FB: American Rivers Conference

[Klompen]

Let's face it: the days of coaches staying at the same school for multiple generations (a la Central's Schipper, Simpson's Williams, and Loras' Bierie) are long gone.  That's just not the way the coaching profession works anymore. 

I hope those days aren't long gone.  I like to think that Mac will be at Central to coach multiple generations of his players.  I know that there would be bigger opportunities out there, but I want to believe he knows how great he, Central and Pella match up.  He has a lot of respect on campus and in the community as a coach and a man of integrity.  His kids are growing up in a strong family-oriented community with good schools, and Central is his and his wife's alma mater.  When you are one of the most respected men on campus, why look elsewhere?

[footballdaddy]

Enough $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ will make anyone change his colors. Mac may not look at every offer before him, but I bet there are some jobs he would leave Pella for. I know of an assistant coach who left a job at his alma mater. He was very torn about leaving, but he had to think about his family when a D2 assistant job paid 40% more than a D3 job.

[Willie University]

Enough $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ will make anyone change his colors. Mac may not look at every offer before him, but I bet there are some jobs he would leave Pella for. I know of an assistant coach who left a job at his alma mater. He was very torn about leaving, but he had to think about his family when a D2 assistant job paid 40% more than a D3 job.

I disagree. First of all, I am sure Coach Mac is compensated very well for his accomplishments and I am sure gets raises every year. I think some people are completely satisfied with their current jobs and look at the "bigger picture" such as was mentioned, community, church, schools, children, loyalty, etc.. and no amount of money is worth giving that up.

Unfortunately, the lure of more money, better title, etc has unfortunately plagued our society in my opinion and too many people have no loyalty or satisfaction. Too many job hoppers. Just like there are too many divorced couples out there--no loyalty. The lure of someone "better", something "better", instead of sticking it out and working to make your relationship work long term.

Now, we all know sometimes coaches get fired/other situations happen and there are legitimate reasons for couples separating. But, I respect the coach more that also is willing to make a long term commitment to a football progam and the couple that is willing to go to counseling or do whatever it takes unselfishly to make the relationship work.

But, Coach willis, even though he has been there 13 years, I don't consider him one of these people, he would be a "stepping stone" coach in my opinion. He did a great job building wartburg to success but then looked to better his career- first by applying to UWW how many years ago, then the 3 others since. First good opportunity to leave...he's gone.

Opinions are like a$$holes, we all have one 

Willie U

[Willie University]

Not to mention, the coaches that are most loved and respected are the ones that show that long term loyalty such as coach schipper.

[Willie University]

Not to mention, the coaches that are most loved and respected are the ones that show that long term loyalty such as coach schipper.

Just by saying that doesn't mean I would ever wear the colors of a rival 

[footballdaddy]

Let's just say that Appalachian State called Mac with the opportunity to take over a nationally recognized program with probably double the salary. What do you think he would do? You can't tell me he wouldn't think long and hard about it. I'm sure if you were in the same position you would do the same. There is loyalty and there is the opportunity to better yourself personally and in your profession.

[Mr. Ypsi]

Let's just say that Appalachian State called Mac with the opportunity to take over a nationally recognized program with probably double the salary. What do you think he would do? You can't tell me he wouldn't think long and hard about it. I'm sure if you were in the same position you would do the same. There is loyalty and there is the opportunity to better yourself personally and in your profession.

Ah, but that assumes EVERYONE agrees on what 'better(ing) yourself personally and in your profession' entails.  Clearly there are many highly successful d3 coaches who are motivated by things other than money or 'higher' professional status.  I highly doubt that guys like John Gagliardi or Larry Kehres are envious of guys like Lane Kiffen!

(It is not clear to me that being HC at d3 and at d1 are even the same profession! )

[NewKnightDad]

I think sometimes it is more about wondering if I can make this same success happen at the next level over more money.  Sure more money is a motivator but I just don't know if it is the best.

Like Hayden Fry always said when hiring an assistant coach, if they do not have the desire to be a head coach someday he didn't want them.  So I feel it is different for assistants, they will move because maybe they don't see themselves inheriting the head coaching job where they are at any time soon.

Just another *#$hole with an opinion

[Willie University]

I think sometimes it is more about wondering if I can make this same success happen at the next level over more money.  Sure more money is a motivator but I just don't know if it is the best.

Like Hayden Fry always said when hiring an assistant coach, if they do not have the desire to be a head coach someday he didn't want them.  So I feel it is different for assistants, they will move because maybe they don't see themselves inheriting the head coaching job where they are at any time soon.

Just another *#$hole with an opinion

Which you bring up a great point....I do agree that you want some asst coaches that have the goal of being a head coach but I am sure there are many very successful Offensive or Defensive Coordinators that are satisfied with their positions and do not dream of being the head guy. Maybe it's because they don't want the added stress or responsibility so they can concentrate their efforts more on their family or something? There is nothing wrong with being content where you are at and just doing the best you can and striving to be BEST in whatever position you do have.

Like I said, our country needs the people who just want to keep climbing the ladder of success but we REALLY need the loyalists as well.

Willie U

[NewKnightDad]

I guess I kind of see McMartin as the type of guy that money would not be the motivating factor to him ever leaving Central.  I could see him wondering how successful he might be at a higher level.

I am sure if it ever happens though that there will be those that say "look at the big bump in pay he got, that is why he left".  Only he will know for sure.

I might be one of those.   

[footballdaddy]

One thing that no one has mentioned is taht all of these coaches who stayed in one place for their carreer all have one thing in common: successful programs. Do you think anyone would have their jobs if they averaged  2-8 instead of 8-2? There aren't too many "loyal" coaches with losing records.

[DutchFan2004]

I think sometimes it is more about wondering if I can make this same success happen at the next level over more money.  Sure more money is a motivator but I just don't know if it is the best.

Like Hayden Fry always said when hiring an assistant coach, if they do not have the desire to be a head coach someday he didn't want them.  So I feel it is different for assistants, they will move because maybe they don't see themselves inheriting the head coaching job where they are at any time soon.

Just another *#$hole with an opinion

I know what Hayden was saying about his assitants but D1 and D3 are very far apart.  There are many part time assistants in D3.  They don't coach year round.  The work when football is in season and have other jobs that they derive most of their income from.  Coach Dewaard for Central is one of those.  He is a great defensive coach and he is not looking for a head coaching job.  So i agree that most coaches should be looking to want to be a head coach but some are not cut out nor do they want the job. 

[DutchFan2004]

Kohawk is correct, Coach Willis stepped aside for two years and devoted his entire time to being AD.  It towards the end of the two years that the UWW situation developed.  Many of us, who knew Coach W. from a distance, took that as a sign that the fire was still in his belly was still there  to roam sidelines on Saturday afternoon.  As luck would have it Coach Koehler took a late train out of town and Coach Willis was back on the sidelines.  He was back coaching and didn't need to leave.

I've been with the same organization for many years.  That doesn't mean I haven't explored several options during those years.  Sometimes by my choice and sometimes by other's choice I've remained with the same organization.  If a person doesn't explore opportunities they will never appreciate where they are.  Over the years I've encouraged employees to explore other opportunities.  I want them to be sure they want to stay with us.  I'm sure the same thing goes for coaches.

That is the politically correct answer. But, still, if I was a recruit with decision time around the corner, I would seriously reconsider a decision to play football at wartburg not knowing the future of the head coach and knowing he has applied for other positions in the present and not too distant past. Do you think after 2 failed attempts, he is going to just stop looking? You have to also consider his goals? Does he ultimately want to coach at a higher level? When he applied for UWW, was it because he felt wartburg would never allow him the opportunity to compete for a national championship? Does he know something we don't? New president and he not seeing eye to eye on the value of athletics? Financial difficulties casting a dim shadow on the future?

Things that make you go hmmmmm 

Willie U

I am not sure that at D3 the coach is the only reason that the kids pick that school.  At the D3 level the kids are also picking the school with the best FA package and what majors are offered. I will grant that other coaches will use Coach W's looking for their own use.  But I think most coaches will tell you to pick the school that gets you the degree you need to get where you want to go. 

[Klompen]

Let's just say that Appalachian State called Mac with the opportunity to take over a nationally recognized program with probably double the salary. What do you think he would do? You can't tell me he wouldn't think long and hard about it. I'm sure if you were in the same position you would do the same. There is loyalty and there is the opportunity to better yourself personally and in your profession.

I think he would think long and hard, but that's all.  I think he likes being back at Central.  I believe he considers this a dream job, doing what he loves for a school he loves and feels loyal too.  And he knows that he is well respected and would never be tossed out for having a losing season.   Not everyone craves a big time experience, I'm sure that what appealed to him as as student looking at colleges still appeals to him today.  I'm not sure I know of anyone who is more respected on campus and that comes from faculty, staff, local fans, students, parents, past players, the list goes on. 

[NewKnightDad]

Sounds alot like Cael Sanderson.  Oh wait???