More "Kill-er" Press

[BilldGopher]

CFN has posted an article on recent coaching changes, including our own (likely to be beloved) Head Coach Jerry Kill.

Here's the link: http://cfn.scout.com/2/1032815.html

In a nutshell, viewed as a solid hire with result TBD. Should be able to return us to at least Mason-level performance.

We'll take that for sure. I think he'll beat that in spades long term.

Go Gophers! Go Recruiting!

 

[gold04]

I think most experts look at this as a solid hire. Not the Tubby Smith like hire but one that could turn out very good. It's a Mason like hire because Kill has turned around programs like Mason.

I think Kill will be willing to work harder than Mase in getting us to the next level, and not cry about what we can't do.

 

[BleedGopher]

I don't think most of the fans will be happy with Mason-level success. We will at first - maybe for a year - but we will and should expect more.

I actually think that the sign of whether Kill is successful or not is whether he can get us beyond where Mason took us. That should be the expectation, IMO. He should not be judged against improving us beyond what Brewster developed here.

Go Gophers!!

 

[Sparlimb]

Jerry Kill will be judged on whether he gets us to a major bowl game. I hate to compare him to previous coaches because that really isn't fair. This is a new Big Ten starting his first year. Brewster was like every other coach minus Mason in past 40 years, an abject failure. Mason was as close to luke warm as you can get. Which is still top of the pile as far as coaches go in that time frame. Here's what I'd like to see from Kill:

1) Look like we belong on the field with other Big Ten teams.
2) Play with consistency, like we know what we're trying to do.
3) Compete
4) Squash teams we're supposed to.
5) Consistently make bowl games

 

[sixhole]

Likely to be beloved? Wow. Really? Based on what?

Outside of the rubiest of rubes on this board, there isn't a whole of confidence in this coach. The rest of the fan base, in addition to the media and the general public, hasn't forgotten who Kill is: a MAC coach who was the 20th choice and seemingly the only person who would take this job. The local and national perception of this program hasn't change with this hire, unfortunately, despite what the lemmings on this board want to think.

 

[ruralgopher]

Likely to be beloved? Wow. Really? Based on what?

Outside of the rubiest of rubes on this board, there isn't a whole of confidence in this coach. The rest of the fan base, in addition to the media and the general public, hasn't forgotten who Kill is: a MAC coach who was the 20th choice and seemingly the only person who would take this job. The local and national perception of this program hasn't change with this hire, unfortunately, despite what the lemmings on this board want to think.

It only took one post to show that you are clueless, congrats! The media, both local and national, consider this a good hire. If a program is going to get a coach from a lower level conference, history shows that the MAC is the best there is to do that so your argument only holds water with people who don't know college football.

 

[Dr.Don]

Likely to be beloved? Wow. Really? Based on what?

Outside of the rubiest of rubes on this board, there isn't a whole of confidence in this coach. The rest of the fan base, in addition to the media and the general public, hasn't forgotten who Kill is: a MAC coach who was the 20th choice and seemingly the only person who would take this job. The local and national perception of this program hasn't change with this hire, unfortunately, despite what the lemmings on this board want to think.

Boy sixhole, You start visiting and commenting, welcome by the way to GH, but you have started on equal footing of obtuse negativism that equals Art Vandelay, whom I thought was the bottom of the comment board totem pole. Yikes!!! Art has company. This ought to be fun.

 

[sixhole]

It only took one post to show that you are clueless, congrats! The media, both local and national, consider this a good hire. If a program is going to get a coach from a lower level conference, history shows that the MAC is the best there is to do that so your argument only holds water with people who don't know college football.

Not quite, Derps. The media says Kill has been a competent coach. I've yet to read anywhere that gives the opinion that Kill has improved the reputation or perception of the university or the program. This program is still a laughintstock. Hiring some hayseed from the MAC hasn't changed that.

 

[sixhole]

Boy sixhole, You start visiting and commenting, welcome by the way to GH, but you have started on equal footing of obtuse negativism that equals Art Vandelay, whom I thought was the bottom of the comment board totem pole. Yikes!!! Art has company. This ought to be fun.

People with valid (and correct) opinions oftentimes have better things to do than post on message boards. I noticed a lot of stupidity this morning, so I thought I would say something.

 

[BilldGopher]

Welcome Six

Don't hold anything back...

Coaches do become "beloved"...google Murray Warmath for an example.

With Coach Kill, his record to date is to deliver programs from the football wilderness.

Do we know much more than that? Nope.

Straight-up I like Coach Kill and his personality. I'm excited to see what he can do at this level.

If he delivers a program that does consistently compete within the conference, with regular trips to a New Year's Day bowls...and maybe even a BCS or two, then the term "beloved" might be applied to him.

I admit on this continuum if we reached a NC under his tenor, then he might be "adored...."

Anywho, way too early though to characterize him as the "despised Jerry Kill."

Go Gophers! Merry Christmas!

 

[sixhole]

Don't hold anything back...

Coaches do become "beloved"...google Murray Warmath for an example.

With Coach Kill, his record to date is to deliver programs from the football wilderness.

Do we know much more than that? Nope.

Straight-up I like Coach Kill and his personality. I'm excited to see what he can do at this level.

If he delivers a program that does consistently compete within the conference, with regular trips to a New Year's Day bowls...and maybe even a BCS or two, then the term "beloved" might be applied to him.

I admit on this continuum if we reached a NC under his tenor, then he might be "adored...."

Anywho, way too early though to characterize him as the "despised Jerry Kill."

Go Gophers! Merry Christmas!

I'll say this before I go away: I think Kill is a good guy and I think he can coach. Do I think he'll succeed? No, not really. Do I want him to? Yes, of course.

I'm just worried about this blind acceptance of him already. Shouldn't there be some skepticism? We went through this with Brew. I like Brew so I'm as guilty as anyone, but after one presser everyone hopped on board and got completely burned. We should learn something from the past. Slow down, everyone. He hasn't done anything yet that any other hire wouldn't have done. Let's not get ahead ourselves -- we've seen where that can lead.

 

[FrothyGopher]

I'll say this before I go away: I think Kill is a good guy and I think he can coach. Do I think he'll succeed? No, not really. Do I want him to? Yes, of course.

I'm just worried about this blind acceptance of him already. Shouldn't there be some skepticism? We went through this with Brew. I like Brew so I'm as guilty as anyone, but after one presser everyone hopped on board and got completely burned. We should learn something from the past. Slow down, everyone. He hasn't done anything yet that any other hire wouldn't have done. Let's not get ahead ourselves -- we've seen where that can lead.

This is a totally fair position and one not totally far from my own. Phrase things like this rather than referring to others as "derps" or "lemmings" and folks might respond with less venom.

 

[MaxyJR1]

I'll say this before I go away: I think Kill is a good guy and I think he can coach. Do I think he'll succeed? No, not really. Do I want him to? Yes, of course.

I'm just worried about this blind acceptance of him already. Shouldn't there be some skepticism? We went through this with Brew. I like Brew so I'm as guilty as anyone, but after one presser everyone hopped on board and got completely burned. We should learn something from the past. Slow down, everyone. He hasn't done anything yet that any other hire wouldn't have done. Let's not get ahead ourselves -- we've seen where that can lead.

What fun is that? He has the best resume of any coach hired at the U outside of Lou Holtz. I feel he is the best fit the U has had in my lifetime (30+ years).

 

[RodentRampage]

There has not been "blind acceptance" of Kill, it was the opposite. When he was first hired there was outrage at the hiring. It was only after after people began to seriously look at his resume that they became impressed and warmed up to the hire. Aside from Holtz, Kill is the only coach we have hired who has had a winning record as a D-I head coach since Warmath. It's refreshing change of pace, our usual pattern has been to hire a head coach with a losing record as a D-I head coach (Stoll, Wacker and Mason), a D-II coach (Salem), minimal coordinator experience (Gutekunst) or only experience as a position coach (Brewster).

 

[GopherBeef]

I'll say this before I go away: I think Kill is a good guy and I think he can coach. Do I think he'll succeed? No, not really. Do I want him to? Yes, of course.

I'm just worried about this blind acceptance of him already. Shouldn't there be some skepticism? We went through this with Brew. I like Brew so I'm as guilty as anyone, but after one presser everyone hopped on board and got completely burned. We should learn something from the past. Slow down, everyone. He hasn't done anything yet that any other hire wouldn't have done. Let's not get ahead ourselves -- we've seen where that can lead.

What differences does it make? Whether we are skeptical of him or offer "blind acceptance", he is, at the end of the day, our coach. So, I don't understand what the problem is with "blind acceptance" when skepticism will really do nothing for us.

Unless, of course, this skepticism is just protection in case things go badly. Then you can fire back with "I told you so" comments.

"We've seen where that can lead"? So, if we would have been more skeptical of Brewster, things would have turned out better? Or, does this just mean that you want to "not get ahead of yourself" to protect from being embarrassed. Either way, if you are not willing to support and accept your new coach, are you a true fan or just a fair weather fan?

I supported Brewster, and we lost. I don't regret my support, and I think this is what any true fan would do. Kill was not my first choice, but he is our coach, and I will support him with "blind acceptance" because I support this team regardless of who is roaming the sidelines.

 

[Bayfieldgopher]

I'll say this before I go away: I think Kill is a good guy and I think he can coach. Do I think he'll succeed? No, not really. Do I want him to? Yes, of course.

I'm just worried about this blind acceptance of him already. Shouldn't there be some skepticism? We went through this with Brew. I like Brew so I'm as guilty as anyone, but after one presser everyone hopped on board and got completely burned. We should learn something from the past. Slow down, everyone. He hasn't done anything yet that any other hire wouldn't have done. Let's not get ahead ourselves -- we've seen where that can lead.

Tis the season for hope sixhole.

Most of us on GH wanted a proven coach, one with a successful track record. We now have one.
We have a coach that put together a darn good NIU in just three years, a team that I hope Coach Kill can emulate here in Minnesota. The team played within itself, showed a lot of confidence, was enthusiastic, agressive and showed the ability to make big plays. I liked what I saw as well when I witnessed NIU soundly beating us this Fall.

No he hasn't won one game yet but I believe he is taking the initial steps needed to change the culture of Gopher football.

Will Coach Kill succeed? Time will tell. In the meantime, I am drinking Killer shots and enjoying the moment.

 

[Redbird]

What an idiotic duma** comment. I see you have been with us a total of six days. We will look forward to you and Mr. Vandelay's anti-Kill, anti-Gopher rants and will respond in kind. Since you are still kicking this dead horse, Mr. Kill may not be much to look at but his record compares favorably with any of the candidates for the job, and many of us believe we are lucky to have him. Mike Leach who was not a candidate may have accomplished more at a higher level, but up to now nobody will touch him due to his litigious and grating personality. Kill may not be successful here, but it won't be for lack of effort.

 

[RodentRampage]

"We've seen where that can lead"? So, if we would have been more skeptical of Brewster, things would have turned out better? Or, does this just mean that you want to "not get ahead of yourself" to protect from being embarrassed. Either way, if you are not willing to support and accept your new coach, are you a true fan or just a fair weather fan?

I supported Brewster, and we lost. I don't regret my support, and I think this is what any true fan would do. Kill was not my first choice, but he is our coach, and I will support him with "blind acceptance" because I support this team regardless of who is roaming the sidelines.

Good point, being supportive of Brewster when he was hired did not lose us one single game. We have no need to be detached, disinterested observers. We have a new coach, we should be excited. The media has had nothing to say but good things about Kill, and not just things like "he's a really nice guy", but praise for his coaching ability. People have warmed up to Kill's hiring not because of blindness, but because they can see. And it's not just this board which has warmed up to him. On the newspaper comments sections, at first, like here, there was a lot of negative posts, and the negative posts were uprated, while the positive ones were downrated. Over the next couple days, this turned around, there were a lot of positive posts, and the negative posts were downrated, while the positive posts were uprated. This shows a change in attitude a lot wider than just this board. And anyone who says "you hired a MAC coach???" ought to take a closer look, a lot of good coaches came out of the MAC.

 

[harrys ghost]

... in past 40 years .... Mason was as close to luke warm as you can get. Which is still top of the pile as far as coaches go in that time frame.

Hardly.

 

[sixhole]

In becoming fully enamored with Kill, all you are doing is taking the pressure off Maturi, Bruininks and the Regents who have created a situation at the university that couldn't possibly be any more unattractive to top coaching candidates. Sure, it's important to fully support the coach, but by fully supporting the hire, you're not helping force the changes that need to be made to get the program out of perpetual mediocrity. Sad but true. And short of storming administrative offices with pitchforks and torches, I've got no suggestions on how to change it. I do know, however, that the wholesale changes that need to be made are not going to happen as long as everyone forgets how much of a rude awakening the coaching search was.

 

[Rouser4eVA]

Kool-Aid just tastes better!

In becoming fully enamored with Kill, all you are doing is taking the pressure off Maturi, Bruininks and the Regents who have created a situation at the university that couldn't possibly be any more unattractive to top coaching candidates. Sure, it's important to fully support the coach, but by fully supporting the hire, you're not helping force the changes that need to be made to get the program out of perpetual mediocrity. Sad but true. And short of storming administrative offices with pitchforks and torches, I've got no suggestions on how to change it. I do know, however, that the wholesale changes that need to be made are not going to happen as long as everyone forgets how much of a rude awakening the coaching search was.

Not sure what changes would occur if the message boards remained in perpetual dissatisfaction and uproar. It's not like we're going to get some kind of Delaney "Legends & Leaders" statement of surprise from Admin. Kill is our coach for the next 5 years most likely, so I think it gives us good reason to express optimism. If we're going to express our outrage over something in order to "keep the pressure" on the Administration, that's one thing, but expressing excitement (on GH) about Coach Kill's perceived pedigree isn't going to release the "pressure" on said admin.

Hope & Change: I'm buying it now! Go KILL!

 

[MaxyJR1]

In becoming fully enamored with Kill, all you are doing is taking the pressure off Maturi, Bruininks and the Regents who have created a situation at the university that couldn't possibly be any more unattractive to top coaching candidates. Sure, it's important to fully support the coach, but by fully supporting the hire, you're not helping force the changes that need to be made to get the program out of perpetual mediocrity. Sad but true. And short of storming administrative offices with pitchforks and torches, I've got no suggestions on how to change it. I do know, however, that the wholesale changes that need to be made are not going to happen as long as everyone forgets how much of a rude awakening the coaching search was.

Are we still worried about this BS? 99% of Gopher fans are over this.

 

[Bayfieldgopher]

In becoming fully enamored with Kill, all you are doing is taking the pressure off Maturi, Bruininks and the Regents who have created a situation at the university that couldn't possibly be any more unattractive to top coaching candidates. Sure, it's important to fully support the coach, but by fully supporting the hire, you're not helping force the changes that need to be made to get the program out of perpetual mediocrity. Sad but true. And short of storming administrative offices with pitchforks and torches, I've got no suggestions on how to change it. I do know, however, that the wholesale changes that need to be made are not going to happen as long as everyone forgets how much of a rude awakening the coaching search was.

First of all sixhole, I appreciate your comments.

There is a myriad of people in power at the UM that need to change in order for us to be successful. The President and AD are doing what they are comfortable with based on their experience, knowledge and resources. To date it has not worked as Minnesota football has struggled for decades.

We need new blood in the top places. People with new visions and successful experiences. I look forward to President Elect Kaler coming on board. His experiences at Stony Brook in regard to elevating the football program are noteworthy. And I trust the Maturi will step down as we need new leadership in that position.

Coach Kill fully understands that building a strong program will be extremely difficult. Plus very few fans are satisfied and want bigger and better things . I don't think complacency is an issue here sixhole. Some will accept mediocrity and yearn for Masonball but most want more.

In the meantime, I believe Coach Kill is busy doing what he knows has been successful for HIM. That will require a new way of thinking and doing things for the holdovers in the football program. And I am confident that Coach Kill is not interesting in taking any prisoners. Either join in or pack up. He has a unified staff that will implement his system and philosophy and hit the ground running without hesitation.

Brewsters approach was not successful for many reasons but, first and foremost, he lacked head coach experience and had no concrete plan. From what I have read, that is not the case with Coach Kill.

Coach Kill needs the support of the fans but more importantly that of an administration which is actually committed to making the program competitive.

 

[Costa Rican Gopher]

In becoming fully enamored with Kill, all you are doing is taking the pressure off Maturi, Bruininks and the Regents who have created a situation at the university that couldn't possibly be any more unattractive to top coaching candidates. Sure, it's important to fully support the coach, but by fully supporting the hire, you're not helping force the changes that need to be made to get the program out of perpetual mediocrity. Sad but true. And short of storming administrative offices with pitchforks and torches, I've got no suggestions on how to change it. I do know, however, that the wholesale changes that need to be made are not going to happen as long as everyone forgets how much of a rude awakening the coaching search was.

Adam Kelly, is that you?

 

[Monty519]

In becoming fully enamored with Kill, all you are doing is taking the pressure off Maturi, Bruininks and the Regents who have created a situation at the university that couldn't possibly be any more unattractive to top coaching candidates. Sure, it's important to fully support the coach, but by fully supporting the hire, you're not helping force the changes that need to be made to get the program out of perpetual mediocrity. Sad but true. And short of storming administrative offices with pitchforks and torches, I've got no suggestions on how to change it. I do know, however, that the wholesale changes that need to be made are not going to happen as long as everyone forgets how much of a rude awakening the coaching search was.

Prez is gone in six months, Maturi will soon follow. I'm not gonna sweat the process that took place at this point, it's over and done, and the parties involved will be gone very shortly. The whole point is if Kill fails, we'll have a new (and should be more stable) group handling the hiring process. But if Kill "kills" it, then we fell into a great coach who was able to take this program to another level, regardless of what choice he was.

 

[MaxyJR1]

Prez is gone in six months, Maturi will soon follow. I'm not gonna sweat the process that took place at this point, it's over and done, and the parties involved will be gone very shortly. The whole point is if Kill fails, we'll have a new (and should be more stable) group handling the hiring process. But if Kill "kills" it, then we fell into a great coach who was able to take this program to another level, regardless of what choice he was.

Outside of the Pres, that is a lot of assumption. I love how if Kill fails it's Maturi's fault and if he succeeds, Maturi got lucky.

 

[RodentRampage]

What we think of Coach Kill should have nothing to do with what we think of Maturi.

 

[Monty519]

Outside of the Pres, that is a lot of assumption. I love how if Kill fails it's Maturi's fault and if he succeeds, Maturi got lucky.

I only stated "fell" because everyone is admitting that he wasn't the first choice, that's not up for debate. So in that regard, we would have fallen into a great coach. If he was absolutely his first choice, then I wouldn't say that. But either way, if we are searching for a coach in five years, I feel very confident in saying we will have a much more stable administration handling the process, no matter who is here, just because things just aren't very solid right now, when you got an outgoing prez and just other issues. But yes, I am assuming Kaler will make changes, namely his choice of AD. He may not, and he could keep him, but I think he's going to want to bring in his own guy that he can build this up with.

 

[MaxyJR1]

I only stated "fell" because everyone is admitting that he wasn't the first choice, that's not up for debate. So in that regard, we would have fallen into a great coach. If he was absolutely his first choice, then I wouldn't say that. But either way, if we are searching for a coach in five years, I feel very confident in saying we will have a much more stable administration handling the process, no matter who is here, just because things just aren't very solid right now, when you got an outgoing prez and just other issues. But yes, I am assuming Kaler will make changes, namely his choice of AD. He may not, and he could keep him, but I think he's going to want to bring in his own guy that he can build this up with.

I agree that this is more likely to happen.

 

[KU4LIFE]

If being a MAC coach meant you were a nobody, then Nick Saban, Urban Meyer, Gary Pinkel, etc. should have never made it. Heck Tressel wasn't even MAC level!