Leatherneck Nation

Tere North wrote:Whether we want WIU to or not, they will likely promote from within. That's pretty much been the modus operandi for all recent administrative hires.

But if you're going to do it, do it NOW to get a top assistant to stay instead fleeing to South Dakota.

Blazek has been liking and retweeting pro-Western football tweets today...so at this point, it seems like he thinks he's staying (or at least not going with Nielson). I'm not opposed to giving him a shot, at least for a couple of years to see how he does.

ST_Lawson wrote:

Tere North wrote:Whether we want WIU to or not, they will likely promote from within. That's pretty much been the modus operandi for all recent administrative hires.

But if you're going to do it, do it NOW to get a top assistant to stay instead fleeing to South Dakota.

Blazek has been liking and retweeting pro-Western football tweets today...so at this point, it seems like he thinks he's staying (or at least not going with Nielson). I'm not opposed to giving him a shot, at least for a couple of years to see how he does.

Would be keeping the coach in charge of weakest link in chain (offensive line and running game) IMO. Danger Will Robinson.

Here might be an interesting hire...Randy Ball.

Coach Ball had success at WIU when the facilities were even worse. He and his staff thrived when they were able to bring in DI transfers. The next coach, whoever he is, is going to have to attract these transfers to compete at the highest level at WIU.

I agree with Sealhall74. Also, the point about D-1 transfers. That's why I believe a D-1 coach with contacts is important. I've looked at Blazek's bio, a lot of here and there, but where's the meat. We need someone with a PROVEN record- D-2 or strong D-1 assistant. Please, not a training ground for someone who need a little more experience and will grow into the job. The MVFC will by pass us in a second.

Conference live now: https://www.periscope.tv/w/1nAJEXmmYwaGL

"Moving forward with search"
"Plans to have conference at 11 AM tomorrow morning announce new HC"

Sounds like they pretty much knew Nielson was leaving late last week, and kinda had hints of it before that. Quick HC announcement probably means hiring from within.

[tweet]676509950240141312[/tweet]

Nielsen can have South Dakota. I never liked that stupid tie on the sidelines anyways. I hope he enjoys long cold miserable winters and boring summers and I hope he takes his special teams coach with him as well.

Wow, that was quick. My guess will be Crutchley if we go internal.

Well, at least it's going to be a fast turnaround. Maybe Blazek, maybe someone else.

My first thought if they had ended up going with an external candidate would be Jeff Hecklinski. From Palatine, played for Western, has quite a few years of assisting on offensive side of the ball at a few FBS schools (including 4 years at Michigan). After Hoke's staff was let go at Michigan, he went to be QB Coordinator/Passing Game Coach (so...I guess in charge of QBs and WRs) Colorado State-Pueblo. D2, but made it to the D2 Quarterfinals this year (12-2 overall). Does have assistant HC experience from San Diego State for 2 years.

Anyway, looks like our pool of candidates is essentially who we've got on staff right now.

Scott,
any idea why Biller is doing this PC and not Tanney. Is Tanney even there?