Marcus Q&A with Coyle: "I’ve started to have conversations with people today...I’ve had conversations with people about who is interested and not"

[BleedGopher]

Q&A with Coyle, per Marcus:

Q: Is the University able to pay more for the new coach (Johnson had lowest Big Ten salary)?
A: It’s hard to answer that question. A lot of it is who you end up hiring for the position. Obviously, we work very closely with [University President Rebecca] Cunningham and our Board of Regents leadership. They have the expectation that we balance the budget and do it the right way. President Cunningham has been awesome in her support. She understands for us to compete at the highest level in the Big Ten, we have to stretch ourselves. So, we’re prepared to do that. But it will ultimately depend on who we hire, the type of experience they have and what they bring to Minnesota.

Q: When will you start the interview process?
A: I’ve started to have conversations with people today on the phone with brief conversations. As you know I’m here in Indianapolis for NCAA selection week. I’m here until Sunday. After Sunday afternoon my schedule opens up a little bit. I’ve had conversations with people about who is interested and who is not interested.

Gophers AD Mark Coyle says Ben Johnson’s firing came down to consistency

In a Q&A with the Minnesota Star Tribune, Gophers AD Mark Coyle said there's no reason Minnesota can't compete for NCAA men's basketball berths and Big Ten championships.

www.startribune.com

Go Gophers!!

 

[bga1]

Not encouraging answers....

 

[MissouriGopher]

Not encouraging answers....

What was discouraging?

 

[bga1]

What was discouraging?

I’ve started to have conversations with people today on the phone with brief conversations. As you know I’m here in Indianapolis for NCAA selection week. I’m here until Sunday. After Sunday afternoon my schedule opens up a little bit. I’ve had conversations with people about who is interested and who is not interested.

Started today. If he is doing his job he should have his guy pretty much nailed. This is a long, long running train we have been watching.



It’s hard to answer that question. A lot of it is who you end up hiring for the position. Obviously, we work very closely with [University President Rebecca] Cunningham and our Board of Regents leadership. They have the expectation that we balance the budget and do it the right way. President Cunningham has been awesome in her support. She understands for us to compete at the highest level in the Big Ten, we have to stretch ourselves. So, we’re prepared to do that. But it will ultimately depend on who we hire, the type of experience they have and what they bring to Minnesota.

I would prefer to hear something like- we are going to do what we have to do to elevate this program. We are committed to invest in the program (as he said the other day). What he hinted here is that we might have to stretch ourselves or we might go cheap and inexperienced YET AGAIN. There should be NO DAYLIGHT for that approach.

 

[BleedGopher]

I’ve started to have conversations with people today on the phone with brief conversations. As you know I’m here in Indianapolis for NCAA selection week. I’m here until Sunday. After Sunday afternoon my schedule opens up a little bit. I’ve had conversations with people about who is interested and who is not interested.

Started today. If he is doing his job he should have his guy pretty much nailed. This is a long, long running train we have been watching.



It’s hard to answer that question. A lot of it is who you end up hiring for the position. Obviously, we work very closely with [University President Rebecca] Cunningham and our Board of Regents leadership. They have the expectation that we balance the budget and do it the right way. President Cunningham has been awesome in her support. She understands for us to compete at the highest level in the Big Ten, we have to stretch ourselves. So, we’re prepared to do that. But it will ultimately depend on who we hire, the type of experience they have and what they bring to Minnesota.

I would prefer to hear something like- we are going to do what we have to do to elevate this program. We are committed to invest in the program (as he said the other day). What he hinted here is that we might have to stretch ourselves or we might go cheap and inexperienced YET AGAIN. There should be NO DAYLIGHT for that approach.

He has no vision. Or at least he's horrible at articulating one or creating one. He has no urgency or boldness to his approach. I hope tomorrow's press conference is different, I hope he lays out a bold vision for the next 3-5 years that will excite a potential coach, recruit and fans.

I don't want to hear about process.

Go Gophers!!

 

[howeda7]

I’ve started to have conversations with people today on the phone with brief conversations. As you know I’m here in Indianapolis for NCAA selection week. I’m here until Sunday. After Sunday afternoon my schedule opens up a little bit. I’ve had conversations with people about who is interested and who is not interested.

Started today. If he is doing his job he should have his guy pretty much nailed. This is a long, long running train we have been watching.



It’s hard to answer that question. A lot of it is who you end up hiring for the position. Obviously, we work very closely with [University President Rebecca] Cunningham and our Board of Regents leadership. They have the expectation that we balance the budget and do it the right way. President Cunningham has been awesome in her support. She understands for us to compete at the highest level in the Big Ten, we have to stretch ourselves. So, we’re prepared to do that. But it will ultimately depend on who we hire, the type of experience they have and what they bring to Minnesota.

I would prefer to hear something like- we are going to do what we have to do to elevate this program. We are committed to invest in the program (as he said the other day). What he hinted here is that we might have to stretch ourselves or we might go cheap and inexperienced YET AGAIN. There should be NO DAYLIGHT for that approach.

This is all AD speak. He isn't going to say "I've had my targets picked out for weeks. Couldn't wait to fire Ben."

As far as the pay, isn't he basically saying "Yes, we're prepared to pay more than we paid Ben?" How much they pay will be very different if it's Medved vs Mussleman or Bennett or someone like that. What do you want him to say exactly?

 

[bga1]

He has no vision. Or at least he's horrible at articulating one or creating one. He has no urgency or boldness to his approach. I hope tomorrow's press conference is different, I hope he lays out a bold vision for the next 3-5 years that will excite a potential coach, recruit and fans.

I don't want to hear about process.

Go Gophers!!

Exactly. He has overseen a losing program that is bleeding fans and he come out talking like an accountant who is in no rush. The portal opens in 10 days…..but we are just having brief conversations.

 

[bga1]

This is all AD speak. He isn't going to say "I've had my targets picked out for weeks. Couldn't wait to fire Ben."

As far as the pay, isn't he basically saying "Yes, we're prepared to pay more than we paid Ben?" How much they pay will be very different if it's Medved vs Mussleman or Bennett or someone like that. What do you want him to say exactly?

AD speak should be: We are going all out to hire a winning coach. We believe the fans will be excited about the next coach - we are prepared to do what is needed to get a great one and quickly.

 

[howeda7]

AD speak should be: We are going all out to hire a winning coach. We believe the fans will be excited about the next coach - we are prepared to do what is needed to get a great one and quickly.

Q: What are the most important factors you’re looking for in the next men’s basketball coach?
A: We believe selfishly that the Big Ten is the most competitive conference. It’s our job to find someone who can compete at the highest level and have success. There’s no reason why we can’t compete for NCAA tournament berths and Big Ten championships.

 

[GopherBlood777]

AD speak should be: We are going all out to hire a winning coach. We believe the fans will be excited about the next coach - we are prepared to do what is needed to get a great one and quickly.

Yeah but he hired Ben after the last time he said that and everyone was pissed. He knows the position he's in now and I think he learned from last time. Under promise, over deliver.

 

[bga1]

Q: What are the most important factors you’re looking for in the next men’s basketball coach?
A: We believe selfishly that the Big Ten is the most competitive conference. It’s our job to find someone who can compete at the highest level and have success. There’s no reason why we can’t compete for NCAA tournament berths and Big Ten championships.

Mmmhmm. But when you drill down- he is just hoping to hit it big on a budget coach. Ben blew him away…

 

[howeda7]

Mmmhmm. But when you drill down- he is just hoping to hit it big on a budget coach. Ben blew him away…

You've clearly made your mind up. Coyle sucks and is already blowing it. Should have just kept Ben then. Enjoy wallowing.

 

[FinnGopher]

You've clearly made your mind up. Coyle sucks and will blow it. Should have just kept Ben then. Enjoy wallowing.

You gotta admit his track record for basketball hasn't earned him trust.

 

[50PoundHead]

I'm down with the decision to let Johnson go. As Coyle said, it's about consistency. But I really laugh at a lot of the posters that wanted Johnson's head on a pike that rather than taking a breath and acknowledging their long national nightmare is over, they just start b*tching again.

 

[LesBolstad]

You've clearly made your mind up. Coyle sucks and will blow it. Should have just kept Ben then. Enjoy wallowing.

False and stupid. Take some time away from the keyboard

 

[howeda7]

You gotta admit his track record for basketball hasn't earned him trust.

Lindsey was a swing and a miss. Ben, as discussed ad nauseam was likely not fully his choice. Coach P looks good so far. And he certainly had a plan to get Fleck and Motzko.

I'm not Coyle's biggest fan, but going full Eeyore over a bland Q&A with Ben's close personal friend Marcus is a bit silly to me.

 

[Gopherchase]

Q&A with Coyle, per Marcus:

Q: Is the University able to pay more for the new coach (Johnson had lowest Big Ten salary)?
A: It’s hard to answer that question. A lot of it is who you end up hiring for the position. Obviously, we work very closely with [University President Rebecca] Cunningham and our Board of Regents leadership. They have the expectation that we balance the budget and do it the right way. President Cunningham has been awesome in her support. She understands for us to compete at the highest level in the Big Ten, we have to stretch ourselves. So, we’re prepared to do that. But it will ultimately depend on who we hire, the type of experience they have and what they bring to Minnesota.

Q: When will you start the interview process?
A: I’ve started to have conversations with people today on the phone with brief conversations. As you know I’m here in Indianapolis for NCAA selection week. I’m here until Sunday. After Sunday afternoon my schedule opens up a little bit. I’ve had conversations with people about who is interested and who is not interested.

Gophers AD Mark Coyle says Ben Johnson’s firing came down to consistency

In a Q&A with the Minnesota Star Tribune, Gophers AD Mark Coyle said there's no reason Minnesota can't compete for NCAA men's basketball berths and Big Ten championships.

www.startribune.com

Go Gophers!!

Inspiring. What a knucklehead.

 

[Spottedmuskie]

Coyle tends to over speak, and folks use his words against him. I believe he has already been in talks, but of course he wouldn't say those were before today. Ultimately his job hinges on this hire, he has to make the right choice this time around.

 

[cheeseheadgophfan]

You gotta admit his track record for basketball hasn't earned him trust.

Whalen hiring was widely praised at the time it happened. It didn't work. Dawn P. looks like a good hire, although it's early.

Pitino? I don't know how to judge it. He appears to be a good coach now. It didn't work here, but they obviously saw something in him when he was hired.

Ben was a disaster....

So the track record? Average? I don't know.

 

[Spottedmuskie]

Whalen hiring was widely praised at the time it happened. It didn't work. Dawn P. looks like a good hire, although it's early.

Pitino? I don't know how to judge it. He appears to be a good coach now. It didn't work here, but they obviously saw something in him when he was hired.

Ben was a disaster....

So the track record? Average? I don't know.

Yeah saw Pitino as his last name

 

[bga1]

Lindsey was a swing and a miss. Ben, as discussed ad nauseam was likely not fully his choice. Coach P looks good so far. And he certainly had a plan to get Fleck and Motzko.

I'm not Coyle's biggest fan, but going full Eeyore over a bland Q&A with Ben's close personal friend Marcus is a bit silly to me.

Look you have the Eeyore franchise wrapped up here. I just don’t trust Coyle and the administration to do this right. I hope they hit it out of the park.

 

[cheeseheadgophfan]

Yeah saw Pitino as his last name

Not gonna deny that had something to do with it....but he had also come off of a very successful season at FAU and he had worked for some legendary coaches. His resume was way better than CBJ and it was worth a shot. I think Pitino at least was on the radar for other coaching vacancies. CBJ was not.

 

[Zeppelin Gopher]

Fuller interviewing Coyle...not exactly an exercise in brilliant media training, on either side of that equation

 

[tjgopher]

Pitino? I don't know how to judge it. He appears to be a good coach now. It didn't work here, but they obviously saw something in him when he was hired.

Yeah saw Pitino as his last name

Just a refresher.

Norwood Teague hired Richard Pitino.

 

[Spottedmuskie]

Just a refresher.

Norwood Teague hired Richard Pitino.

It's okay, Coyle didn't hire Ben Johnson either.

 

[Rocksoldier]

What was discouraging?

Marcus

 

[cheeseheadgophfan]

Just a refresher.

Norwood Teague hired Richard Pitino.

That's right. My bad. The "Villa 6" or whatever it was called....I must've blocked that from my memory LOL

 

[HitMeAgainIAmStillMoving]

I'm down with the decision to let Johnson go. As Coyle said, it's about consistency. But I really laugh at a lot of the posters that wanted Johnson's head on a pike that rather than taking a breath and acknowledging their long national nightmare is over, they just start b*tching again.

Ok guilty as charged, now we need a hire we can trust but verify.

 

[ShushPush]

MC seems to crave stability over growth. I just read that Indiana is the front running candidate for four time national champion DII coach and current Drake coach Ben McCullum. Why? Because they have a rational AD who began the search before their existing coach retires. So a team with a seated coach began looking for a coach PRIOR to the separation of their existing head coach. MC has ADMITTED in the presser to have just begun the search process TODAY. Unlike Indiana, we have yet to contact potential head coaches because our AD has ZERO FORESIGHT into his own decision-making process. He cannot see his own decisions into the future. Let me repeat that. Marc Coyle cannot predict his own decisions into the future to plan possible alternatives and scenarios. This is a damning bit of self-testimony to say he is just beginning the search when IU began their search long ago and already have lead candidates with HIGH POTENTIAL and proven track records. For this very simple mental exercise of self-determination alone, MC should be walked to the door as the head of the AD. It proves to me he has no concept of strategic planning beyond stability. Growth and change are not real to him. Reading about McCallum told me we are not even in the game as a serious contender. If we end up with a lesser hire than Marc McCallum, I will demand that Marc Coyle be walked off campus. Marc Coyle is the disaster.

 

[gregbrady]

MC seems to crave stability over growth. I just read that Indiana is the front running candidate for four time national champion DII coach and current Drake coach Ben McCullum. Why? Because they have a rational AD who began the search before their existing coach retires. So a team with a seated coach began looking for a coach PRIOR to the separation of their existing head coach. MC has ADMITTED in the presser to have just begun the search process TODAY. Unlike Indiana, we have yet to contact potential head coaches because our AD has ZERO FORESIGHT into his own decision-making process. He cannot see his own decisions into the future. Let me repeat that. Marc Coyle cannot predict his own decisions into the future to plan possible alternatives and scenarios. This is a damning bit of self-testimony to say he is just beginning the search when IU began their search long ago and already have lead candidates with HIGH POTENTIAL and proven track records. For this very simple mental exercise of self-determination alone, MC should be walked to the door as the head of the AD. It proves to me he has no concept of strategic planning beyond stability. Growth and change are not real to him. Reading about McCallum told me we are not even in the game as a serious contender. If we end up with a lesser hire than Marc McCallum, I will demand that Marc Coyle be walked off campus. Marc Coyle is the disaster.

Coyle cannot say that he’s been searching and talking to candidates until he has a position open. I’m sure he has been working the back channels unofficially for a few weeks. He did it with Fleck and hired him quickly after their bowl game.