew Ruffin had a stint at App, but did not know how many and what years.

Appalachian State (1989-91, 1993-96), So he spent approximately 5+ years with our Mountaineers. Firing him as head coach at ECU contributed to their downfall IMOp.

[AppWyo]

I knew Ruffin had a stint at App, but did not know how many and what years.

Appalachian State (1989-91, 1993-96), So he spent approximately 5+ years with our Mountaineers. Firing him as head coach at ECU contributed to their downfall IMOp.

You are not alone, that is the opinion of many.

[Stonewall]

Yes. He was a difference maker for us . I really liked the guy.

[AppStFan1]

Yes. He was a difference maker for us . I really liked the guy.

Loved him. Good DC and great guy as well. Would love to get him back as DC and AHC but not sure we could.

[AppGrad78]

My theory on ECU’s downfall has more to do with recruiting competition. App State, Charlotte, ODU, James Madison, Liberty, Coastal Carolina, Georgia Southern and Georgia State all elevated to FBS at about the same time ECU began to struggle.

[Saint3333]

Any theories for us?

[Stonewall]

We don’t block or tackle and we turn the ball over.

[311neers]

We don’t block or tackle and we turn the ball over.

Or recruit/develop/strength program like we used too.

[NewApp]

Yes. He was a difference maker for us . I really liked the guy.

Loved him. Good DC and great guy as well. Would love to get him back as DC and AHC but not sure we could.

He is 66 years young. Doubt the Boone weather would suit him, BTW he played football at ECU under Pat Dye . Pat was coach at USCackalina one of the years we played them.

[AppStFan1]

Yes. He was a difference maker for us . I really liked the guy.

Loved him. Good DC and great guy as well. Would love to get him back as DC and AHC but not sure we could.

He is 66 years young. Doubt the Boone weather would suit him, BTW he played football at ECU under Pat Dye . Pat was coach at USCackalina one of the years we played them.

I don't think the issue for him is the weather as much as he would want to be head coach. I have heard he has fond memories of his time in Boone.

[Bootsy]

My theory on ECU’s downfall has more to do with recruiting competition. App State, Charlotte, ODU, James Madison, Liberty, Coastal Carolina, Georgia Southern and Georgia State all elevated to FBS at about the same time ECU began to struggle.

Competition was key, because recruiting was the biggest reason Ruff was fired. The quality of ECU recruits dropped dramatically during his time as HC. Academics and character issues became a recurring theme. Never good to see a football player on the evening news because they were arrested. This happened multiple times in short timeframe, along with poor performance on the field. So, coaching changes down east became a fait accompli.

[NewApp]

Yes. He was a difference maker for us . I really liked the guy.

Loved him. Good DC and great guy as well. Would love to get him back as DC and AHC but not sure we could.

He is 66 years young. Doubt the Boone weather would suit him, BTW he played football at ECU under Pat Dye . Pat was coach at USCackalina one of the years we played them.

I don't think the issue for him is the weather as much as he would want to be head coach. I have heard he has fond memories of his time in Boone.

For me, I loved the weather in 1966-1971. No matter the wind chill, amount of snow, ice on the roads, sharp biting winds, etc. I loved it. Now at 76, not so much. Why would Ruffin want to be head coach these days? Every coach, player, instructor, student, family member can say they have at least some fond memories except Buzz's wife. Pardon the sarcasm

[AppStFan1]

Yes. He was a difference maker for us . I really liked the guy.

Loved him. Good DC and great guy as well. Would love to get him back as DC and AHC but not sure we could.

He is 66 years young. Doubt the Boone weather would suit him, BTW he played football at ECU under Pat Dye . Pat was coach at USCackalina one of the years we played them.

I don't think the issue for him is the weather as much as he would want to be head coach. I have heard he has fond memories of his time in Boone.

For me, I loved the weather in 1966-1971. No matter the wind chill, amount of snow, ice on the roads, sharp biting winds, etc. I loved it. Now at 76, not so much. Why would Ruffin want to be head coach these days? Every coach, player, instructor, student, family member can say they have at least some fond memories except Buzz's wife. Pardon the sarcasm

I don't think he is out looking for it but I'm sure if a good opportunity presented itself he would consider it. Many of these guys love the game and hold on until they can't do it anymore. Some have egos and some just want something to do. Working helps some people stay active. I also would not be surprised if he turned a HC job down either.

[NewApp]

AppStFan1 Isn't he still Special Assistant to the head coach at NC State? Or am I few years behind?

[AppStFan1]

AppStFan1 Isn't he still Special Assistant to the head coach at NC State? Or am I few years behind?

Yes I think he is. That is why I could see him taking a DC or HC job if offered by someone but I don't know if he is planning to retire at end of season or not. I also know that their HC has been on hot seat some and don't know if he would keep going or just retire whenever NC State lets Dave go.

[BTK2000]

It’s my understanding that ECU was not full of sunshine and rainbows when Ruffin was fired and that it went beyond wins and losses.

[BambooRdApp]

There is no way Ruffin gets the HC job at NC State....

[AppStFan1]

There is no way Ruffin gets the HC job at NC State....

Agreed. I was talking in general or for App. I don't see App offering him the HC job but depending on the HC he could get offered our DC job. I will be interested to see what he does when his stint at NC State is over.

[AppStFan1]

It’s my understanding that ECU was not full of sunshine and rainbows when Ruffin was fired and that it went beyond wins and losses.

Heard same thing. Many were upset they let him go when they did.

[appstate24]

Ruffin is an incredible guy and a great coach. However, I’m ready for some young guys on the rise ready to prove themselves.

GO APPS!!