Columbia Spectator: Fire football coach Norries Wilson

For the second time in two years, the Columbia Spectator is calling for the firing of football coach Norries Wilson.

In an editorial today entitled "Fire Coach Wilson, Part 2," the paper says that after an 0-5 start to the season and a crushing homecoming loss, it is time the school cut its losses and cut the man in charge:

The results of Saturday’s homecoming game were heartbreaking, if expected. ... While the players are partially responsible for the loss, it was poor coaching that ultimately cost the Lions what would have been their first homecoming win in 11 years. Now they are continuing their losing streak for the season—a deplorable 0-5. Coach Norries Wilson is largely the one to blame for these pathetic results, and as such must be fired at the end of this season.

In five and a half seasons with the Lions, Wilson has gone 16-39 overall, 9-28 in the Ivy League. Despite the 0-5 start, which includes a loss to lowly Princeton, The Spec's editorial does not call for a mid-season shake-up — a move Penn sports fans are familiar with after the December sacking of Glen Miller.

Firing Wilson mid-season would do nobody any good, and would only cause drama and disorganization. But come next season, there must be someone more qualified in his place. Victory is not too much to ask.

The paper wrote a similar piece after the Lions' 2-5 finish in the Ivy League last year.