Sizzle or Steak?

[HoustonTXGopher]

I really like Claeys demeanor. He is a real guy with midwestern roots and midwestern values. I think he is a quality coach that is still learning on the job, and there is so much to being a head coach that most of us could never imagine. He isn't a snake oil salesman trying to pull the wool over our eyes. He is a straight shooter that wants to win as badly as anyone. I think the fanbase is too concerned with his lack of Rah Rah and some don't like his appearance. I think he just went 8-4 in his first full year of being a BIG head coach, even had opportunities to be better. Our easy schedule this year has two of our opponents playing for the BIG championship, so maybe PSU was better than we thought when we had them on the ropes. Claeys isn't going to sell you the sizzle and it seems like that's what many in the fan base want, I think he is going to continue to put a good product on the field that will compete, and really that's a huge improvement over the last 45 years of Gopher football, don't ya think?

 

[Bob_Loblaw]

Gopher fans have the collective memories of goldfish.

Do you remember how much Brew was hated for being a salesman? I get it, we lost and he came off as a blowhard. That's how that kind of personality looks when you lose. I'm not blaming Brew for being that way, I am just pointing out that the discussion of Claeys demeanor being a problem is nonsense.

It's just like with Kill. If we would have lost. Do you think ole Country Jer would have been mocked around here? He is kind of a goof ball. OF course he would have. But he won, so, people liked him.

Winning is all that matters.

 

[GopherTheMoney]

Gopher fans have the collective memories of goldfish.

Do you remember how much Brew was hated for being a salesman? I get it, we lost and he came off as a blowhard. That's how that kind of personality looks when you lose. I'm not blaming Brew for being that way, I am just pointing out that the discussion of Claeys demeanor being a problem is nonsense.

It's just like with Kill. If we would have lost. Do you think ole Country Jer would have been mocked around here? He is kind of a goof ball. OF course he would have. But he won, so, people liked him.

Winning is all that matters.

Your beloved TC won 8 games this year and attendance was the worst it has been since TCF BANK opened...More people came last year to watch a 5-7 team.

 

[HoustonTXGopher]

Your beloved TC won 8 games this year and attendance was the worst it has been since TCF BANK opened...More people came last year to watch a 5-7 team.

True and TC delivered 6 home wins to just one loss. What more does he need to do? It's a brand new Viking stadium and certainly entertainment dollars are probably budgeted for most folks, but I am not going to apologize for a guy that just went 6-1 at home. I was at the Northwestern game and had we been undefeated I still don't think TCF would have been sold out.

 

[SickAndTiredOfLosingToWI]

We just went toe-to-toe with the #6 team in the country on their turf and could have had the W if not for the 4 INTs which totally screwed up our rhythm and gassed our D. Everybody knew ML had to be on top of his game tonight and he wasn't in the 2nd half.

I am impressed by TC. His teams play tough against everyone. Too bad he wasn't able to squeak one out against Mich/OSU last year, and PSU/Neb/Wisc this year, but his teams are always ready to play.

Also, we showed a lot of improvement over the season, especially in the past few games. I hope 8 wins is enough for Coyle with the real possibility of doing better next season. I hope we don't return to the pre-Kill cooordinator carousel.

 

[Sparlimb]

We just went toe-to-toe with the #6 team in the country on their turf and could have had the W if not for the 4 INTs which totally screwed up our rhythm and gassed our D. Everybody knew ML had to be on top of his game tonight and he wasn't in the 2nd half.

I am impressed by TC. His teams play tough against everyone. Too bad he wasn't able to squeak one out against Mich/OSU last year, and PSU/Neb/Wisc this year, but his teams are always ready to play.

Also, we showed a lot of improvement over the season, especially in the past few games. I hope 8 wins is enough for Coyle with the real possibility of doing better next season. I hope we don't return to the pre-Kill cooordinator carousel.

You don't sound sick and tired of losing...

 

[short ornery norwegian]

In today's game, a Head coach has to do more than X's and O's. A head coach needs to be the spokesman for the program - be able to connect with the boosters - help sell tickets - and yes, the Head Coach needs to be able to sell recruits on his program.

I think Claeys is a good coordinator who is not really cut out to be the head coach. And, like it or not, appearance matters. The Gopher head coach is overweight, and stands on the sideline like a bump on a log during games. He's not good with the media. And his teams keep making the same mistakes over and over again. That shouldn't happen under a good coach. the targeting penalties - the pre-snap infractions - those are indicators of an undisciplined team.

I'm sorry, but I have changed my opinion as the season has unfolded. This doesn't feel like an 8-win team. It feels like about a 5-win team. I just don't see Claeys taking this program to another level. This year was (IMHO) Claey's ceiling. Some may be happy. I'm not.

 

[everybody knows my name]

Maybe your feelings are irrelevant. Maybe an 8-win team is still an 8-win team even if you don't get the sensation you're hoping for. Maybe if you want that special feeling you should buy a vibrator.

 

[Pompous Elitist]

Maybe your feelings are irrelevant. Maybe an 8-win team is still an 8-win team even if you don't get the sensation you're hoping for. Maybe if you want that special feeling you should buy a vibrator.

This made me laugh out loud.

Even if I disagree with you and more with SON.

 

[gopherdudepart2]

Very logical post

In today's game, a Head coach has to do more than X's and O's. A head coach needs to be the spokesman for the program - be able to connect with the boosters - help sell tickets - and yes, the Head Coach needs to be able to sell recruits on his program.

I think Claeys is a good coordinator who is not really cut out to be the head coach. And, like it or not, appearance matters. The Gopher head coach is overweight, and stands on the sideline like a bump on a log during games. He's not good with the media. And his teams keep making the same mistakes over and over again. That shouldn't happen under a good coach. the targeting penalties - the pre-snap infractions - those are indicators of an undisciplined team.

I'm sorry, but I have changed my opinion as the season has unfolded. This doesn't feel like an 8-win team. It feels like about a 5-win team. I just don't see Claeys taking this program to another level. This year was (IMHO) Claey's ceiling. Some may be happy. I'm not.

SON, you have articulated every reason I think the Gophers need to go in a new direction. Minnesota needs a new head coach, that can elevate this program.

 

[XMan]

in think it is stupid when people say this looks like a 5 win team not an 8 win team. No I saw the 8 wins. I hop we get a decent bowl game and go out on a win.

 

[GophFan52]

in think it is stupid when people say this looks like a 5 win team not an 8 win team. No I saw the 8 wins. I hop we get a decent bowl game and go out on a win.

If we win the bowl game are we a 6 win team or still a 5 win team??

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[maroonfive]

I really like Claeys demeanor. He is a real guy with midwestern roots and midwestern values. I think he is a quality coach that is still learning on the job, and there is so much to being a head coach that most of us could never imagine. He isn't a snake oil salesman trying to pull the wool over our eyes. He is a straight shooter that wants to win as badly as anyone. I think the fanbase is too concerned with his lack of Rah Rah and some don't like his appearance. I think he just went 8-4 in his first full year of being a BIG head coach, even had opportunities to be better. Our easy schedule this year has two of our opponents playing for the BIG championship, so maybe PSU was better than we thought when we had them on the ropes. Claeys isn't going to sell you the sizzle and it seems like that's what many in the fan base want, I think he is going to continue to put a good product on the field that will compete, and really that's a huge improvement over the last 45 years of Gopher football, don't ya think?

What are midwestern values?

 

[scools12]

True and TC delivered 6 home wins to just one loss. What more does he need to do? It's a brand new Viking stadium and certainly entertainment dollars are probably budgeted for most folks, but I am not going to apologize for a guy that just went 6-1 at home. I was at the Northwestern game and had we been undefeated I still don't think TCF would have been sold out.

Don't think Claeys should be fired but fair or not attendance is a problem. He needs to win some games that generate interest in the program. Didn't get that done this year.

Pretty sure the AD is aware of that too.

 

[HoustonTXGopher]

What are midwestern values?

I always think of midwestern values as a guy who just works hard and doesn't need the fanfare to go along with his successes. Midwestern is solid, trustworthy, do the right thing and look out for the other guy mentality. Just my opinion, but I live in Texas so I might just be a blow hard. LOL

 

[short ornery norwegian]

To make this clear:

I am not impressed with this team. There have been 8-win seasons where I came away saying, "I like this team. They're fun to watch."

I did not get that feeling from this year's team. This year's team was like going to a big blockbuster movie and coming away disappointed. I expected more, and didn't see it.

To be clear - this is a subjective argument. You can't quantify it with numbers or stats. I'm expressing an opinion - a feeling. I'm going with my gut over my head.

And yes, even if they win a bowl game, I will feel the same way. The one thing that could change is if the coaches show me something different in the bowl game - different play-calling, a different approach, even (GASP) a different QB. Please coaches, show me you have the capacity to learn, change and adjust.

You are free to agree or disagree.

 

[Great Plains Gopher]

For the most part, the defense is much improved, kicking game good, running game good and looks good for years ahead, but the Kill regime has had trouble with offense every year - especially at QB. You rarely see misdirection, trickery (compare with Washington under Peterson), imagination, innovation, even adjustments at halftime. Snyder almost won a national championship with JC QBs at K-State, but we don't even try to recruit them. After 12 games, we're 106th nationally in total offense, 108th in passing offense. This was supposed to be the year we improved those stats, but we didn't. Still, I'd give Claeys another year before any extension or serious consideration of replacing him. A bowl win would make a 9-4 season.

 

[maroonfive]

I always think of midwestern values as a guy who just works hard and doesn't need the fanfare to go along with his successes. Midwestern is solid, trustworthy, do the right thing and look out for the other guy mentality. Just my opinion, but I live in Texas so I might just be a blow hard. LOL

I like your explanation but Wisconsin is in the midwest and they do not represent any of this.

Go Gophers !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[HoustonTXGopher]

I like your explanation but Wisconsin is in the midwest and they do not represent any of this.

Go Gophers !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

True, but everybody knows that Wisconsin is the exception and are just a bunch of AA rejects.

 

[Some Day...Is Coming!]

I really like Claeys demeanor. He is a real guy with midwestern roots and midwestern values. I think he is a quality coach that is still learning on the job, and there is so much to being a head coach that most of us could never imagine. He isn't a snake oil salesman trying to pull the wool over our eyes. He is a straight shooter that wants to win as badly as anyone. I think the fanbase is too concerned with his lack of Rah Rah and some don't like his appearance. I think he just went 8-4 in his first full year of being a BIG head coach, even had opportunities to be better. Our easy schedule this year has two of our opponents playing for the BIG championship, so maybe PSU was better than we thought when we had them on the ropes. Claeys isn't going to sell you the sizzle and it seems like that's what many in the fan base want, I think he is going to continue to put a good product on the field that will compete, and really that's a huge improvement over the last 45 years of Gopher football, don't ya think?

No, that's not what I think. Claeys a huge improvement over Mason and Kill? Please. There's better steak to be had out there, and believe it or not, with a little sizzle too.

This is not a position to "learn on the job".


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[ruppertflywheel]

What are midwestern values?

Old Country Jer and Big Country Claeys are tight ass conservatives. Case in point. Twice yesterday we could have gone with a fake punt and got yards for a first down. We could have done that a few other times this year. Like under Kill, the offense had no imagination whatsoever. No jailbreak, or bubble screens. We ran a jet sweep with Brooks and it gained 10 yards. Rhoda's TD pass was a middle screen to Brooks, or Smith. That was the only time we used those two plays with our best playmakers. The offense has been incapable of making adjustments in the second half of our 4 losses If Claeys has no in game input , this falls on Jay Johnson. I don't see Claeys firing him after one year.

 

[HoustonTXGopher]

No, that's not what I think. Claeys a huge improvement over Mason and Kill? Please. There's better steak to be had out there, and believe it or not, with a little sizzle too.

This is not a position to "learn on the job".



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Most coaches have a "learn on the job" experience their first couple of years. I would bet if you ever were in a promotable position that you would be far more mature and better at your job after having done it a few years? Dude just went 8-4, competed in every game, which hasn't been done for 45 years, ever. I swear, anyone that thinks Claeys should be fired for the year we just had truly has their head right up their number 2 hole.

 

[50PoundHead]

Old Country Jer and Big Country Claeys are tight ass conservatives. Case in point. Twice yesterday we could have gone with a fake punt and got yards for a first down. We could have done that a few other times this year. Like under Kill, the offense had no imagination whatsoever. No jailbreak, or bubble screens. We ran a jet sweep with Brooks and it gained 10 yards. Rhoda's TD pass was a middle screen to Brooks, or Smith. That was the only time we used those two plays with our best playmakers. The offense has been incapable of making adjustments in the second half of our 4 losses If Claeys has no in game input , this falls on Jay Johnson. I don't see Claeys firing him after one year.

Kill ran his share of fake punts during his tenure (including a massive fail against Indiana a couple of years ago).

I'm with my short ornery Scandinavian brother. I won't be upset if Claeys is retained, but I just don't think he's up to the job. This is his first head coaching gig and a Power 5 conference is nowhere to learn on the job. My biggest concern is recruiting. He seems to subscribe to Kill's MAC mentality where he believes he can coach guys with average (or below average) tools into solid contributors. Even if you have the best redshirt program in the galaxy, that's almost impossible to do.

I'm a Gopher fan whatever happens.

 

[Sparlimb]

Kill ran his share of fake punts during his tenure (including a massive fail against Indiana a couple of years ago).

I'm with my short ornery Scandinavian brother. I won't be upset if Claeys is retained, but I just don't think he's up to the job. This is his first head coaching gig and a Power 5 conference is nowhere to learn on the job. My biggest concern is recruiting. He seems to subscribe to Kill's MAC mentality where he believes he can coach guys with average (or below average) tools into solid contributors. Even if you have the best redshirt program in the galaxy, that's almost impossible to do.

I'm a Gopher fan whatever happens.

I'm there with you 50Pound. I'm a Gopher fan no matter what as well. And while I don't think Claeys is the right guy either, I'm not going to scream if he's retained. I expect he will be. Next year is a new year and will be another struggle to become bowl eligible. I'm happy I won't have to watch Mitch more than once more ever. Indifference it is.

 

[mplsbadger]

I would extend him. He's the architect of the defense. The linebackers are going to be awesome and the line is pretty good. I'd expect big things from this group. I don't know if you can really separate Johnson from Leidner so jury is still out on Johnson. I'd extend Claeys so that recruiting isn't affected, maintaining the same favorable buyout conditions and give this group another year or two.


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