That's how our AD referred to Pat Fitzgerald at "Meet the Team Night."  (NUsports.com has a video clip.)  Let's put aside the fact that Fitz is not the best coach in the nation.  Let's focus on the meatier topic: the seeming lack of objectivity displayed by a man who is supposed to be Fitz's boss.  I understand that Fitz is THE face of the program, but you know what I care about most?  THE PROGRAM.  So what happens if we don't make a bowl the next two years?  What happens this year if an underwhelming start conspires with a player suspension or two?  Is our AD going to consider the evidence on behalf of the program - on behalf of us fans - or is he going to take up for a person about whom he has an inflated opinion?  I just have this picture in my head of these two at the drive-in together, each one sipping from the same straw.  

I don't want to hear that "Phillips is just promoting the program."   First off, not a single ticket is going to be purchased on the strength of Phillips' comment because, frankly, no one believes it.  More importantly, this is Big Ten football, and a Big Ten AD is responsible for making tough, un-emotional decisions about the direction of the program.  It's easy to get swept up in the Fitz-mania now, but remember, things can change awful fast in college sports.  If that happens, will Phillips' uncritical opinion of Fitz follow suit?