These Are My JOTtings, Part #2

Goodbye, Coach!

So, Goodbye, Coach. We'll miss you much,
but I completely understand.
The college world was out-of-touch
with football as was always planned.

I wish you could have had your eighth
with seven at the crimson tide,
but this is wise I have the faith
for it's been one tremendous ride.

The chapter has now closed upon
the greatest coaches of all time
for Bryant, Saban, Shula's Don
were coaching football in its prime.

But now the attempt to make us all,
like the NFL has made us less.
What old line coach could heed the call
to win right now in such duress?

It's "Be the best at every cost!"
The cost of which is this game's heart.
I thank you, that you never tossed
integrity held from the start.

by Jay O’Toole
on January 11th, 2024