UNT71

My criteria for a HC would be the following one who has character, management and communication abilities. My definitions of the criteria is below: Character--someone who is a quality individual and his word is his bond Management--one who can see an issue and resolve it, have a plan for the football program, i.e., know what he needs in terms of coaches, athletes, have the ability to use both offense and defense schemes that play to the strengths of his athletes, and the coaches he hires implement those schemes Communication--be able to discuss and get across his vision to fans, coaches, athletes also behind the scenes tell his coaches to recruit various types of athletes and when necessary meet with the recruits to sign them to North Texas if the coach can not close the deal Who that individual would be I do not know but will have to rely on the hiring officials and their supervisors.

Folks don't get excited, I copied from Vito's article two key paragraphs see below: UNT president Neal Smatresk has asked Villarreal to gather information on the parameters of what the school is looking for in a new coach. Smatresk is expected to be involved in the hiring process. The school is expected to form a committee of athletic department officials, boosters and former players to help with the process of hiring a new coach. The key information in the article for me is that President Smatresk understands the implications of hiring the next HC. He understands in financial terms that many fans are ready to pull support because of the state of key sports in athletics at UNT. From a management standpoint he wants to know from RV what are RV's hiring parameters. This does not mean that President Smatresk will accept them as is, but could change them. Also, do not know who is on the committee or what their instructions or guidance will be, nor who will make the decisions concerning their input to the hiring of the HC. At this point in time my only concern is that whomever is hired will be able to turn the program around and get his staff in place. Then next year would like to see a winning record provided we do not have a lot of body bag games on schedule.

Brett gave a great history of this program. Who has owned it? RV, BOR and past Presidents. So now to the next phase of UNT football. Last time it was a search committee but do not recall in the press their recommendation before or after the hire. Only the splash of Mac in press. The real question in my mind is who will make the ultimate decision on the next HC? Will history repeat itself -- we hire a HC makes a great splash-- does well with existing students/players gets to a decent record with a bowl game then the wheels come off again? Time will tell!!

I agree there must be change. Let's take a look at the personnel side of things. Why did RV hire Mac in the first place his record as a HC was not winning. Why did RV hire Shanice and Peterson? Why did he hire Benson? Now lets take a look at the financial side, particularly the contracts. What does this say about his business acumen? You give a new contract for winning a bowl game but still have a losing record? Now let's take a look at the facilities, he along with TD raised money to build the stadium. He was able to get tailgating started which gives a different experience for college day games for the students. I do agree with MH the time has come for a new AD. We need one with experience particularly in the ability to hire folks as head coaches who have shown they can recruit in Texas. The new AD needs to make the HC hire for football. Since NT is a state school they must follow the rules to hire a state employee just like any other position. I do not know how long the job announcement must be posted but you can rest assure that by the time all the hoops are jumped through it will take time. Looking forward to seeing what the next chapter in NT Athletics will be in terms of getting the football program on a competitive level in D1.

​Harry, I like your analysis of the article. However, what is not known about the contracts are the base figures and incentives. For UNT, I am somewhat puzzled about who was sold a bill of goods and how much politics played to give Mac a long term contract and buyout amounts? Yes, he did take us to a bowl, but begin to complain about the lack of a QB for the following year to down play the season. However, that blame lays at his feet. UNT did make a significant commitment to Mac to right the ship but I am waiting for him to justify his contract with wins!!! IMHO, this coming season will be the year of focus on sports by Dr. Smatresk. There will be a top to bottom evaluation of athletics and maybe some changes. I would not be surprised if Mac has a bad year that he would be shifted from HC to promote UNT as a big fund raiser for UNT athletics since he is an outstanding motivator and speaker. Also, Benson is on the hot seat and will be gone if he cannot win 70% of his games. Softball will be closely reviewed and the chips will lay where they fall. On baseball, I think we might just raise the funds in 2015/2016 to complete a baseball stadium capable of seating 3,000 with the ability to expand to 6,000+ so that in the future we could host both HS championships and maybe C-USA tournament. GMG

Untcampbell read the link harry provided and the article stated she was finishing her degree at UNT just not playing softball.

Has anyone contacted Vito, FFR or RV to get the scoop? Also, in outoftown post it was mentioned "..caught by the ghosts that chased her from her last job." What ghosts? I agree with Harry that this is concerning. So what is the story on the softball team and coach(es)?

I think both of you have hit on the keys for this season "hurry up... rotating fresh guys in and trying to wear out the other teams defense" and "Chico has made a living with quarterbacks with similar stat lines. ...we will be better at the skilled positions than last year...I truly believe will be much improved from a year ago." I like the idea that Mac & Chico have gone to a hurry up offense also I get the sense that we will be seeing a lot more passes in the flat along with screens and let the running backs & tight ends do their job of running and blocking. The biggest question in my mind for this season is can we stay healthy. If so then maybe UNT goes bowling!

Do not know about the process of hiring at UNT, however, did notice that there are two assistant coach (AC) positions advertised one on 4/8/15 and the other 4/9/15. Also, noticed that the position(s) state open until filled. Also, think that JM wanted to have her ACs on board before the end of her 1st 44 days. If someone has information let us know. GMG

The bigger question is not whether she can recruit or coach but can she hire assistant coaches who can help her sell the program to prospective students to play BB at UNT? Next question will be can the assistant coaches be effective in their positions whether recruiting, coaching or implementing Jalie Mitchell's vision for UNT BB? GMG

Just looked on the Women NCAA Tournament and saw that U Conn just kicked Texas tail. So that means if RV has permission he can now interview Jalie Mitchell. Hopefully by April 1st name the new woman's head basketball coach for UNT. GMG

My 2 cents is that whomever the AD hires will be someone he has worked with in the past. Take a look at the past new hires the only one I do not lay at his feet was the WBB Coach that was hired and believe heavily influenced by the woman UNT Pres at that time. Mac hired the DC for the football team not AD. I will be shocked if he does not have a prior working relationship with whomever he selects as the next WBB coach. My preference is that it be a head coach that has a winning record overall and yes that probably means going to an FCS or D2 school. The coach must know how to recruit and run a program. GMG

Thanks for the update on the football team I know that NorthTexan95 and BillySee58 put a lot of effort to develop the spreadsheet. rws69 is correct on Brian Ochs he is identified on the spreadsheet on line 71 and 81. The spreadsheet is very helpful in identify who is on the team and remaining eligibility. Thanks again for the spreadsheet GMG

So now the question is what will RV be looking for in a coach? One who has head coaching experience at Div 1, Div 11? Do they have strong ties in Texas? Will they have had a previous working relationship with RV? Will it be done by committee? Please provide any insights. GMG

From my perspective you have to go back when RV was hired. His mission was to get North Texas (UNT) competitive and move up in the food chain for conferences. At the time Fouts was in deplorable condition. He began to attend student orientation to get students to wear UNT gear and become proud of their University. Then he was hamstrung by a Former President remember Women's BB Coach 90 Feet of Heat. A lot of the yelping also falls on previous presidents and the BOR. They have to approve the contracts. Many folks on here focus solely on the big 3 sports. What about some of the other sports that have been doing well but not a variety of coverage. Softball relative new hire coach but winning, Soccer the coach has been here for a long time and continues to win. Am I disappointed about last season football, this season MBB and WBB, yes. However, if memory is accurate the search for the AD and football coach was comprised of committees who are alumni. They made recommendations to the BOR and President for the AD hire and recommendations to the AD for the football coach hire. I do not recall the BB coaches process of hiring. So now comes the financial side and the question becomes since this is the end of the 4th year for both head coaches for MBB and WBB what does the AD do. Let the contracts expire (do know the length of each contract) and began the process of looking for new coaches? What would it take $$$$ to hire a new coach and would he go hire a successful coach at the DII level? I do not know what the contract for Mac states in terms of performance requirements but would think there is some sort of stipulation concerning graduation rates, wins and losses. Just some of my thoughts on the state of our athletic department. GMG