The status of head football coach Fred Goldsmith is being reevaluated by the athletic department.
Despite earlier indications that Goldsmith's job would not be in jeopardy after this year, Duke's 4-7 season may have tilted the balance somewhat.
Athletic director Joe Alleva said before the season that "the next few years are crucial" for the program, but it appears that statement is being reconsidered and the timetable could be moved up.
"I don't know if [Alleva's thinking has] changed so much has reevaluating that idea," said Chris Kennedy, associate director of athletics. "The difference between now and [August] is evaluating 11 football games. [The evaluation] may be the middle of a two-year thing. It may be looking in a new direction."
Kennedy said that every year Alleva meets with the seniors on each of Duke's teams, and that process is beginning now.
"This year what we talk about may be a little different," Kennedy said of the discussions Alleva is having with the football players.
Asked if he had made a decision yet on Goldsmith's status, Alleva was adamant in his response.
"Absolutely not," Alleva told the Herald-Sun of Durham yesterday afternoon. "No decision has been made."
Kennedy said that there is no timetable for evaluating the program. Alleva has already begun the process but has not spoken with Tallman Trask, the executive vice-president of the University, about the head-coaching position.
"I'm in the process of reviewing the program now," Alleva said. "When that's complete [I'll talk to Trask]."
Trask could not be reached for comment late yesterday afternoon. Goldsmith has a five-year rollover contract with Duke, meaning it is always five years as long as it gets extended at the end of each season.
He left Durham late yesterday afternoon for the holiday, but earlier in the morning talked about the team's problems.
"I don't blame our fans for being frustrated," he said. "Next year, it's going to change."
Get The Chronicle straight to your inbox
Signup for our weekly newsletter. Cancel at any time.