"Fox 9 Sports has learned Bob Motzko will not be back next season to coach the Gophers Men’s Hockey team —- He will leave after 8 seasons"
https://twitter.com/Fox9Sports/status/2034314672963473732
Frost, now Bob.
well wow, just seeing this on twitter
hope it’s on his terms.
“When your best friend is the son of God, you get tired of losing every argument.”
― Christopher Moore, Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I strongly suspect he’s retiring as opposed to being fired.
but I guess it’s possible after the last year if he decided against retirement.
Stunned, but serious shakeup with both hockey programs.
I know Motzko took heat this year, much of it deserved. I hope he is also appreciated for what he did. Great career for coach; wish he closed his coaching career on a better note.
I strongly suspect he’s retiring as opposed to being fired.
but I guess it’s possible after the last year if he decided against retirement.
I hope that’s the case. If he was fired, massive mistake. No clear hires that are upgrades.
Good coach, brought a lot of shine back to the program. Really respect and appreciate his tenure.
But, I do believe it is time for a fresh voice and new perspective.
Hope the commits hold tight!
Perhaps this calls for an emergency GPL Podcast??????
My guess is this will be a "retirement" in that they told him either leave with grace or get the boot... I'm gonna miss Bob.
I strongly suspect he’s retiring as opposed to being fired.
but I guess it’s possible after the last year if he decided against retirement.
I hope that’s the case. If he was fired, massive mistake. No clear hires that are upgrades.
Maybe not stone cold locks to be upgrades, but certainly upward trajectory and more nimble on the changing landscape.
I strongly suspect he’s retiring as opposed to being fired.
but I guess it’s possible after the last year if he decided against retirement.
I hope that’s the case. If he was fired, massive mistake. No clear hires that are upgrades.
Can't call it a mistake. Yeah, we have some talent coming in over the next year or two but it honestly feels like U of M hockey is getting passed by. Sounds weird beings we were just playing for a Natty in 2023 but every year, more and more programs are improving and becoming threats while the Gophers have been regressing and if this is ground zero, it'll be another couple years before we're in the convo for a natty as the Gophers should always be.
This may actually get me to renew my season tix after we decided against it.
I strongly suspect he’s retiring as opposed to being fired.
but I guess it’s possible after the last year if he decided against retirement.
I hope that’s the case. If he was fired, massive mistake. No clear hires that are upgrades.
Can't call it a mistake. Yeah, we have some talent coming in over the next year or two but it honestly feels like U of M hockey is getting passed by. Sounds weird beings we were just playing for a Natty in 2023 but every year, more and more programs are improving and becoming threats while the Gophers have been regressing and if this is ground zero, it'll be another couple years before we're in the convo for a natty as the Gophers should always be.
this is an absurd take in the portal era.
I strongly suspect he’s retiring as opposed to being fired.
but I guess it’s possible after the last year if he decided against retirement.
I hope that’s the case. If he was fired, massive mistake. No clear hires that are upgrades.
Can't call it a mistake. Yeah, we have some talent coming in over the next year or two but it honestly feels like U of M hockey is getting passed by. Sounds weird beings we were just playing for a Natty in 2023 but every year, more and more programs are improving and becoming threats while the Gophers have been regressing and if this is ground zero, it'll be another couple years before we're in the convo for a natty as the Gophers should always be.
this is an absurd take in the portal era.
Is it, though?
Gophers aren't NIL powerhouses. We've gotten some decent players from the Portal but what's that gotten us? Wood for a season and being ousted in the regionals. A season of Souliere?
And, the portal works both ways. Is it a lock that we retain Motzko recruits after his departure?
The program just hit rock bottom in one of the worst seasons in 30 years with a new coach....I'm going to bet we're not a hot landing place for the top portal players this season.
Edit: Hell, maybe the new coach is more aggressive in the portal than Bob.
Michigan missed the tournament last year and are the #1 seed this year. Take a breath, all. lordy. This program, it's pedigree and facilities, will not take a long time to get back up.
I strongly suspect he’s retiring as opposed to being fired.
but I guess it’s possible after the last year if he decided against retirement.
I hope that’s the case. If he was fired, massive mistake. No clear hires that are upgrades.
Can't call it a mistake. Yeah, we have some talent coming in over the next year or two but it honestly feels like U of M hockey is getting passed by. Sounds weird beings we were just playing for a Natty in 2023 but every year, more and more programs are improving and becoming threats while the Gophers have been regressing and if this is ground zero, it'll be another couple years before we're in the convo for a natty as the Gophers should always be.
this is an absurd take in the portal era.
Is it, though?
Gophers aren't NIL powerhouses. We've gotten some decent players from the Portal but what's that gotten us? Wood for a season and being ousted in the regionals. A season of Souliere?
And, the portal works both ways. Is it a lock that we retain Motzko recruits after his departure?
The program just hit rock bottom in one of the worst seasons in 30 years with a new coach....I'm going to bet we're not a hot landing place for the top portal players this season.
how good are the facilities, how good is the revenue share (players here are actually getting some), how good is the coaching? we just watched PSU rapidly ascend and WI flatline.
It all depends on who the coach is, what they're selling, and what resources Coyle gives them (on top of what the hire does for the fanbase/NIL).
The program just hit rock bottom in one of the worst seasons in 30 years with a new coach....I'm going to bet we're not a hot landing place for the top portal players this season.
Pump the brakes and take the tinfoil off. The 'U' will continue to be a hotbed for recruits, just to be more proactive with the recruiting these days. This isn't the 80's or 90's anymore.
Michigan missed the tournament last year and are the #1 seed this year. Take a breath, all. lordy. This program, it's pedigree and facilities, will not take a long time to get back up.
and ND
and UMD
Not listed for full class but for the point
Bob's first class had Walker, McLaughlin and a late steal of Ranta
Class 2 was Lacombe, Meyers, Johnson, Nelson
Unless they make a shambolic hire, they will have no problem recruiting here.
I strongly suspect he’s retiring as opposed to being fired.
but I guess it’s possible after the last year if he decided against retirement.
I hope that’s the case. If he was fired, massive mistake. No clear hires that are upgrades.
Can't call it a mistake. Yeah, we have some talent coming in over the next year or two but it honestly feels like U of M hockey is getting passed by. Sounds weird beings we were just playing for a Natty in 2023 but every year, more and more programs are improving and becoming threats while the Gophers have been regressing and if this is ground zero, it'll be another couple years before we're in the convo for a natty as the Gophers should always be.
this is an absurd take in the portal era.
Is it, though?
Gophers aren't NIL powerhouses. We've gotten some decent players from the Portal but what's that gotten us? Wood for a season and being ousted in the regionals. A season of Souliere?
And, the portal works both ways. Is it a lock that we retain Motzko recruits after his departure?
The program just hit rock bottom in one of the worst seasons in 30 years with a new coach....I'm going to bet we're not a hot landing place for the top portal players this season.
how good are the facilities, how good is the revenue share (players here are actually getting some), how good is the coaching? we just watched PSU rapidly ascend and WI flatline.
It all depends on who the coach is, what they're selling, and what resources Coyle gives them (on top of what the hire does for the fanbase/NIL).
facilities are top tier, rev share is a black box since the specific allocation is a competitive secret, all depends on who takes over from Bob.
i am very surprised to see Ferschweiler mentioned as a potential candidate in the GPL article. I highly doubt it’s realistic at all… but then again we did get tDon coming off a monster NCAA runners-up season at CC- do any of the oldheads remember that hiring and the circumstances around it?
I strongly suspect he’s retiring as opposed to being fired.
but I guess it’s possible after the last year if he decided against retirement.
I hope that’s the case. If he was fired, massive mistake. No clear hires that are upgrades.
Can't call it a mistake. Yeah, we have some talent coming in over the next year or two but it honestly feels like U of M hockey is getting passed by. Sounds weird beings we were just playing for a Natty in 2023 but every year, more and more programs are improving and becoming threats while the Gophers have been regressing and if this is ground zero, it'll be another couple years before we're in the convo for a natty as the Gophers should always be.
this is an absurd take in the portal era.
Is it, though?
Gophers aren't NIL powerhouses. We've gotten some decent players from the Portal but what's that gotten us? Wood for a season and being ousted in the regionals. A season of Souliere?
And, the portal works both ways. Is it a lock that we retain Motzko recruits after his departure?
The program just hit rock bottom in one of the worst seasons in 30 years with a new coach....I'm going to bet we're not a hot landing place for the top portal players this season.
how good are the facilities, how good is the revenue share (players here are actually getting some), how good is the coaching? we just watched PSU rapidly ascend and WI flatline.
It all depends on who the coach is, what they're selling, and what resources Coyle gives them (on top of what the hire does for the fanbase/NIL).
That's great and all but it's becoming more and more and more common for teams to have facilities close or on par with the Gophers. Don't know who the coach is. PSU ascended partly because of the checkbook.
Like I said...we're not competing against 6-7 schools for superiority anymore. Programs are coming out of the woodwork to become true contenders.
I just don't see us going from the season we had to being right back in the mix next year and possibly the year after.
Michigan missed the tournament last year and are the #1 seed this year. Take a breath, all. lordy. This program, it's pedigree and facilities, will not take a long time to get back up.
and ND
and UMD
Not listed for full class but for the point
Bob's first class had Walker, McLaughlin and a late steal of Ranta
Class 2 was Lacombe, Meyers, Johnson, Nelson
Unless they make a shambolic hire, they will have no problem recruiting here.
Walker and McLaughlin were longtime tDon commits, I don’t think there’s much reason to worry about player attrition because so many guys want to play for the U, more than for whoever the U’s coach happens to be.
So with this mess will they lower ticket prices? I think other then student section I believe the Gophers have the highest ticket prices in NCAA college hockey
Aloha!
For all we know, there could have been several closed door meetings and a coach may already have been decided on with the timing being a week since the Gophers season ended.
Emergency Podcast at 10:30 tonight.
https://youtube.com/live/V-BXVHNLvjU?feature=share
Do not like how this board is run?
Get your own board!
♃
I am going to wait for the press conference before I can get my thoughts together. Kinda sad rn
Acted swiftly. Good on the administration and Coyle. Thanks Bob for all your efforts here.
Assuming it will be Raboin or Barr. Get to work on retaining key players. Bring the high end players with you from your respective schools. With the portal and NIL era, zero reason we can't be a title contender next year. Lets go Gophs!
I strongly suspect he’s retiring as opposed to being fired.
but I guess it’s possible after the last year if he decided against retirement.
I hope that’s the case. If he was fired, massive mistake. No clear hires that are upgrades.
Can't call it a mistake. Yeah, we have some talent coming in over the next year or two but it honestly feels like U of M hockey is getting passed by. Sounds weird beings we were just playing for a Natty in 2023 but every year, more and more programs are improving and becoming threats while the Gophers have been regressing and if this is ground zero, it'll be another couple years before we're in the convo for a natty as the Gophers should always be.
this is an absurd take in the portal era.
Is it, though?
Gophers aren't NIL powerhouses. We've gotten some decent players from the Portal but what's that gotten us? Wood for a season and being ousted in the regionals. A season of Souliere?
And, the portal works both ways. Is it a lock that we retain Motzko recruits after his departure?
The program just hit rock bottom in one of the worst seasons in 30 years with a new coach....I'm going to bet we're not a hot landing place for the top portal players this season.
how good are the facilities, how good is the revenue share (players here are actually getting some), how good is the coaching? we just watched PSU rapidly ascend and WI flatline.
It all depends on who the coach is, what they're selling, and what resources Coyle gives them (on top of what the hire does for the fanbase/NIL).
That's great and all but it's becoming more and more and more common for teams to have facilities close or on par with the Gophers. Don't know who the coach is. PSU ascended partly because of the checkbook.
Like I said...we're not competing against 6-7 schools for superiority anymore. Programs are coming out of the woodwork to become true contenders.
I just don't see us going from the season we had to being right back in the mix next year and possibly the year after.
it's the culmination of all of those things. We have outstanding facilities, we put guys in the NHL irrespective of who the coach is, we have money, we have a huge rink with a fanbase that comes. You are competing with 6-7 schools for consistent superiority. Union has a pretty nice rink (featured last fall on the Bauer Hockey series) but has about 6 NHL alums. PSU has a big checkbook but no history.
We're lucky in we have all of those assets (very few do but there's a reason Michigan, UND, BC/BU, DU all recruit so damn well and it isn't just their coaches or getting lucky). That coupled with the portal and there's no reason you can't turn it around very quickly as we're still a blue blood and it allows for turnarounds way faster if you have a coach who's motivated and hungry to use the portal while also drumming up NIL.
UND missed the tourney but with their new staff landed Vehoeff, Reschny, and Josephson while poaching Kernan plus transferred in Rickwood and Menghini. That's their 2 leading scorers 4 other guys who have combined for 71 points.
Michigan missed the tournament last year and are the #1 seed this year. Take a breath, all. lordy. This program, it's pedigree and facilities, will not take a long time to get back up.
and ND
and UMD
Not listed for full class but for the point
Bob's first class had Walker, McLaughlin and a late steal of Ranta
Class 2 was Lacombe, Meyers, Johnson, Nelson
Unless they make a shambolic hire, they will have no problem recruiting here.
Walker and McLaughlin were longtime tDon commits, I don’t think there’s much reason to worry about player attrition because so many guys want to play for the U, more than for whoever the U’s coach happens to be.
more meaning, look at the strides between class 1 and class 2 in terms of impact players (I loved Walker and McLaughlin, but not super high-end guys). You have more access to high end guys earlier now with CHL being open to do so even faster.
Assuming it will be Raboin or Barr. Get to work on retaining key players. Bring the high end players with you from your respective schools. With the portal and NIL era, zero reason we can't be a title contender next year. Lets go Gophs!
With the timing, my money is on one of the two. Have him in the office before the NCAA's, meeting with current Gophers, calling future Gopher recruits, talking with his recruits at his current program and be ready for the portal when it opens.
Assuming it will be Raboin or Barr. Get to work on retaining key players. Bring the high end players with you from your respective schools. With the portal and NIL era, zero reason we can't be a title contender next year. Lets go Gophs!
With the timing, my money is on one of the two. Have him in the office before the NCAA's, meeting with current Gophers, calling future Gopher recruits, talking with his recruits at his current program and be ready for the portal when it opens.
would be exactly my approach with one part added and that's also discussing who you want and interviewing for your GM. Game is changing and this would be massive for relationship building/scouting pipelines, NIL generation, etc.
Always liked Bob. Straight shooter, honest to the end even admitting he didn’t recruit from CHL. Blaming how players develop after being a gopher is a BS excuse for letting him go. Plenty of players play at D1 level and don’t go to NHL. Not winning a national championship is definitely a reason. Players are responsible for their development. Plenty of top Recruited, #1 drafted when they are 18 don’t make it at the pro level
I have a strong suspicion it will be Raboin.
If Bob was 5 years younger I’d have more feelings behind this decision but I mean with his age and contract window closing anyway I’m thinking timing is about right. Just hit it right with the hire and it was worth it. I do appreciate the time he spent here.
“Good pace, a lot of north and south, or it could be east and west, I’m not sure but either way…” Wooger
Pohlad baseball ⚾️ it’s not arrogance, we really are “that good” #”Hey Siri, play “faithfully” by Journey max volume”
I am with DX that I hope this is a retirement and not a forced firing for this past season. I am completely happy with the job that Bob did and had no want for him to be shown the door. As bad as the Q loss was and this past season was I am happy with the job Bob did as coach. He got some amazing players to wear the M and filled the house again to some great crowds that were diminished at the end of tDon's run.
As far as outrage from donors and alumni goes, I don't give a rip about them since they can't get it together to start their own collective. If this is player driven why did they come to the U or stay here if they didn't like Bob? I'll hang up and listen.
I am the official Iowa Hawkeye football fan of GPL!
If Bob was getting fired, it would've happened last Thursday or Friday. With the timing, I truly believe Coyle has his guy (Raboin followed by Barr) and if he didn't, Bob still might be head coach. Also, as I mentioned before, in those possible closed door meetings. Bob have had some influence in getting the next head coach of the Gophers.
If Bob was getting fired, it would've happened last Thursday or Friday. With the timing, I truly believe Coyle has his guy (Raboin followed by Barr) and if he didn't, Bob still might be head coach. Also, as I mentioned before, in those possible closed door meetings. Bob have had some influence in getting the next head coach of the Gophers.
agree with the timing, feels much more like a Bob stepping down after taking time to reflect. the upcoming pipeline looks solid so it certainly doesn't seem like he quit, but a season like this in your 60s and the amount of work to keep going year over year has got to be really exhausting
Mixed feelings on this. It's probably time for Bob to go, but I feel bad he's going out on such a low note.
Official.
https://gophersports.com/news/2026/3/18/mens-hockey-university-motzko-mutually-agree-to-part-ways
I think A LOT of Bob's fire was lost when his son was killed. And I don't blame him one bit at all. Plus I think the program took a hit when Raboin left for Augustana. Kinda the same feeling with Grant Potulny left for Northern Michigan. The feel he was going to go and come back after Lucia. Still could happen. Just feel with Bob and his connections, that Raboin is going to be the next coach, imo.
@gator what makes you think he is the favorite? Wouldn't Barr be more qualified?
Official.
https://gophersports.com/news/2026/3/18/mens-hockey-university-motzko-mutually-agree-to-part-ways
for those curious. No Frost's release did not come with a Frost statement. Some interesting things included in the 2 separate statements
Coyle re Frost
"Brad is a great coach and an even better person, which is why today is extremely difficult. This decision was made after a review of the program on and off the ice. We expect to contend at the highest level in every aspect of women's college hockey, and right now we are not doing that.
"I want to thank Brad for leading our team with class and integrity for 19 years. He has coached some of the best players to ever wear the Maroon and Gold, won numerous WCHA titles and national championships in 2012, 2013, 2015 and 2016. We are grateful for his service and wish Brad all the best in his future endeavors.
"While change like this is never easy, now is the right time for a new voice to lead our program. This is the best coaching job in women's hockey, and we will immediately begin a nationwide search for our next head coach."
Coyle re Motzko
"I want to thank Bob for leading our team for the last eight seasons. In addition to winning Big Ten titles, the team advanced to the Men's Frozen Four twice and played in the national championship game in 2023.
"Bob coached 15 All-Americans and three future Olympians at Minnesota. He is a great coach and we wish him well in the future.
"We will immediately begin a nationwide search for our next head coach."
@gator what makes you think he is the favorite? Wouldn't Barr be more qualified?
relationships/ties to the U. Barr left the state for college and has never been back.
@gator what makes you think he is the favorite? Wouldn't Barr be more qualified?
He was AC here, he has ties to the program. My only concern is his ties to SCSU. Though SCSU probably can't match what Minnesota can off and pay. The only reason I see Raboin going to SCSU is to add to his legacy of being a Huskie.
Any coach who values the scsu position over Minnesota for any reason is already unqualified to coach here.@gator what makes you think he is the favorite? Wouldn't Barr be more qualified?
He was AC here, he has ties to the program. My only concern is his ties to SCSU. Though SCSU probably can't match what Minnesota can off and pay. The only reason I see Raboin going to SCSU is to add to his legacy of being a Huskie.
Any coach who values the scsu position over Minnesota for any reason is already unqualified to coach here.@gator what makes you think he is the favorite? Wouldn't Barr be more qualified?
He was AC here, he has ties to the program. My only concern is his ties to SCSU. Though SCSU probably can't match what Minnesota can off and pay. The only reason I see Raboin going to SCSU is to add to his legacy of being a Huskie.
sieve chant😁
“Good pace, a lot of north and south, or it could be east and west, I’m not sure but either way…” Wooger
Pohlad baseball ⚾️ it’s not arrogance, we really are “that good” #”Hey Siri, play “faithfully” by Journey max volume”
Huskie hockey might not survive . Not a great career move. I’m sure he would find another place. Anyone else hearing some Potulny chatter? I haven’t seen much interest in Grant on here. His N Michigan stint gave him HC credit but not the success Minnesota would want in a new HC. Just wondering if it’s just fan chatter.
One thing I like about this place is that consensus opinions from fans are generally dead on. As fans we all want the same thing and those feelings should align with what the university wants. Reusse's take on Motzko was little more than a belated sympathy card, but this fan board got it right!
(I like Motzko and feel bad for him for a lot of reasons, but this is a winning business. )
One thing I like about this place is that consensus opinions from fans are generally dead on. As fans we all want the same thing and those feelings should align with what the university wants. Reusse's take on Motzko was little more than a belated sympathy card, but this fan board got it right!
(I like Motzko and feel bad for him for a lot of reasons, but this is a winning business. )
I have a shirt I’d like to wear again, “gopher hockey it’s not arrogance we really are that good “. Hopefully this is a step in that direction.😁
“Good pace, a lot of north and south, or it could be east and west, I’m not sure but either way…” Wooger
Pohlad baseball ⚾️ it’s not arrogance, we really are “that good” #”Hey Siri, play “faithfully” by Journey max volume”
Barr or Raboin. Flip a coin. I think either would be slam dunks.
@camo-coat-guy we are that good and a lot of non gopher fans believe it as well. I know a lot of nervous Michigan fans right now.
People on social media is showing their hockey iq’s and their concept of reality. It’s really mind boggling and head scratching what people post.