Yeah this thread is probably appropriate lol. Sorry for gunking up the game thread but we’re all a little testy having to watch this bleep show all year.
Bob is a Coyle hire. I would presume they have a mature enough relationship to have a conversation about where we're going, and Bob is at a place in his career where he's done this enough to know if he has the full on rebuild in the tank or not to see this out.
The 2 years out version of this roster does not look bad and would assume that is/was the vision Bob had of the rebuild, but in the era of the portal and CHL, that is not in line with the fans vision of how this should go so Bob needs to address that "gap". If he's unwilling or unable, then yeah you clean house and move on, earlier rather than later. Important given the portal opens the day after the National title and guys will be tampered with so you need to have your internal group set/in on it or at least know who you're losing so you can address it aggressively there (see UND) as well as keep the incoming guys committed that you want to stay committed if possible (and there are a good handful that you would really want to keep)
This is going to be a really uncomfortable couple of months for the diehard fanbase. Tough spot as its not really that Bob has been "lazy" recruiting and the pipeline is dead with multiple missed NCAA seasons where this is pretty simple. Rather it was a choice not to go after the CHL more aggressively (in part this is Minnesota's own fault for not really recruiting Canada for basically forever) and leaning into going the FR route versus the portal more substantially, both of which can be corrected rather rapidly, especially when we didn't even fill the roster this year.
Yeah this thread is probably appropriate lol. Sorry for gunking up the game thread but we’re all a little testy having to watch this bleep show all year.
We are all struggling with how this season is playing out for sure, especially because most of us here are some of the most passionate fans of the program. I for one am going to try and let the rest of the season play out before I get my undies in a bunch, but I do appreciate reading other’s constructive discussions as I do not pay a lot of attention to other coaches, leagues etc. and there are obviously a lot of people here who are far more knowledgeable about these things. This is one reason I enjoy this site as so many folks bring a wealth of knowledge and for the most part we can have civil discussions of opposing viewpoints. (Novel concept, eh? 😉)
Thankfully we have another chance to salvage the weekend. Still looking forward to the game with my buds; might be a good thing they sell adult pop in the arena these days…😂
especially when we didn't even fill the roster this year.
Listened to the CHN podcast for this week and they were talking about how teams like BC and WMU saw and exploited the gaping loophole in the 26-man roster limit, which is that you could actively designate any and all existing/returning players you wanted as ones to grandfather in and thus not count them against the roster cap.
So for example, you start with 20 returners and 6 freshmen on campus on Sept 1; you designate all 26 as players you wish to grandfather in; now you could add 26 new guys at the halfway mark if you wanted to.
It was apparently, according to Wodon and McMahon, clear as day in the plain text of the House settlement that you could do this and face zero consequences. I am a practicing attorney and it would be straight up malpractice for me to not advise my client of such a thing if I had been representing a House opt-in institution. Especially because a 26-man limit for men’s hockey is total bullshit cooked up by a non-hockey dumbass.
So why has the U and its compliance/athletics leadership completely dropped the ball on this?
Yes I agree to let the season play out, still hoping for a miracle.
Future Pride On Ice, we need to think outside the box.
Herb Brooks type of a motivational coach. The Gophers still get all the other teams best games. For some reason the Gophers get hyped to play NoDak and Denver, but just don't bring the same energy levels for other games! They need a coach to encourage them to bring Pride On Ice to every period of every game. I really thought Bob was that coach, maybe not, we'll find out.
I don’t think games like yesterday are mainly a result of effort, they just aren’t as fast or good of skaters as Michigan, nor have the skill to play fast (ie dmen like Lacombe who can hit skaters in stride with a pass or just move the puck themselves). And while you can sometimes have games where you’re in overdrive doing 110% effort or whatever that’s not sustainable over 40 games.
Guessing we see the team come out flying today but it probably still won’t matter too much.
I don’t think games like yesterday are mainly a result of effort, they just aren’t as fast or good of skaters as Michigan, nor have the skill to play fast (ie dmen like Lacombe who can hit skaters in stride with a pass or just move the puck themselves). And while you can sometimes have games where you’re in overdrive doing 110% effort or whatever that’s not sustainable over 40 games.
Guessing we see the team come out flying today but it probably still won’t matter too much.
I agree. This team isn’t lacking effort; it’s lacking experience and talent, and it’s unfair to frame that as an effort issue.
The same applies to Bob. His recruiting problems aren’t about effort, but adaptation. The game has changed quickly, and while he sees that, he doesn’t adjust to it. Instead, he’s actively fighting those changes and, in doing so, has willingly sacrificed the very things he says the team needs. His dismissal of the CHL as a source of immediate physical maturity and experience is a clear example.
Someone in the other thread posted their dream scenario for coaching staff. Let's say they hire Barr as the next coach, in that scenario I think you gotta hire an assistant with local/U connections, Gordon for example would make sense. For the other assistant I'd like to see someone with strong ties to the USNDTP. We've seen how much Nightengale's background with that program has helped him recruit so well and so I think you have to try to get a foot in the door as now your best US recruits are typically coming through that program.
Since the juniors tournament has the team lost confidence in their coach? Kinda feels that way to me, I also for what it’s worth respectfully disagree with the effort mainly because they show short bursts of intensity and then just play slow and lazy hockey when the effort doesn’t produce a goal. Michigan weekend isn’t really the time to expect this team to overachieve I understand the task is a mountain to climb. I kinda feel like I’m a frustrated fan speaking right now feeling helpless about the situation that I should except and just let nature run its course and tell myself this is just temporary, this is gopher hockey and this program will not accept a lower standard. Sorry for pointless rant.
“Good pace, a lot of north and south, or it could be east and west, I’m not sure but either way…” Wooger
I have never been on the fire Motzko bandwagon. But the Motzko era is now over and after this season it is time to turn the page. I appreciate everything he has done for the program but it is time.
I have never been on the fire Motzko bandwagon. But the Motzko era is now over and after this season it is time to turn the page. I appreciate everything he has done for the program but it is time.
Well said. There’s still a decent amount of the season left but the future isn’t looking bright.
Legitimate question for people on here: does Bob have the energy to pull the team out of this spot at this stage in his career? Everyone knows he’s gone when his contract runs out. Do any of you really see Bob having the drive to go out and reshape this d core in the offseason?
Legitimate question for people on here: does Bob have the energy to pull the team out of this spot at this stage in his career? Everyone knows he’s gone when his contract runs out. Do any of you really see Bob having the drive to go out and reshape this d core in the offseason?
this is the question
My answer is yes. Purely because I think Bob is a prideful person and wants to leave the program in a better spot for who’s next. I think if this is his last year, it’s going to kill him inside a little because the team in 2 years looks like one that could be really good with a couple more pieces and I think he was looking at it as his final run (that’s when his contract is up).
It hits all of how he’s treated this roster in bringing in freshmen, pushing out Kvas and the mass coup in landing the Cullens as well as when Harper would hit
Someone in the other thread posted their dream scenario for coaching staff. Let's say they hire Barr as the next coach, in that scenario I think you gotta hire an assistant with local/U connections, Gordon for example would make sense. For the other assistant I'd like to see someone with strong ties to the USNDTP. We've seen how much Nightengale's background with that program has helped him recruit so well and so I think you have to try to get a foot in the door as now your best US recruits are typically coming through that program.
I'm just not sure I see Barr as a fit. He's spent two years as a legal adult living west of Albany, New York. And Maine's teams don't dip into Minnesota all that much. From a college hockey standpoint, he's an easterner, and if you're still going to do the levels of in-state recruiting that the team currently does, I think he's more of an outsider than it seems on the surface.
@outofstateoutofmind I don't disagree with any of that. Not saying it has to be Barr, just acknowledging that he seems to be the one mentioned most often. I don't personally know if having MN ties is the most important factor, I'm sure he realizes the talent here and would love to have this territory for recruiting and also probably recognizes the advantage of having a staff member with MN ties like Gordon. I think he would adjust and do just fine.
Legitimate question for some on here. What has Raboin done to distance himself from Barr as the top candidate to take over when Bob’s time is up? Seems like two really good candidates that would both get a good look if I were AD, but it feels like Raboin has the GPL vote.
Legitimate question for some on here. What has Raboin done to distance himself from Barr as the top candidate to take over when Bob’s time is up? Seems like two really good candidates that would both get a good look if I were AD, but it feels like Raboin has the GPL vote.
i'll only speak for myself, but i don't think either really has the vote per se, more just folks playing percentages in that Raboin has ties to Bob/MN and thus would likely end up front runner.
Personally can see pros and cons of both. I don't know if either will really fire up the fanbase in any way though tbh
Is Raboin remotely interested in Minnesota? Is he holding out for SCSU
At this point with the way the educational economics are heading, you would be an absolute idiot to hold out for the SCSU job. If he wants that job over the MN job that should be automatically disqualifying.
I'm not personally sold on him, nor on Barr. That's why is is so hard is there isn't an obvious successor. I do think there are enough M men who will want one of their own, but there isn't an obvious one other than Potulny who has not shown enough to get the job.
Would Darby Hendrickson have any interest in the job? There's one guy who has been coaching for a while who obviously has that M connection.
Five years ago Ken Gernander would be another, but guessing he's not in favor anymore.
The Todd Richards name came up last time...would put him more on the Gernander side of things but...
I asked a couple Mankato coaches on thoughts on G$...they politely declined to answer...but for context I don't believe they care for anyone really connected to the UofM, present or past.
I am theofficial Iowa Hawkeye football fan of GPL!
I asked a couple Mankato coaches on thoughts on G$...they politely declined to answer...but for context I don't believe they care for anyone really connected to the UofM, present or past.
and that's why they will always be the little brother
'29, '40, '74, '76, '79, '02, & '03
GPL's Resident Cabin Enthusiast & Cadets Hockey Fan
I asked a couple Mankato coaches on thoughts on G$...they politely declined to answer...but for context I don't believe they care for anyone really connected to the UofM, present or past.
and that's why they will always be the little brother
Or worse.
“When your best friend is the son of God, you get tired of losing every argument.”
― Christopher Moore, Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal
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I asked a couple Mankato coaches on thoughts on G$...they politely declined to answer...but for context I don't believe they care for anyone really connected to the UofM, present or past.
and that's why they will always be the little brother
Or worse.
Haha you pulled the Robbie Rist card, the person often demonized for ending the Brady Bunch run.
Dont think I’d want to bring in someone with no previous experience coaching college into the current college athletics landscape. He’s also never been a head coach in any level of hockey ever.
Exactly, this is gopher mens hockey, we shouldn't be taking flyers on coaches. If there's going to be a coaching change, we need to get a proven winner.
Exactly, this is gopher mens hockey, we shouldn't be taking flyers on coaches. If there's going to be a coaching change, we need to get a proven winner.
this isn't meant to be antagonistic, but a serious question.
What's your definition of a proven winner (is Barr with 5 years as a HC, career 14 games over .500 with 2 NCAA tournament trips with no wins and 1 conf tourney title; is Raboin with 3 years as a HC, career 9 games over .500 with NCAA tournaments nor CT titles)?
And of the proven winners, who is attainable?
Think the above combination of things is what makes this hard, coupled with those who want an "M" person. Don't think there's a right or wrong, but I do agree hiring someone with no HC experience is a major no-no to me at a place like the U.
Carle and Ferschweiler weren’t known commodities when they got their jobs.
Nightangale had a good run at the NTDP but no one knew if that was due to the immense talent pool at the program or his coaching prowess. Turned out to be both.
My point is finding “proven winners” can be a harder task than people realize. At a certain point, taking a chance at a promising young coach is just as reasonable of an avenue to find your guy. Raboin seems to be that option. Barr is probably the closest thing to a “proven winner” out there, seeing as he recruited the Union, Providence & UMass natty teams, and turned around Maine as a HC.
Exactly, this is gopher mens hockey, we shouldn't be taking flyers on coaches. If there's going to be a coaching change, we need to get a proven winner.
this isn't meant to be antagonistic, but a serious question.
What's your definition of a proven winner (is Barr with 5 years as a HC, career 14 games over .500 with 2 NCAA tournament trips with no wins and 1 conf tourney title; is Raboin with 3 years as a HC, career 9 games over .500 with NCAA tournaments nor CT titles)?
And of the proven winners, who is attainable?
Think the above combination of things is what makes this hard, coupled with those who want an "M" person. Don't think there's a right or wrong, but I do agree hiring someone with no HC experience is a major no-no to me at a place like the U.
Those are reasonable questions. And maybe one of Barr or Raboin are the right guys for the job and would do great things here. But honestly, as the details of your comment kind of allude to, neither really has an amazing pedigree. I'm not very high on any of the options mentioned so far, and maybe it's just really poor timing in college hockey at the moment, but we should be able to get an S tier coach at the U and there is nobody near that level that's been mentioned yet.
Does Darby have his degree? If not, no sense talking about him.
Is this an NCAA rule? If it is I wonder how long before this gets challenged, I doubt it holds up for much longer in the current landscape.
To be a coach (Head Coach or Assistant Coach) within the University of Minnesota’s athletic department, a bachelor's degree is almost always a required qualification.
While specific requirements can vary slightly depending on the sport or the level (e.g., Graduate Assistant vs. Head Coach), here is the breakdown of how the university typically structures its coaching hires:
1. Mandatory Educational Requirements
For full-time intercollegiate coaching positions (NCAA Division I or Division III), a Bachelor’s Degree is listed as a Required Qualification in university job postings.
Why? The University of Minnesota is a premier academic institution. Beyond just "knowing the game," coaches are classified as Professional and Administrative (P&A) staff. They are responsible for the academic progress of their student-athletes, budget management, and compliance with complex NCAA and Big Ten regulations.
Advanced Degrees: For many high-level or head coaching positions, a Master’s Degree is often listed as a Preferred Qualification, though not strictly required if the candidate has significant elite-level experience.
2. Exceptions and Entry-Level Roles
There are a few instances where someone might "coach" without a completed degree, but these are specific and temporary:
Graduate Assistants (GAs): These individuals must have completed their bachelor's degree and be currently enrolled in a graduate program at the U of M.
Undergraduate Student Assistants: Current students may assist with a team, but they are not official "coaches" in terms of hiring status or salary; they are essentially student-interns.
Volunteer Coaches: Even volunteer positions usually require a degree to ensure the individual meets the professional standards of the athletic department.
3. Other Core Requirements
Beyond the degree, the University of Minnesota typically requires:
Relevant Experience: Usually 2+ years of collegiate or professional coaching/playing experience.
Compliance Knowledge: A deep understanding of NCAA and Big Ten Conference rules.
Background Checks: Mandatory criminal, social media, and motor vehicle record checks.
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