jdub27

He played some really good defense on Mayo towards the end of the game last night. Definitely helped them come out on top. Assuming he isn't asked to be "away" from the team again....

A true good 'ol boy would know that Bonzer's opens well before that...

Honest question: What exactly does this look like? Only curious because I've never seen anything similar for the hockey program. I can't recall seeing anything like that from either of the XDSU's (unless it is related to facilities, which I know UND has done as well). I've listened to the AD and multiple head coaches speak plenty of times. Plenty of different settings whether it be Alumni events, booster luncheons, University sponsored gatherings. In various ways, I've heard them lay out what their expectations are and what they feel they need to do to accomplish it. Depending on the setting, sometimes they are pushing to raise more money as some of that vision requires more money. What are you actually looking for when you say "show me the plan"? I honestly don't know what it is exactly you say you're looking for and how you want/expect it to be delivered and I'm curious how it relates to things that maybe are already happening, just not being put out there in the way you expect it to be.

Again, I said they absolutely should have won. Doesn't change the fact that they still had the worst draw in the first round. Making your own luck only goes so far. Not even taking into account that rules were changed two separate years for two separate things after how the playoff selection shook out, that's a bit beyond making "petty excuses". If acknowledging the deck has been stacked against them multiple times by pointing out facts, despite saying the team still needs to show up and overcome, is considered making "petty excuses" then whatever I guess. The world isn't black and white, it's OK to accept more than one thing can be true at the same time.

Don't disagree, but it is an absolute fact that UND has also absoultely gotten the short-end the last two years with their draws. Getting completely screwed by not having a home game and playing the de-facto #9 seed on the road despite having a higher bid when they were nowhere near the last team selected in 2022. Last year, even though they should have won and at least got a home game, Sac St was easily the toughest draw in the highest ranked match-up while a bunch of east coast cupcakes got to play each other. Add in having to get dressed in tents at McNeese in 2019 and you really start scratching your head. Two of those three literally caused rules to be changed because they were so egregious. I know plenty will jump all over that about making excuses and I will absolutely be clear even getting a fair draw in the first round doesn't you past the second round (nor does blowing a lead against Richmond at home!), but to pretend UND's playoff draws have been anything but a joke over the last few years have not helped build some momentum and improved the results also isn't realistic.

Having personally talked to at least one of the individuals you referenced, along with a handful that are still with the program who also gave insight, saying that is a "mixed narrative" is 100% accurate. It was a combination of a bunch of different things, each situation different than the other. Similar to what happens to plenty of coaches at programs across the country. No disagreement on timing, who left, when the they left, where they left to, replacements leaving among other things doesn't feel like an absolute gut punch that has piled up. However, I think UND has done a pretty good job in identifying talented people to fill those spots the last few years. Very much hoping that trend continues. The schedule is not going to be any sort of walk in the park and most understand what is on the line. To be very clear, my loyalty isn't to a head coach or the staff in general. It is to what is best for the program within the realm of being realistic. To that point, whether buying out the current coach, who has solidly put the program well into the top 12-15 programs over the past 5 years but hasn't been able to take it one step further yet, it is also not a realistic outcome for a handful of reasons. So I don't view it as an option. That conversation absolutely changes after the coming season. And again, that isn't a secret.

No arguments from me on that. So hypothetically bad at recommending people for jobs, good at being a motivational speaker? Maybe UND can hire him as a consultant similar to what NDSU had a few years back, just with fewer illegal supplements being given to the players...

Lennon left in 2007, so he would not have overlapped with Faison, who didn't start until May, 2008. However, even without his ties, I assume both would use him as a reference. Despite how he left, I think Dale was still respected and whether it be officially or unofficially would have talked to those making the decisions on his thoughts. Not surprisingly, can't find anything definitive on who was on the search committee though I would have some guesses. Faison and Kelley made the final call and this article outlines how big of a cluster the hiring rules laws at the time made it to get an outside candidate: https://www.grandforksherald.com/sports/und-football-und-hiring-process-is-a-unique-endeavor Easy enough to look back to show plenty of posts that claim him and the made up good ol' boys club were the ones who pushed for Bubba.

Serious question: Which one of the two did their current boss at the time put his recommendation behind? Is it possible that had some sway with the hiring committee? I mean the same people railing on a decision made 10 years ago that we can't change also want Dale to give the pregame speech every week... Does he have any interest in calling plays? He has zero experience at it. Not sure I ever heard he was interested. He spent 5 years as a grad assistant helping with the OL (2 at NIU, 3 at Iowa St) before UND hired him with nothing beyond being a GA. I think he's a hell of an OL coach, but his resume for an OC just isn't there. Maybe he'd be good, maybe not. But it is far from a guarantee that it would be successful. One of the two was one of the worst hires UND has had in two decades as it relates to effort. One was content with not coaching college again even though there were lower level opportunities available, the other seemed to think he was much better of a coach than the results showed and doesn't seem like they were willing to put the work in to move back up. Again, the situation in Fargo proves your narrative isn't black and white. Coaches move for a large range of reasons, and it isn't always clear that it is for the job they are taking. They are thinking of the job or two after that and what options might be there from new connections. NDSU's OC left for the exact same position at a worse school in a worse conference, halfway across the country where he has no connections, likely for less money and you can't tell me there wasn't guaranteed success in front of him at NDSU. So obviously there are coaches (outside of just UND) who see exactly what you described and move anyway.

Year-End Massey Ratings 2008 28 2009 40 2010 48 2011 36 2012 35 2013 68 2014 64 2015 32 2016 21 2017 43 2018 27 2019 21 2020 6* 2021 14 2022 14 2023 15 The continuous repeating that things are a disaster isn't reflected by any hard data. And Mussman vs. Bubba is a hilarious comparison despite the different challenges both had to work with. It's clear the next step is to continuously win playoff games and get the rankings into the single digits but the program as a whole has continued to take steps forward. Easy to be jaded when the two closest schools to you happen to be in your conference and also easily two of the top programs in the country over the last 15 years. No one is arguing this isn't an important year for a whole bunch of reasons. But some of the suggestions are so far from being based in reality, starting to think half this board is made up of ndsu accounts just having fun at UND's expense.

I'm confused as well. If coaches leave, that automatically means that things are going bad in a program? Or is there some sort of arbitrary test that is applied to see whether it is beneficial for ones argument? Pretty sure NDSU lost their head coach (to be LB coach at USC??), OC (to take the same job in a worse conference for a worse team and then had to steal UND's?) and also multiple assistants. Are things in a tailspin there?

As far as I can tell, they actually currently have two. Phenicie and Germer, both who have a really lung history with Hauck. Could have missed it but can't find anything that shows either of them left.

Do either of those even have an open OL coaching spot.....?

Not a huge fan of how his last few years went in Grand Forks but the last 12 seasons, that program has won 8, 5, 4, 8, 8, 7, 6, 4, 7, 0, 7, and 4 games. Safe to say it was well into the ground before he got there. Absolutely embarrassing choice pulling his team off the court though.

Not saying that number shouldn't be higher, but I guess the team has won a few games in a row so we need to find something else to complain about. Pretty amazing how that works...

So that's why Polasek gave him a promotion? And then gush to the paper how much they meant to each other and TP wanted him on staff? Might be just me, but that seems like a really odd way to encourage someone to leave to get more experience.

At least his last play call for ndsu was a memorable for the fans....

Both were at NIU for a few years together. Pretty sure Joe also lived with Landry's parents for a bit when he first moved to Grand Forks, before he got his own place.

So you admit you don't actually have a clue then complain anyway? He hasn't had a connection to UND since he stepped off the field (2010) and graduated (2011). Went and got plenty of experience elsewhere and has a very solid resume. Better than what Danny had when he took over. Better than NDSU's when he was hired. Doesn't guarantee he'll be better or worse than either, but to blindly say you don't know anything about him other than he has a tie to UND and use that complain seems pretty odd.

"Top 5" program Albany disagrees with you!

Not downplaying his success because it speaks for itself but I'd be curious where his offenses at SIU actually ranked. I think they were above average but they won 5, 4, 6 and 7 games those 4 years. Beyond those few years, at the time his only other college experience was at the NAIA level where recruiting and requirements for players was completely different than D1 NCAA (and he obviously was very successful). It wasn't like it was a glaring mistake at the time. Very easy to look back and make the obvious comment that UND made a mistake. Happy for him as by all accounts he's a legitimately good guy. But looking back 10 years isn't going to move the program forward today.

They do run the Fargo one a little bit differently due to frequency and distance. Without know the OC, who else we'll lose in the portal and who we'll gain? No different than you, not going to throw what would be a random guess out there. I think the defense needs to get a couple more guys (or see significant improvement from the ones on campus), we need to retain our offensive talent (have concerns about 1-2 players at the moment) and get an OC that will be able to use said talent and work with two young QB's. The schedule isn't going to be a cakewalk with 3 of this year's 4 semi-finalist plus an FBS game. The conference road schedule is decent, so that is helpful given road issues. Could be as low as 5, could be as high as 11 (assuming everything possible goes right). A ton of variance out there 7.5+ months before the season starts.

AD doesn't set the lineup. They concentrate on getting a few coaches from the main seasons in progress (hockey and WBB this week) and sprinkle in minor sport coaches to fill it. Bubba will likely speak after the next signing day.

Regardless of what you think, and some points are definitely valid, it legitimately seems kind of crazy that people just assume that someone who has dedicated their entire adult life to coaching and reached the point Bubba has, pouring everything into the program and has had results that are in the top quartile of coaches at this level, would just up and quit and walk away with 2 years left on his contract. (Yeah we know, "complacency") I find it hard to believe that there's a single person criticizing him that wouldn't do the exact same thing given the multiple years left on his contract. Now, if he decides he's ready to hang it up, different story. And then some of the critics are right, he doesn't have the fire he needs to continue.

Well, unless you're one of the top 10 schools in the nation or an Ivy with a billion dollar endowment, this is the case everywhere and given what has been accomplished, a pretty short-sighted comment. They have been constantly fundraising to help get new facilities built and improve the budget. FCOA, Alston Awards and the buildings that have been put up or are under construction in the last decade weren't free. That task also falls on the Alumni Foundation and Champions Club. And given the new push with the UND Forever campaign, I would expect a lot of success the next few years. Would it be nice if they could find a 9 figure donation somewhere? Yeah, life would be a lot easier. Would it be nice if the contract with the REA was renegotiated to balance things out a little bit more? It is pretty complicated beyond what's been laid out here, but yes, it definitely could be.