Minnesota's new coach

[Warrior of Law]

Xavier assistant Ben Johnson.  To the extent MU and MN were competing in the same coaching pool, there's this.

https://www.forums.gopherhole.com/boards/threads/gophers-hiring-ben-johnson.100900/

[fjm]

Woooow.

Those fans are pissed.

[JamilJaeJamailJrJuan]

Interesting hire. 

[burger]

Some are going to be pissed in every fan pool.....Moser.....or any other possibility.....

It is what it is......

If they make the tourney and head in the right direction.....The silence will be deafening.....

PS.....Congratulations to Minnesota on taking a chance on an alum with ties.....and ready to take the next step.....possibly.....It does not have to be sizzle.....

[The Hippie Satan of Hyperbole]

Woooow.

Those fans are pissed.

I would be.  It would be like Marquette hiring Mike Bargen.

[Pakuni]

Woooow.

Those fans are pissed.

Can't imagine why.
Maybe he's the next great coach, but given the names that they've been tossing around, that's a buzzkill.

[Galway Eagle]

Can't imagine why.
Maybe he's the next great coach, but given the names that they've been tossing around, that's a buzzkill.

Yeah ouch.

[GooooMarquette]

I would be.  It would be like Marquette hiring Mike Bargen.

My first thought was Jon Harris, but yeah....

[GOO]

Every MU coach search in the internet age, has had big names thrown around, and then it ends up being an assistant.  Starting with Mike Deane's replacement onwards.

Could be different this time, but in the past a lot of big names mentioned, and then the guy who gets the job is an unknown (except for Wojo, he has been our highest profile new coach, maybe ever).

[brewcity77]

From what I heard, they were prioritizing Craig Smith and Dennis Gates. I was told Gates was out at Minnesota yesterday. Maybe this indicates those two already have their futures in mind?

[duanewade]

Xavier assistant Ben Johnson.  To the extent MU and MN were competing in the same coaching pool, there's this.

https://www.forums.gopherhole.com/boards/threads/gophers-hiring-ben-johnson.100900/

I'm sure economics might have a played a role in this hire.  With all the lost ticket revenues from football and basketball this past year I'm sure some programs just aren't willing to pay big money on a coach who might not perform to pro forma. 

[Farley36]

All the talk in the Twin Cities for weeks has been about getting Mussleman.  I’m surprised they didn’t make a hard push for him.

[GooooMarquette]

From what I heard, they were prioritizing Craig Smith and Dennis Gates. I was told Gates was out at Minnesota yesterday. Maybe this indicates those two already have their futures in mind?

Very possible. Minnesota is a very good job, but it isn't at the level (and certainly not at the budget) of Texas, Indiana or Marquette.

[Uncle Rico]

All the talk in the Twin Cities for weeks has been about getting Mussleman.  I’m surprised they didn’t make a hard push for him.

They probably reached out and he made it clear he wasn’t interested

[Viper]

From what I heard, they were prioritizing Craig Smith and Dennis Gates. I was told Gates was out at Minnesota yesterday. Maybe this indicates those two already have their futures in mind?

based on the Paint Touches summary on Craig Smith, he seems solid. Gates is compelling. HC’s from Rutgers and UCSB too. Definitely some interesting options.

[CountryRoads]

I believe they were the school that just had a big article posted about how they’ve never had a black coach/administrator. It’s possible that had something to do with it.

[rocky_warrior]

I believe they were the school that just had a big article posted about how they’ve never had a black coach/administrator. It’s possible that had something to do with it.

Tubby just tans a lot?

[GooooMarquette]

I believe they were the school that just had a big article posted about how they’ve never had a black coach/administrator. It’s possible that had something to do with it.

Not true. In addition to Tubby Smith (mentioned by Rocky), Clem Haskins was HC from '86-'99. If anything, they have been ahead of the pack in hiring black coaches.

[CountryRoads]

Oops sorry guys. Here is the article:

https://m.startribune.com/with-all-white-leadership-gophers-athletics-department-under-fresh-scrutiny-to-improve-diversity/600032408/

[GooooMarquette]

Oops sorry guys. Here is the article:

https://m.startribune.com/with-all-white-leadership-gophers-athletics-department-under-fresh-scrutiny-to-improve-diversity/600032408/

No worries. Minnesota takes diversity very seriously, so I figured your recollection was mostly right about them wanting it to be part of the equation.

[Billy Hoyle]

Not true. In addition to Tubby Smith (mentioned by Rocky), Clem Haskins was HC from '86-'99. If anything, they have been ahead of the pack in hiring black coaches.

it was regarding the AD's hires. Obviously passed over a huge pool of minority applicants for open Hockey and Softball jobs.

The pressure wasn't on the school, it was on Croyle.

[Pakuni]

it was regarding the AD's hires. Obviously passed over a huge pool of minority applicants for open Hockey and Softball jobs.

Because POC don't coach hockey or softball?

[bigdog]

Works for MU

[GooooMarquette]

Works for MU

Yep. A lot of people thought Minnesota would go after Smith and/or Gates. Less competition is always better, regardless of whether these guys are primary or secondary candidates for MU. With Minnesota filled, I feel pretty good about our ability to get either of these guys if that’s who Scholl wants.

[MarquetteMike1977]

Minnesota Graduate, Graduate Assistant Dayton Texas Pan America Nebraska assistant  Iowa Minnesota’ Assistant Xavier Assistant. You would think Minnesota could do better. Maybe trying to save money But knows maybe he wins.