Next Volleyball Coach

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NextYear_76 said:
I am thinking big. The Big Ten and therefore Minnesota is getting a big boost in revenue and could spend on one of its programs volleyball. We have already done it once when Mike Hebert was hired. One name I thought of was Dani Busboom Kelly at Louisville. Part of the Cook coaching tree. Minnesota should have the money to outspend Louisville. Another thought is looking international perhaps to US National team or even elsewhere. The Gophers play an international style, fast paced.
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Karch Kiraly big?
 

Is our assistant not an option for the full time position?
 

www.startribune.com

Hugh McCutcheon won't say while he's stepping down as Gophers volleyball coach at end of season

Senior CC McGraw said news was "a shock," adding, "We have all this purpose now for this season. There's so much to fight for for each other and Hugh."
www.startribune.com www.startribune.com

Some words from Hugh and C.C.

It was business as usual at the weekly Gophers volleyball media availability at Maturi Pavilion on Tuesday, or at least that was the attempt.

After saying he wouldn't be answering any questions about his announcement that he will retire at the end of the season, Gophers volleyball coach Hugh McCutcheon faced a slew of questions about that announcement.

He didn't provide much exposition.

"I appreciate everyone's concern, but right now the focus should be on the team and it is," McCutcheon said.

Wanting the focus to stay on the court, the Gophers coach for the past 11 seasons simply said that his team is "a seasoned group, a mature group and they're ready to go to battle."
[...]

CC McGraw, the Gophers libero in her fifth season playing for McCutcheon, said that the shock of his forthcoming resignation also led to discussions between players about trying to channel their focus and send their coach off in the right way.

"It was a shock for a lot of us, but you know Hugh has always been such a supportive mentor and coach for us, so we want to support him with his decision," McGraw said. "Because at the end of the day we just want what's best for him."

"We have all this purpose now for this season.There's so much to fight for for each other and Hugh. That's the narrative we have for this season."
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If he’s not actually stepping down, right now, like Kill did with football …. then what can be the possible reason for announcing it right now???

That is so bizarre to me.


Of course he tries to then play it off like he doesn’t want to be a distraction, therefore won’t answer any questions about.

But the announcement itself is a colossal distraction for the ladies.

Makes no sense.
 


Gophers_4life said:
If he’s not actually stepping down, right now, like Kill did with football …. then what can be the possible reason for announcing it right now???

That is so bizarre to me.


Of course he tries to then play it off like he doesn’t want to be a distraction, therefore won’t answer any questions about.

But the announcement itself is a colossal distraction for the ladies.

Makes no sense.
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Agree that something doesn't add up. The only thing that I can think of is that, for whatever reason, Hugh decided to leave at the end of the year and informed Coyle. They decided to make an announcement to give Coyle the freedom to start a search without trying to keep the secret as he reaches out to agents, talks to volleyball people, etc. I can see them wanting to make the announcement before it leaked that Minnesota was sniffing around for a new coach.
 

2nd Degree Gopher said:
Agree that something doesn't add up. The only thing that I can think of is that, for whatever reason, Hugh decided to leave at the end of the year and informed Coyle. They decided to make an announcement to give Coyle the freedom to start a search without trying to keep the secret as he reaches out to agents, talks to volleyball people, etc. I can see them wanting to make the announcement before it leaked that Minnesota was sniffing around for a new coach.
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I buy that
 

Ignatius L Hoops said:
Salary will be a big part of this.

Illinois' Chris Tamas signed a five year extension this spring at 400k/year.

Hugh's recent extension:



And John Cook makes 675k/ year. Plus he will get a 750 k retention bonus at the end of this year.

www.startribune.com

Gophers volleyball coach Hugh McCutcheon agrees to contract extension

McCutcheon new deal will keep him with the Gophers through the 2025 season, pending Board of Regents approval.
www.startribune.com www.startribune.com

www.wcia.com

Chris Tamas gets 5-year extension with Illinois volleyball

CHAMPAIGN (WCIA) — Illinois volleyball coach Chris Tamas is staying in Champaign for at least the next five years after signing a contract extension with the Illini recently. The deal was app…
www.wcia.com www.wcia.com
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With the new tv contract coming, money will not be an issue. I think they'll pay top 5 money to the right coach.
 

let'sbeclear said:
I seriously doubt that McCutcheon's decision to leave, probably for some executive position in or out of volleyball, was affected in the slightest by posts on this forum.
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No reason to doubt. You can just plainly state, with 100% confidence, that no fan's opinion even enters his mind.
 



GopherGod said:
Skinner like Dani Busboom Kelly are both from the John Cook coaching tree along with several other head coaches so my money is that one of those two may be in serious contention for the Nebraska job when he retires in probably the next 2-5 years.
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Skinner has it made, in the SEC.

It's so much easier to win the SEC than it is the Big Ten. He already has Kentucky up with Florida as the best program in that conference. Texas coming in will make it tougher at the tip top, but you're still talking 13 other programs out of 16 total that are meh to bad, relative to the Big Ten.
 


Probably looking for more money and a new challenge. Maybe weather too.
 

What about the Concordia St Paul coach? Brady Starkey...he has like 9 National titles.
 



2024 Olympic games are a little over 20 months out. Any chance Hugh decides to get back into that arena? (maybe switch places with Karch.....I wish) Or a new international team, such as his home country of New Zealand?
 

I don't think Hugh is retiring to a farm in New Zealand and spending his retirement skiing and fishing in the ocean. I think someone has presented him with a great opportunity like coaching a national or Olympic team and they can wait until the season is over for him. I think he is trying to give Minnesota ample time to find a great replacement and he is trying to minimize the distraction for this team as much as possible. I wish the best for everyone.
 

walleye said:
I don't think Hugh is retiring to a farm in New Zealand and spending his retirement skiing and fishing in the ocean. I think someone has presented him with a great opportunity like coaching a national or Olympic team and they can wait until the season is over for him. I think he is trying to give Minnesota ample time to find a great replacement and he is trying to minimize the distraction for this team as much as possible. I wish the best for everyone.
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This seems obviously true to me as well.
 
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www.startribune.com

Volleyball coach Hugh McCutcheon's next job: Gophers assistant athletic director

The Gophers announced that the volleyball coach will stay at the university as assistant AD/sports development coach.
www.startribune.com www.startribune.com

In the Hugh to Assistant AD story there was this about a volleyball search committee:

On Monday, the Gophers announced the search committee to find the next coach: Coyle, Julie Manning (committee chair), Tricia Budke, JT Bruett, Stephanie Davis, Susan Goldstein, Katie Harms, Melissa Maines, Tim McCleary and Peyton Owens.
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www.fox9.com

Hugh McCutcheon named Gophers Assistant AD, Sport Development Coach

Gophers volleyball coach Hugh McCutcheon is shifting to a new role as Assistant Athletic Director and Sport Development Coach after the 2022 season, his 11th with Minnesota.
www.fox9.com www.fox9.com

Search committee:

  • Mark Coyle, Director of Athletics (Hiring Authority)
  • Julie Manning, Deputy AD/SWA (Committee Chair)
  • Tricia Budke, Director of HR/Chief of Staff
  • JT Bruett, Director of Lindahl Academic Center
  • Stephanie Davis, Associate AD / Event Management
  • Susan Goldstein, Associate Professor Carlson School of Management
  • Katie Harms, Living Spaces Specialist, Podcaster & U of M Benefactor
  • Melissa Maines, General Manager of Women’s Basketball
  • Tim McCleary, Sr. Associate AD/Business Operations / CFO
  • Peyton Owens III, St. Associate AD/Leadership & Inclusion
 

I am very happy to see that Hugh is staying at the University. He is a great representative for the U and an great asset.

I am disappointed in the composition of the committee. It would be nice to see Hugh on the committee or a couple of people who have had coaching experience and success at the D-1 level in some sport. The composition of the committee suggests that Coyle has his person and the committee's function is to interview and host the candidate(s) and rubber stamp Coyle's decision. I hope Coyle has relied heavily on Hugh's opinion.
 

I just feel as more and more information is released the new coach will be Matt Houk. I also know I for one want someone with successful experience as a Head Coach. However, with the recent announcement of Hugh's new position with the U of MN, it appears more and more to me that Matt will soon have the job of a lifetime. I really want to be wrong.
 

4EverAGopher said:
I just feel as more and more information is released the new coach will be Matt Houk. I also know I for one want someone with successful experience as a Head Coach. However, with the recent announcement of Hugh's new position with the U of MN, it appears more and more to me that Matt will soon have the job of a lifetime. I really want to be wrong.
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As a current assistant on the program he definitely has a leg up on other candidates.
 

I googled the Club that Pedro Mendes was Head Coach in Sweden. Their program has a New Head Coach listed for the 2022/2023 season, which appears to be happening now.

Should I be reading into this? There certainly hasn't been any information forthcoming from the U, if he is only here for one season or not as a Volunteer Coach. I feel he has helped improve our Setter/MB connection a lot this season.

women.volleybox.net

Hylte/Halmstad » rosters :: Women Volleybox​

 

If my opinion really mattered and I had a say in this, I want TAMAS as my new Head Coach with Pedro Mendes as the ASSISTANT HEAD COACH.

This is a TOP PROGRAM in the nation and it needs Head Coach Experience to keep it there. As some are suggesting here or elsewhere, Hugh, in his new position, would be an outstanding mentor for Matt and Jen Houk. Do people really believe that would be an enticing role for Hugh? He might as well stay as the Volleyball HC.

I do not want this program to fail miserably like the Wrestling Program has with the decision they made to replace Robinson with Eggum. The latter just cannot bring in TOP RECRUITS. Remember we were a top 4 program for years under Robinson and are now sitting with a 19th ranked Div 1 Wrestling Program.

I just feel with Houk and his lack of HC experience would be a huge step backward for the Gopher Volleyball Program. AN EXPERIENCED TOP HEACH COACH IS A MUST. People can say that shouldn't matter but believe me it does. WE ARE TALKING ABOUT YOUNG ADULTS MAKING A DECISION OF A LIFETIME where to play volleyball.
 

4EverAGopher said:
If my opinion really mattered and I had a say in this, I want TAMAS as my new Head Coach with Pedro Mendes as the ASSISTANT HEAD COACH.

This is a TOP PROGRAM in the nation and it needs Head Coach Experience to keep it there. As some are suggesting here or elsewhere, Hugh, in his new position, would be an outstanding mentor for Matt and Jen Houk. Do people really believe that would be an enticing role for Hugh? He might as well stay as the Volleyball HC.

I do not want this program to fail miserably like the Wrestling Program has with the decision they made to replace Robinson with Eggum. The latter just cannot bring in TOP RECRUITS. Remember we were a top 4 program for years under Robinson and are now sitting with a 19th ranked Div 1 Wrestling Program.

I just feel with Houk and his lack of HC experience would be a huge step backward for the Gopher Volleyball Program. AN EXPERIENCED TOP HEACH COACH IS A MUST. People can say that shouldn't matter but believe me it does. WE ARE TALKING ABOUT YOUNG ADULTS MAKING A DECISION OF A LIFETIME where to play volleyball.
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Matt Houk was head coach at USD for 6 years. I don't have enough ins in the volleyball community to know how well regarded Matt is but Hugh thought highly enough of him to make him associate head coach for the last 3 years.
 

www.wctrib.com

Volleyball: Schnichels sticking with the Gophers

Willmar standout staying with 'dream school' following coach's announcement to step down following this season
www.wctrib.com www.wctrib.com

WILLMAR — Sydney Schnichels still plans on staying in her home state to play college volleyball.

On Sunday, Oct. 16, the University of Minnesota announced head volleyball coach Hugh McCutcheon is stepping down following the conclusion of the 2022 season.

A standout on the Willmar volleyball team, Schnichels verbally committed to Minnesota during her junior season.

Schnichels reiterated her desire to play for the Gophers on Wednesday.

“I’m still planning on going; it’s my dream school,” Schnichels said. “I’m going to go there and see how it goes.”
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Ignatius L Hoops said:
www.wctrib.com

Volleyball: Schnichels sticking with the Gophers

Willmar standout staying with 'dream school' following coach's announcement to step down following this season
www.wctrib.com www.wctrib.com
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Sydney Schnichels is the #1 2023 prospect in the state of Minnesota. Ranked #22 nationally!

The #1 Minnesota prospect for 2024 is coming to the Gophers too!

This is per PrepDig.


www.prepdig.com

Minnesota High School Volleyball Coverage | Prep Dig

Prep Dig is your #1 source for Minnesota High School Volleyball. We're the leader in rankings, recruiting information and analysis.
www.prepdig.com www.prepdig.com

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There are so many things up in the air which indeed includes our next Volleyball HC at the U of MN. I believe these recruits for 2023 have 7 days within the NLI Day to sign, but still do not have to honor that signing and truly become a Gopher. If I am mistaken, please please someone correct me.

We already have 3 Pins that start every match and two more waiting in the wings to get playing time. Say they all come back next season. Where does Sydney Schnichels fit into a starting role, if she did decide to become a Gopher?

I have always said, Hugh loves his pins and has done a remarkable recruiting job in the last 3 seasons to keep that tradition going. If every player on the roster stays who are eligible for another season and CHOBOY BECOMES A GOPHER, we need much more experienced back court presence in the future. Hugh has not been as successful in recruiting he DS/L positions for WHATEVER THE REASON(S) may be...he just hasn't.
 

ecoperson said:
Matt Houk was head coach at USD for 6 years. I don't have enough ins in the volleyball community to know how well regarded Matt is but Hugh thought highly enough of him to make him associate head coach for the last 3 years.
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I see where you are coming from. However, I want to point this out:

1 - First of all USD is not a PowerHouse in Volleyball. It is true that Hugh saw something in the Houks to bring them here, but I for one am having difficulty with that because IMO their skills have not translated to our players.

2 - Second, Matt is over Serving, Receiving and Setting....the areas where we have the first two touches of the ball. Anybody who watches these matches can see our CONTINUOUS STRUGGLES IN ALL THESE AREAS FOR QUITE SOME TIME.

To this day, Minnesota is not known to be a very good serve/receive team nor able to put pressure on an opponent with their serving. Also, Shaffmaster is in her Junior year and still struggles to better a bad pass. Don't get me wrong, she has made great strides in her game. Shaffmaster is so good at blocking, serving, digging; however, the part of her position as a Setter is where she struggles the most.

Again, I am hoping the U is looking outside of Minnesota for their next HC.
 
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Now that Choboy has announced her commitment to Nebraska and not Minnesota, it is essential this program needs a TOP Head Coach. IMO this is a HUGE HUGE LOSS for the Future of Minnesota Volleyball, especially with the present player situation. We really really really need a solid back court starting next season.
 

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