What grade would you give Hugh McCutcheon in his coaching career at Minnesota?

[GopherHole Staff]

What grade would you give Hugh McCutcheon in his coaching career at Minnesota?

 

[NextYear_76]

Disappointing they have not won a national title but they have been a top ten team. Need a leader (player) and the right combination/scheme to reach the next level. Hugh has been great and deserves respect. The problem is we look at Nebraska, Penn State and pardon the language Wisconsin and see champions. In any other conference we would be on cloud nine

 

[WayOfTheGopher]

For as good as the Gophers were under him, they just couldn't get over that last hurdle. Next year we start a new chapter in Gopher Volleyball.

 

[El Amin Fan]

B+. Elevated the program, couldn't get over the hump.

 

[Ski U Mah Gopher]

Should have had all the intermediate grades, too.

I said A, but actually my grade is A-.

 

[Gophers_4life]

His very obvious vision was to have the team play like an Olympic team: fast tempo sets, back row attacks, and six-rotation pins.

That doesn't work in college, and Hugh proved it.


Time to go back to normal women's college volleyball play, that wins championships: high sets and specialists in the backrow.

 

[GringaGopher]

B. When you have top talent teams year after year and exit early with never winning a Natty can’t give him the A. While they were almost always competitive I always felt they lacked the intensity or that killer instinct to finish. Some of that energy has to come from the coaching staff. Hugh always looked like he was having a walk in the park regardless of the opponent or significance of the match.

 

[Hrothgar]

I'd say for the first 6 1/2 years I'd give an A. There were BIG championships and Final Fours. Plus the feeling the Gophers could & would beat anyone they played. With a national championship (which was in reach) or even a final-round NCAA loss I'd give an A+. Teams with real focus and verve.

For the final 4 1/2 years something like a B- or C+. One Final Four, no BIG title (neither of those the last 3 years). Losses to some teams they should've beaten (like NW & Ore & losing 3 match pts v. WI). Lots of top recruits, but no complete team. The last 3 years a gradual decline in team results and at times desultory play (such as v. Pepperdine & the last 3 NCAA sets v. OSU this season, sort of like what's it matter, we won the first set). MN was IMO being outrecruited (despite some brilliant individual players) & outcoached.

 

[Stan]

B+