RU Offense Held Hostage: Day 6

Scarlet_Scourge

Heisman
May 25, 2012
26,537
13,622
113
I would sell it like this, if an OC can turn Rutgers around with our annual murder's row schedule then they will be in-line to get a Power 5 HC job.
 
  • Like
Reactions: AreYouNUTS
Dec 17, 2008
45,214
16,775
0
I would sell it like this, if an OC can turn Rutgers around with our annual murder's row schedule then they will be in-line to get a Power 5 HC job.
Honestly I don't think you really need to sell in that sense. It could be better opportunity or more money in other locations and that 10th assistant thing hasn't fully manifested itself yet.

UCLA had lilke 7 coordinators in 8 years before Mora/Mazzone got there. Mazzone stayed around for 4 after that. Lashlee took over an offense ranked in the 120s YPG/PPG at UConn, leaving Auburn. There are others. They know their job is to come in and improve the offense on whatever team they've chosen and I think most have confidence in their own abilities to do it. Many of them go to not so go great situations without issue. So I don't know that anything has to be sold but just are there other opportunities in terms of money or status that we have to compete against where "selling" from our side probably doesn't make much difference.
 

koleszar

Heisman
Jan 1, 2010
38,094
60,267
113
I am starting to think that RU's perceived lack of talent may be making any attempts at the bigger rumored names unlikely to succeed. However, the RU OC job does seem like almost a no lose proposition at this point. The statistics from the last 2 years are so bad that even limited improvement would look good, significant improvement would make the new OC look like a genius, and a lack of success would be blamed more on the program at this point (after 9 in 9 with little success) than the OC himself.
That's how I viewed it. But the mods said guys are looking at it as a risk. What risk? Your taking over the 128th and 129th ranked offenses the last two years. You could improve dramatically and still suck overall into the 90 range and look like a genius. Your almost guaranteed to improve and if you don't improve into the 90's and genius range the built in excuse of lack of talent and 9 OC in 9 years is readily available. I really don't see the risk your taking on here.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Scarlet_Scourge
Dec 17, 2008
45,214
16,775
0
That's how I viewed it. But the mods said guys are looking at it as a risk. What risk? Your taking over the 128th and 129th ranked offenses the last two years. You could improve dramatically and still suck overall into the 90 range and look like a genius. Your almost guaranteed to improve and if you don't improve into the 90's and genius range the built in excuse of lack of talent and 9 OC in 9 years is readily available. I really don't see the risk your taking on here.
Really? Surprised by that. A lot of these guys go into crappy situations and improve them. What risk is there. Ash just got an extension too so he's around for at least 2-3 years. If you want to say money or bigger status at other schools I can see it but risk? I don't get that.
 

Scarlet_Scourge

Heisman
May 25, 2012
26,537
13,622
113
Honestly I don't think you really need to sell in that sense. It could be better opportunity or more money in other locations and that 10th assistant thing hasn't fully manifested itself yet.

UCLA had lilke 7 coordinators in 8 years before Mora/Mazzone got there. Mazzone stayed around for 4 after that. Lashlee took over an offense ranked in the 120s YPG/PPG at UConn, leaving Auburn. There are others. They know their job is to come in and improve the offense on whatever team they've chosen and I think most have confidence in their own abilities to do it. Many of them go to not so go great situations without issue. So I don't know that anything has to be sold but just are there other opportunities in terms of money or status that we have to compete against where "selling" from our side probably doesn't make much difference.

True, but I am looking at it from all angles. Like why go to Rutgers vs those places.

There are a lot of reasons why, but that has to be one of them.
 

GoodOl'Rutgers

Heisman
Sep 11, 2006
123,974
19,586
0
Right? Seriously.
yeah.. I thought that must have been tongue-in-cheek OP... so any "delay" here is likely the candidates looking for their best option now that the season is over for all the teams... the target probably has the Rutgers offer in his pocket and is listening to the market and consulting family and so on.. I'd guess the bigger name programs fill their ranks first and then Rutgers gets its turn... I'd guess 2 weeks will have everything settled.
 
  • Like
Reactions: rutgersguy1_rivals
Dec 17, 2008
45,214
16,775
0
True, but I am looking at it from all angles. Like why go to Rutgers vs those places.

There are a lot of reasons why, but that has to be one of them.
I don't know I just see it as coaches are hired to go in and improve a situation and unless there isn't adequate support or autonomy or something like that, I don't really see the risk issue. It's just the nature of the job often times...find a mess go clean it up. Money, status I get....risk eh I don't know in this case.

If that be the case then go further down the list to guys like Tim Cramsey who has been brought up here or Graham Harell if TT doesn't come after him. Thought he was a little green but make him OC instead of co-OC like I was suggesting. I mean Dan Werner is still out there as a consultant on Alabama's staff.

For guys lower down the totem pole or guys like Mazzone or Werner who are going to be out of work in a sense what's the risk? Only thing is money or better opportunity elsewhere.
 
  • Like
Reactions: cRURah
Dec 17, 2008
45,214
16,775
0
yeah.. I thought that must have been tongue-in-cheek OP... so any "delay" here is likely the candidates looking for their best option now that the season is over for all the teams... the target probably has the Rutgers offer in his pocket and is listening to the market and consulting family and so on.. I'd guess the bigger name programs fill their ranks first and then Rutgers gets its turn... I'd guess 2 weeks will have everything settled.
That was one of the things I was thinking about and wondering if some of this 10th assistant stuff has to play out still as well. Some like Andersen to Utah have come out now but Grinch from WSU to OSU still isn't official as far as I've seen but it's expected to happen.
 

Lawesome

Redshirt
Dec 30, 2017
90
49
18
Hello All!
My speculation with regard to Messingham is really just a suspicion I have that would help explain why an OC hasn’t been hired yet. I know he’s not a flashy hire but NDS scores points and isn’t that the bottom line. I just makes me wonder what he could do with RU’s roster.

I know for a fact that that Joe Osovet is not even in the conversation but I think he would be amazing. Just Google him and tell me he wouldn’t be, the guys just a winner.

I too wait with baited breath on this hire.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Knight Shift

Knight Shift

Heisman
May 19, 2011
91,410
89,630
113
Isn't Lindsay Messingham doing a revival tour with Fleetwood Mac?
Did you hear this when you played Rumours backwards?

Messingham was Rumoured to be seen near the Hale Center, singing :
You don’t know what it means to win
Been down one time
Been down two times
I’m never going back again

 
  • Like
Reactions: SkilletHead2

bowlgoal

Heisman
Jul 20, 2004
12,585
12,167
93
I can understand the frustration. Where do we go but up from here? The frustration of the OP is more than just wanting this done yesterday.

I would think at 600-700k per year, this is a great opportunity for many. And maybe there’s a lot of options and negotiation but as long time Rutgers fans, we just think the worst?

Hopefully it happens this week and it’s some undiscovered gem from the CFL, lol.
 
Dec 17, 2008
45,214
16,775
0
Nothing related to us but again just to get a feel of the coaching moves being made and what type of movement is happening.

Kurt Roper was hired as QB coach in Colorado. He was let go as South Carolina OC this year. I think he's been OC at Florida and Duke as well. Not sure if he's going to be there 10th assistant or not.

Also looks like A&M is going to go hard after Dave Aranda the LSU DC. I thought he'd already turned them down but it seems like they're not taking no for an answer. He's already the highest paid assistant in the game at 1.9M, if A&M has their way he'll probably be making 2.5-3M I mean Fisher is getting 7. So as much or more than Ash, geez.

Brent Zwerneman‏@BrentZwerneman 4m4 minutes ago
Just like the A&M coaching search zeroed in on one guy as its target in Jimbo Fisher, every indication I’ve received A&M has been zeroed in on one guy at defensive coordinator since early on: LSU’s Dave Aranda. I expect this to happen.

A&M: The Aggies are in the process of hiring Dave Aranda away from LSU reports Brent Zwerneman of the Houston Chronicle. Brent adds the deal could be finalized today. FootballScoop sources tell us A&M’s offer is considerably over $2 million per year, full autonomy on defense and “anything Dave needs to do his job to the best of his abilities”.
 
Last edited:

rufeelinit

All-Conference
May 16, 2010
12,647
4,351
0
That Aranda contract of true is nuts and just goes to show the distinction between haves and have nots.

With regard to the OC search, with each passing day I grow more skeptical of Ash’s relationships in the coaching community and how he is perceived by those who might entertain a feeler from RU. Hopefully there is a good reason for the delay that will make sense however other than the NDSU situation it would suggest our top targets are either not interested or waiting on other decisions before hopping on board.
 

RUskoolie

Hall of Famer
Aug 1, 2007
221,804
113,394
63
That Aranda contract of true is nuts and just goes to show the distinction between haves and have nots.

With regard to the OC search, with each passing day I grow more skeptical of Ash’s relationships in the coaching community and how he is perceived by those who might entertain a feeler from RU. Hopefully there is a good reason for the delay that will make sense however other than the NDSU situation it would suggest our top targets are either not interested or waiting on other decisions before hopping on board.

A lot of it has to do with money.

Coach Ash: "Hey #1 target, would you want to coach with me?"

No. 1 target: "Maybe. I make 500k now, how much can you pay?"

Ash: "I'm allowed to spend 275k." (Hears click)

Ash: "....Hello? Are you still there?"
 
  • Like
Reactions: ATIOH and T2Kplus10

Dpgru

All-Conference
Jan 17, 2015
4,603
4,761
0
My frustration with this process is this. Considering how much we can pay layered on to the cost of living here as opposed to many other locations plus the 10 th coaching position and the number of OC positions available I am having de ja vu all over again with recruiting. I am totally convinced with no real evidence that we are, again, a place holder. I think Ash is getting positive feedback from several people who haven't committed or signed because there may be a better offer out there while not slamming the door on RU just in case. I am getting a real feeling that we are a fall back position for many of these coaches. I understand why that might be true, but I don't have to like it.
 
  • Like
Reactions: RUaMoose_rivals

Knight Shift

Heisman
May 19, 2011
91,410
89,630
113
Matt Canada news purportedly to drop today. Note- the news is about his "future" with LSU.

 
Dec 17, 2008
45,214
16,775
0
Matt Canada news purportedly to drop today. Note- the news is about his "future" with LSU.

LSU really laying out the bucks. First Aranda's fully guaranteed 4yr 2.5M/yr contract and now whatever buyout they may owe Canada.

Wonder if Ensminger will be elevated or if they will choose someone else.

BTW since Leonhard came up in the other thread it reminded me of someone else to maybe keep an eye on in the future. Leonhard was a Wisconsin alum was retired from the NFL for a year. In that year retired he spent time with then Wisconsin DC Aranda studying film and learning about college offenses and how to defend them. Then in 2016 he became Wisconsin's DB coach when Justin Wilcox tookover after Aranda left. Wilcox left to become Cal's HC and Leonhard was promoted to DC and has kept the performance up.

I was thinking about Wes Welker who is just an assistant on the Texans currently. I have no idea if he has any interest in coaching college. But he played at Texas Tech under Leach, played with Tom Brady in their various offensive systems and now learning with Bill Obrien. Just a feel that he could be someone who could make a good coordinator in the future like Leonhard seems to be doing at Wisconsin early in his career. Again this is in relation to that whole continuity thing and trying to find up and comers to put on staff and "grow them up" here while learning under a more seasoned OC.
 
Last edited:

vkj91

Heisman
Feb 7, 2007
188,769
50,218
98
A lot of it has to do with money.

Coach Ash: "Hey #1 target, would you want to coach with me?"

No. 1 target: "Maybe. I make 500k now, how much can you pay?"

Ash: "I'm allowed to spend 275k." (Hears click)

Ash: "....Hello? Are you still there?"
Infer the overall issue with our budget are you saying we are going to drop our OC’s salary from 600 to 275?
 
Dec 17, 2008
45,214
16,775
0
Twitter signals seem to indicate Brian Enos to Michigan.

Yea I've seen rumors that Dan Enos and Greg Roman could be joining Harbaugh in Michigan. The Enos one has been out there for a bit. But Fisch has been rumored to Mizzou for a bit too and that one hasn't happened yet either. Just like LSU's Rod Smith thing yesterday until you see it up on some reputable site or from some reporter hard to say it's for sure going to happen until it actually does.

Enos suits the offense Harbaugh runs so as far as I'm concerned take him and get him off the board so there's no chance Ash looks in that direction or anywhere near a prostyle. Take McNulty too lol.
 

Knight Shift

Heisman
May 19, 2011
91,410
89,630
113
Yea I've seen rumors that Dan Enos and Greg Roman could be joining Harbaugh in Michigan. The Enos one has been out there for a bit. But Fisch has been rumored to Mizzou for a bit too and that one hasn't happened yet either. Just like LSU's Rod Smith thing yesterday until you see it up on some reputable site or from some reporter hard to say it's for sure going to happen until it actually does.

Enos suits the offense Harbaugh runs so as far as I'm concerned take him and get him off the board so there's no chance Ash looks in that direction or anywhere near a prostyle. Take McNulty too lol.
Would still love Rod Smith as passing game coordinator here. Doubt it will happen.
 

Rutgerscc

All-Conference
Jan 26, 2012
5,687
4,145
0
Don't get the obsession you guys have with this hire..

It'll happen when it happens... Literally no rush here.
 
Dec 17, 2008
45,214
16,775
0
Would still love Rod Smith as passing game coordinator here. Doubt it will happen.
I don't have a problem with something like that but I think the money thing would be an issue for someone more established like him. If you're looking for that "2nd OC" to develop it would have to be someone like Frank Ponce at App. State that I mentioned.....at a lower level probably not making that much and can be had for cheaper.
 
Dec 17, 2008
45,214
16,775
0
Don't get the obsession you guys have with this hire..

It'll happen when it happens... Literally no rush here.
Well I don't know about others but I like talking about coaching prospects and philosophy. It's my fun and hobby. I know diddly about recruiting. On top of which I think coaching acumen is a huge influence on team performance.
 

Lawesome

Redshirt
Dec 30, 2017
90
49
18
This search has been so incredibly tight lipped!! There were Cold War secrets that weren’t this well kept. At this point you’d figure that EVERYONE who’s a potential candidate is available now so why no movement? The more this drags out the more that I believe that it’s going to be Messingham, the OC at North Dakota State, who are playing this weekend for the FCS national championship. He and Ash are both Iowa guys and have served on the same staff together at Iowa State at one time. It just makes sense. Having national champion on ones resume carries a decent amount of street cred.
 

RUskoolie

Hall of Famer
Aug 1, 2007
221,804
113,394
63
Infer the overall issue with our budget are you saying we are going to drop our OC’s salary from 600 to 275?

No but in general we cannot pay what a lot of other schools pay for assistant coaches or even a HC. It makes it very difficult to compete with the schools that can. We'll be fine with paying an OC. We can pay in the upper half of the B1G while still on a Big East TV contract salary.
 
  • Like
Reactions: vkj91

mildone_rivals

Heisman
Dec 19, 2011
55,607
51,273
0
Hey, at least he didn't say I was 'yella'.
I've been eating grapefruit at my desk a lot. So, uh, I just want to point out that certain parts of your posts are definitely yella.

Having allowed the grapefruit to dry onto my monitors, I'm kind of unsure how to clean it off. I've been debating it for a couple months. Now I'm afraid my monitor screens will be pitted when I figure out how to clean them.
 

Knight Shift

Heisman
May 19, 2011
91,410
89,630
113
This search has been so incredibly tight lipped!! There were Cold War secrets that weren’t this well kept. At this point you’d figure that EVERYONE who’s a potential candidate is available now so why no movement? The more this drags out the more that I believe that it’s going to be Messingham, the OC at North Dakota State, who are playing this weekend for the FCS national championship. He and Ash are both Iowa guys and have served on the same staff together at Iowa State at one time. It just makes sense. Having national champion on ones resume carries a decent amount of street cred.
If you are correct, you win poster of the year. Because I believe you are the only person who identified Messingham.
 
The Knight Report

Latest

  1. 01 The Knight Report Rutgers Basketball HC Brandin Knight's St. John's Postgame Press Conference
  2. 02 The Knight Report Join The Knight Report TODAY and get it for 60% off!
  3. 03 The Knight Report Rutgers Basketball falls to St. John's in 4OT exhibition marathon
  4. 04 The Knight Report Baseball Rutgers Baseball Transfer Portal Profile: INF Sam Mummau
  5. 05 The Knight Report Rutgers Football PFF Grades + Snap Counts versus Maryland