Maybe not a shocker, but there are reports that the Minn Gophers have fired Tracey Claeys. His support of his players in their battle with the AD and Minn President probably sealed his fate. Gophers were 9-4 this year so not many 9-4 coaches get fired.
Claeys post firing indicated that he will not miss winter in Minnesota: http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/news/1199495-claeys-responds-to-firing-i-won-t-be-here-freezing-my-ass-off
He should just stop, disconnect his twitter. First rule of getting out of a hole is to stop digging. P.J.Fleck? Maybe the NDSU coach? Les Miles?
Fleck seems to be tops on the wish list. Minnesota is known as the state of 10000 lakes so it provides plenty of places for him to "row the boat". Schiano, Boehl, and the recently fired HC from Jacksonville who has Minnesota ties have also been mentioned.
I can't believe Les Miles hasn't ended up with a job, unless he really doesn't want to coach again unless it's at a place where success is somewhat of a given.
I think Les' age is held against him. If he were 52, a guy with his resume would have been chased after by schools looking for a new coach. Maybe some of AD's looking for coaches should look at a tape of the Kansas State v Texas A&M game to challenge their assumption that hiring young is always the best choice.
I don't see evidence from the article that he has used Twitter. The "freezing" comment came in an interview, and he texted his goodbye to his team. Regardless of what the administration says, this has everything to do with his support of the players' boycott. IMO it was a mistake and legitimate grounds for letting him go. But what do I know? I'll bet he gets a head coaching job - or at least a solid coordinator's job - in the near future. He had outstanding results at Minnesota.
looks like PJ is headed to Minnesota: https://www.landof10.com/minnesota/report-minnesota-western-michigan-p-j-fleck-hired-coach Fleck is walking into a firestorm but if you had a chance to watch Western Michigan this year, pretty easy to discern that he fielded a well coached team. He is also a guy whose motor does not stop and a formidable recruiter. If this hiring is finalized, Minnesota hit a home run IMHO.
He worked with Jerry Kill at Nothern Illinois as well. His young age might work in his favor as well with the current players. Great recruiter and he will have the energy to move the program forward. Still a horrendous challenge.
Terry, Oops! I stand corrected re: your comment about Claeys' tweeting. I was referring to his post-firing comments. I just read that he tweeted his support of the players' boycott, which is what you were referring to. Fleck will be challenged for sure, especially in recruiting student-athletes to the frigid north. I'm guessing he counseled with Jerry Kill before accepting the job. I have a soft spot for Minnesota. It's where Lou Holtz coached for a few years and resurrected the program before coming to ND.
If Fleck does in fact take the Minn job, that will certainly increase the competition in the B1G West. There are good coaches at Iowa, Wisc, Northwestern and Neb, and then the new guy at Purdue has a excellent background as well.
Fleck to Minnesota. http://www.indystar.com/story/sport...ng-western-michigan-coach-minnesota/96270982/
Well Fleck had a good first day. 6 kids he had committed to W. Mich flipped to Minn. Now of course you might not think stealing kids from a MAC program is a formula for success in the B1G, but who knows. Maybe they are really good boat rowers! http://sports.yahoo.com/news/6-recruits-flip-from-western-michigan-to-minnesota-on-p-j-flecks-first-day-162558217.html
Saw where "Row the Boat" is trademarked by WMU... Bud Shaw of the Plain Dealer suggested he change it to "Follow the Code of Conduct" :shock:
CAL just fired Sonny Dykes, it's pretty late given he has not done anything controversial or unsavory. He does have a losing record though and Chip Kelly recently came available. Coincidence?
When did Ed Warriner leave Ohio State? I see he's PJ Flecks new OL coach. Isn't that a big step down from where he was at Ohio State?
This all happened in a 48 hour time period. Meyer wanted to hire Wilson, but could not make it unless Warriner found a home.I do not know the details but a couple phone calls to the right people can help? To me it is a step down, but I wish him well.
Neb loses DB coach Brian Stewart to Rice where he will be the DCoord. Banker spent 20 years with Riley, must have been tough to fire a friend who had been with you that long. Why do you think he's headed to the NFL?