AJS

I’m guessing it’ll be considerably worse. Which isn’t a surprise since it’s apparent to everyone that this program is heading off a cliff. How frustrating it’ll be for 360 and Tom Miller who will write how it’s part of being in the FCS. Clearly ignoring how the other Dakota / Montana schools will only lose a few key players.

In a way this feels a bit surreal. Everyone outside of Chaves and Bubba had the script written after this last extension. Unless stopped, Bubba will burn this program to the ground. This upcoming offseason will be 2x worse than last. Next year worse than this year. It’s so crazy that Chaves is going to let this happen.

This being University of North Dakota athletics, I fully realize a coaching change after this year is highly unlikely. Where I’m holding onto hope for a change, is the direction of this program is now “unspinable”. It’s a feeling that has never been this clear. Agree or disagree (most disagreed), but even this most recent extension, you could spin it as, well, they’ve made the playoffs X years in a row. Just need to fix Y to take the next step. It’s the final minute of the first half in three of the last four games. It’s every time they step on the road. Coaching staff has completely failed. It’s broken and it will not be fixed while Bubba is still the coach. They will not make the playoffs moving forward, while Bubba is still the coach. The other Dakota schools and the Montanas will lose a guy or two to the portal (except for SDSU), but will largely keep their key players. It’s why the are Top 10 teams. Last year, UND for the first time lost more than usual. That was a big sign. This year I’m guessing will be worse. There’s no way to spin this anymore. Maybe UND athletics will take a step forward and finally realize the only thing missing is Coaching.

I agree, in theory with this post. Division 1 Football Coach however is not your ordinary job. Let’s change, “love for UND” to “think about your legacy”. Would he really want to be a pariah at a place I do believe he loves? The way I see it, he leaves after this year, he could still salvage his legacy. If he truly burns it down on the way out, which if he’s not already he most certainly will if he stays longer. He’ll end up as one of the most hated coaches in UND history. One step further. Your post works perfectly for someone like Chaves. It’s different for someone like Bubba or on the hockey side Berry.

Mark is a good guy who cares about the University. Bubba?

I’m fully in the open it up to a national search. Anyone who has coached w/ Bubba previously need not apply. This program needs a COMPLETELY fresh start.

Nap by nap. Loss by loss. One more. Believe!

USD runs away with this one in the second half. No coming back from the last drive in the first half. Different coaching staff, might be a different story. Nap by nap. Loss by loss. Fire Bubba.

I feel so bad for the players. These coaches absolutely suck.

This program needs a hard reset. What we witnessed would not happen anywhere else. Time and time again.

Beyond a joke.

Does he have any FCS or higher offers currently? I don’t think he does.

*5* I still believe. Lose the last five, including two blowouts at home to the SD schools. That will do it.

Based on the past, one or two will flip before signing day. Those recruits have always "upgraded". Honestly, not sure if many others would. You would think so, but also, is there room at "like" places? I don't think anyone would decommit to downgrade the school. I think there's a fairly united front on this. The only thing that matters for this program is Bubba is no longer the coach. Anything residual (players leaving via portal, decommitting) is fine. Ideally, Bubba will step into another role within the athletic department after this year and the talent will stay. Note: I do realize how gross this really is. Hate that it had to come to this. Equal blame on Chaves as well as Bubba.

The other Dakota schools are too far ahead of UND. USD is finally breaking away from mediocrity this year (building on one successful year w/ another). No worries this weekend. USD rolls. Loss by loss. Nap by nap.

Pre-portal, I might have a different opinion. Even with all the injuries, they can fill out a line-up sheet. Everyone is contributing. What I don't want to see is two defenseman who are expecting to play, sitting up in the stands as healthy scratches (along with the 9D). I would always choose the potential for being short of players > talent sitting in the stands. IMO, it goes so much further than the player leaving via portal after the year, I think it poisons the locker room that year as well.

I could be misremembering, but has this really been an issue recently? This is completely different than losing someone right before the NCAA's (i.e. Pyke last year). I'm a broken record, but keep it at 8, always. Moving forward though, I'd look at having that 15F being able to play D if needed.

Always like the matchups more against teams that have talent, play exciting styles of hockey (MN, DU, BU, ect). UND seems to fair better against those teams. It's the teams that are loaded with 21-year-old FR and play a garbage style (ex: Bemidji / Mankato) that I worry about. Think they split, which would be a fine result.

@Longtime fan @UND-FB-FAN what direction do you want them to go? National search? Danny? Freuchte? I’m being hopeful and let’s say it happens after this year, if that makes a difference.

Each week that passes, I’m more on board with bringing him back. Here’s what I believe. UND has a top notch campus, starting this January top notch facilities to match. There is absolutely no reason they shouldn’t be a premier FCS program. They need a leader that exudes confidence. That’s young. That has swagger. Everything Bubba is not. Fire Bubba, hire Danny quickly. The excitement around the program would be like something we’ve never seen. True momentum.

I’m back. Five losses in a row will do it. Two left! Believe!! Bubba’s gone or bust!

Bubba’s message.

My fear and the most likely outcome of the extension is coming true. Bubba will burn this program to the ground. The only person that can stop it now is Chaves. Will two more loses be enough? Starting to get really nervous.

Fair point. What could this group be without the biggest zero of all time as head coach? Only way to save the program. Fire Bubba immediately following the season, hire Danny. Really analyze the roster.

As long as Bubba is coaching, it doesn’t matter. I do agree though, I wouldn’t blame anyone for bailing. Has to be tough having the least charismatic head coach in sports history.