I think that the search for the next AD will begin pretty soon after Kaler takes over. They've given plenty of hints regarding that, with Maturi saying the job isn't fun anymore, talking about Maturi needing to stay on so the next pres can make the next hire. The new baseball stadium is coming, but it may get some greater urgency with the Metrodome situation. The dome isn't a great place to watch a college baseball game (with a much smaller attendance than a pro game), but at least it allowed the Gophers to play home games early in the year. If the dome isn't ready, some of the early games may have to be cancelled, and the Gophers would have to play games at whatever D-III fields they can borrow.
I think that these two are more likely than the Gophers making a bowl, because I think they are near certain. But the Gophers making a bowl game? There's a decent chance of that. Sometimes low expectations have advantages, getting to 6 wins and making a bowl game would really make the Gophers look good.
