UND-FB-FAN

Sure, but don't lose sight of the point I'm trying to make. If it comes down to two candidates for a position, one local and the other non-local but better qualified or with more potential, take the one with better credentials. The local and/or UND connections need to be better weighed than perhaps done in the past. That is my point, pure and simple. If the best guy also happens to be local, great -- that's a win/win. Many felt back in 2013 that DoBoer was the better head coaching candidate; however, Schweigert got the job. It is quite suspicious that the tie breaker was simply the UND/more local connections.

But a local (ND/MN) connection (which I would argue is perhaps even worse than over-favoring a UND connection) has been, particularly with Rudolph and Kostich. Those two haven't worked out.

I understand, but the Bubba versus Kalen DoBoer finalist conversation is well known and is partly what my argument is based on. With that said, my argument applies for other head coaches at UND, both past and present, as well. The head coach then chooses his coordinators/assistants with perhaps a local flavor to it. Schmidt obviously has direct UND connections. Rudolph indirect in that he faced Bubba's defenses while at St. Cloud. Kostich came with recommendation from Jerry Kill, as I understand it.

But will doing that actually lead to consistent winning? I would say no. But I do think you bring up a very good point. Trying to get around the coaching salary issues for non-hockey sports has certainly led to problems, especially during the DI era. Whether right or wrong, it is partly why the Kennedy vs Kris Engelstad McGarry topic became quite heated, particularly among those who recognize and are familiar with the coaching salary gap at UND.

I agree with what you're saying; however, let us now consider how connections to UND have clouded the judgement of many past hiring processes. Just because Bubba - or anyone for that matter - has past ties to UND, that should not mean qualified candidates for coaching should be denied. Now, the Bubba versus Kalen DoBoer ship has certainly sailed; however, in regards to coordinators, if there are any candidates out there who are qualified and capable but have no previous ties to UND, they should still be contacted, interviewed, and strongly considered. UND football needs to expand its sights if it wants to improve. In my estimation, the level of commitment to those with past ties has historically been excessive. You can certainly disagree, as I feel many with ties themselves will, but I just feel this needs to be an emphasized point as new coaches are potentially considered moving forward.

Jump from DIII to DI is risky. He definitely has been successful, though.

You know, it may just be possible to hire good DI coaches that did not previously play or coach at UND. It's about the right fit at the right time for both sides. UND football has been missing the "it" factor ever since going Division I. The "it" factor is the mindset and ability to actually compete for championships, both conference and national. You have to be able to consistently make the postseason first before you can compete for championships, and that is where the program is constantly getting hung up. I want new blood that will take the program to a level that the previous coaches, most of whom we have absolutely no personal problems with, have been unable to reach.

Both. There is a deficit of situational play-calling. Case in point would be the offense called at the end of Idaho game or looking back when UND was up 24-7 against Richmond in the 2016 playoffs but blew the lead with pathetic play-calling. There is a deficit in scheme with both personnel groupings and utilization of personnel. The personnel groupings are horrible. There is no reason, when Santiago, Oliveira, and Johannesson were all healthy, why Santiago couldn't have sometimes played in the slot. Or Johannesson could've played some FB. Or have faster receivers like Adeoti, McKinney, and Griebel all be on the feild at the same time for a few plays to stretch the defense. Motion Santiago out wide and throw a deep ball to him. Etc. Etc. Etc. Lastly, the complete lack of a running back screen game and a TE play-action passing game is pathetic. As a run first team, you absolutely need to have a screen game and a play-action game to your tight ends. So, in summary, there are problems in both play calling and scheme.

... or just 3 DL with 8 to clean everything else up. You can spin it anyway you want. Comes down to execution and in-game adjustments based on what opposing offense is doing.

Understand where you're coming from, but there are major issues on offense and defense, also. Needs to address those too.

Many championship programs run the 3-4 scheme. That is not the issue. It's not so much what you run but rather how you run it.

The true pro-style run-orientated offenses are rare now in college football. They do still exist though; look no further than NDSU, University of Wisconsin, and University of Iowa. You can either watch their games or look up the stats; either way, you'll see a ton of catches by the halfbacks, fullbacks, and tight ends. I don't know what Rudolph is doing, but it isn't winning conventional football. Its a "Rudolph offense" because no one in their right mind would copy it and run it.

Bubba can do this by either hiring more competent coaches or by resigning. We all know which one is more likely. New ideas for the offense and special teams are desperately needed. Bubba also needs to look himself in the mirror and ask if his philosophy and approach are really what it will take to make UND a contender. The level of conservatism he currently approaches the game with is not effective for championship football; perhaps mediocre football.

Beyond disappointing ... New leadership and direction is desperately needed for this football program.

As long as UND's offense is run by Rudolph, this is what you'll get. An unorthodox, impractical run first offense.

This is correct. UND is way, way too passive. Passive can work if you have tremendous defense and special teams. UND's special teams is the worst I've ever seen it; so, quite frankly, UND's coaches are doing the student-athletes a disservice by being so damn passive and conservative. Bottom line: UND's special teams lost UND the game versus Idaho. Secondary line: UND's offense needs to be way more aggressive and multi-dimensional.

The players want to win. They desire to be an aggressive team that wins big games. The staff is holding them back. I encourage anyone who has replay capabilities to go back and watch the sequence in the Idaho game when Bubba pulled the offense off the field on 4th&1 in Idaho territory. Ketteringham was hot and even confronted Bubba as he came off. Now, these are all things that regularly happen in the heat of the moment so they don’t mean anything personal, but they do suggest that the coaching staff is dampening any possible momentum and fire in the offense. UND football will always be mediocre if this staff wants to constantly implement a “nice guy” cautious strategy. The players that want to win recognize this.

Very good point. Evidence just continues to mount (as there was plenty well before the Idaho game) that Rudolph has a very limited offense. How can a team that wants to "run the ball" and "be physical" not have a passing game that utilizes the RBs and TEs? It's beyond silly. Again, more and more evidence shows UND's offensive philosophy and leadership is severely impaired.

We can ultimately disagree on this, but whether it’s football or anything else, I have been told and have observed winning as being a habit that is taught over time. Winning embodies characteristics such as positivity/confidence, innovation, proper communication/collaboration, and commitment to excellence. These are coachable/teachable traits and eventually they all need to be actuated. The current staff lacks in some of these areas in my assessment. Specifically, the innovation and confidence areas are lacking. I want to see new teachers of winning on the sideline for UND. You are what your record says you are; hire some qualified DI coaches who know how to win.

I caution this. As per this thread's title, the staff needs new blood. New blood = new ideas and new culture. Freund is a great guy who bleeds green; however, the ideology of the offense and special teams needs to be changed from what it has been the past 5 years. Bubba and Schmidt are tied in strategy/scheme so they come as a package.

Amen

Coaches are teachers. The players need to be better taught how to make said plays in order to win the games. Yesterday, they were not taught how to win in the 4th quarter. Squandering a 10-point fourth quarter lead is essentially the opposite of being a winner. Do you think the current staff are teachers of winning? I do not. Yesterday evidenced this.

Gone

Very interesting indeed. “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting different results”. - Albert Einstein Now, I certainly am not saying Bubba is insane, but at some point changes need to be made with UND consistently not meeting expectations.

I agree with Ira but also see your points as valid. There is certainly a dilemma right now between Bubba and his staff. Bottom line is Bubba isn't going anywhere due to his contract length, commitment to UND, Chaves' early tenure, etc. As such, I see the most likely and effective solution is replacement of Rudolph and Kostich by qualified external DI coaches.