Ok, I'll start the coaching search thread

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gotomn said:
The reality of today's college football is that if you want to win, and you want to win now, you go and get the right coach. You take a semi full of cash and get someone that can come in and make a difference. All this talk about Aranda and Fleck is laughable if you want to really win.

A)Claeys is doing a great job given that he is a first year coach, he inherited an offensive line that is junk, and has a new offensive coordinator. I advocate keeping him. Why there is animosity for posting a 4-3 record in the Big Ten is ridiculous. All this talk about "the schedule". Look, the Big 10 sets the schedule, and they are beating big 10 teams. They haven't bee whipping up on the Sun Belt (See:Glen Mason). The fact is that they have lost games against better programs and won the games against the programs we expect to beat. Ultimately, Tracey Claeys job is to win Big 10 games, and he is 4-3. To be honest, the fact that our fanbase expects more is ridiculous.

2)In the event you are going to let Claeys go, you need to go get a coach that will win. That list is pretty short.

A)Bret Beliema-Look, I hate the guy. But he knows how to win and has done a great job at Arkansas. The reality is that he is waiting on KF to leave Iowa. Perhaps 6Million/ year plus a huge assistant pool could lure him here.

B)Bobby Petrino-The guy is a whore. However 8M / year would be enough to bring him here and the guy can win and run a clean program (other than the mistresses)

Alternates-Neither of which I feel are better than Claeys

C)Dan Mullen-While I am not 100% convinced he is a great coach without Prescott, the reality is that he can win football games and compete at the highest level. Perhap
D)Mike Leach-I think he would leave Washington State and the guy can build a winner. I don't know if he could get us to the promised land, but based on his work at T Tech and WSU, I think he can.

E)Rich Rodriguez-He won at WVU, he stunk and UM and won at Arizona, although not that much. Similar to Leach, I think he can win and his Big 10 experience would help if he returned as I am certain he now knows a 4-2-5 scheme doesn't work so well when Wisconsin lines up close to 1 ton of O Lineman accross from you. That said, Arizona has been up and down.


Are these all dreams? Yep. But you don't replace a first year, unproven coach, who has beaten 4 Big 10 teams and a Pac 10 team with some guy that isn't a proven winner. I am sorry the "schedule" wasn't hard as hell this year, but that isn't TC's fault or problem. His job is to win games and he has done that. If you want to play at the next level, you go out and get a next level coach. Michigan did that with Harbaugh, Alabama did that with Saban, etc.
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This here in bold. You want major coaches, you need to pay major dollars. Minnesota has not and will not pay that. As mentioned, we dont have donors like some schools who actually care about Gopher Football to want to help pay for that. It would be nice to go find a Saban or Meyer and be like here is 8-9 million to come to UofM. Its a pipe dream.

That leaves us with what others have mentioned, assistants and has been P5 coaches. I say, TC has done well his first year, has a winning team and B1G record. I remember when we couldnt even beat the lower programs as that was a 50/50. At least now we beat them constantly. Now we need to just take them next step.

If we cant find that 8-9 million coach, just stick with TC as the next incoming coach wont be much of an upgrade, just in name only.
 

GopherFanatic19 said:
This here in bold. You want major coaches, you need to pay major dollars. Minnesota has not and will not pay that. As mentioned, we dont have donors like some schools who actually care about Gopher Football to want to help pay for that. It would be nice to go find a Saban or Meyer and be like here is 8-9 million to come to UofM. Its a pipe dream.

That leaves us with what others have mentioned, assistants and has been P5 coaches. I say, TC has done well his first year, has a winning team and B1G record. I remember when we couldnt even beat the lower programs as that was a 50/50. At least now we beat them constantly. Now we need to just take them next step.

If we cant find that 8-9 million coach, just stick with TC as the next incoming coach wont be much of an upgrade, just in name only.
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I keep hearing people say this, but outside of Brewster's first and last year, and Kill's first year, they mostly beat the teams they should over the past 20 years.

The Gophers can pay in the 3-4 million range if they want to, which is more than enough to land a very good head coach.
 

Agree with the posts above, but 3-4 million is not enough to hire the type of coach that is a major upgrade over TC. He is a first year coach after being a successful d coordinator. You have to give him some time to develop as a coach.

I advocate doing nothing except watching how TC develops over the next year.....unless Coyle wants to go crazy and go hire BB or BP.

I would like to see them keep paying TC a small wage and instead go out and get a dominant basketball coach. There is no reason, for a state that produces 10 D-1 basketball players a year, that we cannot win in hoops. There is no reason we shouldn't be top 25. There are plenty of reasons football will never beat OSU, UM etc, but zero reason the basketball team should stink as bad as last year.
 

GopherWeatherGuy said:
I keep hearing people say this, but outside of Brewster's first and last year, and Kill's first year, they mostly beat the teams they should over the past 20 years.

The Gophers can pay in the 3-4 million range if they want to, which is more than enough to land a very good head coach.
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We have mostly beat the teams we should, but the size of that set has grown much larger. We have been favored in, I believe, 7 of 10 games thus far this year, and will probably finish 8 out of 12 for that metric. There have been a lot of years where we were favored in 3-4 games. People ignore that when they criticize Claeys.
 

gotomn said:
Agree with the posts above, but 3-4 million is not enough to hire the type of coach that is a major upgrade over TC.
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Really? 4 million is 20th in the country right now. Current good to great coaches at power 5 schools that make less than 4 million:
Bobby Petrino
Chris Petersen
Kyle Whittingham
Pat Fitzgerald
Paul Chryst
Mike Leach
Mike Riley
Larry Fedora

I can't find an exact number but Mark Richt also makes around 4 million. Gary Patterson and David Shaw are also just barely above 4 million.
 


Scott Frost. Go get him. Midwest ties, NFL ties, Big Ten Ties, Oregon Ties.

Frost was coached by Stanford’s Bill Walsh, Nebraska’s Tom Osborne, the New York Jets’ Bill Parcells and Bill Belichick, and Jon Gruden.

6-4 in first year at UCF. They were 0-12 last year.
 

MaxyJR1 said:
Scott Frost. Go get him. Midwest ties, NFL ties, Big Ten Ties, Oregon Ties.

Frost was coached by Stanford’s Bill Walsh, Nebraska’s Tom Osborne, the New York Jets’ Bill Parcells and Bill Belichick, and Jon Gruden.

6-4 in first year at UCF. They were 0-12 last year.
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He's going back to Oregon. Book it.
 

GopherWeatherGuy said:
Really? 4 million is 20th in the country right now. Current good to great coaches at power 5 schools that make less than 4 million:
Bobby Petrino
Chris Petersen
Kyle Whittingham
Pat Fitzgerald
Paul Chryst
Mike Leach
Mike Riley
Larry Fedora

I can't find an exact number but Mark Richt also makes around 4 million. Gary Patterson and David Shaw are also just barely above 4 million.
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Yes, but which of these guys are leaving their current deal to come here? The problem isn't the amount, is who you can get for that amount.
Petrino-Not leaving for 4M
Petersen-Not leaving a top 10 team in Seattle for 4M to come here.
Kyle Whittingham-(Would love him) He has already been offered more to leave. Not coming here.
Fitzgerald-Definately not coming here and not certain if he leaves Northwestern ever.
Chryst-Would slit his own throat to leave Madison to come here. I don't think we could offer him 10M and get him here.
Mike Riley-Nope
Larry Fedora-Possibly the only one who would consider the move, but is he leaving NC for here for 4M? NC would match this (probably) I would like him.

It isn't that we cannot get guys to come here. It all depends on what camp you are in:

Camp 4 TC-Are satisfied that a first year coach has managed a 7-3 record and 4-3 against the big 10 with a new offensive coordinator and first time d coordinator. Is satisfied with 7-5 to 8-4 most years with the hope that we can get to 10-2.

Camp against TC-He needs to be fired, completely incapable and will run the program to the ground.

I happen to be in the first camp. If you are in the 2nd camp, why replace an 8-4 level coach with another probable 8-4 level coach. You need to hit the home run, not hope you can stretch your double into an inside the park homer.
 

MaxyJR1 said:
We're three plays from being 4-6 or worse.


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When was the last time Gophs were in every game with a chance to win? Probably 2003 when Mas won 10 and all three losses were to raked teams.
 



MaxyJR1 said:
No one in the West has a dynamic head coach. Coyle has a great opportunity to show Minnesota means business.


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Yeah, got to be worth at least 2-3 more wins. Vikes probably could have gone undefeated and won the superbowl a couple times in the 70s if they didn't have Bud...
 

gotomn said:
Agree with the posts above, but 3-4 million is not enough to hire the type of coach that is a major upgrade over TC. He is a first year coach after being a successful d coordinator. You have to give him some time to develop as a coach.

I advocate doing nothing except watching how TC develops over the next year.....unless Coyle wants to go crazy and go hire BB or BP.

I would like to see them keep paying TC a small wage and instead go out and get a dominant basketball coach. There is no reason, for a state that produces 10 D-1 basketball players a year, that we cannot win in hoops. There is no reason we shouldn't be top 25. There are plenty of reasons football will never beat OSU, UM etc, but zero reason the basketball team should stink as bad as last year.
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You've looked at Pitino's buyout, right?
 

Two ways to elevate program: recruit better players -- and/or better coaching.

So, if you want to retain the current coaching staff - the question becomes - is this group capable of bringing in better recruits, or doing a better job of coaching? In order to find out, we need to give this staff another 2 years or more.

On the other hand, if you've already made up your mind that the current staff is not capable of bringing in better recruits, or doing a better job of coaching, then a change is warranted. BUT - if you're going to dump a coach after a winning season, you'd better be pretty d*mn sure that you're bringing in a better coach.

I think the last thing any Gopher fans wants is another long, drawn out search process with search firms, committees, etc.
 

I guess I can sort of understand the folks calling for Claey's head every other week when they think there is apparently an impressive volume of coaches with great resumes willing to come here and get a big payday..... but I don't think that's a thing.
 



This really is a tough decision and I'm glad I'm not the one whose career is on the line making it.

As I watch this team this year, I've never gotten the impression they are a better team than last year. Especially defensively. They looked ugly at times in nearly all of the games.

Additionally, yes, recruiting rankings are questionable on individuals, but to be as low as they are is a little concerning. Now, they might have a couple guys up their sleeves that will completely flip that around. Who knows. But it's not a positive thing, for now.

Then, there's the public persona. I don't care if he weighs 100 pounds or 4000 pounds, as long as he can physically do what he needs to do (which it appears isn't an issue). However, personality wise he comes off so disinterested. I don't know if it's just his tone of voice or what, because I'm sure he IS interested and passionate about the game and the team. But when he comes across as disinterested the fans (who are waiting for a reason to turn on the team it seems at times) will become disinterested.

The final thing though is how do you get to where you only have 13 seniors that make the "position chart" out of 63 total players (including two of the four who are "out") in the 7th year of this staff? One of which, seemingly most on this board can't wait to get rid of...

On the other hand, he's a winning coach. The Gophers have not had many people who can claim that. Additionally, he's going to be inexpensive (even with an extension) has an established staff, and you avoid the cost, time, disruption and risk of a coaching search.


I right now would lean toward pulling the trigger and finding a new coach. But I don't know that I'd do it if I didn't have a plan B that I was pretty sure would come here (even if he wouldn't be the first choice). For example, if you knew Bohl would come here, but you thought you could do better, but should you not find your guy and you feel like he is a solid backup plan.

For the record, I'm not sure I'd go after Bohl myself. You can't just look at NDSU (which he did a great job at, no question). He has not turned Wyoming around, and I'm not sure he could come in here and move the program forward. I think he is a better candidate now than when Kill was hired, though. Then they needed an established D1 FBS coach. They couldn't risk taking a chance on Bohl. Now, the program is strong enough I think Bohl could at least keep it status quo, I'm just not convinced he moves them forward.

We'll see what happens. It'll be interesting to see if there's a press conference scheduled Monday November 28th or not...
 

MaxyJR1 said:
Scott Frost. Go get him. Midwest ties, NFL ties, Big Ten Ties, Oregon Ties.

Frost was coached by Stanford’s Bill Walsh, Nebraska’s Tom Osborne, the New York Jets’ Bill Parcells and Bill Belichick, and Jon Gruden.

6-4 in first year at UCF. They were 0-12 last year.
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Impressive.


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If we win one of the last two games Claeys will be the first Gopher coach to have a winning conference record since Cal Stoll was 10-6 after two seasons, in 1973.
 

MaxyJR1 said:
If we win one of the last two games Claeys will be the first Gopher coach to have a winning conference record since Cal Stoll was 10-6 after two seasons, in 1973.
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Claeys is currently 5-7 in the Big Ten. He'll be .500 in the conference if we win the last two games.
 

dpodoll68 said:
Claeys is currently 5-7 in the Big Ten. He'll be .500 in the conference if we win the last two games.
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That's right, I forgot interim was lifted before season was over.


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I am telling you seriously. This football program would be fortunate to even have Craig Bohl consider coming here
 



Go4Jug said:
I am telling you seriously. This football program would be fortunate to even have Craig Bohl consider coming here
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I think we can offer him a better deal than most other programs right now - this will likely be his last stop. I don't think he wants to finish out his career in Wyoming - but, time will tell. So, we have a compelling opportunity for him but I agree that it is far from a certainty that he would agree to come here.
 

Pat Narduzzi at Pitt could be an interesting option. He's had Pitt in every game this year, including some killer road games at OkState, at North Carolina (both close losses) and winning at Death Valley last week. They also beat Penn State at home early in the season. As Michigan State's former DC he has Big Ten roots, although it would be more than a bit disconcerting that an accomplished defensive coach's team is giving up 35 points per game, granted against really tough competition. Can he recruit? Is he better than what we have with Claeys? That's why Coyle's making the money he is, to answer questions like that, I suppose.
 

Some Day...Is Coming! said:
Gopher Bulldog, good point about having the next guy in his hip pocket. If Claeys stays he better have a hell of a year next year, because he is getting the worst recruiting class in the Big Ten this year. And I know all about the rankings debate, but dead last says something.


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Does the fact that signing date isn't 3-months away matter? Not to you. Do you wonder why your friends call you a "wet blanket"?

My favorite is the title YOU gave this thread... "OK, I'll start...." as if we would have expected anyone other than YOU to start the anti-TC thread. Wet Blanket. Tool.




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Spoofin said:
Does the fact that signing date isn't 3-months away matter? Not to you. Do you wonder why your friends call you a "wet blanket"?

My favorite is the title YOU gave this thread... "OK, I'll start...." as if we would have expected anyone other than YOU to start the anti-TC thread. Wet Blanket. Tool.




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:clap::clap::clap::clap::clap:
 

WindyCityGopher said:
Pat Narduzzi at Pitt could be an interesting option. He's had Pitt in every game this year, including some killer road games at OkState, at North Carolina (both close losses) and winning at Death Valley last week. They also beat Penn State at home early in the season. As Michigan State's former DC he has Big Ten roots, although it would be more than a bit disconcerting that an accomplished defensive coach's team is giving up 35 points per game, granted against really tough competition. Can he recruit? Is he better than what we have with Claeys? That's why Coyle's making the money he is, to answer questions like that, I suppose.
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Is there some sort of reason that Pat Narduzzi would consider the U as a step up?
 

What I would like to see in the next head coach: 1) currently a winning head coach. 2) some sort of connection to the south. That's where a higher % of the good players are from. 3) someone who sees Minnesota as a step up and will come here for the U's price. I figure about 2.5M/yr 4) someone youthful and energetic.

John Grass
Mike Houston
Steve Campbell

I know these are the most sexy names and I guess I am honestly trying to move focus of the conversation to some "underdog" candidates. I think there are lots of great coaches out there.
 

RickDornsby said:
Is there some sort of reason that Pat Narduzzi would consider the U as a step up?
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Fair enough question. I'd say the chance to be a head coach in the Big 10 (without having to be in the gauntlet that is the East division), to build a program that's already in decent shape and not at rock bottom, and with facilities that are now attractive and competitive.
 

WindyCityGopher said:
Fair enough question. I'd say the chance to be a head coach in the Big 10 (without having to be in the gauntlet that is the East division), to build a program that's already in decent shape and not at rock bottom, and with facilities that are now attractive and competitive.
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What do you think we can offer him for a salary that Pitt won't match?
 

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