I initially thought Joel Maturi had lost his mind when he hired Brewster. I failed to see how an NFL position coach was likely to take us to the next competitive level. I warmed to Brewster, however, largely based on his enthusiastically stated belief, with which I agree, that Gopher Football can return to the elite status that it once enjoyed several decades ago. I think he has done a number of intelligent things to achieve that goal, not the least of which is to cultivate a good relationship with Minnesota High School coaches. I disagree with those who have criticized - even belittled - his enthusiasm. Effective recruiting - the life blood of a successful program - for a struggling program requires selling the future, and I believe that Brewster has demonstrated he can do that effectively. My concern, though, has always been whether he can coach.
I still have that concern. One reason is the number of penalties we are assessed. We are not a disciplined team. Another is play calling. I am not impressed. There is also the annual changes in the coaching staff and both offensive and defensive schemes.
The question is whether Brewster can grow into the job. We have made some progress. His one win initial season, in my opinion, was in large part because our talent pool had been seriously depleted. Last year was an improvement and given this year's more challenging schedule, one can argue, that we are still headed in the right direction. The Illinois loss and ugly SDSU win together with Adam Weber's regression from a year ago, among other things, though, give me pause.
So what should Joel Maturi do? Wins, or even competitive performances, at Iowa and in the forthcoming bowl game, would simplify things. You certainly don't fire Brewster if we have some success in the next two games. But what happens if we have a repeat of last year's Iowa blow out and disappointing bowl performance?
Given the economy and the monies spent buying out the Mason and Monson contracts, I doubt that funds are available for yet another contract buy out, unless one or more deep pocket alumni step up and fund it. Plus, firing Brewster risks a loss of some of his recruits many of which committed based on he and his staff. The ideal solution would be to hire a Tubby Smith like replacement - such as Tony Dungy - who could minimize or eliminate defections and enhance our recruiting appeal. That's probably not going to happen.
I think where that leaves us is that you live with Brewster for another year, regardless of what happens in the next two games. The more difficult question is whether you give him a contract extension. Probably yes if we win the next two games, but I think not if the results are less than reassuring. I realize that will adversely affect his recruiting ability, but I am willing to take that risk in order to preserve the opportunity to replace him if he fails to prove his worth next year.
I still have that concern. One reason is the number of penalties we are assessed. We are not a disciplined team. Another is play calling. I am not impressed. There is also the annual changes in the coaching staff and both offensive and defensive schemes.
The question is whether Brewster can grow into the job. We have made some progress. His one win initial season, in my opinion, was in large part because our talent pool had been seriously depleted. Last year was an improvement and given this year's more challenging schedule, one can argue, that we are still headed in the right direction. The Illinois loss and ugly SDSU win together with Adam Weber's regression from a year ago, among other things, though, give me pause.
So what should Joel Maturi do? Wins, or even competitive performances, at Iowa and in the forthcoming bowl game, would simplify things. You certainly don't fire Brewster if we have some success in the next two games. But what happens if we have a repeat of last year's Iowa blow out and disappointing bowl performance?
Given the economy and the monies spent buying out the Mason and Monson contracts, I doubt that funds are available for yet another contract buy out, unless one or more deep pocket alumni step up and fund it. Plus, firing Brewster risks a loss of some of his recruits many of which committed based on he and his staff. The ideal solution would be to hire a Tubby Smith like replacement - such as Tony Dungy - who could minimize or eliminate defections and enhance our recruiting appeal. That's probably not going to happen.
I think where that leaves us is that you live with Brewster for another year, regardless of what happens in the next two games. The more difficult question is whether you give him a contract extension. Probably yes if we win the next two games, but I think not if the results are less than reassuring. I realize that will adversely affect his recruiting ability, but I am willing to take that risk in order to preserve the opportunity to replace him if he fails to prove his worth next year.
