What changes do you expect to see with the team under Tracy Claeys' leadership?

[El Amin Fan]

What changes do you expect to see with the team under Tracy Claeys' leadership?

 

[MNVCGUY]

Not crazy about the choices in the poll. I don't expect many changes at all under Claeys but not sure that qualifies as a good thing or a disappointment. For the time being I don't think this is seen as a changing of the guard so from a coaching standpoint they are just going to keep on doing what they have done to this point and keep things afloat until Kill potentially comes back.

 

[Halsey Hall]

Won't start Nelson

 

[e.bigelow]

Zero changes.

 

[ruppertflywheel]

He's an interm ass't coach. Not the same situation as when Jeff Horton took over. The game plan is a mouth piece of what Coach Kill wants done. So I wouldn't look for any jet sweeps, jail break screens, bubble screens, etc. He'll pound the rock, some drag patterns, middle screen to Cobb, quick outs, etc
Basically try and keep Northwestern off the field on offense.

 

[GopherDieHardDyingHard]

I'm hoping to see him take the reins defensively with more pressure on the QB. Less 3 man rushes and more weak-side blitz packages. We cannot let whoever is starting at QB sit in the pocket all day and pick apart our secondary.

 

[edma0012]

Who's going to be acting DC?
I expect our defense to be less prepared.

 

[mnsports1]

Who's going to be acting DC?
I expect our defense to be less prepared.

So glad you're back!

 

[station19]

I expect to go undefeated the rest of the year.

 

[Killjoy]

I expect Parski will rise from the Great Pumpkin Patch on Halloween.

 

[jaymil]

Who's going to be acting DC?
I expect our defense to be less prepared.

Claeys is still calling defensive plays.

 

[bleedsmaroonandgold]

I'm hoping to see him take the reins defensively with more pressure on the QB. Less 3 man rushes and more weak-side blitz packages. We cannot let whoever is starting at QB sit in the pocket all day and pick apart our secondary.

This is certainly what I hope for, but I don't necessarily expect to see this change because of Claeys becoming the interim coach. However, it might change as a result of Claeys seeing what happens with the three man rush as he said during the presser.

 

[Killjoy]

Claeys is still calling defensive plays.

I guess edma0012 doesn't have a clue as to what is going on. He is too busy ranting and raving to actual take time to listen to what is happening.

 

[Dr.Don]

I guess edma0012 doesn't have a clue as to what is going on. He is too busy ranting and raving to actual take time to listen to what is happening.

Killjoy, edma0012 can't hold a candle to Kelly Leeks.

 

[Spoofin]

Who's going to be acting DC?
I expect our defense to be less prepared.

Ummm, Tracy Claeys? Is this a trick question.

 

[edma0012]

great

Ummm, Tracy Claeys? Is this a trick question.

You guys are great at catching sarcasm
But just so we're clear though, we've got a guy that's never been a HC, openly saying he wishes he didn't have to do the job, acting as head coach, while at the same time prepping our below average defense for NW. Nobody has concerns about that?

Contrary to what some folks on here think, coordinators and head coaches have very different jobs. Instead of focusing on getting his guys ready for (until last week anyway) a pretty successful NW offense, he's got to now focus on the HC duties.

I want the guys to win each week too, coming on here and pretending like this leave isn't going to have a practical impact is ridiculous. If Kill has value as a HC, and Claeys has value as a DC (Which have to be true, vis-a-vie the gophers coaching staff) then removing one from the team leaves the team without a management level person of value. Its a simple as that. Our best HC isn't on the sidelines and our best DC isn't solely focussed on that.

believe it or not, its ok to be a passionate fan of this university and still have standards and make critical statements.

 

[Spoofin]

You guys are great at catching sarcasm
But just so we're clear though, we've got a guy that's never been a HC, openly saying he wishes he didn't have to do the job, acting as head coach, while at the same time prepping our below average defense for NW. Nobody has concerns about that?

Contrary to what some folks on here think, coordinators and head coaches have very different jobs. Instead of focusing on getting his guys ready for (until last week anyway) a pretty successful NW offense, he's got to now focus on the HC duties.

I want the guys to win each week too, coming on here and pretending like this leave isn't going to have a practical impact is ridiculous. If Kill has value as a HC, and Claeys has value as a DC (Which have to be true, vis-a-vie the gophers coaching staff) then removing one from the team leaves the team without a management level person of value. Its a simple as that. Our best HC isn't on the sidelines and our best DC isn't solely focussed on that.

believe it or not, its ok to be a passionate fan of this university and still have standards and make critical statements.

I simply answered your question. Never said I didn't have concerns. With that said, I think Kill is doing the right thing, and I think the U is as well. Again, that doesn't mean I don't have concerns. I choose to give our team and coaches the benefit of the doubt until proven otherwise, however.

Sent from my MZ617 using Tapatalk 4

 

[fryguy22]

You guys are great at catching sarcasm
But just so we're clear though, we've got a guy that's never been a HC, openly saying he wishes he didn't have to do the job, acting as head coach, while at the same time prepping our below average defense for NW. Nobody has concerns about that?

Contrary to what some folks on here think, coordinators and head coaches have very different jobs. Instead of focusing on getting his guys ready for (until last week anyway) a pretty successful NW offense, he's got to now focus on the HC duties.

I want the guys to win each week too, coming on here and pretending like this leave isn't going to have a practical impact is ridiculous. If Kill has value as a HC, and Claeys has value as a DC (Which have to be true, vis-a-vie the gophers coaching staff) then removing one from the team leaves the team without a management level person of value. Its a simple as that. Our best HC isn't on the sidelines and our best DC isn't solely focussed on that.

believe it or not, its ok to be a passionate fan of this university and still have standards and make critical statements.

SO YOU'RE SAYING WE WOULD BE BETTER OFF IF WE HAD OUR HEAD COACH?!?!?! OH MY GOD REVOLUTIONARY!!!!!

 

[bleedsmaroonandgold]

SO YOU'RE SAYING WE WOULD BE BETTER OFF IF WE HAD OUR HEAD COACH?!?!?! OH MY GOD REVOLUTIONARY!!!!!

While I try to avoid disagreeing with edma about anything, ever, I feel like there is something a little more nuanced then what you said about his comments. It is natural to assume that we want the person who takes over the HC duties to be the person best equipped to be the HC. In this case, it seems like that is Claeys, who is also our DC. What I think is at least worth some thought is the consideration of whether we would be better off by finding someone less important (but still trusted), and have him take over the HC duties. It is tough to imagine Claeys trying to run the HC show will inhibit his ability to be the best DC he is capable of being. Tough to quantify, but we might be better off with someone else doing the HC stuff (which, based on some of the threads earlier about Kill leaving during halftime, a lot of people seem to think is not much on gameday) so that Claeys can focus on DC work.

What this reminds me of is when Nolen went down with the injury and we moved Hoffarber to PG. It seemed like all we were considering was that Hoffarber was a better PG than Maverick was, so Hoffarber got the job because he was the best PG available. However, Hoffarber was also the best SG available, and he was much better as SG than he was at PG. I think it would have been worth at least considering trying out Mav at the point to let Hoffarber play his natural position.

 

[MNVCGUY]

While I try to avoid disagreeing with edma about anything, ever, I feel like there is something a little more nuanced then what you said about his comments. It is natural to assume that we want the person who takes over the HC duties to be the person best equipped to be the HC. In this case, it seems like that is Claeys, who is also our DC. What I think is at least worth some thought is the consideration of whether we would be better off by finding someone less important (but still trusted), and have him take over the HC duties. It is tough to imagine Claeys trying to run the HC show will inhibit his ability to be the best DC he is capable of being. Tough to quantify, but we might be better off with someone else doing the HC stuff (which, based on some of the threads earlier about Kill leaving during halftime, a lot of people seem to think is not much on gameday) so that Claeys can focus on DC work.

What this reminds me of is when Nolen went down with the injury and we moved Hoffarber to PG. It seemed like all we were considering was that Hoffarber was a better PG than Maverick was, so Hoffarber got the job because he was the best PG available. However, Hoffarber was also the best SG available, and he was much better as SG than he was at PG. I think it would have been worth at least considering trying out Mav at the point to let Hoffarber play his natural position.

The one dynamic of this that could prove really interesting is how Claeys adjusts to calling the defensive plays from the sideline and not the press box. The game looks very different from field level than it does from above, it would seem like this may present some interesting challenges for him as a DC given that he is used to seeing things from a certain perspective.

 

[BreakTheGopherCurse]

SO YOU'RE SAYING WE WOULD BE BETTER OFF IF WE HAD OUR HEAD COACH?!?!?! OH MY GOD REVOLUTIONARY!!!!!

Actually, edma brings up a good point. I'm very concerned about Claeys being down on the field rather than up in the booth. I'm also concerned about how effective he will be as a head coach. From the little bit he's been quoted, I'm surprised at what's coming out of his mouth. Of course, must cut him slack since this isn't his normal job. Hope I'm dead wrong, but I'm not feeling very positive about having Claeys in charge. Just doesn't come off as having a lot of drive and passion.

 

[Ole]

Claeys is a much cooler customer than Kill. Heard him on the radio today.
That said, you can tell he's a student of the game. I'm betting he calls a solid game, defensively he can still use the booth as eyes and still have his play card with him.
If we lose this saturday it will be because of turnovers and mistakes, not coaching calls or Claeys lack of knowledge.

 

[Coolew01]

The one dynamic of this that could prove really interesting is how Claeys adjusts to calling the defensive plays from the sideline and not the press box. The game looks very different from field level than it does from above, it would seem like this may present some interesting challenges for him as a DC given that he is used to seeing things from a certain perspective.

Agree with what you said, put someone in the box that you trust to tell you what is going on

 

[fryguy22]

Actually, edma brings up a good point. I'm very concerned about Claeys being down on the field rather than up in the booth. I'm also concerned about how effective he will be as a head coach. From the little bit he's been quoted, I'm surprised at what's coming out of his mouth. Of course, must cut him slack since this isn't his normal job. Hope I'm dead wrong, but I'm not feeling very positive about having Claeys in charge. Just doesn't come off as having a lot of drive and passion.

When did I disagree with any concern about how effective he will be as a head coach? Obviously we would rather have the HEAD COACH playing the role of HEAD COACH....that aside I'm not sure how you come to the conclusion that someone who's been successfully coaching football for multiple decades doesn't have "a lot of drive and passion"

 

[BreakTheGopherCurse]

When did I disagree with any concern about how effective he will be as a head coach? Obviously we would rather have the HEAD COACH playing the role of HEAD COACH....that aside I'm not sure how you come to the conclusion that someone who's been successfully coaching football for multiple decades doesn't have "a lot of drive and passion"

perhaps drive and passion were the wrong words. thinking more about it, he just doesn't sound confident, enthusiastic or fired up. just a sense i get, not saying i'm right. obviously, i have no idea how he interacts with the team, what kind of leader he is, or how deeply he cares. but when he says if things don't go well at Minnesota, "heck, I'll go back and serve bar in Clay Center, Kansas", it just doesn't sit well with me. to others (maybe you) that may not mean anything or it may even be interpreted in a positive light. and that's an equally valid opinion. i'm just giving my opinion, that's all. he doesn't inspire me or exude the image i'd like to see from the DC and acting Head Coach.

 

[Seany]

Actually, edma brings up a good point. I'm very concerned about Claeys being down on the field rather than up in the booth. I'm also concerned about how effective he will be as a head coach. From the little bit he's been quoted, I'm surprised at what's coming out of his mouth. Of course, must cut him slack since this isn't his normal job. Hope I'm dead wrong, but I'm not feeling very positive about having Claeys in charge. Just doesn't come off as having a lot of drive and passion.

Well, RE: him being down there on the field, I don't really see what's so concerning about that. 'Coordinator' status or not, at the bottom line he is a football coach and has been one for a very long time, so maybe it would be a beneficial experience for him to witness and coach a competitive game from field level rather than from his customary perch up in the clouds...and it's not like there aren't plenty of qualified assistants able to take his place in the booth while relaying whatever relevant information they're seeing from up there right down to him.

And regarding the rest of the comments which you have attributed to him, I have not heard any of those, but if true (especially the tending bar comment), I would have to agree that such sentiments would be highly disappointing to hear as a fan, because if you haven't got passion as a coach (even if doubting or not especially feeling it at the moment), then how on earth can you possibly expect to rouse your players up to play the very best for you?

I don't know, but we will soon enough see.

 

[MNVCGUY]

Well, RE: him being down there on the field, I don't really see what's so concerning about that. 'Coordinator' status or not, at the bottom line he is a football coach and has been one for a very long time, so maybe it would be a beneficial experience for him to witness and coach a competitive game from field level rather than from his customary perch up in the clouds...and it's not like there aren't plenty of qualified assistants able to take his place in the booth while relaying whatever relevant information they're seeing from up there right down to him.

And regarding the rest of the comments which you have attributed to him, I have not heard any of those, but if true (especially the tending bar comment), I would have to agree that such sentiments would be highly disappointing to hear as a fan, because if you haven't got passion as a coach (even if doubting or not especially feeling it at the moment), then how on earth can you possibly expect to rouse your players up to play the very best for you?

I don't know, but we will soon enough see.

I am sure someone can locate the exact quote but he definitely made the tending bar comments. Probably an attempt at humor on his part that fell flat and definitely not the kind of comment you want your acting head coach to make. I think he is being honest when he says he really doesn't want to be the head coach, not just because of his relationship with Kill but because he is the kind of guy that is very content not to be the face of a program and likes the role of DC. Some coaches don't want that spotlight that comes with being the head coach, and while I certainly could be wrong both Claeys and Limegrover give off the vibe of being career coordinators and not future head coaches.

As for being on the sideline, he will certainly be in constant contact with people in the booth but a team like Northwestern goes fast on offense so that could present some potential issues. I am sure they will make it work but will be interesting to see how it plays out over the course of the game. I think it is absolutely the right decision to have him on the sideline since he is the acting head coach but calling the defensive plays may end up being something he has to pass over to one of the other assistants if Kill has an extended absence.

 

[Seany]

I am sure someone can locate the exact quote but he definitely made the tending bar comments. Probably an attempt at humor on his part that fell flat and definitely not the kind of comment you want your acting head coach to make. I think he is being honest when he says he really doesn't want to be the head coach, not just because of his relationship with Kill but because he is the kind of guy that is very content not to be the face of a program and likes the role of DC. Some coaches don't want that spotlight that comes with being the head coach, and while I certainly could be wrong both Claeys and Limegrover give off the vibe of being career coordinators and not future head coaches.

As for being on the sideline, he will certainly be in constant contact with people in the booth but a team like Northwestern goes fast on offense so that could present some potential issues. I am sure they will make it work but will be interesting to see how it plays out over the course of the game. I think it is absolutely the right decision to have him on the sideline since he is the acting head coach but calling the defensive plays may end up being something he has to pass over to one of the other assistants if Kill has an extended absence.

Well that's alright then, as it all lies within the context. A joke fallen flat, hey, who hasn't delivered one (or many) of those, and maybe he's just not used to having the bright lights upon him like that, and how once those lights are shining upon you it is very easy to mis-speak or have an idle comment or failed joke taken right out of context.

And I agree with you and know for a fact that some of the very best coaches within the history of football have remained as 'nothing' more than coordinators throughout their careers, simply because that was what they were happy to be doing and where they felt most comfortable, along with wishing to maybe not take on the massive burden inherent in becoming a head coach and 'face' of a program, as that is an entirely different deal than being about just simply coaching football.

Anyhow, I'm sure Claeys will do fine. He'll have the boys properly motivated and after this bye-week fully ready to go against an NU team which is beaten up physically, and mentally, is hopefully completely demoralized.

Wishful thinking? Perhaps, but that is the mindset I choose to indulge in.

 

[fryguy22]

perhaps drive and passion were the wrong words. thinking more about it, he just doesn't sound confident, enthusiastic or fired up. just a sense i get, not saying i'm right. obviously, i have no idea how he interacts with the team, what kind of leader he is, or how deeply he cares. but when he says if things don't go well at Minnesota, "heck, I'll go back and serve bar in Clay Center, Kansas", it just doesn't sit well with me. to others (maybe you) that may not mean anything or it may even be interpreted in a positive light. and that's an equally valid opinion. i'm just giving my opinion, that's all. he doesn't inspire me or exude the image i'd like to see from the DC and acting Head Coach.

Fair enough, I get that. Personally I don't think a coach needs to be fired up to be effective, but I see where others would disagree (and it's certainly a change from the way Jerry Kill operates). Thanks for clarifying and keeping it civil.

Go Gophers!

 

[Dr.Don]

I am expecting to finally see some insulting comments towards the team, and individual cuss outs towards individuals for a change of pace on the Game Day Thread.