The Illinois Football Coaching Search

[Deleted member 747671]

In the last 20 years, only 2 P5 Coordinators have been hired as Big 10 head coaches... Tom Allen (Oklahoma DC) at Indiana and Chris Ash (OSU DC) at Rutgers. EDIT - That were not internal promotions.

Bo Pelini (LSU DC) to Nebraska, Ralph Friedgen (GA Tech OC) to Maryland and Greg Schiano (Miami, FL DC) to Rutgers (the first time) all fit in that timeline but were before those schools were in the Big 10. Pelini had previously been DC at Nebraska. Friedgen was an alum of Maryland.

There was also one case in the last 20 years of an NFL coordinator becoming Big 10 head coach - Bill O'Brien (Patriots OC) to Penn State. Kirk Farentz (Ravens OC) to Iowa falls just outside my 20 year time period.

Ryan Day and Tom Allen were internal coordinators promoted to HC. Locksley was OC at Alabama. I believe DJ Durkin was DC at Michigan before the Maryland job too. Just trying to add to the list lol. I think if there's anything clear about coaching searches it's that every category has successes and failures. It's always a risk.

 

[champaignchris]

Ryan Day and Tom Allen were internal coordinators promoted to HC. Locksley was OC at Alabama.

You're right. I missed Locksley. Editing my previous.

 

[ChiefGritty]

I had actually talked myself into LL before Lovie was officially fired and was looking at his staff and everything. But as other names came up, I guess I moved off him. I honestly won't hate it if it's LL. I just feel like I have to play devil's advocate because I think there's way more risk with LL than most on this board think. Like his offense isn't gonna get 500 yards against Iowa, Wisconsin, or Northwestern, so you better get some players, and I think the recruiting potential of Leipold is lower than most other options.

It's scary to think about what our roster will look like if the next 18 months or so don't go well. And it is definitely true that Leipold does not on the surface inspire confidence in that regard.

And as I mentioned yesterday, the specific 18 months we're talking about is a totally new reality for college football.

It's possible, arguable, that just trying to fill up a class of 25 high quality high school players would be a self-defeating fool's errand, even if they're good. It's also possible that all of this other stuff is a red herring and going out and getting the best 25 HS guys is the only sensible thing to do. It's really hard to tell, this is totally unprecedented in the history of the sport.

 

[AutoPoster 3000]

I bought a new Corolla once. I got 35 mpg and it never broke down in seven years, not even once. Also, I was already bored driving it on the way home from the dealer. I'm not saying Lance Leipold is a Corolla. Well, I guess I sort of am saying that.

 

[lexwaldez]

Honestly, if we don't want to be the place where coaches go to die, the admin should move to NCAA minimums and put some skin in the game. It's difficult enough here without us stacking the deck slightly against us. Those one or two recruits per year that look elsewhere could be a difference. I'm not saying this is the reason, but why not make every little detail as easy as possible on the new staff? We are not the Illinois from the 80's. Times have changed. They're getting a new mascot so JW make this happen (and anything else you need to get finally get done on the admin side). Do eet.

 

[Deleted member 747671]

It's scary to think about what our roster will look like if the next 18 months or so don't go well. And it is definitely true that Leipold does not on the surface inspire confidence in that regard.

And as I mentioned yesterday, the specific 18 months we're talking about is a totally new reality for college football.

It's possible, arguable, that just trying to fill up a class of 25 high quality high school players would be a self-defeating fool's errand, even if they're good. It's also possible that all of this other stuff is a red herring and going out and getting the best 25 HS guys is the only sensible thing to do. It's really hard to tell, this is totally unprecedented in the history of the sport.

Yeah that's such a huge point, and one that nobody has any clue on how to attack. The first impression is going to be HUGE for LL. Very few B1G players have any idea who he is and may look down on him. His first recruiting test is really going to be about keeping as many key contributors at Illinois as possible. He'll have to have a general idea of what he is working with and go from there, whether it be pulling in transfers or hitting the high schools hard, most likely some of both.

 

[wma500]

While we're pre-gamming for the MAC Championship game....here's a coaching industry deep cut roundtable you might find interesting. Very relevant questions asked, too.

Developing Your Staff: Glenn Caruso, Mark Farley, Lance Leipold, And Kevin Sumlin

AthleticDirectorU presents a football coaches roundtable focused on the topic of staff development. Head coaches Kevin Sumlin of Arizona, Glenn Caruso of University of St. Thomas (MN), Lance Leipold of Buffalo, and Mark Farley of Northern Iowa join Josh Hoeg, Offensive Coordinator at Stevenson...

athleticdirectoru.com

 

[lexwaldez]

I bought a new Corolla once. I got 35 mpg and it never broke down in seven years, not even once. Also, I was already bored driving it on the way home from the dealer. I'm not saying Lance Leipold is a Corolla. Well, I guess I sort of am saying that.

I dunno. If we can the new hybrid Sport Touring Corolla with some decent rims I could live with it for 5-10 years. The thing is gonna run forever. I'm more of a Tacoma guy but... beggars and choosers.

 

[skibdaddy]

I really just wanna know if I should be tuned into the Buffalo game tonight or if I can live my life haha

C'mon... you're reading and posting on this thread... You don't have to pretend to have a life!

 

[champaignchris]

So stay with status quo. Got it. All hires are risky, well, because it's Illinois. Didn't Ted Monken say, "This is where good coaches go to and die" ? Something along those lines.

Probably just need to have a Busch Light and enjoy the game tonight and maybe I can get excited about our new HC.

Not saying Illinois should or shouldn't hire a P5 coordinator. Just pointing out that it's not been done very much over the last 20 years.

Of the three that have happened in the last 20 years, Allen and Ash were unqualified failures and while it's way to early to judge Locksley, he has a 6-17 record in his first two years.

On the converse side, the three examples of schools that weren't in the conference when they made their hires all worked out. Schiano and Friedgren were both unqualified successes, winning in places that hadn't won in years, Schiano eventually taking an NFL job and Friedgren coaching until retirement. We could argue that they weren't winning in conferences as good as the Big 10, but then neither school would even be in the Big 10 right now if it weren't for the efforts of those two coaches.

Bo Pelini was also an unqualified success between the sidelines; his toxic behavior everywhere else is the only reason he got fired.

 

[The Ghost]

Just remember we can’t chant I-L-L-I-N-I without LL

 

[IllinoisOKC]

I bought a new Corolla once. I got 35 mpg and it never broke down in seven years, not even once. Also, I was already bored driving it on the way home from the dealer. I'm not saying Lance Leipold is a Corolla. Well, I guess I sort of am saying that.

Wish it wasn’t a corolla mainly because im a truck guy and not much of a car guy but im glad it never broke down on you! Loved the analogy too!! Buttttt... did it pick up any 4 or 5 star women??? Hoping theres a really good recruiting correlation somehow.

 

[skibdaddy]

My daily pitch for Bill Bedenbaugh - Sooner Co-Offensive Coordinator/Offensive Line

* He was named one of Rivals.com’s top 25 recruiters of 2017, ’18 and ’19, and was a finalist in 2017 and a semifinalist in 2018 for the Broyles Award

*Presided over a 2018 OU offensive line unit that was recognized as the nation’s best with the reception of the Joe Moore Award.

*Was part of an Arizona offensive unit that led the Pac-10 and ranked ninth in the nation in passing (307.7 ypg) in 2010.

*Coordinated an Arizona rushing game that ranked second in the Pac-10 in 2008 (158.4 ypg) as the Wildcats averaged 402.4 ypg of total offense, the fifth-highest single-season mark in school history.

*Part of an offensive staff that helped Texas Tech lead the Big 12 in total offense and rank sixth in the nation at 448.8 ypg in 2006. Texas Tech also ranked 13th among FBS teams in scoring at 32.5 ppg.

*Was named NCAA Division II Coordinator of the Year after helping lead Ferris State to a division-best 534 ypg in 1999.

*Was a four-year starter at Iowa Wesleyan as a lineman for Mike Leach, who Bedenbaugh later worked for at Texas Tech.

Has played for or Coached with Hal Mumme, Mike Leach, Lincoln Riley, Bob Stoops, Josh Heupel, Mike Stoops, Sonny Dykes. His offensive pedigree along with being the Top Offensive line coach in College football is a huge plus. Throw in the fact he is a top national recruiter and the one assistant OU fans are most scared to lose. He is 48 and has learned from two of the best head coaches in football since 2013. He is my pick and would be an absolute steal if we could get him.

too many BB's ... that can't work out

 

[ChiefGritty]

Yeah that's such a huge point, and one that nobody has any clue on how to attack. The first impression is going to be HUGE for LL. Very few B1G players have any idea who he is and may look down on him. His first recruiting test is really going to be about keeping as many key contributors at Illinois as possible. He'll have to have a general idea of what he is working with and go from there, whether it be pulling in transfers or hitting the high schools hard, most likely some of both.

Just so everyone is on the same page, here is the situation in the current, active, already formally approved rules:

Illinois (and every other school) can go out this offseason and recruit literally any player in college football, have them transfer without having to sit a year, and bring them in with the same eligibility they started this season with, up to a limit that the latest guidance seems clear is well above 85 at least for next year and possibly longer than that.

The flipside of course is that every single one of our players may freely transfer on the same basis as well. Isaiah Williams can be immediately eligible as a redshirt freshman QB at any program in the country for the 2021 season.

It is absolutely possible that this will prove to be less dramatic than what it sounds like. It is also possible that we're about to hold one of those Madden franchise drafts for the entirety of college football, to be repeated annually (they are going to vote on giving every incoming NCAA player one free transfer, and the scuttlebutt is that it will probably pass).

What does it mean to be a coaching staff that can consistently field a talented roster in that radically changed reality? I have absolutely no idea.

 

[Shief]

Looking forward to Dec. 26th too?

To be fair, I like what I'm seeing about LL and hope he will be the next coach. Ties to the area (Illinois & Midwest recruiting), good offensive play, solid record, etc.

Would love LF or MC to be here but I can definitely get behind LL. BB, you'd have to sell me on him a bit.

 

[Deleted member 29907]

Not thrilled with the idea of Leipold, but do not hate it either. I have listened to several interviews with him and have been impressed with his demeanor. Much better than our last MAC coach. Lasagna!

12/16/2020 - Lance Leipold - The Jim Rome Show

Buffalo head coach talks 2020 season, MAC championship and more.

omny.fm

Kinda sounds like the Zooker...

 

[the national]

If J wanted to coach, he could be coaching, somewhere, instead of being a Champaign realtor.

wait, he's a realtor? I thought he was selling Orange Kool-Aid?

 

[illini0440]

I'm singing out for the night! See y'all tomorrow. Go enjoy your Friday peeps!

 

[Deleted member 29907]

I bought a new Corolla once. I got 35 mpg and it never broke down in seven years, not even once. Also, I was already bored driving it on the way home from the dealer. I'm not saying Lance Leipold is a Corolla. Well, I guess I sort of am saying that.

Based on the way he talks? Wins games? So someone who has their team within the top 25 is a Corolla? A Countach is not driving up to our program.

 

[sacraig]

I feel like jw pulls his coaches out of left field. Who are your favorite random coaches he could pull? Herman? Stoops? Clawson?

Saban

 

[RockfordIllini]

So, question regarding LL’s success at UW Whitewater. There was a comment about UWWW and a handful of other DIII programs being more FCS like in their structure and thus the jump from one of these programs to DI isn’t as great as would appear (too lazy to dig out the comment).

My question is does this fact take away from LL’s success at that level. In other words, were 90% of his games a Globetrotters vs. Generals type of matchup? Just curious as I don’t know much about these types of programs.

 

[mhuml32]

Arkansas has 2 10 win seasons and 1 11 win season in 29 years in the sec. 14 seasons theyve gone 5 wins or worse. Houston Nutt in 10 seasons, 75-48 overall, 42-38 SEC, and Bobby Petrino Four seasons, 34-16 overall, 17–15 SEC, its tough to win the sec..So yeah, ignoring his 29-34 overal record 11-29 sec record at a school that thinks their better than they really are doesn’t bother me. Especially when he failed to realize Arkansas doesn’t win playing i-formation smash mouth football, he tried to be alabama playing smash mouth football and yes it failed miserably. But there are alot of coaches go to the sec and fail, hes not the only one.

The perception of their fanbase shouldn't reflect the realities of the position. Arkansas is 82-84 (.493) in conference games since joining the SEC but before Bielema took over.

Bielema takes over and he goes 11-29 (.275) in the SEC. Since he was fired, they've gone 7-27 (.205). It's fair to say that things dramatically shifted for their program after Petrino. That said, the program used to be a solid college football team. Not great, but maybe like a poor man's Iowa? They had been ranked at least once during 11 of the past 15 seasons before Bielema showed up (some of those years were duds like being pre-season #10 for John L's one interim season). I kinda get why their fans would think higher of the program than the current national perception.

 

[sacraig]

Not saying Illinois should or shouldn't hire a P5 coordinator. Just pointing out that it's not been done very much over the last 20 years.

Of the three that have happened in the last 20 years, Allen and Ash were unqualified failures and while it's way to early to judge Locksley, he has a 6-17 record in his first two years.

On the converse side, the three examples of schools that weren't in the conference when they made their hires all worked out. Schiano and Friedgren were both unqualified successes, winning in places that hadn't won in years, Schiano eventually taking an NFL job and Friedgren coaching until retirement. We could argue that they weren't winning in conferences as good as the Big 10, but then neither school would even be in the Big 10 right now if it weren't for the efforts of those two coaches.

Bo Pelini was also an unqualified success between the sidelines; his toxic behavior everywhere else is the only reason he got fired.

I don't see that changing. The man can recruit, but he stunk at New Mexico and I suppose I feel like he was only OC at Alabama for one year so how much of their success was really him?

 

[ILL_INI]

So stay with status quo. Got it. All hires are risky, well, because it's Illinois. Didn't Ted Monken say, "This is where good coaches go to and die" ? Something along those lines.

Probably just need to have a Busch Light and enjoy the game tonight and maybe I can get excited about our new HC.

Busch Light! No wonder you're so ornery!

 

[illinoistradition]

So, question regarding LL’s success at UW Whitewater. There was a comment about UWWW and a handful of other DIII programs being more FCS like in their structure and thus the jump from one of these programs to DI isn’t as great as would appear (too lazy to dig out the comment).

My question is does this fact take away from LL’s success at that level. In other words, were 90% of his games a Globetrotters vs. Generals type of matchup? Just curious as I don’t know much about these types of programs.

Interestingly enough, just from a quick look at his successor, they have not won a national championship since he left. They've still been very good, but not at that level of dominance. Leipold won all 6 championships they have ever had.