Normally, I avoid TJs columns, as they're not good for my blood pressure.  But his observations on Neu's departure are, IMHO, uncharacteristically thoughtful.  I'm not sure why Guerrero would have entertained thoughts of keeping Rick for even a nanosecond after Saturday's beatdown.  But the coaching carousel (especially out west) got REALLY crowded this weekend, and my guess is that forced DGs hand even if his higher-ups didn't.  Regardless, I still think CRN is leaving this program in better shape than it was when he took it over; he ran a very clean ship, and he recruited well enough that the next coach will have plenty of talent to work with. 

Moreover, his dignity under the current circumstances--which is the subject of TJs column--confirms the general sentiment that Neu is a Bruin we can be proud of.  I think he gave this job everything he had, and even if he wasn't able to deliver the results we all expected... he wasn't so afraid to fail that he didn't try.  If we consider football (sometimes, anyway) to be a metaphor for life, then there's probably a lesson in here for both our athletes and hardcore fans. 

Thanks, Rick, for your passion, and good luck in your next adventure.  I'm pretty sure you'll land on your feet and be okay.