This is exactly why I think a new coach is necessary. I think we need a shakeup before apathy sets in, which it already may have. Cannot afford to have this become a 2-3 year down cycle. This year has to be a one-off.
I think the answer to the roster question is simple.
If it is true that we simply don't have the talent to run with Michigan, Michigan State, etc. this year (I believe this to be the case), then you have to overhaul. If Bob doesn't overhaul, whether through flipped recruits, CHL grabs, or the portal, then as much as I have enjoyed having him here to this point, it's going to be time to ask him about his true future in college hockey.
There's a good 3-4 players at least that I can think of that would be complete head scratchers if they end up with any meaningful starting lineup time next year, and you don't have the sheer number of incoming recruits to make up for that with the guys who are leaving. Sack up, Bob.
I think Mike Guentzel would fit in right away
Can’t tell if this is a joke or not so I’ll bite. Great coach, but no way in hell we’re hiring a coach of his age to deal in the NIL era of college hockey.
Last time he coached was 2018, he is still a active scout but not sure he would want back in at the age of 63. We need to get younger
This may be an unpopular opinion but why not stick with Bob for another year? He was 2 mins away from having a lifetime contract. Now no matter who's fault or what happen there is one thing that's true, Bob assemble an unbelievable team in 2023. Am I just giving him an unlimited pass and he coach for as long as he wants and can do whatever he wants, no. But I am not jumping ship after this season. I think whoever we bring in will not have the recruiting track record of Bob. He has a very good pipeline in place and I don't think we are at the point we blow everything up, even the pipeline, just because of how this season has went.
Now yes there are things that need to change. I think one thing that Bob get blamed for that I don't is his fault is going to get the big CHL guy. I think he tried to go and was in those talks (like the Misa rumors). I believe where a lot of those deals feel apart is actually get the foreign players paid and how much money we actually have in NIL. I think if he was given the money like Mich, Mich St, PSU and UND it is different looking team this year. I think if you make the switch to a different coach but handcuff him with the same NIL. If that's the case we will see the same situation played over and maybe worse if you start losing guys from the pipeline too because of the coaching change.
We all want change from what this year has been. If he's will to to change make some hard decisions with cutting ties with some guys, getting more support with NIL, maybe even designate a GM. I think Bob is the guy.
So instead of blaming Bob and blowing up the program, I think we need to just support the program better cause I think we got the best guy leading the team we can get.
If he were ten, even five, years younger and wasn’t almost definitely going to be out in two years regardless of how things play out over the next two seasons then I would 100% agree with you. The fact that he’s 65 and has himself made it pretty apparent, at least as of the latest we’ve heard, that he’s most likely done when his contract is up makes this off season tight rope even more precarious. The whole pipeline part is really tricky. Because on one hand, do we lose the great recruits we have if he’s gone this summer. On the other, did those guys commit more to the M than the coach because they themselves are aware that there’s a good chance that he’s not their coach for the majority of their time in college. Even worse, are we potentially losing out on some great recruits because of the situation we’re currently in. Not just the current product on the ice and this season’s record but also the uncertainty about Motzko’s future here. If he was our version of David Carle, young coach with two nattys and here indefinitely, then we wouldn’t really need to have this conversation. It was just be a few online trolls saying that he should be fired. We could chalk it up to a crappy season and hope it was turned around next year. But that’s not our situation so that’s why, as much as I like Bob, I’m more and more open to him moving on or moving up.
I understand his age is a factor. I just think there has been an unnecessary urgency to find a younger coach like it a rule that he forced into retirement in 2 years. It not like we have the guy that's been waiting and its either we get him now or he's going somewhere else. I just think we should use this 2 years to support the program and build everything else around Bob. Like developing NIL and working with the university on rev share. Because if they just fire Bob and expect everything to change without making more of a commitment we'll be worse off.
The urgency is to find a better coach.
They definitely need to figure out the NIL stuff too but it's not like a new coach can't potentially help that cause. I also don't see how waiting 2 years helps anything.
It’s the fact they’re having a historically terrible season on top of the fact he’s on his way out already. Do any of us see a world where Bob overhauls the roster this summer? Can an old dog learn a new trick?
I think if he sticks around there’s increased odds this becomes more than a one year down cycle which would in turn just shoot recruiting in both knee caps. There is a world where he stays and finishes out his contract and they’re pretty good as this core gets older but that’s assuming a lot goes right.
they’re pretty good as this core gets older but that’s assuming a lot goes right.
It's assuming the D core ever figures out what freaking team they're on when trying to get the puck out of the zone...
When the crowd boo’s its own coach that’s just embarrassing, If Bob sticks around I hope he’s got something up his sleeve to get the fan base something to get excited about or it’s only gonna get worse. It’s the tail end of the season, the “we’re so young” excuse I can buy into the first half of the season but I don’t know what’s gonna be any different looking from now until next October with this youth group? I still see October hockey in February, sorry that’s just a red flag to me.
“Good pace, a lot of north and south, or it could be east and west, I’m not sure but either way…” Wooger
YHH posted an interview with Tyden Bergeson who is committed to Augustana and he was asked about why he committed there, his response was an immediate “because of Raboin”. This is why I would love Raboin to be the next coach, players seem to love him. As someone has mentioned previously, he was a huge reason we got Cooley and Knies. He’s the young coach who connects with his players in this new era.
all that said, I don’t know much about Barr and he could have those same traits.
I think Mike Guentzel would fit in right away
Can’t tell if this is a joke or not so I’ll bite. Great coach, but no way in hell we’re hiring a coach of his age to deal in the NIL era of college hockey.
Last time he coached was 2018, he is still a active scout but not sure he would want back in at the age of 63. We need to get younger
If part of the concern with Bob is that he can no longer connect with current and upcoming talent, Guentzel is very much not the answer.
Guentzel isn't coming here that bridge was almost certainly burned when Motzko was hired.
I don't think that bridge couldn't be rebuilt if they offered him, but the sun has set on Guentzel being the right choice so it's moot anyway.
I would imagine no, but any chance you could pry John Wroblewski from his job? Have no idea how much USA hockey pays him? The kids he coached at the USNTDP speak pretty highly of his time there.
Is this just an AI summary of everything we’ve read over and over on GPL? 😬
I had to laugh; 65 is what comes after 64. That’s how it works. 😂
From a podcast. Mike McMahon, respected college hockey writer.
i mean mcmahon literally said nothing anyone could not have said if they looked up how old motzko is. Just felt like a lot of filler to say, he's old so maybe he'll decide to retire.
From a podcast. Mike McMahon, respected college hockey writer.
I was being facetious. But it is still nothing we haven’t heard a dozen times recently. 😉
Maybe we need to get O’ Leary on the staff.
Certainly gets his teams to commit to the defensive side of the puck. If he can recruit I say why not.
I’m not sure there’s any real talk about Motzko leaving. I mean from inside the program. I don’t think he’s at risk this year. Last year they signed him for two years. I think he has another year and can leave/retire.
Maybe he gets the defense righted along with the forwards, and we don’t lose the top talent, and make some serious acquisitions in transfer portal and in Canada, and and….
I’m not sure there’s any real talk about Motzko leaving. I mean from inside the program. I don’t think he’s at risk this year. Last year they signed him for two years. I think he has another year and can leave/retire.
Maybe he gets the defense righted along with the forwards, and we don’t lose the top talent, and make some serious acquisitions in transfer portal and in Canada, and and….
I’d be more surprised if he wasn’t back, unless he decides to step down. Like others have said here, I can’t see Bob cutting kids or trimming the fat to add 5-6 kids out of the portal/up north. Can only hope he adds a few and kids take a massive leap in progression or next year will probably be more of the same. Time will tell, I guess.
I’m not sure there’s any real talk about Motzko leaving. I mean from inside the program. I don’t think he’s at risk this year. Last year they signed him for two years. I think he has another year and can leave/retire.
Maybe he gets the defense righted along with the forwards, and we don’t lose the top talent, and make some serious acquisitions in transfer portal and in Canada, and and….
I’d be more surprised if he wasn’t back, unless he decides to step down. Like others have said here, I can’t see Bob cutting kids or trimming the fat to add 5-6 kids out of the portal/up north. Can only hope he adds a few and kids take a massive leap in progression or next year will probably be more of the same. Time will tell, I guess.
I mean we've talked about this "cutting them" side, but there are 2 ways to do it and we didn't fill the roster
1 empty slot
5 out (Mitts, Thomas, Mitts, Lamb, Wiese)
6 slots, 1 must be a goalie
Harris, Rud, Begley have all been regular scratches. Zero reason that this isn't the expectation going forward. Falloon has as well. They'll all be juniors/seniors this next year. If you tell them they will all be scratched every game, do they really want to continue to be here? Airey has played twice in the 2nd half. Does he want his senior year to be sitting on the bench? McLaughlin has basically not played for significant stretches of the year.
These guys are prideful people as well (you don't get to this point not being so). I will be quite surprised if there's not attrition for that reason alone of guys want to play. Pino, Strobel, Staudacher, Fish, all are recent ones and now guys have waaaaay more options for being pushed out further too (in terms of incoming recruits).
I’m not sure there’s any real talk about Motzko leaving. I mean from inside the program. I don’t think he’s at risk this year. Last year they signed him for two years. I think he has another year and can leave/retire.
Maybe he gets the defense righted along with the forwards, and we don’t lose the top talent, and make some serious acquisitions in transfer portal and in Canada, and and….
If Bob is not the coach next season it will be because he stepped down. I can’t see Coyle firing him.
As others have said I also can’t see Bob being the guy to revamp this roster so I hope for the sake of the program he steps down.
Even beyond that I just don't have a ton of faith in the dude's ability to get the best out of the talent he does have, which is why I'd rather just see the transition happen sooner than later. The chances of him putting together a roster as good as 2023 AND winning with it is so slim that it's hardly worth entertaining as a possibility. I suppose it's possible he could begin rebuilding the roster so the next coach can run with it but it just seems kinda pointless imo. I can understand why they wouldn't want to fire him but the optics of him returning after this year aren't exactly great either and this becomes doubly true if there are any unexpected departures (hopefully not).
I am old School and I would prefer a former Gopher as a new head coach
Raboin spent four years as a Gopher. Why should the fact he did it at 33 instead of 18 be held against him?
Bumping this thread back up top. Have at it. 😬😂
The prevailing opinion on here is that Bob will be back next year. That would be a massive mistake imo. Regardless the offseason will be interesting.
If you’re the U, do you make an announcement that Bob is returning? Or do you just go quietly into next season to avoid blow back.
If he's coming back, it's because Coyle and the U didn't really care enough to put much thought into it in the first place. They're certainly not going to put any effort into explaining a lazy decision.If you’re the U, do you make an announcement that Bob is returning? Or do you just go quietly into next season to avoid blow back.
If you’re the U, do you make an announcement that Bob is returning? Or do you just go quietly into next season to avoid blow back.
no chance you give him the dreaded vote of confidence. The only press conference is if you're firing him
11-22-3 is an epic disaster of a season. But in fairness, the previous season they tied for the BIG regular season crown. That’s just not enough to draw Coyle’s attention after having to fire the men’s 🏀 coach last year. So tBob manages to silently slink away for now. But he has tough roster decisions to make before the portal opens up regarding some returners, along with reflecting on his coaching staff & this past years results.If he's coming back, it's because Coyle and the U didn't really care enough to put much thought into it in the first place. They're certainly not going to put any effort into explaining a lazy decision.If you’re the U, do you make an announcement that Bob is returning? Or do you just go quietly into next season to avoid blow back.
I could kinda understand it if he’s the sole reason guys like Mooney and Ziemer stay, the recruits in the pipeline all end up here, and he completely revamps the D. But that’s a lot of moving parts that all have to happen together and most of that stuff could probably still happen with a new coach. Idk, at this point I’m just waiting to see what happens because there a bunch of different decisions that could cause a domino effect.The prevailing opinion on here is that Bob will be back next year. That would be a massive mistake imo. Regardless the offseason will be interesting.
If Mooney and Ziemer stay I think you have a really good forward group for next year and a goalie, but as we all know the D needs serious help. Even with Levi Harper coming in you need 3 more and that’s assuming Rombach improves a lot.
I could kinda understand it if he’s the sole reason guys like Mooney and Ziemer stay, the recruits in the pipeline all end up here, and he completely revamps the D. But that’s a lot of moving parts that all have to happen together and most of that stuff could probably still happen with a new coach. Idk, at this point I’m just waiting to see what happens because there a bunch of different decisions that could cause a domino effect.The prevailing opinion on here is that Bob will be back next year. That would be a massive mistake imo. Regardless the offseason will be interesting.
If Mooney and Ziemer stay I think you have a really good forward group for next year and a goalie, but as we all know the D needs serious help. Even with Levi Harper coming in you need 3 more and that’s assuming Rombach improves a lot.
we also need a 1st line center
I'm NOT WILLING to let Bob carry on for his last Contract year.
He blew the game against Quinnipiac, and this year has been horrible!
I've been around a long time. I need something tangible to happen THIS YEAR.
QoGH
Who is the D coach? He should be let go if possible. The players need some solid help!
IF, Bob stays, toss out all the assistant coaches save the Goalie coach.
I am so depressed about THIS year after we lost to Quinnipiac that's 2 strikes on Bob.
QoGH
There's passion and then...yeah. Unless Bob has put together numerous seasons like this past one having such a passionate stance such as this or close to this is kind of overemotional IMO...but to each their own.
The biggest knock on Bob throughout his coaching career has been not being able to win the big one. His time here at the U he has come up short in the B1G Tourney and the NCAA but overall the program remains top of the heap each year outside of this one. He has packed the stands again and the program generates a good amount of revenue to the athletic department for a niche sport. There are about 55 other programs that would KILL to be in the position that Minnesota is in with Bob at the helm. Sure you're comeback could be "let them have him"...I don't think Bob would want to coach anywhere else but that is pure speculation on my part.
I don't think Bob is going anywhere...I don't want Bob to go anywhere...I have faith in Bob and where this program will be in the next couple of years DESPITE one. bad. year.
I am the official Iowa Hawkeye football fan of GPL!
Who is the D coach? He should be let go if possible. The players need some solid help!
IF, Bob stays, toss out all the assistant coaches save the Goalie coach.
I am so depressed about THIS year after we lost to Quinnipiac that's 2 strikes on Bob.
QoGH
QoGH, you are coming in hot...
The same coach who developed Faber, Johnson, LaCombe, Rinzel, Chesley should be fired? I agree that this years defensemen did not live up to those names, but I think it was more of a talent issue than coaching issue.
I was as disappointed with the loss to QU at the Frozen Four as anyone else, but it may be time to move on from that. As the coach, Bob gets to live with the blame forever, but Snuggy missed an open net, Cooley took a questionable penalty and Close could have made a save or two.
I get being disappointed with this years results, and you have the right to want a change. We should know in the next week what next years Gopher Hockey will look like.
Looking down from my High Horse
Morality Police
Not very objective
The one bad year narrative kinda ignores the fact that his first year wasn't exactly good (though not entirely his fault either) and the second year they probably wouldn't have even made the NCAA's before COVID ended the season. And then the good years the teams kinda all underperformed to some degree. I'm sure he'll be back but ideally the reason is something other than "well he did good in the past" or "we don't want to pay the buyout". At the very least Miller needs to be gone because he's dead weight and is actively nerfing the PK.
Well at the very least if Bob stays this year will have lit a fire under his ass. If he’s a man on a mission this offseason then fine, him staying is the best of a bad situation.
I still think moving on swiftly would be the best thing possible. As mentioned in the Potential Recruits thread, the 2010 & 2011 MN age groups are some of the most high end loaded in a while. I fear keeping Bob around could cost us in the long run.
Well at the very least if Bob stays this year will have lit a fire under his ass. If he’s a man on a mission this offseason then fine, him staying is the best of a bad situation.
I still think moving on swiftly would be the best thing possible. As mentioned in the Potential Recruits thread, the 2010 & 2011 MN age groups are some of the most high end loaded in a while. I fear keeping Bob around could cost us in the long run.
why?
Bob has the top ranked mn kid in this class (Cullen). Conboy has gotten high marks early. Kvasnicka was highly rated. Geiger, Jarvis and Casey are all local.
the problem hasn’t been in state recruiting. If anything we’ve seen the issue of it being some down years in a row for 1st-2nd round talent (as Bob said it had been). You’re not going to get them all, but in state we’ve been fine imo. If he didn’t have the guys above in the pipeline, I’d be more on board with what you’re saying. I’m always an optimist with this team, but as you say Bob is a really prideful guy. He knows he’s retiring soon and wants to leave the team better than he found it (he’s a pretty big legacy guy it seems).
Well at the very least if Bob stays this year will have lit a fire under his ass. If he’s a man on a mission this offseason then fine, him staying is the best of a bad situation.
I still think moving on swiftly would be the best thing possible. As mentioned in the Potential Recruits thread, the 2010 & 2011 MN age groups are some of the most high end loaded in a while. I fear keeping Bob around could cost us in the long run.
why?
Bob has the top ranked mn kid in this class (Cullen). Conboy has gotten high marks early. Kvasnicka was highly rated. Geiger, Jarvis and Casey are all local.
the problem hasn’t been in state recruiting. If anything we’ve seen the issue of it being some down years in a row for 1st-2nd round talent (as Bob said it had been). You’re not going to get them all, but in state we’ve been fine imo. If he didn’t have the guys above in the pipeline, I’d be more on board with what you’re saying. I’m always an optimist with this team, but as you say Bob is a really prideful guy. He knows he’s retiring soon and wants to leave the team better than he found it (he’s a pretty big legacy guy it seems).
I’m not arguing against his recent recruiting class cause he killed it last year. I’m just guessing that the overall state of the program with an aging coach on his way out won’t be too attractive to high end MN kids.
Fully expecting to miss Schneider, Fitzhenry & other big names not named Joey Cullen. If he proves me wrong I’ll give him his proper cred!
I've seen comments indicating that keeping Motzko will keep Mooney and Ziemer from leaving. What if the opposite is actually the case? That getting rid of Motzko is what it takes to keep Mooney and Ziemer.
I've seen comments indicating that keeping Motzko will keep Mooney and Ziemer from leaving. What if the opposite is actually the case? That getting rid of Motzko is what it takes to keep Mooney and Ziemer.
It is a valid point and why the coaching situation is so fluid. I have a hard time believing most (if any) of these recruits are signing mainly for Bob. In my opinion, it is way more likely they are committing to Minnesota because of the facilities, chartered planes, meals, and prestige of the hockey program.
The same goes with players on the current roster. Especially with the high end caliber players. I think there is a decent chance that Ziemer, Moore, Mooney, Whipple, etc shake their head at the underperforming players. They want to win. A new coach who might be more willing to cut ties with players could help them achieve winning.
In my opinion, it is way more likely they are committing to Minnesota because of the facilities, chartered planes, meals, and prestige of the hockey program.
I would think that as well if it weren't for being at a few gatherings with MSU players and coaches through my bosses and I've heard from players how important coaches were to the players on making their decision on where they committed. That was a big reason for why Sawyer Scholl transferred from Wisconsin was the MSU coaching staff. For him it wasn't lack of playing time, he got plenty of that at Wisco.
So I think all the grade A things that Minnesota has to offer can help sell the deal but really putting ink on the dotted line personal relationships are what seals the deal. Why would a player commit to something that they will put 90% of their waking time to and not like the person who will help develop them for the next stage of their playing career?
I know that there is a lot of nuance to this but it does boil down to personal relationships. Why come if you don't like the coaches? Why stay if you don't like the coaches? Besides NIL money why did Snuggy and Faber stay for one more year? Maybe you can ask @jupiter and @eric-vegoe off the record to comment on whether players do actually like the coaches? Publicly though I haven't seen anyone have a cross word to say about Bob.
I am the official Iowa Hawkeye football fan of GPL!
Not to be an elitist but I don’t think Minnesota and Mankato is comparing apples to apples. I think the coach matters a lot more at a Mankato/Augustana than MN/UND