dagies

ooo, that one I'd like to hear about!

Fair!

My impression as well. Remember, GF is a small town. If UND doesn't want to talk to Brad, there is no one else who will get any stories from them. It's not like there are 2 papers and a dozen reporters covering the team. UND sports reporting is critical to the health of the Herald. A healthy newspaper is a big deal for a community. I wouldn't think it would go over well in the newsroom if the Herald pissed off UND or a coaching staff unless it was really important information.

Can make as much in 2 years in the NHL as 10 in college, probably. So why not?

I agree with this

IF, and I say IF because I don't know anything...., Jackson is going to be named coach, going thru the motions of a national search is the best service the program can do for him. Had they just elevated Jackson without a search it would have opened up more negativity from many fans. At least this way UND can say they evaluated the available and interested candidates and have determined Jackson is the best choice. Now, that won't eliminate negative feedback, but it will help minimize it, and it's the right thing for the University to do for Jackson.

It's worth considering that recruits look at how long a coach will be around when making decisions. Giving him only a 2 year deal tells recruits it's uncertain if this guy is going to be around half-way through their career. That's not helpful...

Also, it would seem strange that if Jackson is the top choice the announcement wouldn't come more quickly. I suppose it is possible a full search is being done and Jackson could still rise to the top of the pool. If so, I think we can feel even better about that.

I get why ppl think a Jackson hire wouldn't be exciting but that's discounting the amount of control and influence you have when you are an assistant vs the responsible party. As an assistant your job is to provide advice and counsel but carry out the policy of the head person. Same as a middle manager in a business organization. But how you are received by the team changes when you are the final say on things. Your ability to influence those who report to you changes significantly because they know their future is in your hands. So that dynamic isn't being well considered in this thread. Add to that the likely influx of new assistants, etc. Potential exists for significant change in performance. I'm not saying I think Jackson is, or is not, he best choice. Just that I think he could be a great choice.

Good post

No way. You don't open a job hoping you get your target. You know on the front end.

My theory. Chavez told Berry "you need to get rid of X staff member". Berry said "you'll have to fire me". So Chavez did. Just a theory.

Preferred Qualifications are just that. Not mandatory. If you are like me, and a tie goes to UND connections, then you put that in there to prevent the coach not selected complaining that the decision wasn't fair. The "UND Family" is a big deal. The culture draws recruits and keeps former players connected which maintains interest and $ coming in. Hire a coach who doesn't see the value in maintaining those connections (see Lucia at MN) and you can hurt your program. UND is a small financial fish in a big financial pond with the Big10 and other big schools putting more into hockey. $ is becoming a huge deal in getting guys from the portal and keeping guys you want to keep. UND cannot afford to lose the benefits of the UND family. Doesn't have to be a UND guy to keep it going, but you better hire the right guy.

If we went back ten years on this board I wonder how much Hak love there would be? Personally I'd be fine with him coming back but don't see it.

Agree

Baloney. Money talks.

Do you guys not know this is happening at every school? Every "agent" is checking around to see who would be interested in their player. Every coach is letting back channels communicate to a target "hey, there could be a spot for ya here...." This is not news. It's the landscape.

Amen

Fair

That is a stark visual

No doubt

Don't understand the desire to not hire a UND alum. I'm OK if they don't. But for me tie goes to the guy who bleeds green. As for guys who have proven something, Enrico Blasi.

UND has a lot of spoiled fans. Getting the next great coach is far from a sure thing. Berry's teams almost always had a chance. Good character, good citizens. Good players. Maybe the next coach will be better. Might not be.

Showed up at game time

Weird. We also can't see it as of 5 min ago...