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[Doogie]

Doogie, Appreciate you sharing the information.

Was this coach throwing 98/100 out there in an "all things being equal" (i.e. money) scenario?

Yes... that was my comeback... and obviously, all isn't exactly equal... but with Nebraska joining the Big Ten, it'll be that much tougher to win starting next year... it was this person's belief, and he said many of peers feel the same way, that AZ St. and Col. are better mostly because it's easier to win in both spots. If Washington St. opens, that's a diff. story.

 

[misplaced cornerback]

Chill out a little. He reported what that person said. That's it. Where did he or anyone state it as fact?

I'm perfectly chilled. I think running with a quote that makes such a broad generalization is absurd, that's all.

 

[dpodoll68]

I think running with a quote that makes such a broad generalization is absurd, that's all.

You do understand what a quote is, right? Quotes are not necessarily truthful or untruthful. Often, they just are. And someone who is in the business probably has a slightly better idea of the pulse of his colleagues than us rubes do.

 

[Swagger Wagon]

Looks like everything points to Sumlin.

Does Gordy want to coach offensive or defensive line?

I'm not in Arizona, but this is the vibe I've gotten from the program as well.

I wouldn't be surprised if they forced Erickson to do a major overhaul - much like the Zooker did at Illinois last off-season. But I would be VERY surprised if Erickson were to be fired in 2010.

And Noel Mazzone will be available to be our OC?!?!?

Just kidding. This whole thing makes me want to

 

[Ole]

Yes... that was my comeback... and obviously, all isn't exactly equal... but with Nebraska joining the Big Ten, it'll be that much tougher to win starting next year... it was this person's belief, and he said many of peers feel the same way, that AZ St. and Col. are better mostly because it's easier to win in both spots. If Washington St. opens, that's a diff. story.

Hey Doogie, keep any info you have coming. We all want insight even if it hurts our gopher pride.

I have to hope our "head start" is paying off in getting quality candidates interested and lined up.
If it's not, well, then it's just another brillant move by our fearful leader Maturi.
I'll stay hopeful behind the scenes grown ups are pulling strings and organizing the hire, and will get a good one for us.

 

[Duluthguy]

Count me on the side that doesn't see any real information here. I thought the fact that MN was willing to offer a longer contract and that amount of money was rather common knowledge. If I remember correctly, Maturi said pretty much that in his press conference.

By the way, my wife doesn't follow any of this, so I just asked her what she remembers: "7-8 years, possibly up to $3mil." I'll let you know if she has any more breaking news.

 

[Wheaton]

Yes... that was my comeback... and obviously, all isn't exactly equal... but with Nebraska joining the Big Ten, it'll be that much tougher to win starting next year... it was this person's belief, and he said many of peers feel the same way, that AZ St. and Col. are better mostly because it's easier to win in both spots. If Washington St. opens, that's a diff. story.

Are you getting any indications when the announcement will be made?

 

[gophmeister]

I have learned that Doogie had a conversation with a person who told him some things.

Who told you that you have to believe any of it? Jesus, settle down.

Very true. What Doogie is reporting is the opinion of one man.

 

[Tricks]

He may not get it... based on percentages, and an email exchange this morning, I am no longer making him the slight favorite like I did 2 weeks ago.

Doogie, first of all, thanks for all the information you have provided us with throughout the search process. For whatever reason people have to be critical, no matter what.

Feel free to elaborate on the bolded part above if you would like too...

 

[MinnyGopherfan]

Doogie, so who do you see as the slight favorite now, if it is not Sumlin.

 

[misplaced cornerback]

Yes... that was my comeback... and obviously, all isn't exactly equal... but with Nebraska joining the Big Ten, it'll be that much tougher to win starting next year... it was this person's belief, and he said many of peers feel the same way, that AZ St. and Col. are better mostly because it's easier to win in both spots. If Washington St. opens, that's a diff. story.

I appreciate the clarification. I don't disagree that it's tougher to win here than those places. But I think there is a human-side to these hires that demands more than that sole consideration.

 

[minngg]

If the coach Doogie talked to had said that 98% of coaches think the Minnesota job is the best, would you be attacking the information and calling for proof? I think we both know the answer to that question.

That has nothing to do with it. I could care less what others think of the job. That is my point. This means nothing. All we have received from 1500 SPN guys is junk. "Remember where you heard this"? Names that we have already heard. So what?

 

[GoAUpher]

I think you have to be careful to assume that more money makes a job better.

This. Being willing and able to shell out is an important part of this process but it's not the only factor.

The inferiority complex continues. Why do you guys assume Arizona State and Colorado are better jobs? Both are in states that have multiple D-1 schools in them. Neither has a ton of tradition. And the Big Ten is a more attractive conference than the PAC-12.

I have to disagree here on the "inferiority complex" thing. It is completely possible to make a well reasoned argument why ASU or Colorado could be considered better jobs than MN. I think GG has done that. As always, it will come down to how any shared candidates view each school.

In a case like this truth is very much in the eye of the beholder. For every positive we can list about MN, someone can show why they don't care about it. This is part of the deal with a non-prestige program. You don't get to say "We're Texas, end of story". You have to pick your targets, gauge their interest, and find a way to make sure your offer is the most attractive to them.

There is no need for anyone to get so touchy about perceptions of MN in this job hunt. Its the job of the U to sell the position to candidates and overcome (or reinforce) any existing assumptions they have about the job. And when push comes to shove, maybe add an extra year or 500K per year on the contract to push a candidate to sign on the line.

 

[13 Lined Ground Squirrel]

If they're willing to spend 2.6 million for Sumlin, I hope they're willing to spend 3.6 million for a defensive coordinator.

 

[calminnfan]

If you don't want to believe, then don't read, and don't bother posting a reaction... but don't attack the messenger... if I thought the source was full of BS, I would hold back, and I have on many other tips... I feel good about this info.... and I promise on my soon-to-be first son's life that Gordy is not my connection to this information.

I think the point on info being passed to you, or to Joe or to whoever seems speculative at best and possibly intentional for whatever reason.

Personally, to play the role of conspiracy theorist , some of the "info" leaked may be to cover up who they really are trying to get. As for the money, that they are wanting to send a message to the fans they are at the very least putting on the image they are willing to invest, though to be honest they might as well close TCF if they go bargain basement on this hire.

Just a mischievous perspective.

 

[SMU GOPHS FAN]

I've said this elsewhere and I'll say it again. I fully believe they will hire a solid/proven coach and I truly hope I am wrong in this thought. But I fully believe Maturi will regret having said "Tubby-type" hire. That has so many different meanings to so many different people that there will be a large portion of the fan base that won't be happy with the hire because it doesn't meet their definition of a "Tubby-type" hire. IMHO.

 

[Goldmember]

My Gopherhole buddies have lambasted me for this outlook, but candid insights like the one from the coach Doogie spoke to are precisely why I have such little regard for college conferences not named the Big Ten or SEC.

Once everyone is off-the-record, they will freely admit how attractive not having to play the best every week really is. The things people can't say out loud on ESPN.

 

[BeerBibleBullets]

Did we forget that Troy Calhoun is in Colorado right now? And I don't think they ran the triple option when he was the Offensive Coordinator with the Houston Texans. I would think Calhoun would be Boulder's top target. Arizona State could be a Leach landing - seems their type of hire.

Agree. I could see Leach at Colorado as well.

 

[fencejumpers]

Yes... that was my comeback... and obviously, all isn't exactly equal... but with Nebraska joining the Big Ten, it'll be that much tougher to win starting next year... it was this person's belief, and he said many of peers feel the same way, that AZ St. and Col. are better mostly because it's easier to win in both spots. If Washington St. opens, that's a diff. story.

I believe some of the criticisms of passing on this information is based upon "where" the information is coming from. If it is coming from the unnamed coach that many suspect it is, a much different perspective is formed, compared to the same quote coming from some "independent" BCS coach. I could be wrong on that, but that is my assumption. I find it a little hard to believe that this particular source just happened to have surveyed many of his peers about the comparisons between the 3 schools, with the Colorado firing just being announced. This lends more support to the theory of where the information is coming from.

 

[gopherguy]

If they're willing to spend 2.6 million for Sumlin, I hope they're willing to spend 3.6 million for a defensive coordinator.

I second that. Better yet, let's hire someone other than Kevin "Jim Wacker" Sumlin.
~I'm entitled to my opinion, thank you.

 

[Silvio]

My Gopherhole buddies have lambasted me for this outlook, but candid insights like the one from the coach Doogie spoke to are precisely why I have such little regard for college conferences not named the Big Ten or SEC.

Once everyone is off-the-record, they will freely admit how attractive not having to play the best every week really is. The things people can't say out loud on ESPN.

+1. The only thing that the U has over places like TCU and Boise State is that they are in a auto conference. This makes it possibly easier to get to the National Title Game (much harder to be shut out if you go undefeated). Every other advantage from playing in a top bowl and a wining perspective favors those schools. Plus we need to remember the the BCS rules and structure will be reshuflled in a couple of years and those changes will most likely favor the non-AQ schools.

 

[Great Plains Gopher]

But giving this deal to the wrong guy (Sumlin, for instance) would be a disaster. You offer this kind of package to a Harbaugh, Patterson, Richt level of coach - or maybe a solid former coach like Tommy Bowden, Mike Bellotti or Phil Fulmer. Hopefully, they are not so stupid as to give it to a coach with three years experience and no conference titles or major bowl victories. Sumlin is the media choice - the Gutekunst of 2010.

 

[Uffda]

Support of Doogie

That has nothing to do with it. I could care less what others think of the job. That is my point. This means nothing. All we have received from 1500 SPN guys is junk. "Remember where you heard this"? Names that we have already heard. So what?

MINNGG - You have the freedom to express your thoughts and opinions all you want. However, it appears that you are being a dark cloud trying to discredit Doogie's posts. I personally enjoy reading them -- realizing that they are insights. Thanks Doogie.

 

[year of the gopher]

This. Being willing and able to shell out is an important part of this process but it's not the only factor.



I have to disagree here on the "inferiority complex" thing. It is completely possible to make a well reasoned argument why ASU or Colorado could be considered better jobs than MN. I think GG has done that. As always, it will come down to how any shared candidates view each school.

In a case like this truth is very much in the eye of the beholder. For every positive we can list about MN, someone can show why they don't care about it. This is part of the deal with a non-prestige program. You don't get to say "We're Texas, end of story". You have to pick your targets, gauge their interest, and find a way to make sure your offer is the most attractive to them.

There is no need for anyone to get so touchy about perceptions of MN in this job hunt. Its the job of the U to sell the position to candidates and overcome (or reinforce) any existing assumptions they have about the job. And when push comes to shove, maybe add an extra year or 500K per year on the contract to push a candidate to sign on the line.

I agree that cases can be made for each school being attractive and I understand SOME of the recruiting advantages ASU or CO have (though again, we're the only D-1 game in town here). What I was saying is that I don't think it's clear cut that those are better jobs. And I'm frankly tired of reading on our own f'ing message board about what a crappy job we all think this is. It's a great job, at a great school, in a great metro area, in what I consider to be hands down the best athletic conference in college sports. That's my opinion, I just wish more "gopher fans" shared it.

 

[corcoran1]

Sumlin might turn out well, but no way is he worth $2.6 per year for 8 years or 4 years, based on a proven track record relevant to MN.
No way Colorado and ASU are $1 million per year better jobs if the MN coach has security. Colorado is at least as big a rebuild as we are and apparently cash strapped, and Dennis Erickson at ASU has been as good a coach as anyone we are talking to now. He may have had off field issues in the past, but if they are not winning they have real program issues as well. He has done well as a college coach everywhere else he has been. If I was a coach being contacted to replace Dennis E., I would want to know real clearly what was wrong with the program because there are not that many coaches that are simply better football coaches than he is. Maybe he has lost the fire, or whatever, but the guy has proven himself over and over. If Stoops is the real deal at AZ, ASU will be a tough job, close to CA or not. I have always thought Mason left KS because Snyder had better support at KSU, and was just as good a coach. Two good programs in the same small state are not that easy to maintain.
There are issues anywhere, how could anyone have taken the Temple job and thought they could make that work? TCU was nothing when Patterson took it over. If somebody is afraid of the job, we don't want him just for the money.
We are the only D1 program in the state. The BigTen network gets us a lot of exposure, irrespective of the quality of our team. We don't have OSU, UM or even MSU expectations; as somebody said, we still have people calling for the return of a guy with a .400 Big Ten record. We have a great stadium and facilities. We obviously have playing time available at several positions. There is excellent academic support for players. On average there are good enough athletes to fill 30% of the recruiting requirements in state. It is a better city than any other school in the region with at as least good career opportunities. We already have a very competitive pay package for the assistant coaches; that has already been fixed. Yes there are disadvantages, but this job should be better than at least half of the jobs in the BigTen.
Recruiting good enough players to build a good team is possible here, any other opinion is nonsense. Ws and IA have proven you don't need five stars to do it, you need good coaches.
Despite all of the hot rumors, the right people can sell this job, hopefully Mona is up to it.

 

[dpodoll68]

I agree that cases can be made for each school being attractive and I understand SOME of the recruiting advantages ASU or CO have (though again, we're the only D-1 game in town here). What I was saying is that I don't think it's clear cut that those are better jobs. And I'm frankly tired of reading on our own f'ing message board about what a crappy job we all think this is. It's a great job, at a great school, in a great metro area, in what I consider to be hands down the best athletic conference in college sports. That's my opinion, I just wish more "gopher fans" shared it.

You keep beating this drum. (Also, you keep insinuating that a real "Gopher fan" would blindly think that this is the greatest job ever, which I, for one, don't appreciate.)

Unfortunately for your case, everything you're referencing is all on the basis of potential, not reality. "Only D-I school in the state, great school, great metro area, playing in a premier athletic conference" all mean absolutely nothing if you can't leverage them to your advantage. The U is going on 43 years and counting of failing to do so.

If I were an up-and-coming non-BCS coach looking to move to an auto-bid school, Minnesota would be one of my last choices (money being equal). At worst, I would place it ahead of Duke, Washington St., Indiana, and Vanderbilt. At best, you could also argue places like Mississippi St., Baylor, and UConn. What this means is that at least 80-85% of BCS jobs that come open are better than Minnesota, not to mention a handful of non-BCS jobs. And this is coming from the perspective of someone who is extremely biased toward the University of Minnesota.

Winning at Minnesota is very difficult. We have the perception of being above the Arctic Circle, haven't won anything in over 4 decades, have a below average-to-poor local recruiting base, pay terrible salaries historically, and are a doormat in what is, at worst, the 2nd-best football conference in the country. The teams that are, at least theoretically, our equals have treated us like red-headed stepchildren over the past few years. We do have an awesome brand-new stadium, and (allegedly) a renewed commitment to football, but those things don't erase everything that's happened since 1967. I can't blame any coach who is in-demand for holding out for a better job.

For all of these reasons, I will be shocked if the University is able to hire anyone that was actually wanted by other schools. Unless, of course, they pay him far more than what he's worth. (Which, for the record, I am in favor of.)

 

[BeerBibleBullets]

Lots of folks drinking the 'Minnesota is the greatest' kool-aid. I think the reality is closer to what dpodoll68 posted. Once you leave the state, you find perceptions of Minnesota (climate/culture/diversity/etc) are far different than what many of the insulated fans believe.

Just as much of a shock it may be that most people south of I-80 dont care much for hockey.

 

[littlebigboy]

A couple of points. One the head coach we hire is impt. but his biggest talent must be the assistants he brings with him. The head coach doesn't teach or actually coach much. The position coaches he brings are impt. The head coach must set the philosophy, schemes and attitude, and tone. But Assistants are very impt. On the contract, pay a competetive salary and pay HUGE BONUSES for success. Also put a huge buyout if he leaves early and a fair buyout after so many (5?) yrs. He needs sucurity and we need to give him time to succeed. I think it was time to get rid of Brew., but we must remember that 73 players are Fr. RS Fr. and Sophs.Some can play here some cannot, but They are athletes with speed and size, but to compete on the level we want to compete on you need 3rd 4th and 5th yr players. So this will not be a next yr. turn around, but we should see significant improvement the next 2-3 yrs.

 

[howeda7]

Lots of folks drinking the 'Minnesota is the greatest' kool-aid. I think the reality is closer to what dpodoll68 posted. Once you leave the state, you find perceptions of Minnesota (climate/culture/diversity/etc) are far different than what many of the insulated fans believe.

Just as much of a shock it may be that most people south of I-80 dont care much for hockey.

This is true, and the schools that Dpdoll lists probably are the only BCS jobs Minnesota is definately ahead of. But there's a large group of BCS schools that are basically all in the same boat and ranking them is an exercise in splitting hairs. Colorado, ASU and MN are all in this boat along with many others (Illinois for example in the Big 10.) We can get the right guy with the right timing and the right offer. It would help if we had a pursuasive, effective AD to deliver said offer. Sadly, we don't. And while Minnesota does suffer from a bit of mis-information regarding the weather, etc. other places suffer similar issues. I know people that have spent time/lived in Mississippi who would never live there again for all the money in the world. People ask why Dan Mullen would leave MSU to come to MN. Well there are many reasons he might and not all have to do with which 'job' is better.

 

[minngg]

I specifically remember Doogie ripping Brewster. Doogie said there was no reason Mn couldn't win like IA and WI. Now he comes with this "insight" from a source that the MN job is worse than say CO or ASU because it is hard to win. I have always said this is a difficult place to win. It seems maybe since Brewster is gone, he thinks the same now.

As far as the stuff posted on here about potential candidates, I never believed any of it. Like I said, Joe S. and Doogie were throwing out names even before the U hired the go between. The last thing the U is going to do is hire a coach quickly and without looking at all candidates. If you want to throw around names, that is one thing, but to act like it is some credible information, well, it just hasn't been. This is just mu opinion. Sorry if it ruffles feathers. I don't follow Doogie around and have not been a dark cloud over anything else he has posted on here.