Future Gopher Coach Discussion

[bonin21]

At a program like this, this thread doesn't come too early. Even if it gets dusty at some point. I watched what happened to this program when Lucia was allowed to keep his job for two, if not three, extra seasons.

After almost seven full seasons, I have seen enough to know Motzko hockey. I'm out on the entire staff including goaltending coach, the skating coach if they still have one, and even the trainer as they get outworked so often.

Motzko has been too "smart" for the transfer portal, no longer gets any Mr. Hockeys (a big part of U hockey tradition), and too slow to hit up the CHL to start filling massive gaps for next year. He may lose all four first rounders this spring with zero in the pipeline. Of the three big transfers he did get: one did nothing here and then went to SCSU and was great, one sought him out moreso than a strong recruiting push (Wood), and the other was the same with Souliere basically calling him. Had he put in any effort before that, the Gophers would have a true number 1 between the pipes right now.

These Gopher teams have zero grit, play slowly, rely purely on skill, don't hit anybody... Special teams are a disaster and the PP has been poorly structured most seasons under Motzko. Goaltending recruiting and management is unacceptable for a program of this size. Soft teams that pass and pass and pass and then miss the net instead of getting shots on net to create rebounds and crash the net. They can't bury breakways because of lack of tight scoring skill which is reflected in the shootout.

It's a high likelihood Motzko's legacy is choking with the best roster in program history. Maybe the single biggest choke in program history as well.

It's possible they win a game or two this NCAA tourney. I see maybe a first round win. You will get your 20+ win seasons that go nowhere until he decides to retire or is encouraged to do so. Need to go better and younger with the next staff and that would not be hard to do.

As of March 9, 2025, my number one candidate for a clean sweep staff overhaul is Ben Barr and anyone he wants to bring. Better hope to land him before he pulls off a huge underdog program victory and gets Maine a title.

 

[beavergopher]

An annual disappointment

 

[GopherPete]

I don't know much about Barr, obviously Maine is back in the national spotlight and having a good season. Other than him, the other coach I'd be interested in who we have no shot at landing would be Carle. Any other potential candidates?

 

[bleedsmaroonandgold]

I really don't feel like this is the time to be talking about replacing the coach. I've had my share of frustrations with some of his coaching and recruiting. That said, when this year is over, we will have been conference champions in 3 of the last 4 years (including this year where we shared it), won at least one NCAA tournament game in at least four of the last five seasons (this season still pending), and been in the frozen four at least two of the past four seasons (including an appearance in the title game).

Do i wish ihe recruited better goalies? Yes. Do i have some concerns with roster construction? Yes. Do i still blame him cor the way we played in the third period of the nation championship game that we should habe won? Yes. But at the end of the day, i think coaches should be evaluated based on how the sausage tastes, not how it was made. And through that lens, his track record of conference titles and NCAA tourney performance is not the kind of record that should have a coach's seat even starting to warm.

I feel like I'm living in the Twilight zone. I'm arguing here with people who think Motzko should go, and arguing on the basketball board with people that think Johnson should stay, even though the objective performance of both coaches tells me there shouldn't really be an argument on either point.

 

[bonin21]

I don't know much about Barr, obviously Maine is back in the national spotlight and having a good season. Other than him, the other coach I'd be interested in who we have no shot at landing would be Carle. Any other potential candidates?

No shot at Carle. You have a shot at Barr.

 

[bonin21]

I really don't feel like this is the time to be talking about replacing the coach. I've had my share of frustrations with some of his coaching and recruiting. That said, when this year is over, we will have been conference champions in 3 of the last 4 years (including this year where we shared it), won at least one NCAA tournament game in at least four of the last five seasons (this season still pending), and been in the frozen four at least two of the past four seasons (including an appearance in the title game).

Do i wish ihe recruited better goalies? Yes. Do i have some concerns with roster construction? Yes. Do i still blame him cor the way we played in the third period of the nation championship game that we should habe won? Yes. But at the end of the day, i think coaches should be evaluated based on how the sausage tastes, not how it was made. And through that lens, his track record of conference titles and NCAA tourney performance is not the kind of record that should have a coach's seat even starting to warm.

I feel like I'm living in the Twilight zone. I'm arguing here with people who think Motzko should go, and arguing on the basketball board with people that think Johnson should stay, even though the objective performance of both coaches tells me there shouldn't really be an argument on either point.

We don't care about Big Ten titles. Lucia had plenty. If they go one and done in the NCAA the season will be a disappointment based on the roster. Anyone monitoring the pipeline knows this is the last year of the title window.

Gopher hockey needs to be held to a higher standard and you need to monitor the trends and the future. The trend is teams that don't seem to care far too often. The future looks completely meh. The point is don't hold onto him too long like they did with Lucia.

 

[Ignatius L Hoops]

Life as a top NHL coaching prospect: David Carle is soaking in every second, and championship, at Denver

Carle has amassed an NHL-worthy resume (and then some) at a young age, but his unique path to this moment explains why he's in no rush.

www.nytimes.com

David Carle NYT article

Could he be the kind of coach who stays in one place for decades? Or will he take the next challenge at the NHL, like his predecessors and mentors?

“I don’t think one is cooler or better than the other,” he says.

“He’s in a great city,” Shore says. “He makes a lot of money. I know as a competitor, he wants to win a Stanley Cup. So he’s going to go to the NHL. But he’s put himself in the position where he’s going to go when he thinks it’s right — when the team has a chance to be successful, when the pay is right, when the city is right. It’s almost like he had his best goal-scoring season coming up on his UFA year, right? He put himself in position where he has the luxury to wait and see what’s out there.”

 

[bonin21]

No point to talk about Carle. It's NHL or DU.

 

[corcorangopher]

Grit. Could use some grit. Can be close and they can’t grind it out. And better goalie this year. How about Todd Richards.

 

[GopherPete]

I really don't feel like this is the time to be talking about replacing the coach. I've had my share of frustrations with some of his coaching and recruiting. That said, when this year is over, we will have been conference champions in 3 of the last 4 years (including this year where we shared it), won at least one NCAA tournament game in at least four of the last five seasons (this season still pending), and been in the frozen four at least two of the past four seasons (including an appearance in the title game).

Do i wish ihe recruited better goalies? Yes. Do i have some concerns with roster construction? Yes. Do i still blame him cor the way we played in the third period of the nation championship game that we should habe won? Yes. But at the end of the day, i think coaches should be evaluated based on how the sausage tastes, not how it was made. And through that lens, his track record of conference titles and NCAA tourney performance is not the kind of record that should have a coach's seat even starting to warm.

I feel like I'm living in the Twilight zone. I'm arguing here with people who think Motzko should go, and arguing on the basketball board with people that think Johnson should stay, even though the objective performance of both coaches tells me there shouldn't really be an argument on either point.

Look, we are just fans on a message board. None of us are part of the decision making progress and it's not like this conversation has any bearing on whether or not Motzko keeps his job. And I'm not necessarily saying he should lose his job, but at his age how many years does he have left anyway. It's not unreasonable to start thinking about the future and discussing what the possibilities may be.

 

[Greenbayguy]

If the Gophers were to go to Carle with $1M per, for five years, guaranteed, I think he would be open to the conversation. Wisconsin set the bar @ $700-750K with Hastings. Go big, or stay home.

 

[bonin21]

If the Gophers were to go to Carle with $1M per, for five years, guaranteed, I think he would be open to the conversation. Wisconsin set the bar @ $700-750K with Hastings. Go big, or stay home.

You're in denial, it's not going to happen. He will stay at DU and get paid well or he will test out the NHL and make millions.

He's currently at a better, more legendary program that is getting better recruits and lives close to the mountains. Why would he come to the U.

 

[FireDaveLee]

Even though I'm for keeping Motzko, I'll play the game since it's a message board.

Steve Rohlik?

 

[bonin21]

Definitely an option, but you have the badger factor and he's 56. Barr is 43. For me it's a no brainer between those two for the long term future of the program.

 

[FireDaveLee]

I agree age is a factor, but I think it would be safe to think that he could be here 10-15 years, which would be a solid run. The Badger factor clearly doesn't bother me, but I suppose there are some alumni that it would.

He also might be really happy in Columbus; has resources but not a fanbase that will burn at the stake in terms of expectations. You'd also assume that he could have been in the running for the Wisconsin job two years ago if he had wanted to.

 

[bonin21]

I agree age is a factor, but I think it would be safe to think that he could be here 10-15 years, which would be a solid run. The Badger factor clearly doesn't bother me, but I suppose there are some alumni that it would.

He also might be really happy in Columbus; has resources but not a fanbase that will burn at the stake in terms of expectations. You'd also assume that he could have been in the running for the Wisconsin job two years ago if he had wanted to.

If they get a new arena he'll stay there

 

[Gophers1992]

I don't think Rohlik is a bad coach but I don't know why we would oust Bob in favor of a guy who hasn't accomplished a fraction of what Bob has behind the bench.

Barr I can at least see the argument that he's an up and comer who has his best days ahead of him but even with him I'd like to see a little more sustained building of success before giving him the keys to a Ferrari.

 

[bonin21]

I don't think Rohlik is a bad coach but I don't know why we would oust Bob in favor of a guy who hasn't accomplished a fraction of what Bob has behind the bench.

Barr I can at least see the argument that he's an up and comer who has his best days ahead of him but even with him I'd like to see a little more sustained building of success before giving him the keys to a Ferrari.

If you wait too long someone else will scoop him up at their next cycle (uw, BU, UND, UMD, ASU).

 

[FireDaveLee]

I was just throwing out Rohlik as another name. I agree with you that it really isn't a huge upgrade than currently.

I agree that I'd maybe want to see Barr show a little more long term chops, but I think we'd be able to see that because I don't see Motzko being fired. That would allow some more time.

I know North Dakota fans haven't been happy with Berry; what are their fans saying in terms of if they made a coaching change? Trying to go back to Hakstol, or would they make a run at Barr?

 

[FireDaveLee]

If you wait too long someone else will scoop him up at their next cycle (uw, BU, UND, UMD, ASU).

Of those you listed, UND would be the only one I'd even be worried about. BU seems to have a guy for the long haul, UW doesn't care enough, and laughable to think UMD & ASU.

 

[bonin21]

Of those you listed, UND would be the only one I'd even be worried about. BU seems to have a guy for the long haul, UW doesn't care enough, and laughable to think UMD & ASU.

Laughable to think ASU is not a highly appealing job currently held by an idiot.

 

[upnorthkid]

Laughable to think ASU is not a highly appealing job currently held by an idiot.

He’s taken the transition with them and guided them. He has a long leash there as they’ve gotten closer and closer to the postseason each year (and may sneak in this year).

 

[bonin21]

He’s taken the transition with them and guided them. He has a long leash there as they’ve gotten closer and closer to the postseason each year (and may sneak in this year).

At some point they will realize he ain't the guy.

 

[upnorthkid]

At some point they will realize he ain't the guy.

I agree that’s likely, and they should have money to throw at whoever they want as hockey has grown dramatically down there with their fan base. Just meaning he’ll have leash and I wouldn’t be surprised if Barr is moved on well before then

 

[drewhaus7]

Not sure Motzko is quite there yet to make a change, but here are couple names to follow really in no order.

1) Pat Ferschweiler - Western Michigan head coach. Built there program nicely coming from NHL assistant. They lead the league this year in scoring!
2) Greg Powers - Arizona State keeps getting better
3) Nate Leaman - Providence Head Coach like him when Motzko was hired thinking if they went outside the MN box again aka Lucia.
4) Garrett Raboin - Augustana Head Coach, former Gopher Assistant to Motzko, heard he did well in recruiting some of the top talent we had while he was here. Motzko might be okay handing it off to him.
5) Guy Gadowsky - Love the fire and passion he has with Penn State. Seems more Herb Brooks attitude which we could use.

 

[Gophers1992]

Not sure Motzko is quite there yet to make a change, but here are couple names to follow really in no order.

1) Pat Ferschweiler - Western Michigan head coach. Built there program nicely coming from NHL assistant. They lead the league this year in scoring!
2) Greg Powers - Arizona State keeps getting better
3) Nate Leaman - Providence Head Coach like him when Motzko was hired thinking if they went outside the MN box again aka Lucia.
4) Garrett Raboin - Augustana Head Coach, former Gopher Assistant to Motzko, heard he did well in recruiting some of the top talent we had while he was here. Motzko might be okay handing it off to him.
5) Guy Gadowsky - Love the fire and passion he has with Penn State. Seems more Herb Brooks attitude which we could use.

No to Powers, I have similar thoughts as bonin about him.

Ferschweiler is a good name so is Leaman. Raboin I want to see prove he can drive a Chevy down at Augustana before giving him the keys to the Ferrari.

I really dislike Gadowsky but he's an ok coach. Wouldn't be thrilled with hum but could do worse I guess.

I'm not at all ready to throw Bob out the door but at his age it is fair to start thinking about the next man up.

 

[bonin21]

Ben Barr adds a HE tourney title to the resume and finishes ahead of Motko's favorite roster in the pairwise with way fewer resources.

And oh ya, he finished ahead of Motzko last year too

 

[Crosby]

Ben Barr adds a HE tourney title to the resume and finishes ahead of Motko's favorite roster in the pairwise with way fewer resources.

And oh ya, he finished ahead of Motzko last year too

As we close in on the end of the season, I'll weigh in here too. I have not been an outspoken defender of Bob's, but I have not called for his head either. But I agree with Bonin, it feels like the late stage Lucia years. I do think it will soon be time for a change. And I think Barr would be the most obvious choice. A couple things I'd love to see from the new coach:

1) Continued focus on the MN player for recruiting for the bulk of the roster but a willingness to bring in high-end talent from anywhere (see Cooley). Bob has done this pretty well.
2) Willingness to pursue and grab a really good goalie.
3) Willingness to find some sizable defensemen who can add some grit
4) Take a chance on some outstate kids for a change. Warroad, Hermantown, Hibbing, Moorhead. it just adds more to the statewide appeal of this team when there is representation from places like that. I'm not saying take lesser players. I'm suggesting that, if things are pretty equal, take the Hibbing kid instead of the Edina kid.
5) At least pursue the Mr Hockey winner each year. Some people like to say that we "don't get" the Mr Hockeys anymore. It is because we don't really pursue them, in our zest to "get older."
6) Personality - I am sure Bob is a fine guy, but he has never struck me as a real leader... someone who attracts people to him. We need that.
7) Game management/strategy - Yeah, I agree with Bonin here too. Really dislike our power play. The % aren't horrible but we just have no flow. And then there is the tendency to go into the defensive shell. When we get a two goal lead, we're immediately flipping the switch to a single forward forecheck. Hate that.

This is not to take anything away from Bob Motzko. His teams have been successful. He has dealt with unimaginable personal tragedy. And he is a Gopher, through and through.

But all in all, if I were Coyle, I'd maybe let Bob stay for one more season. Talk to Barr's agent immediately though. Get that lined up. Let Bob resign after one more run at this thing next year. Then inject a new shot of life into the program.

End of rant.

For now, I'll be cheering my A$$ off for Bob and the boys to get it done this year.

 

[bonin21]

Better hope UND doesn't pull a fast one and grab Barr next month, but they have a huge coaching pipeline to pull from unlike the Gophers

 

[upnorthkid]

Better hope UND doesn't pull a fast one and grab Barr next month, but they have a huge coaching pipeline to pull from unlike the Gophers

I'd put it pretty low they'd look to Barr with their coaching pipeline. Would envision they either let him go or he gets one more crack after firing some assistants.
Most fans seem to want to go with someone who played there which can't blame them with their guys who have gone into coaching