A few weeks ago the Fargo Forum ran a feature article on Bohl's contract and the negotiations thereof. Specifically, FOIA requested emails between NDSU and their counsel indicated that their concern in drawing the buyout provisions was with Minnesota. That was then, of course. Now, publicly, NDSU folks believe Bohl would leave only for a BCS bowl ready program. However, is a top-10 type program going to pursue a guy like Bohl? Is there a school now willing to take that leap like OSU did with Tressal at Youngstown State?
Bohl actually requested the contract extension and is guaranteed 8 more years of coaching and 2 years in administration at the end of his tenure. He is paid fairly handsomely, is successful in Fargo, and has young(er) children. A move to a MAC or MWC team would be a lateral move for Bohl, if that. Its unlikely a perennially ranked team would come calling in I-AA. Taking the Minnesota job might not seem any more attractive than MWC or MAC. On the other hand, the U can ostensibly afford a larger contract and Bohl is no spring chicken. Why not feather the nest, and in a program with low expectation? A final consideration is that he loses 19 senior starters and will be starting somewhat from scratch. Although he has been on top, been knocked down, and now back on top in Fargo, his coaching time is running short. He might be more open after this season to a golden parachute job knowing that the next few years will likely be a bit more lean for his teams.
Nebraska isn't a candidate. Nebraska fans have long memories (they still think of themselves as a national power). Bohl's defenses in Lincoln were horrible. Defense under Pellini has been horrible. He won't be welcome back in Lincoln.
I like Bohl. He up-coaches his players. They should win a third straight national championship with only one player (Turner, the o-lineman) who shows up on draft boards as a Top-25 senior at his position. I've watched his team play and they are gritty, play with attitude, and don't believe for a minute that they are going to lose, no matter the opponent. Of course, they need to keep a parole officer on the coaching staff, but what program doesn't?
Of course, we have Kill on a long term contract. I believe we are paying the previous two coaches yet. We hired Kill knowing his medical issues. I don't see the U relieving Kill of his duties. If the Kill era ends, it is because he walks. Until then, the Bohl talk is all just buffalo chip wet dreams.
