Coaching Carousel (Football)

#51      
Illini in Italy
Indy Illini Fan said:
He’s going to have lots of opportunities … As he should …

Could very well be here as OC, Baylor as OC, Oregon as OC, maybe even UTSA HC … And more …
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I would hope that if he does choose to leave, it would be to take a HC position, and not a “lateral” to another OC position. I know Oregon can throw Nike money aunt Lunney, am not sure that Baylor has that level of money (they likely do), but I would have to think unless you’re talking about a significant jump in pay he wouldn’t want to take another OC position to toil another couple of years before he gets another shot as a HC . . . He is making almost $1.5M for 2026 (!!!) which is not chump change, but the highest paid OC in college ball this year is Beck at ScUM earning $3.0M this year.
 
#53      
Username
Indy Illini Fan said:
He’s going to have lots of opportunities … As he should …

Could very well be here as OC, Baylor as OC, Oregon as OC, maybe even UTSA HC … And more …
Click to expand...
We know that it's likely that Lunney isn't here at some point hopefully due to our continued success. I know this is a lot of speculation and what ifs, but if we're looking for a new OC during the offseason do we look to promote Art, have a chat w/Locksley or are neither of those realistic options?

Also, welcome back...always appreciate your contributions!
 
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#54      
fuddrules
Username said:
We know that it's likely that Lunney isn't here at some point hopefully due to our continued success. I know this is a lot of speculation and what ifs, but if we're looking for a new OC during the offseason do we look to promote Art, have a chat w/Locksley or are neither of those realistic options?

Also, welcome back...always appreciate your contributions!
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Another option: https://fightingillini.com/staff-directory/mike-neu/2173
 
#55      
Mr. Tibbs
Username said:
We know that it's likely that Lunney isn't here at some point hopefully due to our continued success. I know this is a lot of speculation and what ifs, but if we're looking for a new OC during the offseason do we look to promote Art, have a chat w/Locksley or are neither of those realistic options?

Also, welcome back...always appreciate your contributions!
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I don’t think Art is ready to be a B1G caliber OC yet - that is a huge step up from ace recruiter/QB coach
 
#57      
therealmiket86
Illini in Italy said:
I would hope that if he does choose to leave, it would be to take a HC position, and not a “lateral” to another OC position. I know Oregon can throw Nike money aunt Lunney, am not sure that Baylor has that level of money (they likely do), but I would have to think unless you’re talking about a significant jump in pay he wouldn’t want to take another OC position to toil another couple of years before he gets another shot as a HC . . . He is making almost $1.5M for 2026 (!!!) which is not chump change, but the highest paid OC in college ball this year is Beck at ScUM earning $3.0M this year.
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Being the OC at Oregon could get him a job as a P4 head coach.
 
#59      
therealmiket86
Illini in Italy said:
I don't disagree, but being the OC at Illinois can do the same . . .
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Besides Walters going to Purdue when was the last time that’s happened. He also had one of the best defenses in the country.

Just last year both of Oregon’s coordinators got P4 jobs. It’s much more common when you are at a blue blood. Last year Lunney was interviewing for G5 heading jobs
 
#62      
Ander1345
Illini in Italy said:
I would hope that if he does choose to leave, it would be to take a HC position, and not a “lateral” to another OC position. I know Oregon can throw Nike money aunt Lunney, am not sure that Baylor has that level of money (they likely do), but I would have to think unless you’re talking about a significant jump in pay he wouldn’t want to take another OC position to toil another couple of years before he gets another shot as a HC . . . He is making almost $1.5M for 2026 (!!!) which is not chump change, but the highest paid OC in college ball this year is Beck at ScUM earning $3.0M this year.
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They are seriously paying Beck that much? Guy has had nothing but athletic freaks at QB, and when he doesn't have one his offense looks... horrendous.
 
#63      
Indy Illini Fan
Username said:
We know that it's likely that Lunney isn't here at some point hopefully due to our continued success. I know this is a lot of speculation and what ifs, but if we're looking for a new OC during the offseason do we look to promote Art, have a chat w/Locksley or are neither of those realistic options?

Also, welcome back...always appreciate your contributions!
Click to expand...

 
#64      
Ryllini
Indy Illini Fan said:
It would be a lateral move to get back with Traylor ... I don't think Baylor is a step down if Traylor is there ...

And if Traylor doesn't take the Baylor job, Barry obviously would not have any interest ...
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Who do you think Barry trusts more? Potentially start over again with your buddy down in Waco or continue to hitch your wagon to Bret’s star. It isn’t my career, but I’m not leaving the Illinois OC job unless a blue blood comes calling. Money does speak…
 
#67      
Illini2010-11
RabidDawgClassic said:
I’m old enough to remember when Barry Lunney was a bum and Illinois could supposedly do better.
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You don't have to look back that far -- even this season there were fans complaining about his play calling.

After the controlling performance in the 2nd half on Saturday, we should all sit back and appreciate what Lunney has done to a very good defense with two freshman QB's at the helm. Of course, being able to run the ball effectively makes life so much easier.

If Lunney happens to move on after this season for a better position, I will be super appreciative of how exciting our offense has been the last few seasons. He is a very good coach and I hope he gets a chance to get a HC position. If it means taking a job in Eugene to get there, then I will completely understand.
 
#68      
Mr. Tibbs
Illini2010-11 said:
You don't have to look back that far -- even this season there were fans complaining about his play calling.

After the controlling performance in the 2nd half on Saturday, we should all sit back and appreciate what Lunney has done to a very good defense with two freshman QB's at the helm. Of course, being able to run the ball effectively makes life so much easier.

If Lunney happens to move on after this season for a better position, I will be super appreciative of how exciting our offense has been the last few seasons. He is a very good coach and I hope he gets a chance to get a HC position. If it means taking a job in Eugene to get there, then I will completely understand.
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iirc, the title of "Offensive Coordinator" in college fb really only goes back to like the late 1970's or so.
As such, Barry Lunney is the best one we've ever had.
 
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