Different sports, but there are some real similarities:
1) Young coach on top of his game
2) Big-fish in small pond
3) Extremely nice guy that is riding a wave of success
I know I'm in the minority on this, but hiring Chris Petersen is a crap shoot at best. Yes there would be a lot of excitement and a 2 year honeymoon period, but what happens when things don't go quite as well as expected? How does he handle that?
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IMO Chris Peterson is NOTHING like Dan Monson record wise. Monson was a head coach for 2 seasons before coming to MN, one great year and one okay year. Peterson has been a head coach for 5 seasons now and had great years every single time out. It's not like he has had one solid year and is riding that wave. 5 years with a 57-4 record, multiple bowl appearances, BCS ones at that, and winning them (he's 2-0 in BCS bowl games)? That is more impressive than anything Monson ever did.
IMO, if Maturi brings in Peterson that is the best hire he could realistically make. Minnesota is no question a step up job from Boise State. Brand new stadium, big city, BCS conference, rich tradition, rivalry games, etc.
Count me as someone who would be absolutely thrilled at this hire. He is essentially what even the most picky gopher fans are looking for.
Young and up-and-coming
proven coaching record with head coach experience
winning games with less
been national coach of the year twice
likely wouldn't bolt for a "better" job anytime soon (at least not until he turned the program around)
I see no negatives to this guy, if Maturi lands him after landing Tubby Smith. I will be incredibly impressed.