FB: North Coast Athletic Conference

[02 Warhawk]

Lance was a finalist for at least three other head coaching positions during his tenure in WHITEWATER.  I know he was offerred at least one of the jobs but declined because he didn't feel it was a good fit for him. 

Grand Valley
Middle Tennessee
Austin Pea (I think it was)

Somehow he survived the disappointment.   

Yep, Austin Peay was one he considered in 2013.

[jknezek]

I feel like my program was just chewed up and spit out a little bit by your program. I think it's tacky to post anything resembling "c'est la vie" to the very obvious and rational expression of ugh, what a waste this has all been...

I find it interesting that you are upset with UWW about this. UWW didn't have much to do with it. They didn't force anyone to apply. If you feel you've been through the wringer it's because Coach R decided to try for a different job. UWW didn't do anything to your program. If you want to be irritated with anyone, be irritated with your own coach.

That being said, there is no freaking way I'd blame Coach R or any coach for reaching for the UWW job, so maybe it's inevitable to misplace the irritation on UWW.

[Joe Wally]

I feel like my program was just chewed up and spit out a little bit by your program. I think it's tacky to post anything resembling "c'est la vie" to the very obvious and rational expression of ugh, what a waste this has all been...

As Hyman Roth famously said in Godfather II "This is the business we've chosen."and this is the way that this business operates. 

A few years ago the folks at Coe College went through the same thing we just did, and it didn't end nearly as well for them as it has for us here.

[Pat Coleman]

I feel like my program was just chewed up and spit out a little bit by your program. I think it's tacky to post anything resembling "c'est la vie" to the very obvious and rational expression of ugh, what a waste this has all been...

I find it interesting that you are upset with UWW about this. UWW didn't have much to do with it. They didn't force anyone to apply. If you feel you've been through the wringer it's because Coach R decided to try for a different job. UWW didn't do anything to your program. If you want to be irritated with anyone, be irritated with your own coach.

That being said, there is no freaking way I'd blame Coach R or any coach for reaching for the UWW job, so maybe it's inevitable to misplace the irritation on UWW.

Yeah, exactly. A +1 for this one.

[sigma one]

If it comes out officially the way it appears  to be going, congratulations to Coach Bullis as he takes on such a premier program.  As far as ER goes, he'll return to Wabash to lead a team that is poised to win the NCAC next year.  In his time at Wabash, he's never lost more than two games in a season.  I for one don't begrudge him going after one of the two biggest fish in DIII.  He would have gone after the other one, at his alma mater, if circumstances had been different.
     I'm just glad it's over.
     
     
 

[BashDad]

Not to be all "you guys are being insensitive," but you guys are being insensitive.

UWW conducted a national search--one that disrupted the program I follow passionately--and then hired in-house. It's a waste. And revises the whole process to seem political in nature and more of a formality for validating an inexperienced hire. So whatever -- I'm a little grumpy about it. You would be too.

[Li'l Giant]

     I'm just glad it's over.

Yes.

[wabashcpa]

I can't blame Whitewater for doing their due diligence.  I can't blame Coach Raeburn for exploring his options - nature of the beast.  If the best candidate for Whitewater happened to already be on staff, so be it.  If Whitewater felt Coach Raeburn was worthy of being a finalist in their search, then that is outside confirmation that we have a pretty good coach.  Onward.

[formerd3db]

Not to be all "you guys are being insensitive," but you guys are being insensitive.

UWW conducted a national search--one that disrupted the program I follow passionately--and then hired in-house. It's a waste. And revises the whole process to seem political in nature and more of a formality for validating an inexperienced hire. So whatever -- I'm a little grumpy about it. You would be too.

Respectfully disagree with you on this one BashDad.  I understand your disappointment and even anger, however, no one is being insensitive.  This process happens all the time and as the others have mentioned (and I'm sure you know deep down) that ER knew the stakes when he applied, just as the other candidates did as well, regardless of where they were from.  Most programs open a national search and it is not uncommon at all for them to hire in-house even after doing that i.e. going with someone current.  That is not a slap at other candidates at all.

You Wabash guys should be glad that ER is remaining (at least for now) and I'm sure you are.  It says a lot that he was so highly considered and from what I've seen posted here, I think it less likely there will be any "underlying resentment" that he will be continuing to lead the Wabash program and improving it to the next tier, even more than he has already.  And finally, I guess it is good you are not a "betting man" (at least I assume you are not) because your previous predictions really missed the mark! (posted in jest, of course! ).   I will say, that certainly all this process made for some interesting discussion the past three weeks. 

[Mr. Ypsi]

Not to be all "you guys are being insensitive," but you guys are being insensitive.

UWW conducted a national search--one that disrupted the program I follow passionately--and then hired in-house. It's a waste. And revises the whole process to seem political in nature and more of a formality for validating an inexperienced hire. So whatever -- I'm a little grumpy about it. You would be too.

As a state school, I would imagine that UWW was required by law to do a national search.  I know that is true in Michigan, and I would expect that Wisconsin is the same.

[formerd3db]

ExTP:

I forgot to ask you about your opinion/thoughts regarding Enos leaving Central Michigan for Arkansas.  IMO, it was a "NB'er".  It will be interesting to see who Central Michigan chooses.  Not sure if the new Interim HC might have a chance at having the "Interim" removed from his title.

No brainer for him, of course.  Coordinator position in the SEC > head coach position in the MAC.  I'm a little surprised, honestly ("Bielema and Enos played against each other in college while Bielema was at Iowa and Enos at Michigan State. The two also coached against each other over the years, and their conversations about Enos' possible hiring began last week at a coaches convention" is all I can really dig up on how they know each other) but that's more a function of "I had no idea Arkansas would poach a guy like Enos" than it is surprised about his decision, presented with the two choices.

Really hard for me to imagine the interim coach will be the HC.  I think that was really a stopgap "We need someone to keep answering the phone and handling recruits until we have a new guy" and presumably any new HC would retain the LB coach/special-teams coach as a link to the prior staff for the players' sake, if nothing else.  I saw a reference to Brady Hoke, but I can't imagine that would go over too well...you're more plugged-in to the Michigan scene than I am, but my impression from speaking with many Central alums is that, since the schools are rarely in direct competition, many Central students/fans/alums are also Michigan fans and thus would probably not react too favorably to that move.

I'll be on the lookout for info as it comes.  Right now it's looking like one more year for my GF at Central before we make a joint move somewhere.  She wants a second year of teaching experience to beef up her CV, and isn't about to ask me to move to Mount Pleasant knowing that another move may be coming after that (besides, I just got a very nice pay bump and promotion to a different group here at UPMC).  So I'll (probably) be making at least one more years' worth of journeys across I-76/80 and then up north/west on 23, 96, and 127.

Incidentally, my GF told me on the phone last night that one of the Chippewas, a starting defensive end who was among my favorite players on this year's team, was in her yoga class yesterday.  She knew that I'd have been jealous and would have excitedly introduced myself had I been there!

Sorry for the delay in reply.  Thanks for your own reply.  First, congratulations on your job promotion and salary increase!  That is always great. 

Agree with you regarding your Enos comments.  While indeed the move was a NB'er, I, too, was kind of surprised that he went to Fayetteville, even though it is SEC and given that his "connection" with Bielema. 

BTW, regarding your GF's yoga program and the Central player, I would do the same as you (i.e. introducing myself).  It is always great to meet and visit with other players at other programs, especially the other levels.  I remember "way back when" in my own playing days, I had the great opportunity to become friends with and workout together with a Saginaw Valley State player who went on to star in the NFL for a long time.  Unfortunately, we lost contact with each other.  Back then, we had a group of us from our hometown area that worked out together during the summers and we were from all NCAA levels from DIII-DI.  It was a fun and great experience, really learned a lot from those "big-time" guys. 

 

[badgerwarhawk]

Not to be all "you guys are being insensitive," but you guys are being insensitive.

UWW conducted a national search--one that disrupted the program I follow passionately--and then hired in-house. It's a waste. And revises the whole process to seem political in nature and more of a formality for validating an inexperienced hire. So whatever -- I'm a little grumpy about it. You would be too.

As a state school, I would imagine that UWW was required by law to do a national search.  I know that is true in Michigan, and I would expect that Wisconsin is the same.

Exactly state statues mandate that the position be posted for a minimum of 15 days.   Is there a state statue in Indiana that mandated Coach Raeburn apply?  As hard as it is for you to admit  your whole rant is misdirected.  Frankly it's you who is being over sensitive,

[02 Warhawk]

Not to be all "you guys are being insensitive," but you guys are being insensitive.

UWW conducted a national search--one that disrupted the program I follow passionately--and then hired in-house. It's a waste. And revises the whole process to seem political in nature and more of a formality for validating an inexperienced hire. So whatever -- I'm a little grumpy about it. You would be too.

As a state school, I would imagine that UWW was required by law to do a national search.  I know that is true in Michigan, and I would expect that Wisconsin is the same.

Ypsi gets it

[formerd3db]

Not to be all "you guys are being insensitive," but you guys are being insensitive.

UWW conducted a national search--one that disrupted the program I follow passionately--and then hired in-house. It's a waste. And revises the whole process to seem political in nature and more of a formality for validating an inexperienced hire. So whatever -- I'm a little grumpy about it. You would be too.

As a state school, I would imagine that UWW was required by law to do a national search.  I know that is true in Michigan, and I would expect that Wisconsin is the same.

Ypsi gets it

Indeed.  I had also intended to mention that when I discussed about having a national search, however, inadvertently didn't-hadn't gone back to proof-read my post.  At any rate, that is essentially no different than for most businesses, organizations, hospitals, etc., that are required by law to post an employment opening for both "in-house" and "outside".  I also do not believe/would find it hard to believe that UWW administrators were "just going through the process" for the finalists.  I do not doubt they were serious and gave each candidate a sincere full in-depth look in the interview process.  I also do not think they wouldn't have offered second interviews to anyone if they weren't really serious about continuing them as a candidate. JMHO.

[Pat Coleman]

Well, I see several people have beaten me to the point that Wisconsin is required to post the job because of Wisconsin state law.