‘Better days are ahead’: UNC football grads react to end of McCaffrey era

Ed McCaffrey was fired as football coach at University of Northern Colorado on Monday. He was dismissed after 3 years and 2 seasons. The team went 6-16 in two seasons and 4-12 against Big Sky opponents. There were allegations last winter of an unhealthy culture. Former player Justice Littrell played for UNC from 2015 to 2020. He sent the Tribune a detailed account of his experience with the program. UNC will not comment on the former coach or former players. It was announced that McCafrey will start in 2020, but his debut was postponed until fall 2021 due to COVID-19.

Littrell was hired by McCaffrey, but he didn't get a meeting with him. He was told he would play fullback, which he did not like. Three weeks later, he received a request for a medical disqualification. Littrel could keep his scholarship, and he could have sought another university. He did. The doctor who determined the disqualifying was not employed by UNC. There have been instances when coaches wanted players back, they were unable to return. It was an issue that was previously discussed. UNC can't make that call.

The outgoing senior, who was known for his strong work ethic, positivity and compassionate demeanor, is disappointed with the way the football program was run under McCaffrey. The booster claims it was all about the numbers and what each player did immediately for UNC, not developing them into great athletes and people. There were concerns that McCafrey didn't invest in the program or community. Dave Baldwin said as much to The Denver Post. All three sources said McCfrey's family affair was unhealthy. One of them was embarrassed to even say he played football at UNC. He was part of the 2015 and 2016 teams that went 6-5.

The university announced it would begin a national search for the next head coach. The booster thinks UNC should have hired Marty English or Jed Stugart instead of McCaffrey. Two of Collins’ recruits who left last year are contributing regularly on the Power Five level. Northern Colorado will pay the contract buyout. McCafrey received $190,000 as a base salary and was eligible for performance incentives.

McCaffrey's contract states that he could be terminated for cause. He could also be dismissed for any reason that does not fit into the “for cause” section. If terminated before Dec. 31, 2022, the university would be required to pay his base salary to Feb. 28, 2023. Several players announced on Monday intentions to transfer. Nine players entered the portal since Nov. 2. Senior hopes the new coach will appreciate the players' work. The team needs someone who will truly believe in them and work on development.

He or his staff violated NCAA, Big Sky or university constitutions, regulations or policies. He or her was convicted, pleading guilty or pleading no contest to breaking local, state or federal law. They bet money or anything of value on the outcomes of UNC games.