Although neither Ute football Coach Jim Fassel nor quarterback Scott Mitchell say they have decided about their futures yet, the day of reckoning is coming soon.
Fassel, who is 25-33 in five seasons at Utah, said that after the whopping 70-31 loss to BYU last week he considered quitting. "Yeah, I thought about it. . .some time ago," said Fassel. "I'll let you know later. But I guess I could be fair with you. I was pretty well down last Sunday after the ballgame. I just got away from it for a while and really thought about my life and my family. If I have any thoughts asbout resigning, it will be because of the effect on my family. Then I'd get out of football, period."The Ute coach said he was reportedly disturbed about the negative effects of the coaching on his family. "I've thought some things through, and my wife and I have visited quiet a bit, but I don't have any intentions of doing that (resigning)," Fassel said. "My wife and I decided we would sit down again at the end of the season and talk about it, but that's (resigning) not my plans right now."
Another person Fassel is certain to sit down with is athletic director Dr. Chris Hill, who has been considering Fassel's performance closely in recent weeks. After starting the season at 1-4, Utah went 3-4 the rest of the way. Hill said he will evaluate the season with Fassel within the next two weeks to determine whether the Ute program is going the direction they want. "We have to sit down in the next week or two weeks and discuss the program and where it's going and where we're going to improve so we can see if progress is going to be made," said Hill.
Asked if he can live with a 4-8 record, Hill said, "Records can be taken one way or the other. It's progress we're looking for, more than just a win-loss record."
Responding to questions about whether the decision to stay on as coach is his alone, Fassel replied, "Well, I mean, it's always a mutual decision. But I've never had any indication whatsoever from the other side (the administration) - not even a flicker from the other side. . .That's more the type of rumor that any coach in America has."
While the Utah administration has been pleased with Fassel's performance on the academic side, the team's defense has been among the worst in the nation every year but one since he took over. But Fassel said firing members of his staff isn't on the agenda. "I evaluate the staff every year, but I don't plan any shakeups. I'm going to lay out things differently, and they can each accept that. You either lead, follow or get out of the way. I'm going to make some changes - not personnel-wise - but I'll explain how we want to have things done."
As Fassel mulled his future, record-setting quarterback Mitchell was also weighing his options. Having redshirted one year, he can declare himself eligibile for the coming NFL draft. "There are some things I need to look into," said Mitchell. "I've waited until the season is over to look at things. There are some questions that have to be answered. Whenever I feel good about it and get the information I need to get, I'll make the decision. I personally want to make the decision real soon, just so I can get on with my life and know where I'm going to be, and put all my energy into that so I'm focused. I don't want to wait around."
Fassel, who recruited Mitchell out of Springville High in 1986, said he had talked to Mitchell as recently as last Friday about his star player's decision. "I told Scott the one thing I will be is honest, and if it's in the best interest of Scott Mitchell to go, I'll tell him."
The coach continued, "I told him we'd sit down at the end of the season and see what's in the best interest of Scott Mitchell. And, like I said, I know what he wants to do."
Namely?
"He wants to play."
Asked if that meant at Utah, Fassel nodded.