Most Gopher fans are unhappy with this season's late game struggles. A few (small minority) are completely dissatisfied with coach Brewster and their perceived direction of the team. That said, it takes time to recruit players for the coach's system. As a result, there can be rough times before success is achieved (being a top conference team and/or a conference champion). It's been 42 years since our last Big 10 Conference Championship. So, frutstration can lead to impatience.
The following are but a few examples of coaches who endured losing seasons before they enjoyed success as conference champions or as real contenders:
Kansas - Mark Mangino
2002 2-10
2003 6-7
2004 4-7
2005 7-5
2006 6-6
2007 12-1
2008 8-5
Missouri - Gary Pinkel
2001 4-7
2002 5-7
2003 8-5
2004 5-6
2005 7-5
2006 8-5
2007 12-2
2008 10-4
Kansas State - Bill Snyder
1989 1-10
1990 5-6
1991 7-4
1992 5-6
1993 9-2-1
Most seasons after 1993 were 9 or 11 win seasons, except last two 4-7 and 5-6 in 2004 and 2005
Wisconsin - Barry Alvarez
1990 1-10
1991 5-6
1992 5-6
1993 10-1-1
After 1993 season, Wisconsin enjoyed several 8 & 9+ win seasons including a 11-1, 10-2, and 10-3 seasons.
Iowa - Kirk Ferentz
1999 1-10
2000 3-9
2001 7-5
2002 11-2
2003 10-3
2004 10-2
After 2004, Iowa experienced a drop off with this past season 8-4 being the best season.
Virginia Tech - Frank Beamer
1987 2-9
1988 3-8
1989 6-4-1
1990 6-5
1991 5-6
1992 2-8-1
1993 9-3
After 1993 season, Beamer's Hokies have consistently enjoyed 8-10 win seasons. Administrative patience has paid big dividends.
Northwestern - Gary Barnett
1992 3-8
1993 2-9
1994 3-7-1
1995 10-2
All of the above coaches endured a great deal of criticism before they enjoyed consistent success.
With ongoing recruiting successes, (quality athletes that fit the coach's philosophy and system) player development, and some favorable breaks, Minnesota can enjoy similar success. You've got to recruit the right players (athletes + depth) that have the correct attitude and work ethic to experience championship seasons.
I remain hopeful, optimistic and patient. However, I must admit, I want to experience another championship season soon. But it may take another two or three seasons of quality recruiting and player development before we have the talent level necessary for a championship season.
Go Gophers!!
The following are but a few examples of coaches who endured losing seasons before they enjoyed success as conference champions or as real contenders:
Kansas - Mark Mangino
2002 2-10
2003 6-7
2004 4-7
2005 7-5
2006 6-6
2007 12-1
2008 8-5
Missouri - Gary Pinkel
2001 4-7
2002 5-7
2003 8-5
2004 5-6
2005 7-5
2006 8-5
2007 12-2
2008 10-4
Kansas State - Bill Snyder
1989 1-10
1990 5-6
1991 7-4
1992 5-6
1993 9-2-1
Most seasons after 1993 were 9 or 11 win seasons, except last two 4-7 and 5-6 in 2004 and 2005
Wisconsin - Barry Alvarez
1990 1-10
1991 5-6
1992 5-6
1993 10-1-1
After 1993 season, Wisconsin enjoyed several 8 & 9+ win seasons including a 11-1, 10-2, and 10-3 seasons.
Iowa - Kirk Ferentz
1999 1-10
2000 3-9
2001 7-5
2002 11-2
2003 10-3
2004 10-2
After 2004, Iowa experienced a drop off with this past season 8-4 being the best season.
Virginia Tech - Frank Beamer
1987 2-9
1988 3-8
1989 6-4-1
1990 6-5
1991 5-6
1992 2-8-1
1993 9-3
After 1993 season, Beamer's Hokies have consistently enjoyed 8-10 win seasons. Administrative patience has paid big dividends.
Northwestern - Gary Barnett
1992 3-8
1993 2-9
1994 3-7-1
1995 10-2
All of the above coaches endured a great deal of criticism before they enjoyed consistent success.
With ongoing recruiting successes, (quality athletes that fit the coach's philosophy and system) player development, and some favorable breaks, Minnesota can enjoy similar success. You've got to recruit the right players (athletes + depth) that have the correct attitude and work ethic to experience championship seasons.
I remain hopeful, optimistic and patient. However, I must admit, I want to experience another championship season soon. But it may take another two or three seasons of quality recruiting and player development before we have the talent level necessary for a championship season.
Go Gophers!!
