After reading the many threads, blogs, and articles related to Minnesota's search for a new head coach, I recall some similarities and differences from this search and the one conducted in 1983. Both seasons were disastrous, although this year's contingent has been in many more games and have not folded (hoping for a victory Saturday against the Hawks). By mid-season we knew that a coaching change was imminent, just as it was in 1983.
One big difference, I don't recall that an outside search firm was contracted in 1983. I also don't believe the interest or coverage of the search in 1983 was all that great. Times, of course, including the internet and the many blogs are factors in the change. What coverage there was in 1983 seemed to focus on the disinterest in the coaching fraternity about the Minnesota coaching position. Les Steckel, among others, publicly said they weren't interested. There were a lot of jokes about Minnesota being unable to find a coach. And then the unexpected happened in the third week of December. Internal turmoil at the University of Arkansas broke out and Lou Holtz suddenly was available and then signed on with the Gophers. There was great excitement and coverage when his hiring was announced.
We've seen the speculative lists that have been promoted and discussed. For me, it's been interesting to read and contemplate, not unlike recruiting stories. Nevertheless, I wonder if the next coach to accept the challenge of coaching the Gophers is someone no one has discussed or speculated about. Timelines may turn out to be similar to that of the 1983 search as well. Time will tell, however.
Go Gophers!!
One big difference, I don't recall that an outside search firm was contracted in 1983. I also don't believe the interest or coverage of the search in 1983 was all that great. Times, of course, including the internet and the many blogs are factors in the change. What coverage there was in 1983 seemed to focus on the disinterest in the coaching fraternity about the Minnesota coaching position. Les Steckel, among others, publicly said they weren't interested. There were a lot of jokes about Minnesota being unable to find a coach. And then the unexpected happened in the third week of December. Internal turmoil at the University of Arkansas broke out and Lou Holtz suddenly was available and then signed on with the Gophers. There was great excitement and coverage when his hiring was announced.
We've seen the speculative lists that have been promoted and discussed. For me, it's been interesting to read and contemplate, not unlike recruiting stories. Nevertheless, I wonder if the next coach to accept the challenge of coaching the Gophers is someone no one has discussed or speculated about. Timelines may turn out to be similar to that of the 1983 search as well. Time will tell, however.
Go Gophers!!