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Damion Hahn was first choice not Ashnault

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RUSpider

Freshman
Sep 14, 2017
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Goodale was told by the athletic department that the woeful performance at NCAA's this year was unacceptable and that changes had to be made. To that end, Mytych was forced out (instead of Pollard). Damion Hahn was contacted regarding the head assistant position with Rutgers. Hahn would only agree to take the position if he was assured the head coaching position when Goodale's contract expires. Rutgers would not give Hahn that guarantee. Fortunately, Rutgers was able to pay Ashnault enough to poach him from Princeton.

Goodale is on borrowed time.
 
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Dakpawknight

Freshman
Jan 19, 2023
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66
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RUSpider said:
Goodale was told by the athletic department that the woeful performance at NCAA's this year was unacceptable and that changes had to be made. To that end, Mytych was forced out (instead of Pollard). Damion Hahn was contacted regarding the head assistant position with Rutgers. Hahn would only agree to take the position if he was assured the head coaching position when Goodale's contract expires. Rutgers would not give Hahn that guarantee. Fortunately, Rutgers was able to pay Ashnault enough to poach him from Princeton.

Goodale is on borrowed time.
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I could see Ashnault in an associate HC role and being the HC in a few years.
 
LETSGORU91

LETSGORU91

Senior
Jul 9, 2025
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Interesting and a very detailed summary of the events. How reliable are your sources? And if true, we might have punted the one and only opportunity to land Hahn here. Sounds like Zinn is behind the wrestling program. I like it.
 
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JudgeSmails56

All-American
Dec 1, 2019
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RUSpider said:
Goodale was told by the athletic department that the woeful performance at NCAA's this year was unacceptable and that changes had to be made. To that end, Mytych was forced out (instead of Pollard). Damion Hahn was contacted regarding the head assistant position with Rutgers. Hahn would only agree to take the position if he was assured the head coaching position when Goodale's contract expires. Rutgers would not give Hahn that guarantee. Fortunately, Rutgers was able to pay Ashnault enough to poach him from Princeton.

Goodale is on borrowed time.
Click to expand...
Hahn would've been a home run. I'm happy with Ash returning, but Pollard needs to go to.
 
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JudgeSmails56

All-American
Dec 1, 2019
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Goodale did a great job bringing the program back from the dead, but clearly his time is about up. We did well when he had Donny as an assistant and it obviously fell apart when he left. Get a big name coach and this can be a legit top ten program with all the talent in the area.
 
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Kiddagger311

Senior
Sep 17, 2025
693
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JudgeSmails56 said:
Goodale did a great job bringing the program back from the dead, but clearly his time is about up. We did well when he had Donny as an assistant and it obviously fell apart when he left. Get a big name coach and this can be a legit top ten program with all the talent in the area.
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Don’t worry Goodale supporters will come storming in soon. Personally, I like Goodale, I want him to succeed but the last 3/4 years has got to even have the Goodale diehards questioning if he got what it takes to get it done in March. Let’s start with being a legit top 20 program first, and qualify for the paycom invitational, before we start shooting for perrenial top 10.. baby steps..
 
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NJwrestling26

Senior
Oct 16, 2025
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Bobbynieds said:
I dont see how that promise to Hahn would not be written in his contract.
That seems like a NO brainer to me.

I am happy with Ashnault, but Hahn is the dream
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it could possibly be that’s not allowed at Rutgers , I know Oklahoma state had that issue , everyone though Coleman was promised to be the coach in waiting but ok state doesn’t allow for coach in waiting in any sport bc they are a state school they are legally required to interview for open for positions
 
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Barrellroll

Freshman
Dec 9, 2025
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It is not about liking Goodale. He is a good guy and can excite the fans. It is about winnng in March and All Americans. Since Donny left we finished out of the top 30 with no All Americans. 2019 gave us hope and excitement with a 9th place finish and 2 All Americans. It’s all been down hill since then.

Ashnault is a step forward. What does Pollard add? Does he develop the recruits? Ashnault coached the national runner up at Princeton and helped recruit some ranked kids. Goodale said Mytych was our best recruiter responsible for most of the recent Pa. recruits. Now he is no longer here. This will be Labs third year coaching so hopefully he can develop an AA or attract top recruits.
 
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RUSpider

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LETSGORU91 said:
Interesting and a very detailed summary of the events. How reliable are your sources? And if true, we might have punted the one and only opportunity to land Hahn here. Sounds like Zinn is behind the wrestling program. I like it.
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My source is very reliable. Admittedly, I am not a fan of Goodale as coach. I do not think he is a B10 level coach. However, I appreciate that Goodale had a large role in bringing the program to respectability. The point is that I love Rutgers and Rutgers wrestling I would not come on here and post BS.
 
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koleszar

Heisman
Jan 1, 2010
37,350
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RUSpider said:
Goodale was told by the athletic department that the woeful performance at NCAA's this year was unacceptable and that changes had to be made. To that end, Mytych was forced out (instead of Pollard).

Goodale is on borrowed time.
Click to expand...
Why not both? If this is some type of twisted loyalty to a fault deal, then I withdraw my statement of being fine with Goodale being a figure head as head coach. He needs top notch assistants to roll around and teach the guys. Not Mr. I started for Rider 3yrs. no matter how nice of a guy he is. Go become the head coach at College of New Jersey.
 
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SCNJ

All-American
Oct 12, 2019
4,463
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Bobbynieds said:
I dont see how that promise to Hahn would not be written in his contract.
That seems like a NO brainer to me.

I am happy with Ashnault, but Hahn is the dream
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If you’re going to write that into a contract then you’re better off just firing the head coach now which admin clearly doesn’t want to do. You can’t have a program run efficiently where the head coach knows his time is running out and his replacement is on staff.
 
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RULoyal

RULoyal

Heisman
Jul 28, 2001
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NJwrestling26 said:
it could possibly be that’s not allowed at Rutgers , I know Oklahoma state had that issue , everyone though Coleman was promised to be the coach in waiting but ok state doesn’t allow for coach in waiting in any sport bc they are a state school they are legally required to interview for open for positions
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Probably correct. The assistant RU job opening is currently posted on the web. I would assume a head coach opening would also need to be posted. You probably leave yourself open to a few legal problems if you post a job opening you have already contractually promised to someone.
 
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RUAldo

All-Conference
Sep 11, 2008
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SCNJ said:
If you’re going to write that into a contract then you’re better off just firing the head coach now which admin clearly doesn’t want to do. You can’t have a program run efficiently where the head coach knows his time is running out and his replacement is on staff.
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I tend to disagree unless SG isn’t onboard with the transition plan. SG knows he’s done a crappy job last few years. Numbers don’t lie. He can’t honestly believe his contract will be renewed.
 
Leonard23

Leonard23

Heisman
Feb 2, 2006
30,086
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Why hasn't Hahn had better opportunities than SDSU? Or has he turned them down? No good opportunities available? I don't recall him being mentioned or courted for other jobs, yet he's highly accomplished as a wrestler and coach. He was an assistant at Cornell for 12+ years and now head coach at SDSU for 8 years.
 
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SCNJ

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Oct 12, 2019
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RUAldo said:
I tend to disagree unless SG isn’t onboard with the transition plan. SG knows he’s done a crappy job last few years. Numbers don’t lie. He can’t honestly believe his contract will be renewed.
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What coach is gonna be content with being told they’re not being renewed?
 
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RUTruther

Redshirt
Apr 16, 2026
1
3
0
Sounds like someone was fed information in the form of the elementary game "telephone."
Partial truths to Spider's story but this message was clearly misconstrued at some point down the line. Those trying to put that message out may just want to accept the nature of the business and move on.

P.S.
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news to the few of you, but SG is certainly not on borrowed time. Just take a deep breath and enjoy the ride.

Sincerely,
Your newest insider.
 
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LETSGORU91

LETSGORU91

Senior
Jul 9, 2025
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RUSpider said:
My source is very reliable. Admittedly, I am not a fan of Goodale as coach. I do not think he is a B10 level coach. However, I appreciate that Goodale had a large role in bringing the program to respectability. The point is that I love Rutgers and Rutgers wrestling I would not come on here and post BS.
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I never made any opinion on whether or not it was BS. Just trying to get some better insight to what you posted.
RUTruther said:
Sounds like someone was fed information in the form of the elementary game "telephone."
Partial truths to Spider's story but this message was clearly misconstrued at some point down the line. Those trying to put that message out may just want to accept the nature of the business and move on.

P.S.
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news to the few of you, but SG is certainly not on borrowed time. Just take a deep breath and enjoy the ride.

Sincerely,
Your newest insider.
Click to expand...
Veryi interesting. Welcome to the board. Where did you come from?
 
R

RUAldo

All-Conference
Sep 11, 2008
4,963
3,533
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According to an inside source, Hahn was coming. SG was completely onboard with the transition plan. HOWEVER, RU would not put it in writing and Hahn said without the guarantee he wasn’t doing it so the deal fell apart. Same source also said AA not even close to a slam-dunk when SG retires (or gets reassigned). RU will likely take another run at Hahn and there are also a few other big names that have expressed serious interest. AA will get consideration but it’s wait-and-see in all respects.

Also, Tanelli probably ends up on the staff but they need to figure out what to do with Pollard. Too many coaches not enough money.
 
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C

Crackersisback

Junior
Jul 2, 2025
436
209
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RUAldo said:
According to an inside source, Hahn was coming. SG was completely onboard with the transition plan. HOWEVER, RU would not put it in writing and Hahn said without the guarantee he wasn’t doing it so the deal fell apart. Same source also said AA not even close to a slam-dunk when SG retires (or gets reassigned). RU will likely take another run at Hahn and there are also a few other big names that have expressed serious interest. AA will get consideration but it’s wait-and-see in all respects.

Also, Tanelli probably ends up on the staff but they need to figure out what to do with Pollard. Too many coaches not enough
Click to expand...
Why would we not try to lock down someone like Hahn? Zinn and staff are bitching and complaining about our performance at NCAAs...and here we have a coach that is Cael and Brands caliber that we passed on...??? We are 6th in country in spending and have plenty of alum ready to open up the check books, but we have to have a solid "get" with someone of the Hahn level. Very dumb move on the part of Zinn and staff. We have money to pay a subpar head coach and a useless assistant, but we can't guarantee a spot for Hahn...??? This is the stupidity going on with Rutgers athletics. It's all across the board. The football coaches are overpaid and suck, The track and field coaches are useless, and tennis and golf teams couldnt beat a county college. Zinn is gonna be out of there quite quickly if she doesn't start appeasing us fans and donors. I know AA is a legend, but I don't think he has the temperament to lead the team at this point. He sounds like Jeff Spicoli in interviews. The whole Shnaulty McLovin persona or whatever that nickname, is all cute and funny, but that is not going to lead this team, at this point.In time, with maturity, yes I can see it happening, but we need Hahn...period...end of sentence.
 
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Barrellroll

Freshman
Dec 9, 2025
92
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Crackers makes a lot of good points. Zinn could have reassigned Goodale for the 1 yr remaining on his contract. Maybe as a fundraiser or ambassador for the athletic department. He could take potential donors to play golf and raise money. If true, it’s too bad we could not find solution and hire a big time coach and also get Ashnault. Much better solution than keeping Goodale and Pollard.

Don’t know which one of the insiders is correct - RUSpider or RU Truther. Spider has been posting for a while and previously claimed that SCNJ is Mineo. While SCNJ is very supportive of Goodale, has good information, and Goodale feeds info to Mineo, there is no evidence that SCNJ is Mineo. On the other hand, Truther just made his first post and has no track record.

Koleszar had a good recommendation to let KIss go and hire Pollsrd as SKWC coach. Pollard probably has more freestyle knowledge than Kiss. However, it continues Goodale’s ”good old boy network”. A new coach would hopefully change what’s not working and give us a face lift.

I do love the Ashnault hire. It would be a home run with AA working with Hahn or Donny.
 
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R

RUAldo

All-Conference
Sep 11, 2008
4,963
3,533
113
Crackersisback said:
Why would we not try to lock down someone like Hahn? Zinn and staff are bitching and complaining about our performance at NCAAs...and here we have a coach that is Cael and Brands caliber that we passed on...??? We are 6th in country in spending and have plenty of alum ready to open up the check books, but we have to have a solid "get" with someone of the Hahn level. Very dumb move on the part of Zinn and staff. We have money to pay a subpar head coach and a useless assistant, but we can't guarantee a spot for Hahn...??? This is the stupidity going on with Rutgers athletics. It's all across the board. The football coaches are overpaid and suck, The track and field coaches are useless, and tennis and golf teams couldnt beat a county college. Zinn is gonna be out of there quite quickly if she doesn't start appeasing us fans and donors. I know AA is a legend, but I don't think he has the temperament to lead the team at this point. He sounds like Jeff Spicoli in interviews. The whole Shnaulty McLovin persona or whatever that nickname, is all cute and funny, but that is not going to lead this team, at this point.In time, with maturity, yes I can see it happening, but we need Hahn...period...end of sentence.
Click to expand...
Everyone is outraged over the guarantee issue assuming this is all true. Not to mention Hahn has a family he would have to move across the country and NJ and SD could not be any more different in every respect including cost of living.
 
D

Dakpawknight

Freshman
Jan 19, 2023
35
66
18
Director of Wrestling: Goodale (same role as dresser)
HC: Hahn
AHC: Ashnault
AC: Labs
AC:Sasso? Shwver? Simaz (been with Hahn for a while.) Anyone but pollard with accolades.

who says no?
 
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njallday21

Redshirt
Jan 17, 2026
7
1
3
Dakpawknight said:
Director of Wrestling: Goodale (same role as dresser)
HC: Hahn
AHC: Ashnault
AC: Labs
AC:Sasso? Shwver? Simaz (been with Hahn for a while.) Anyone but pollard with accolades.

who says no?
Click to expand...
This move should have been done awhile ago when DP was the AHC he should have been promoted to HC and AA could of took over the AHC postion but they shot themselves in the foot like they always do
 
K

Kiddagger311

Senior
Sep 17, 2025
693
428
63
njallday21 said:
If we were ever able to land JB as Hc no one on staff at the moment would still be coaching he would bring on his own staff imo
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JB might be only HC that might have a similar Cael/Taylor effect that would make the elite recruits follow him. He knows NJ is a sleeping giant and ,from his interviews, it sounds like he would be open to coaching a college program, in the future, if the right situation arises. Do you pass up on a HC that could impact a program the way Cael/Taylor did? Think minimum, RU would be a perrenial top 10 w JB leading, but that’s prolly just a pipe dream.
 
Leonard23

Leonard23

Heisman
Feb 2, 2006
30,086
12,316
113
RUAldo said:
According to an inside source, Hahn was coming. SG was completely onboard with the transition plan. HOWEVER, RU would not put it in writing and Hahn said without the guarantee he wasn’t doing it so the deal fell apart. Same source also said AA not even close to a slam-dunk when SG retires (or gets reassigned). RU will likely take another run at Hahn and there are also a few other big names that have expressed serious interest. AA will get consideration but it’s wait-and-see in all respects.

Also, Tanelli probably ends up on the staff but they need to figure out what to do with Pollard. Too many coaches not enough money.
Click to expand...
What was the transition plan timeline, what other big names, and why hasn't Hahn had more interest elsewhere or better interest than SDSU after 12+ years at Cornell and 8 at SDSU?
 
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LETSGORU91

LETSGORU91

Senior
Jul 9, 2025
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I'd sign up for Hahn, Burroughs or Donnie in an instant as HC. It seems Zinn has her hands in the pile but maybe unsure just what/how much should be done to one of the more successful programs at Rutgers, with a long tenured, respected coach?
 
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