Local Papers See Error in Firing Jordan

Speculation on the part of Boston sports columnists as to the fate of football head coach Lloyd P. Jordan was generally unfavorable towards the University as of yesterday evening's papers, with most scribes claiming that the University planned to fire Jordan because he could not produce winning football at Harvard.

After the story broke on the Herald's front page Wednesday, first to comment extensively was Harold Kaese of the Globe. Wrote Kaese, "The average Harvard alumnus, I've found, is pretty much like all other average alumni. Of course, he has more money. He is more modest. And he is smarter.

"But fundamentally, he is a brother-under-the-skin to followers, say, of the Brooklyn Dodgers. All he wants is to win. He will not say of a losing coach, 'Trow da bum out,' but he will remark firmly, 'Kindly show the gentleman to the door."

Kaese also pointed out that Pusey had just asked alumni for $75-100 million for Harvard's Development Program, and added, "when you ask people for that kind of money, you like to throw them a bone in return, or at least a football coach."

George Carens, of the Traveler, claimed "sampling reaction leads me to the conclusion that Harvard graduates are eternal optimists. There is general unanimity that the sons of Jawn Haw-vud are facing their greatest opportunity in years to pull themselves up by the boot-straps."

Jerry Nason, Globe writer, defended Jordan by saying that "in manpower Harvard still has only 12 1/2 cents for a 15 cent ride."

Releasing Jordan, Nason asserted, "seems like recommending decapitation as a cure for dandruff."

Tap Goodenough of the American made the most outspoken approval of Jordan. In a "Letter to President Pusey," he declared, "Jordan is a real man; he's not a moaner or alibi artist as are some of his contemporaries.... If this fine coach is removed, it will be a disgrace to the University and to Harvard football....Why not get some players instead? Or why not drop football entirely?"