Anyone Consider Poaching Utah State's Coach?

HarringtonFishSmeller · November 27, 2015

Matt Wells is making $750k at Utah State, but is from this region.

Quick Notes:
-Prepped in Oklahoma.
-Played QB in college.-
-Assisted at Navy under Charlie Weatherbie (http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/coaching/alltime_coach_year_by_year.php?coachid=2456)
-Assisted at Tulsa and Louisville under Steve Kragthorpe (http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/coaching/alltime_coach_year_by_year.php?coachid=2833)
-Assisted at New Mexico under Rocky Long (http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/coaching/alltime_coach_year_by_year.php?coachid=1398)
-Assisted at Utah State under Gary Anderson (http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/coaching/alltime_coach_year_by_year.php?coachid=2848_

That is a pretty solid assembly of mid-major coaches he's worked for. So, he'd certainly understand the mid-major level recruiting. Navy, Tulsa, Louisville, New Mexico, and Utah State may not sound sexy. But, under those coaches, those programs had success or built up to success.

Got no information that says this is the guy. But, you look at his pay, his background, and vicinity of his familiar roots, and it wouldn't be hard to conclude that this is a guy that maybe you'd target as a head coach who already has experience as a head coach.

I'll guarantee you this: His first year at Tulsa, 2002, was my last year there. I assure you, the facilities were worse than we have here, and the morale among both boosters and many of the board was much worse - they were seriously talking up dropping football down to I-AA.

So, he's seen far worse than what he'd step into on Day One here.

Edited November 27, 2015 by HarringtonFishSmeller

Harry · November 27, 2015

An interesting name to consider for sure.

untcampbell · November 27, 2015

Having spent a little time in Logan, I would have a tough time justifying a move to Denton as an upgrade.

Beautiful town full of people that support the program. Better athletic conference. A program that has proven it can and will compete against, and sometimes beat, its in-state rivals. Maybe you don't have to pay a coach as much with all those advantages.

Would have been worth the effort when the search began....but we are allegedly close to hiring someone now, right?

GMG

NM Green · November 27, 2015

Logan is beautiful but gone are the days of MWC being head an shoulders above CUSA. AAC is beast this year and CUSA was strong last year. I have always liked what Utah State has been able to do against Ute and Cougar powers. I think UNT is one of the most delicious openings, seriously:

1. Your a head football coach in Texas.

2. Recruiting hotbed - just load up with Texas players and you will be decent - get above average players and you are competing for conference titles.

3. Student body of over 35K

4. Best stadium in the conference.

5. Rich history (that we don't celebrate enough). When walking into Neyland some old time Tennessee fans told us, I remember 75 or whatever the year was. Dude was there and had solid respect for what we had done in the past.

All said I don't think this coach comes to Denton, but someone worth will snag this outstanding opportunity and challenge.

GMG

eoj221 · November 27, 2015

Matt Wells is making $750k at Utah State, but is from this region.

Quick Notes:
-Prepped in Oklahoma.
-Played QB in college.-
-Assisted at Navy under Charlie Weatherbie (http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/coaching/alltime_coach_year_by_year.php?coachid=2456)
-Assisted at Tulsa and Louisville under Steve Kragthorpe (http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/coaching/alltime_coach_year_by_year.php?coachid=2833)
-Assisted at New Mexico under Rocky Long (http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/coaching/alltime_coach_year_by_year.php?coachid=1398)
-Assisted at Utah State under Gary Anderson (http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/coaching/alltime_coach_year_by_year.php?coachid=2848_

That is a pretty solid assembly of mid-major coaches he's worked for. So, he'd certainly understand the mid-major level recruiting. Navy, Tulsa, Louisville, New Mexico, and Utah State may not sound sexy. But, under those coaches, those programs had success or built up to success.
Got no information that says this is the guy. But, you look at his pay, his background, and vicinity of his familiar roots, and it wouldn't be hard to conclude that this is a guy that maybe you'd target as a head coach who already has experience as a head coach.
I'll guarantee you this: His first year at Tulsa, 2002, was my last year there. I assure you, the facilities were worse than we have here, and the morale among both boosters and many of the board was much worse - they were seriously talking up dropping football down to I-AA.
So, he's seen far worse than what he'd step into on Day One here.

I don't understand bringing up names of coaches who are having success at FBS schools. They are already head coaches and winning, they aren't going to leave and risk a losing season or two which would hurt their chances at a P5 job. Money is not the answer to every question. Please stop. Rhule, Fritz or any other head coach having success at the FBS level is not coming here.