Who would UND hire?

[sioux24/7]

1 hour ago, Siouxperman8 said:

Don’t know any details but guessing Freund burned some bridges at UND when he left for SDSU.  I know it PO’d a bunch of the fan base.   Probably too soon in that regard although all would be forgotten quickly if he was hired and had success here   

I don’t either and that could be. Like I said, I don’t expect it to happen but I wish it would. 

[gfhockey]

Slow morning tracking tail numbers not much action there 

[Shawn-O]

22 minutes ago, gfhockey said:

Slow morning tracking tail numbers not much action there 

Chavez sending flights to FAR to throw us off the scent.  Inbound flight from Des Moines headed toward Fargo. Could be Woodley. Might be Kelly H. picking him up there and putting on the hard sell on the drive up I29.  

[TwamleyShuffle]

9 hours ago, ND-fan said:

The idea of all these people coming town in three day period seems unrealistic to me. My bet a lot of these interviews are being done on Skype and then finalist will fly in for in person interview.  I am just guessing but it’s probably down to two or three candidates and number of people mentioned on here may never apply with openings in the country and coming openings on such short notice. I can tell you it’s just no the job but if spouse and family are willing to pack move to Northern North Dakota. This is not to mention compensation package we’re offering and what they are being paid or will be offered elsewhere. My hope it’s somebody that can recruit and is willing to build program into something special.

This. I work in higher ed and can tell you first round interviews are almost always online. Finalists get brought to campus. Though I could be wrong in this case as they seem to want someone hired ASAP. 

[Shawn-O]

Just now, TwamleyShuffle said:

This. I work in higher ed and can tell you first round interviews are almost always online. Finalists get brought to campus. Though I could be wrong in this case as they seem to want someone hired ASAP. 

I think the finals are happening now.   

[petey23]

2 hours ago, sioux24/7 said:

Why is it too soon? If this would have happened last year, I think he’d be our head coach right now. I don’t think he will be the guy now but I do think that will be a mistake. I know he only has one year outside of UND so it goes against the outsider want. Idk if I was the AD I’d hitch my name to his. Think he’s going to be a star. 

Never big on Freund as 'coach in waiting" so didn't mind when he left.

[bincitysioux]

In theory, I like the idea of both Freund or Schleusner.  Both are young up-and-comers it seems and both have innovative offensive schemes and can probably develop QB's. My fear with either of them is that both would likely appoint a former UND player or assistant coach from their "era" as Defensive Coordinator.  I think it is paramount that whoever the next guy is, installs a modern defense that is a total departure from what UND has basically been running since the early 90's.  

I feel pretty strongly that for the UND FB Program to take a leap quickly, that the entire defensive staff needs a makeover..........

[UND1983]

Let's remember that NDSU made a similar move to what is being discussed on here when they hired Polasek. Not the greatest resume ever

[forksandspoons]

7 minutes ago, bincitysioux said:

In theory, I like the idea of both Freund or Schleusner.  Both are young up-and-comers it seems and both have innovative offensive schemes and can probably develop QB's. My fear with either of them is that both would likely appoint a former UND player or assistant coach from their "era" as Defensive Coordinator.  I think it is paramount that whoever the next guy is, installs a modern defense that is a total departure from what UND has basically been running since the early 90's.  

I feel pretty strongly that for the UND FB Program to take a leap quickly, that the entire defensive staff needs a makeover..........

This!

[Und246]

I think the biggest problem is not the quality of the coach’s  we have.For the most part they are capable.  The biggest issue is we need to land better recruits on the defensive side. Our coach’s will then get a lot better right away. 

[AJS]

Could be a completely dumb take but putting it out there. Clearly those with HC experience that have had or are having success have proven they have the skill set. The skill set needed as a HC can be different than that of a positional coach. That person (IMO) needs to have a lot of the qualities I think Bubba lacked. Be charismatic, confidence, swagge, dynamic. We need someone who can recruit, recruit, recruit. Someone that can inspire, who embodies confidence. I'm less interested in how Schmidt did as a D-Coordinator in Yr 1 at a bad SDSU program if he has all those qualities. Why I'm so against Baldwin is his last HC job was a dumpster fire. 

I don't know anything really about the candidates. I want the guy to have those qualities. More risk tied to a guy who hasn't done it before, but I'm ok and almost prefer taking a swing for the fences. Everything is in place, so there is a decent safety net for the new coach. Just needs to have the qualities.

Btw. Need to keep Freuchte as the OC. Seems to have "it". I'm also becoming more and more ok with him being the guy as well.

[iramurphy]

2 hours ago, UND-FB-FAN said:

Same argument as Fruechte. If he was the answer, why wasn’t UND winning playoff games and championships with him and Bubba from 2014-2023?  
 

No thanks, need new ideas and a new philosophy, and these guys from the Bubba coaching tree (Eric Schmidt, Danny Freund, even to a degree Isaac Fruechte) don’t offer that. 

I’m not advocating for anyone in particular but I’m not so sure we can assume these guys would continue the status quo. 
All 3 have coached at different places but over the years have spent time at coaches clinics or even spent time with other programs during the off season. 
They also have experienced what doesn’t work and could very well have different ideas about moving the program forward. If any of them are interviewed, that would need to be clearly evident. 

[bincitysioux]

Regarding Freuchte.........

I don't know if the posted requirements disqualify him or not.  But if he were to be considered against similar candidates like Freund or Schleusner, I would prefer Freuchte in that scenario.  Simply because he is an "outsider", that would hopefully bring in a DC with a completely different philosophy than what UND currently has.  

I felt Freuchte's offense was actually surprisingly good this past year, and I like how he calls plays.  

 

[AJS]

The defense has been a complete dumpster fire for years. I'm ok making the assumption that whoever it is that takes over won't continue the status quo. 

[F'n Hawks]

37 minutes ago, bincitysioux said:

In theory, I like the idea of both Freund or Schleusner.  Both are young up-and-comers it seems and both have innovative offensive schemes and can probably develop QB's. My fear with either of them is that both would likely appoint a former UND player or assistant coach from their "era" as Defensive Coordinator.  I think it is paramount that whoever the next guy is, installs a modern defense that is a total departure from what UND has basically been running since the early 90's.  

I feel pretty strongly that for the UND FB Program to take a leap quickly, that the entire defensive staff needs a makeover..........

Absolutely. Worst case scenario for me in this process is if nothing changes on the defensive side of the ball. If anyone on that side is retained I will be very disappointed.

[bincitysioux]

2 minutes ago, AJS said:

The defense has been a complete dumpster fire for years. I'm ok making the assumption that whoever it is that takes over won't continue the status quo. 

I don't know if that's a given.  I am trying to remember the last time UND had a really GOOD defense.

2007 maybe?  15+ years of average at best, but often atrocious defenses.  The one constant has been relying on variations of the Thomas-Lennon-Schwiegert defensive philosophy that was installed over 30 years ago.

Schmidt seems to be high on the list of contenders.  We know what his scheme will be.  He was certainly our most successful DC of the DI era. Also have to remember his time here coincided with Big Sky membership, which most here like to claim is a "soft" brand of football compared to the MVFC. 

I'm actually really concerned that Freund or Schluesner would simply leave the current defensive staff mostly in tact...........

[fightingsioux4life]

23 minutes ago, bincitysioux said:

Regarding Freuchte.........

I don't know if the posted requirements disqualify him or not.  But if he were to be considered against similar candidates like Freund or Schleusner, I would prefer Freuchte in that scenario.  Simply because he is an "outsider", that would hopefully bring in a DC with a completely different philosophy than what UND currently has.  

I felt Freuchte's offense was actually surprisingly good this past year, and I like how he calls plays.  

Hiring within is a great idea! Look how well it has worked for WBB, oh wait.......

[geaux_sioux]

3 hours ago, sioux24/7 said:

Could also be because we didn’t have any sort of defense. Last two playoff Ls have been 35-42 and 31-38. 

To score 30+ and lose a playoff game is such a joke. 

[gundy1124]

3 minutes ago, bincitysioux said:

I don't know if that's a given.  I am trying to remember the last time UND had a really GOOD defense.

2007 maybe?  15+ years of average at best, but often atrocious defenses.  The one constant has been relying on variations of the Thomas-Lennon-Schwiegert defensive philosophy that was installed over 30 years ago.

Schmidt seems to be high on the list of contenders.  We know what his scheme will be.  He was certainly our most successful DC of the DI era. Also have to remember his time here coincided with Big Sky membership, which most here like to claim is a "soft" brand of football compared to the MVFC. 

I'm actually really concerned that Freund or Schluesner would simply leave the current defensive staff mostly in tact...........

He would bring a 4-2-5.  Is that what you meant?

[bincitysioux]

I meant he played and coached for Lennon & Bubba, and their defensive philosophies are likely ingrained in him.

And I am not saying I feel Schmidt would fail, or that I am rooting for him not to get the job (if he is interested).

Just saying a good part of me feels that a clean break from the Roger Thomas coaching tree, could be a good thing.

[F'n Hawks]

4 minutes ago, geaux_sioux said:

To score 30+ and lose a playoff game is such a joke. 

The first half of the Weber State playoff game was the worst half of defense I had ever witnessed in my life. But then I watched the Sac State game, and that was even worse. Even if our defense were slightly below average instead of awful Bubba probably has 3 or 4 playoff wins.

[NoDakAlum]

3 hours ago, UND-FB-FAN said:

#7 Brent Bolte

Only been at Bemidji St really, to be honest, and he’s had no real consistent playoff success until this season. He’s been a winning head coach, but no signifiant championship seasons. He has potential but not as much as more proven HC winners like Baldwin and Hoffner, and I don’t see him as innovative and connected as Schleusner and Schmidt.

Bolte has brought Bemidji State to the National Playoffs the past 4 years and has them on the cusp of the Final Four......no disrespect, but ..... we're talking about BEMIDJI STATE....!!!  Tell me the inherent advantages that he has going for him in Bemidji.... recruiting hot bed? (no); Max Scholarship money? (no); Fantastic Facilities?  (have you seen there 1920's stadium).  Given that Bemidji State's All-Time winning percentage is below .500 it's even more telling how good of a job he is doing.  Bolte continues to do more with less then any other coach in the COUNTRY for D2.  North Dakota would be lucky to get him.

[Longtime fan]

After sifting through some of the possibilities for the next coach ….really like Caruso.  Has proven track record as head coach.  At 50 …he knows how to relate to players yet experienced enough for in game decision making.  If he can turn und into a fcs power he still has time to move onto something better or simply ride it out to retirement if he chooses.  Plus I like the idea he and Freuchte have a relationship.  Keep the OC here. Keeps some familiarity with the players that has very little bubba influence.  Its a win win imo 

 

163-46 (78%) overall.  Played in two championship games (That era in D3 was owned by Mount union and Wisconsin whitewater). 
 

Has 6 national coach of the year awards.  He’s a winner !  He turned st Thomas around in his first year.  They were 2-8 the year before he got there.  His first year 7-3.  

yearly record at st Thomas 

7-3

11-2

12-1

13–1

14-1

8-3

14-1

12-1

11-2

8-2

8-2

7-3  (moved to D1)

10-1

8-3

6-6    157-34   82% 

 

From the cities area.  Huge recruiting area for und so having the ties to that area are a huge advantage.  

Can’t say he a defensive minded guy but had Brandon Staley as a D line coach who is the assistant head coach for SF 49ers.  Ex head coach for the chargers.  
 

 

 

 

[Ron Mexico]

If not Schmidt, Fruechte!!!

[Dustin]

4 minutes ago, NoDakAlum said:

Bolte has brought Bemidji State to the National Playoffs the past 4 years and has them on the cusp of the Final Four......no disrespect, but ..... we're talking about BEMIDJI STATE....!!!  Tell me the inherent advantages that he has going for him in Bemidji.... recruiting hot bed? (no); Max Scholarship money? (no); Fantastic Facilities?  (have you seen there 1920's stadium).  Given that Bemidji State's All-Time winning percentage is below .500 it's even more telling how good of a job he is doing.  Bolte continues to do more with less then any other coach in the COUNTRY for D2.  North Dakota would be lucky to get him.

Not saying other candidates aren’t good choices, but these reasons make him my #1.