Mark Coyle Press Conference: Recap and Reactions

That was an excellent first press conference for Mark Coyle. He hit all the high notes you'd expect from a new hire (positive statements about what the department offers, sharing excitement to be there, etc), but the emotion he showed was clearly real and should endear all but the most cynical fans to the man immediately.

In terms of substance, he kept the details light. There were several attempts to get Mark to speak candidly about the basketball program and Coach Pitino, but he did a nice job deflecting those. He didn't say anything overly bombastic in my opinion, and acquitted himself well overall.

Both Kaler and Coyle said they hoped interim AD Beth Goetz stays at Minnesota to help Coyle continue the work she's already done. While I'm sure she will do so in the short term, you have to think she'll have her eye out for opportunities as a full AD. I wouldn't be surprised if Beth moved on within a year and I'll be very happy for her if she does. In the meantime, if she stays she should be an invaluable part of Coyle's team.

One big piece of news is that the U stepped up to the plate when it came to salary. Coyle will make $850,000 a year, which is double what Norwood Teague was making. President Kaler addressed this directly, saying he knows Minnesota hasn't always invested in the AD role (or athletics in general) and that he is committed to seeing the department succeed.

The other thing that was very clear is how unhappy Kaler is with the issues surrounding the men's basketball program. He mentioned his disappointment in the program early in his introduction and referenced how he viewed Coyle as someone who will being stability and accountability to Minnesota. Consider Pitino's seat very hot now.

In summary:

If Coyle is as good at his job as he is at press conferences...we are going to be very very happy...

— Andy York (@yorka1982) May 11, 2016

Your Twitter press conference recap

Press release from University of Minnesota says Mark Coyle's contract is for 5-years at $850,000 base salary.

— Chris Long (@ChrisLongKSTP) May 11, 2016

#Gophers not messing around -- BTN $$ helps. Teague was at $422K/year. https://t.co/rvmp40X4iX

— Darren Wolfson (@DWolfsonKSTP) May 11, 2016

Coyle will make $850,000 a year.
Wisconsin: $1.14M
Nebraska: $1.12M
Ohio St.: $1.09M
Michigan: $900k
Minnesota: $850k
Michigan St.: $700k

— Seth Kaplan (@Seth_Kaplan) May 11, 2016

"I'm very excited to announce the hiring of Mark Coyle as the new Athletic Director for Gopher Athletics." -@PrezKaler's opening statement.

— Minnesota Gophers (@GopherSports) May 11, 2016

Wow. Almost off the bat, Kaler mentions the off-the-court issues of the men's basketball team.

— Matt Jessen-Howard (@mjessenhoward) May 11, 2016

Kaler says he is "profoundly disappointed" by problems in men's basketball in introducing Coyle. Interesting.

— RandBall (@RandBall) May 11, 2016

Kaler goes on to say that Coyle has a history of integrity, part of what attracted him to hire him.

— RandBall (@RandBall) May 11, 2016

President Kaler says he has "high expectations" for Mark Coyle. As well he should #umn pic.twitter.com/XmIn0knsMz

— Marcus R. Fuller (@GophersNow) May 11, 2016

"He brings the kind of well rounded accomplished profile that we sought." @PrezKaler on new #Gophers AD Coyle.

— Minnesota Gophers (@GopherSports) May 11, 2016

"He brings the kind of well rounded accomplished profile that we sought." @PrezKaler on new #Gophers AD Coyle.

— Minnesota Gophers (@GopherSports) May 11, 2016

Kaler thanks Beth Goetz, saying she has been an "incredible partner" for the University who has a "bright future."

— RandBall (@RandBall) May 11, 2016

"I'm deeply grateful to Beth during this period and how she stabilized this department." @PrezKaler on interim AD Beth Goetz

— Minnesota Gophers (@GopherSports) May 11, 2016

"Obviously I'm very excited to be here and this is a great day for us." New Athletics Director Mark Coyle, in his opening statement.

— Minnesota Gophers (@GopherSports) May 11, 2016

Mark Coyle says he "regrets the timing" in thanking Syracuse for the opportunity

— chipscoggins (@chipscoggins) May 11, 2016

An emotional Mark Coyle: "Why Minnesota? It's very simple to me...we love this place." #gophers

— KFAN1003 (@KFAN1003) May 11, 2016

Coyle choking up as he talks about why he came back to Minnesota.

— chipscoggins (@chipscoggins) May 11, 2016

Coyle, on why he came back to MN: "I've been in this for a long time. We love this place." He then paused 20 seconds, fighting emotions

— RandBall (@RandBall) May 11, 2016

Coyle is almost crying talking about coming back to Minnesota & telling stories about his daughter & Goldy.

— Chris H. (@GoAUpher) May 11, 2016

Coyle: "This is a special place and I'm so glad to be here." #Gophers

— Matt Jessen-Howard (@mjessenhoward) May 11, 2016

Coyle getting emotional talking about how much he loves Minnesota. Yeah...he just won the press conference

— Andy York (@yorka1982) May 11, 2016

Welp, just became Mark Coyle's biggest fan. #gophers

— Lindsay Guentzel (@LindsayGuentzel) May 11, 2016

We have a new AD because Otto the Orange couldn't fit down a flight of stairs. https://t.co/PDHhEF3uHT

— Ben Dawson (@BenjaminJDawson) May 11, 2016

Coyle: "I think I can bring stability...It's very important to me to be transparent." #Gophers

— KFAN1003 (@KFAN1003) May 11, 2016

Coyle: "I think it's my job to create accountability."

— RandBall (@RandBall) May 11, 2016

"Our number one priority will be our student-athletes." #Gophers AD Coyle, in his opening statement. pic.twitter.com/MLSI4ekMQY

— Minnesota Gophers (@GopherSports) May 11, 2016

Coyle: "All the pieces of the puzzle are here...our expectations need to be that we're going to compete at a high level." #gophers

— KFAN1003 (@KFAN1003) May 11, 2016

Kaler: "It should be realistic for us to compete for the Big Ten West in football."

— RandBall (@RandBall) May 11, 2016

Coyle hoping to be out here in Minnesota by Memorial Day weekend to start job

— RandBall (@RandBall) May 11, 2016

"We have the wow factor, now we have to create a winning culture." -#Gophers AD Mark Coyle

— Minnesota Gophers (@GopherSports) May 11, 2016

Kaler on Goetz: "I hope she stays a Gopher"

— RandBall (@RandBall) May 11, 2016

Kaler says his hope that Beth Goetz will stay on with her role as Deputy Athletic Director. Coyle agrees. #Gophers

— KFAN1003 (@KFAN1003) May 11, 2016

Sid the first one to bring up Maturi...

— Andy York (@yorka1982) May 11, 2016

Coyle: There's not many more people I have more respect for than Joel Maturi. #Gophers

— Nadine Babu (@NadineBabu) May 11, 2016

"This is home base for us. It's so unique in this business to be able to do what you love to do close to your family." -AD Mark Coyle

— Minnesota Gophers (@GopherSports) May 11, 2016

Minnesota president Eric Kaler wanted a sitting Power 5 athletic director for job. Calls it challenging time for program but great potential

— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) May 11, 2016

Coyle: "These are very visible jobs. I've learned to not lose sight of what's important, and that's the students." #Gophers

— Matt Jessen-Howard (@mjessenhoward) May 11, 2016

Kaler: "Mark is in a different class and deserving of his compensation," in response to question about large salary in relation to Teague

— RandBall (@RandBall) May 11, 2016

"We will be very visible." Mark Coyle on how often he'll be at #Gophers events.

— Minnesota Gophers (@GopherSports) May 11, 2016

Mark Coyle didn't use a search firm to make his last two football coach hires. I like him already.

— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) May 11, 2016

Coyle: "There was only one place I was going to leave Syracuse for, and that was Minnesota." #Gophers

— RandBall (@RandBall) May 11, 2016

GO GOPHERS!