Unt Assistant Coach , Recruiting Notes

[NT03]

DRC

Only 1 interview so far... awesome

Edited January 20, 2010 by NT03

[Guest GrayEagleOne]

I don't understand the rush in hiring an OC. Right now recriting is the #1 priority. Put that to bed first.

If he really is going to rely on an OC he needs to explore all possibilities. See who might have interviewed with a higher profile program but was not hired. Make a thoughtful decision after careful consideration. Not everyone would be willing to accept a strongly possible one-year job unless they are out of work and need the money.

If the OC is going to be a figurehead (as many believe that he will) then why add a sinking program to your resume? Never mind, it worked for Darrell Dickey.

[KRAM1]

I believe the article stated that another interview was expected this week and that a decision would likely be made within a week. So, what's wrong with that? Some reason to rush around just so you can interview 6-8 people? If you have an idea what you want, fine. I see no issue with the speed of this search. If I were TD and my head was on the "chopping block" as many seem to believe it is, then I would want "my guy" as the OC, not someone who a few posters who have no real "skin in the game" seem to want me to hire...or even interview. My neck, my pick and on my schedule.

If it were you, wouldn't that be the way you wanted it? When I was the one doing the hiring I sure wanted the person I thought was right for the position and I think most folks would feel the same way. So, I'll get excited...or not...when the announcement is made. Until then, well, it's wait and see. I'll bet a new OC will be on staff before spring ball starts...how's that for a timetable? Ha!

[Charlie NT 73]

Take a look at Troy. HFC Larry Blakeney needs to replace his OC, the RB's coach,

and a QB/WR coach.

Right now, Blakeney and his staff are focused on recruiting, while interviews for their

open positions are being scheduled. Blakeney has talked to a couple of coaches on

his staff, but wants to also explore other possible candidates outside of Troy.

Just like KRAM1 stated, Coach Dodge is reviewing candidates, scheduling interviews,

to pick the right guy for the OC job while recruitng is the #1 focus for the next few weeks.

Over at MTSU, HFC Rick Stockstill is doing the same thing- recruting first, and

searching for the right guy for their open DC position.

I would think, Coach Dodge has narrowed down his list of candidates, and will

conduct interviews. I would not be suprised that Coach Dodge already has

the right guy lined up now.

Edited January 20, 2010 by charlie nt73

[NT03]

IMO , Finding the right OC is more important than these last 3 recruits we land (unless we are in on some 4star DT that I don't know about). Todd Dodge's job in on the line and he needs to be in urgency mode from here on out. Can he not multi task ?

He should be looking at everyone he can , my problem with the only 1 interview is that maybe no one is inquiring about a job here and that's not a good thing.

Edited January 20, 2010 by NT03

[KRAM1]

, my problem with the only 1 interview is that maybe no one is inquiring about a job here and that's not a good thing.

Could be, but maybe TD and RV have a good idea who they want and are going about their business in a professional-like manner at their own pace. To think "no one might be interested" is simply another in the long line of "UNT isn't good enough" type of thinking. People talk here about acting and being "big time", but we have fans who often think of UNT as just the opposite. To be "big time" one needs to start the process of "thinking big time" too, and that goes for fans and supporters as well as department and university officials.

One does not have to be a "rocket scientist" or antything close to it to realize that Coach Dodge may well be on a "short-leach" tenure-wise. That seesm to be a "known fact" around the program. Wouldn't one think that might also be "known" outside the walls of the university as well, and might that...just might that have some impact on applicants for the OC position? Just asking...I see no reason for alarm here in the timing or number of "known" interested parties given the facts of the matter as they exist today.

Don't worry NT03, UNT will indeed have an OC soon enough. WE can all then start the debate regarding the "worthiness" of the selection. Hey, you have to have something to talk about in the off-season, right? Maybe we should start a list now of who will say "nice things" about the eventual selection and who will come out "blasting away". That might be an interesting topic because we all know there are "experts" here who will KNOW beyond any shadow of a doubt that who ever gets selected is the WRONG GUY!

[eulessismore]

Could be, but maybe TD and RV have a good idea who they want and are going about their business in a professional-like manner at their own pace. To think "no one might be interested" is simply another in the long line of "UNT isn't good enough" type of thinking. People talk here about acting and being "big time", but we have fans who often think of UNT as just the opposite. To be "big time" one needs to start the process of "thinking big time" too, and that goes for fans and supporters as well as department and university officials.

One does not have to be a "rocket scientist" or antything close to it to realize that Coach Dodge may well be on a "short-leach" tenure-wise. That seesm to be a "known fact" around the program. Wouldn't one think that might also be "known" outside the walls of the university as well, and might that...just might that have some impact on applicants for the OC position? Just asking...I see no reason for alarm here in the timing or number of "known" interested parties given the facts of the matter as they exist today.

Don't worry NT03, UNT will indeed have an OC soon enough. WE can all then start the debate regarding the "worthiness" of the selection. Hey, you have to have something to talk about in the off-season, right? Maybe we should start a list now of who will say "nice things" about the eventual selection and who will come out "blasting away". That might be an interesting topic because we all know there are "experts" here who will KNOW beyond any shadow of a doubt that who ever gets selected is the WRONG GUY!

I'd rather see this discussion than the rather embarrassing obsession with all things SMU.

[NT03]

Don't worry NT03, UNT will indeed have an OC soon enough. WE can all then start the debate regarding the "worthiness" of the selection. Hey, you have to have something to talk about in the off-season, right? Maybe we should start a list now of who will say "nice things" about the eventual selection and who will come out "blasting away". That might be an interesting topic because we all know there are "experts" here who will KNOW beyond any shadow of a doubt that who ever gets selected is the WRONG GUY!

I'm going to come out blasting because I have nothing else better to do

[gangrene]

I don't understand the rush in hiring an OC. Right now recriting is the #1 priority. Put that to bed first.

As NTO3 already asked, are we, at UNT, not capable of multi-tasking? Many other programs are coping with staff changes AND recruiting at the same time and no, they are not ALL big-time programs that already have their recruiting finalized. In fact, several programs with coaching changes are finding that the new additions are bringing more excitement to potential recruits. At the same time, several of the programs that lost coaches are having to deal with committed recruits reevaluating their decisions. When Ford announced his decision to leave, we didn't have to deal with any committed prospects having second thoughts. Why is that??

The urgency of the situation is that there are many highly qualified offensive coaches currently out of work and several other programs that have OC or assistant openings. The longer we wait the better the chance that the other programs will get the best guys. Are you familiar with the phrase "the early bird gets the worm"?

If he really is going to rely on an OC he needs to explore all possibilities. See who might have interviewed with a higher profile program but was not hired. Make a thoughtful decision after careful consideration. Not everyone would be willing to accept a strongly possible one-year job unless they are out of work and need the money.

If the OC is going to be a figurehead (as many believe that he will) then why add a sinking program to your resume? Never mind, it worked for Darrell Dickey.

Hmmm....these thoughts are all over the place....let me see where to start. Ok, if he is going to "rely on an OC" I guess the OC can't very well be considered a "figure head" and I'm not sure we necessarily need to target those who have been turned down after interviewing at higher profile programs either...not if we've done our homework and know what qualities each coach can bring to UNT. To make a thoughtful decision after careful consideration, shouldn't you have a pool of coaches you've interviewed to thoughtfully decide and carefully consider? As has been mentioned several times, most assistant coaches only have one-year contracts anyway. It's the nature of the college and NFL coaching business. Even if you have a multi-year contract, there is no guarantee that you'll be kept for the full term of the contract. We have no idea what coaches are going to accept or how they may view the UNT OC position until we ask (see Notre Dame and Tennessee for negatives or Guy Morris to Texas A&M-Commerce for a positive). And, I don't want a coach who would view UNT as a "sinking ship". Coaches are very confident individuals and while the future of UNT may seem gloomy to some of us, a coach won't likely have the same viewpoint - remember how optimistic and confident Dodge was when he took this job.

I believe the article stated that another interview was expected this week and that a decision would likely be made within a week. So, what's wrong with that? Some reason to rush around just so you can interview 6-8 people?

As mentioned above, the pool of available coaches is shrinking daily. Two programs are still without head coaches, but rest assured, whoever is hired will quickly assemble his coaching staff. The longer we wait the better the odds that we'll get the bottom of the barrel.

If you have an idea what you want, fine. I see no issue with the speed of this search. If I were TD and my head was on the "chopping block" as many seem to believe it is, then I would want "my guy" as the OC, not someone who a few posters who have no real "skin in the game" seem to want me to hire...or even interview. My neck, my pick and on my schedule.

Wow, great TD impersonation or was that Dickey?? What skins on the wall does Dodge have at the collegiate level?? 5 wins in 3 years and a team that has shown it can play close games within the SBC after 3 years in his system?

If it were you, wouldn't that be the way you wanted it? When I was the one doing the hiring I sure wanted the person I thought was right for the position and I think most folks would feel the same way. So, I'll get excited...or not...when the announcement is made. Until then, well, it's wait and see. I'll bet a new OC will be on staff before spring ball starts...how's that for a timetable? Ha!

Actually, I have learned from my own hiring experience that you usually get the best applicants within the first week of posting a position and I've also learned that what a person has on his resume isn't always representative of his capabilities. Much is not learned until you actually interview the candidate. Actually, since you asked how I would want it...well, I'd surround myself with the best talent and brightest minds I could find. I would want someone that can listen to what I have to say but also offer a different perspective and help me succeed where I have failed in the past - someone whose strengths best compliment my weaknesses.

A new OC by spring ball....terrific plan!! I can laugh with you on that one.

Take a look at Troy. HFC Larry Blakeney needs to replace his OC, the RB's coach,

and a QB/WR coach.

Right now, Blakeney and his staff are focused on recruiting, while interviews for their

open positions are being scheduled. Blakeney has talked to a couple of coaches on

his staff, but wants to also explore other possible candidates outside of Troy.

Just like KRAM1 stated, Coach Dodge is reviewing candidates, scheduling interviews,

to pick the right guy for the OC job while recruitng is the #1 focus for the next few weeks.

Over at MTSU, HFC Rick Stockstill is doing the same thing- recruting first, and

searching for the right guy for their open DC position.

I would think, Coach Dodge has narrowed down his list of candidates, and will

conduct interviews. I would not be suprised that Coach Dodge already has

the right guy lined up now.

Thanks for the laugh. I think we should do everything we can to emulate what Troy and MTSU are doing because those programs are what UNT should strive to become. (note, the sarcasm) Per Vito's blog, Dodge has had one interview and has one more scheduled...that's a pretty small list to narrow down. (Before someone suggests he's not being fully honest with Vito, what would Dodge have to gain by lying or withholding information?) Now, I will agree with you on the idea that Dodge may already have someone in mind for the job, but if it's another high school guy or D-II outcast, I highly question whether or not he could be considered the "right guy".

IMO , Finding the right OC is more important than these last 3 recruits we land (unless we are in on some 4star DT that I don't know about). Todd Dodge's job in on the line and he needs to be in urgency mode from here on out. Can he not multi task ?

He should be looking at everyone he can , my problem with the only 1 interview is that maybe no one is inquiring about a job here and that's not a good thing.

I fully agree. If, at this point in the recruiting process, filling the OC position doesn't hold a greater priority, then we're severely under-utilizing the position and under-valuing its importance (which, btw, I believe we are and have been doing the last 3 years).

People talk here about acting and being "big time", but we have fans who often think of UNT as just the opposite. To be "big time" one needs to start the process of "thinking big time" too, and that goes for fans and supporters as well as department and university officials.

So tell me Kram, are the other "big time" programs with coordinator vacancies interviewing one candidate per week? Are they unable to recruit and interview at the same time?

One does not have to be a "rocket scientist" or antything close to it to realize that Coach Dodge may well be on a "short-leach" tenure-wise. That seesm to be a "known fact" around the program. Wouldn't one think that might also be "known" outside the walls of the university as well, and might that...just might that have some impact on applicants for the OC position? Just asking...I see no reason for alarm here in the timing or number of "known" interested parties given the facts of the matter as they exist today.

Don't worry NT03, UNT will indeed have an OC soon enough. WE can all then start the debate regarding the "worthiness" of the selection. Hey, you have to have something to talk about in the off-season, right? Maybe we should start a list now of who will say "nice things" about the eventual selection and who will come out "blasting away". That might be an interesting topic because we all know there are "experts" here who will KNOW beyond any shadow of a doubt that who ever gets selected is the WRONG GUY!

When you have qualified candidates publicly express interest in the position, yet are never contacted (keeping in mind that no one else either), that's reason for concern.

You can count me in the blasting away group too...I just have a bad feeling about this.

While I certainly admire the devotion all of you long-time supporters have for UNT football, I am repeatedly frustrated by the apparent contentment and lack of criticism some of you show. The only way this program is ever going to get where we want it to be is by change. What worked 10 or 20 years ago doesn't work today. The college football environment is rapidly changing and we have to be able to move quickly if we want to keep up. This is not the time to put complete faith in our administration and hope and pray they make the right decisions. We all want to look at what the "big time programs" are doing and hope to achieve that status ourselves one day. Well, who do you think makes the decisions at the "big time programs"?? I'll give you a hint, it's not the AD or the president or even the BOR. We're the audience the UNT football needs to be most concerned about pleasing. If we're not happy, then we won't attend games (ok, some of you will always attend), and we won't make donations to the university (or will reduce them) and we won't buy Mean Green merchandise. When I say "we" understand that I am not talking about this hard-core group of Mean Green fanatics that visit and post on GMG.com everyday. No, I am talking about the broader Mean Green Nation - those that are embarrassed to discuss UNT football and will only follow a winning program. I know it's hard for many of you to believe, but it's human nature to appreciate winning. It makes people happy and proud to admit he/she is a UNT alumnus. Winning is the main point of the game. Most people are not going to get excited about moral victories or competitive losing....I know...sad, but true.

What does all this have to do with a thread about hiring a UNT assistant coach?? Well, it's about expectations...they are far too low right now. "That guy makes too much money to consider UNT" or "That recruit has Big XII offers - no way he comes to UNT" or "Hey, I saw a UNT coozie in Albertson's the other day!!!" I know I've been guilty of it before and will be again too, but we need to make a stand sooner than later. Otherwise, we'll find ourselves back in FCS before we know what hit us. Yes, the stadium is a great and wonderful achievement but we can't stop there. We'll get a spike in attendance the first year or two, but it will drop off considerably if we continue our losing ways. We have to demand more from our university and we have to tap into the strength of our numbers/alumni base, by winning more and by increasing our endowment (insert Viagra joke here). Don't diminish your contributions by thinking you have no right in what decisions are made. WE are the alumni that buy season tickets, donate to the MGC and buy Mean Green merchandise. Without us, the football program would not exist.

Edited January 20, 2010 by gangrene

[NT03]

Thanks gangrene for saying alot of what I wanted to say , but too lazy to do so.

We only interview 1 , a previously fired HC at a FCS school, in for a interview ? Seems to me that a) nobody wants to be a lame duck coach for a 1 year ( which I can understand) or TD wants nothing more than a puppet as he is really the OC and only someone desperate for a job would take it

This is a ideal job for anyone wanting to make a name for themselves. We have a TON of offensive talent coming back and we sit in a wonderful area for recruiting. If we get a great hire and they are successful it can only lead to bigger and better things for all the coaches involved.

The OC will have a lot of weapons to work with , it's how one uses them to determine how successful we are.

Maybe a splash OC hire would bring in a splash recruit ? Who knows.

As far as recruiting being the number 1 priority , when our last few offers available are having to decide b/w us and the likes of Texas St and ULM ( with a coach who has only had a few weeks to recruit) I'd say that who we get will not make that much of a impact for the next few years. Our OC should be our number 1 priority.

Edited January 20, 2010 by NT03

[GreenMachine]

Let me preface by saying I am concerned with the amount of chatter going on about the OC position. Only interviewing 1 person not only concerns me, it makes me realize why I attended only one game last year, I have almost fully given up on the decision making skills of Dodge. However, trying to stay as positive as possible, maybe the 1 interview count is a warm body actually on campus sitting across the desk from Dodge interviewing. Maybe Dodge has been on the phone relentlessly talking to not only potential candidates but getting advice and tips from more established and experienced college coaches. Maybe monkeys will fly out of my butt also.

[KRAM1]

Maybe monkeys will fly out of my butt also.

Come on, your rear is not that big! Look, no one is happy with the state of UNT football except our opponents perhaps. The difference might just be that some of us are amused at all the "experts" we have telling TD and RV what they should be doing all the time while knowing much to nothing about what is actually going on. Just because there is a report from a reporter (that some folks don't like at all until he prints something they think is negative and they can jump on that for a posting or two) does not make if 100% fact. Again, the relative "position regarding employment" of the current HC may well have something to do with the OC hiring process...you think?

Slow down and pump the brakes a bit. UNT will hire an OC coordinator. Some on here will support the hire and indicate their willingness to see what develops, while other will immediately seize on the opportunity to once more blast the department, the AD and the HC for a bad hire before the guy calls one play in an actual game for UNT. This will happen whether the guy is a current "big time" college assistant or a local jr. high coach that TD decided to give a shot (OK, let's all hope that's not the case). So be it. At least it is something certain in life that one can count on rain or shine.

Hire too soon, the cry goes up for acting too fast and leaving good candidates in play, hire too slow and the cry goes up that all the good candidates already got hired and UNT is left with the dregs. Can't win! But, one thing is certain..there will be differences of opinion on the final outcome.

GO MEAN GREEN!