You're going to be mad about what Paul Wulff said following the Spokane luncheon. At the very least it will provoke some kind of reaction. Let's go ahead and rip the band-aid off and get this over with.
First, the video from KXLY:
Second, the quote that has everyone riled up:
The people that know football ... know I should keep the job. The people that don't ... don't get it. And that's why I don't think they should have a say in it. That's just the way things work. It's like any business: if someone's questioning your profession or how you do, and they don't know nothing about what you do, how could you listen to them if they don't know what you do? It's the same thing, I think, as a coach or anybody in any profession. I know the people that know sports and know football programs have bent over backwards to tell me what a great job we've done. People that don't know that (shrugs) And, you know, those people shouldn't have an influence on a decision this big.
Here's the thing: none of this is new. At all. The statements are the same as they have been throughout the season, even the one that's caused an uproar. The confidence level is the same as it has been for the past two seasons. Nothing here is different, other than Wulff being scrutinized even more than he was before -- a bar that was already set quite high.
It's fine to be upset. I understand it. Perhaps I'm desensitized to it because I've heard everything he said in his interview following the luncheon many times, both this year and last. He's always been extremely confident in his process and program while openly speaking his mind.
Consider the audience and what's going on inside Wulff's world right now. He's essentially backed into a corner, waiting to hear his fate. Do I blame him for coming out swinging again? No, not at all. People fighting for their jobs do funny things.
Before you say he's alienating the fans, understand the words weren't directed at you or I. His words were directed at those evaluating him and deciding his future.
This also falls in line with some of the day's news and was more interesting to me than the salacious quote:
"Bill's been great. He's said I got your back. He's been real confident and he's told me that all season. I've heard nothing but 'Hey you're getting better all the time. It looks great.'"
In other words, trying to read Wulff's body language and statements is a futile effort. He looks and sounds the same as he has all year, and I don't think there's a ton to take from it.