When we last visited the desolate mall on the edge of our inner-ring suburb, Purdue Santa Claus wasn't making any promises to the children of Boilerville. But it's a new year, and a lot has changed in the world since December 2015. Notably, Darrell Hazell was fired after a 3-3 start to the season, leaving his record at 9-33 in three and a half years helming the Boilermakers. In comes Western Kentucky coach Jeff Brohm, with a high-flying offense, promising career record, and a six-year contract to boot.
[SCENE: inside a haphazardly-refurbished mall that recently re-opened under new management]
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[mall radio]
Rockin' around / the Christmas tree
Got a brand-new coach this year
Everyone thinks we might improve
In a new old-fashioned way
PURDUE SANTA: Ho, ho, ho!