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VOLUME 27, ISSUE 2 95 I n the weeks and months to come, a whole bunch of stuff is going to be talked about when it comes to Purdue's soon-to-be vacant football coaching position. But if we can put it all under one big umbrella, it comes down to one thing: Identity. Purdue football needs one. It hasn't had one in nearly a decade. It's not had that one thing - whether it's a personality, a system, a defining characteristic, anything - that resonates in and outside West Lafayette and screams "Purdue football," that constant that makes Purdue football matter, whether it's winning or not. (Winning is a good identity to have, though.) For too long now, Purdue has just blended in, a shard of driftwood bobbing along the col- lege football seas. The only way Purdue has set itself apart re- cently has been for its futility, and that's why things are what they are right now, a few days removed from a rare and bold — and necessary — midseason coaching ouster. Whoever fills Darrell Hazell's seat long-term once Gerad Parker's run as interim ends is going to have to set Purdue Aug. 9, 2016 Mike Bobinski hired as Purdue's new athletic director, when he vows to "support, then evaluate" the football program. Oct. 16, 2016 Darrell Hazell dismissed as Purdue's football coach after accumulating only nine wins in his 42 opportunities in three-and-a- half seasons. Bobinski named Gerad Parker interim head coach for the final six games. Nov. 27-Dec. 10, 2016 An NCAA FBS contact period, when coaches are permitted in-person, off-campus communication with recruits. Purdue would like, ideally, to have a coach in place in this window, allowing him to accelerate his '17 recruiting efforts. Feb. 1, 2017 The first day of the signing period for football, with the Boilermakers looking at a class of approximately 20 players. Aug. 17, 2017 Purdue opens its new $65-million football performance complex, which will host locker rooms, a weight room, offices, team meeting rooms and more. Sept. 2, 2017 Purdue's new coach leads the Boilermakers in their season opener against Louisville in Indianapolis' Lucas Oil Stadium. The Timeline What Purdue Needs? An Identity From Editor Brian Neubert Photos by Tom Campbell (Bobinski, Hazell, Sindelar, Parker); Lisa Jones (Alstott); Populous (facility); Louisville (Jackson); Purdue (Kizer)