…well, let me start it up.

The day Brewster fired Dunbar he said that he “ha[d] a plan.” He also said that he thought “the hire will be an absolute knockout. An absolute killer shot.”

Maybe the best thing Brewster can do is think before he talks. Hiring a currently unemployed NFL position coach is not a “killer shot.” If Fisch is the guy, and it looks like he is, this is another step back. Dunbar was an established coordinator. Fisch will be learning on the job this fall.

Let me throw out these questions. Most of the aforementioned candidates are current coaches at warm weather schools. When I look at those candidates, a few in particular look to be in line for coordinator positions at their alma maters (Applewhite, Heupel), are probably treated like deities in their current towns, and are just waiting to move up.

First off, why aren’t we hiring our former players as coaches? Brian Cupito was a smart, effective quarterback. Why isn’t he coaching here? Or is he? Why not bring back some of the other players once their playing days are over (such as Chris Darkins, Thomas Hamner, Asad Abdul-Khaliq)? They have credibility on the recruiting trail and can relate to the kids.

Here’s the second question I have. It’s been generally accepted that Metrodome had become a recruiting problem. But, while TCF Stadium is a great stadium and will be great for Minnesotans to enjoy outdoor football, does that scare away this list of predominantly southern candidates? I know the weather is being used against Michigan recruiting and I’m certain it happens here too. I’m not sure how much Major Applewhite would want to give up 75 degrees in November to game plan for a 30 degree day in Minneapolis in winter. For that matter, would any of these guys want to live in a place that just went through last week’s cold spell?

I think forces outside Minnesota’s control (weather) may have hurt this coaching search. But Brewster also hurts it with his braggadocio. By bringing in a neophyte with no coordinating experience, we are yet again, as a fan base, going to have to suffer growing pains. I wouldn’t be shocked if the offense needs a few weeks to get over the new staff’s feeling out process on in-game management in the fall. Given that Air Force, Cal-Berkeley, and Wisconsin are on the early part of the schedule, I again maintain that Brewster could quickly be in hot water this fall if things turn south.

Finally, I haven’t heard much about that contract extension lately. Is that still happening? I firmly believe Brewster hasn’t done enough to earn it, and these hires should force him to coach for his job this fall. I’m sure many disagree, but if he can’t figure it out by year 3 we may be waiting a long time for him to get it.

Don’t ask me why — just a gut feeling. And one REAL positive is that while Dunbar was supposedly a “spread” genius, he was getting set in his ways. Kinda old school. I think a fresh, young face will help with recruiting and be able to more easily motivate the players.
I hope I’m right about this.

but I’m wondering if there’s been any discussion about the pros and cons of putting $ into a practice facility when times are so tough, especially for the university? I’m not pretending to be an authority here, and I know men’s basketball is a money maker for the university (at least I assume it is?). But what with the hiring freeze, ever increasing tuition, etc., well, from a certain perspective this must definitely seem like a non-necessary expense. Thoughts?