UND-FB-FAN

Nah, that’s complete bullcrap. Montana, Montana State, Sac State, Weber State, Villanova, Richmond, Idaho, Delaware, Youngstown all have won multiple playoff games over the past decade. UND isn’t even in that conversation. Again, actions speak louder than words. Nice try though.

My mind has been decided based on my own observations. I won’t apologize for producing my own opinion, even if in fact it is different than yours. The coaching staff budget could be improved, but again, I do not believe the salary inherently changes the passion or ability of the staff member. It does help hire new capable coaches, if that approach ever arises. It absolutely matters what is said or done, and I’ve made that abundantly clear. So, you’re dead wrong. Administration says they care about winning, but yet extend coaches that have won one playoff game in the past decade; and put UND in a vulnerable position, leading to UND alumni coaches and local student-athletes leaving to regional rivals. And yes, I think UND’s tough schedule will likely prove me right. I would rather UND win every game on their schedule and I head down to Frisco in January, but I’ll take being correct as consolation. All this lead up to the night game vs Montana in September will be likely deflated by a blowout loss (see 2013, which featured a “wonderful” home schedule). SDSU and NDSU are the benchmark, and UND has work to do to catch up.

Giving him a chance just now? What has the last decade been? Other FCS coaching staffs do far more with far less. And paying a pig a million bucks still means the pig is a pig. CFO also went on record stating that UND’s budget is at the top for FCS schools (which we knew), so can’t use that excuse either. They did mention that it is not an apples-to-apples comparison because other FCS schools don’t sponsor hockey, and of course shot down any idea that the REA - UND ticket revenue agreement is a problem. All in all, it seems that the repeated mention that the administration wants to win as bad as the supporters/fans do is pure garbage and just lip service. Sure, the facilities are improving, but the underlying regime continues to stay the same all while the results on the field are considerably subpar when compared to NDSU and SDSU. There certainly does not seem to be a true arms race. Actions speak louder than words, and UND’s current leaders have lost trust, in my opinion. I don’t believe them. Most in GF and the region want action and results, no more words and promises. Nothing is delivered on. And here we stand.

The majority of this forum is populated by the exact opposite sort of people I’d like to share any of that with. I’d be very surprised if UND football takes on a different identity in 2024, as the same ol’, same ol’ is still in the place. But hey, if you enjoy some wins here, some losses there, and an early playoff exit, then you should love 2024, just like all the other seasons (albeit playoffs might not even happen this season).

Trajectory appears to be “down” … time will tell.

This program is in mediocrity purgatory, and I won’t blindly agree with all the decisions that are obviously keeping UND football irrelevant. But, for everyone not throwing popcorn, carry on, and pretend all is well. Fairly low expectations at UND right now, it certainly appears, despite ”leaders” stating everyone wants to win. Anyone in a leadership position at UND right now needs to be looking at themselves in the mirror. Politically-correct town halls do not change that.

… of course. Incredibly predictable response. And my response is also very predictable: I didn’t need to ask any difficult questions; I’ve already done that behind closed doors. Fairly obvious any difficult questions that were raised during a “town hall” were not going to lead to any changes, particularly involving staffing. Still, I was curious to see what would transpire, and it was, like I said, generic.

Yes. Quite generic, but credit to the department for at least doing it.

Bubba Schweigert has lost this program. He was at the town hall meeting, and perhaps as such, no difficult questions were asked. I will hope for a miracle in 2024, but doesn’t look probable.

Sure seems that way. Will Bubba’s buddies ever see the light? Nice guy, but can’t compete at the highest level. Too nice; nervous guy vibes rub off on his teams, and he just wont retire…

If Dale Lennon was still here, the program would be able to win playoff games.

The UND football problem is complex/multifactorial, which makes any argument towards a single issue laughable. Need improvement across the board. I can clearly say the NIL and facility recent upgrades are moves toward improvement; but the coaching, recruiting and motivation is still beyond questionable.

The roster mostly consists of division 2 talent, not division 1 talent. A few talented students come to campus but don't stay. The new facilities may attract more top-end talent, which is essential for a championship-quality football team. Now, the leadership and motivation of the current talent (hence the exodus) is another issue … Current $ from NIL is of course factor too.

-2024 schedule is promising, but 2013-like disaster very possible. -Better players are crucial, especially after the transfer losses, but the coaches recruit/retain; falls back onto coaches. -Extending Bubba maintains status quo, no playoff success. -Passive change is only way UND improves to new level; that is, Bubba retirement only way things change. Bubba with apparent lifetime contract. Would like to see someone else get a chance at this point, maybe new OC ascends and Bubba allows him to have the job? Bubba's friends favor him over actual UND football results. Good for Bubba that he has made a lot of friends. -Bubba lacks leadership ability to compete regionally with big boys (NDSU, SDSU, Montana, Montana State)

New facilities are a positive, and will help, but the current coaching will continue to limit the overall success. The ceiling is set. The current coach's inability to lead UND football to a championship, despite his love and connections, is perpetuated by supporters prioritizing friendship over team success, hindering UND’s performance in big games.

UND leadership's job security isn't tied to football performance but to hockey, a focus set by major donor Ralph Engelstad and his foundation. This priority, and the resultant funding discrepancy, has been noticed by student-athletes and coaches, leading to their departure to better-funded regional rivals. Despite hollow conversations with UND leaders, new football facilities offer some hope for talent improvement, although inadequate coaching decisions will remain a problem.

Ironically, the much criticized and publicized UND deal with REA, Inc. suggests that precedent has already been set. Ultimately, actions always speak louder than words. Been a lot of words lately (as usual). Been a few actions, also. I don’t agree with many of the actions. Time will tell if everything works out, but history suggests it won’t.

That is because it hasn’t been proven wrong yet. The current football coaching situation, despite lacking in high-end skills for recruitment, retention, and coaching strategy for championship success, is favored by the leadership for its cost-effectiveness, compliance, and affable personality.

Within the grand scheme, if this is the approach, then therein lies the problem with UND athletics. Sitting around and waiting for all those 7-8 figure donations has really been going well, hasn’t it? These type of financial gaps (https://www.grandforksherald.com/sports/college/miller-coaching-exits-not-about-the-financial-gap-and-all-about-the-financial-gap) wouldn’t exist if the “only the big boys and girls get invited to the table” approach was gone

In this day and age, 6 to 7 figures minimum. See recent Sanford gift (https://blogs.und.edu/und-today/2024/04/und-announces-6-5-million-gift-from-sanford-health/). As we sit at present, UND leaders prefer cost-effective, comfortable football coaching options and a hockey focus over perhaps more risky coaching enhancements, while sentiment-driven football donors unknowingly accept third (or fourth) place.

Bubba ball and Chaves coordinating … Ridiculous. Influential donors need to start demanding results/wins, not nice guy hand-shakes.

Hey, look, right again. So easy predicting the actions of this wandering-in-the-dark lost program. Good job Chaves.

Nepotism, Corruption and Mediocrity continues at UND! No surprise … it’s easier just accepting apathy at this point. Good luck folks with your mediocrity. Hard to be too proud of my alma mater at this point. I’ll direct my dollars and investments elsewhere. Can’t believe I’ve put in as much $ as I have … stupidity! Pile on, I admit it! I screwed up supporting this program, but I’ll still be around a bit. The local traditions and culture around NE North Dakota and western Minnesota (with the exception apparently being Fargo, which is unsurprisingly booming) continues to astonish me.

Jeez. So predictable. F UND athletics. Hockey will choke it away too

Solid win vs USD. I worry UND will drop the first round game vs ORU. Hopefully they have a solid tourney showing. Would love to see some exposure in the championship game or, better yet, in the national tournament!