FB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[Gregory Sager]

Tim Rucks (Carthage)

That would be unprecedented in CCIW history. Nobody has ever served as the head coach of three different CCIW schools over the course of that coach's career.

[CardinalAlum]

Another option, albeit a long shot and I would highly doubt this may happen, but perhaps AD Paul Krohn might return to coaching?  Doubtful but stranger things have happened.

I don't see that as a good move for the Jays at all!   I would think there are better options that will come available.  Time may become a consideration because of the timing of Adam's departure at the recruiting crunch time.  This is the most crucial time.  All of those kids that were holding on to the last minute thought of a scholarship now are in search mode.

[Pat Coleman]

Syracuse hired yet another D3 head coach as well:
http://www.d3football.com/notables/coaching-carousel

[79jaybird]

CardinalAlum- I agree Krohn would not be a good move. I was just throwing out ideas .   I think Elmhurst needs a proven winner on the field, and on the road recruiting. 

[formerd3db]

You all know the situation at Elmhurst better than I obviously.  IMO, though, I would just say that I would hope the Elmhurst administration will hire someone who will commit to being there for a long time for the stability.  I can't fault anyone who desires to move up the coaching ladder and, of course, no one can predict a change of mind in such a decision when opportunities arise like as has happened with the last two coaching changes. At the same time, however, I would think they need to try and look at this even closer during this round of interviews to get a deeper idea as to what a candidate's long-term plans are.  Wishing them the best as the process progresses. 

[USee]

Sorry to be blunt but I think Elmhurst made the wrong move hiring Adam as head coach. It's not that hard to go through a process that includes determing whether a guy is committed to the school longer term. They certainly knew about the connections Adam had to Lester and the Syracuse staff. It would not have been at all abnormal to discuss those during the interview process and get an understanding of Adam's committment level and his longer term views.

In my opinion, his departure is not about a D3 coach getting his opportunity at a D1 school as much as it is his lack of committment to Elmhurst's program, something that could have been understood before he got the job. Either something at Elmhurst drastically changed (i.e. the administration committment to the football program), or he used Elmhurst as a stepping stone/stopping point and really had no intention of building a program. His actions tell me that. And since Elmhurst seems to have spent a good deal of money getting the school and the program to where it is now, I don't think the school has changed its view.

[wally_wabash]

Sorry to be blunt but I think Elmhurst made the wrong move hiring Adam as head coach. It's not that hard to go through a process that includes determing whether a guy is committed to the school longer term. They certainly knew about the connections Adam had to Lester and the Syracuse staff. It would not have been at all abnormal to discuss those during the interview process and get an understanding of Adam's committment level and his longer term views.

In my opinion, his departure is not about a D3 coach getting his opportunity at a D1 school as much as it is his lack of committment to Elmhurst's program, something that could have been understood before he got the job. Either something at Elmhurst drastically changed (i.e. the administration committment to the football program), or he used Elmhurst as a stepping stone/stopping point and really had no intention of building a program. His actions tell me that. And since Elmhurst seems to have spent a good deal of money getting the school and the program to where it is now, I don't think the school has changed its view.

His actions tell me that FBS assistants make a ton more than D-III HCs do.  Really, nobody should ever be surprised when a younger coach, with a family, decides not to leave hundreds of thousands of dollars on the table and leaves abruptly to take an FBS job. 

Let's say that Elmhurst pays their HC Lance Leipold money ($100K...and I use Leipold because 1- his salary info is one of the few that I've seen reported and 2- it's probably safe to assume that he of many recent championships hits a fairly highwater mark on the pay scale of D-III coaches).  Now, you can poke around and find what some FBS schools are paying assistants.  Rutgers is paying their assistants between $200-300K, Purdue (who is notoriously cheap) is paying a corners coach $225K.  Who (with two kids) turns down a 100% raise?  It seems a little harsh to attack the guy's character for doing the exact thing that every one of us would do if given the same choice. 

[79jaybird]

All good points Usee & Wally and I agree with many of them.

I have seen Elmhurst FB & athletics overall from a variety of angles.  I often have wondered just where Athletics falls in the importance of the college experience.  They have often put people in "key positions" that may not have the skills or aptitudes to handle it.  Or make a quick decision on coaches/personnel without really taking their time to find a (possibly more colorful resume) more suitable fit.  Well,  unfortunately the athletes/kids are the ones who are going to miss out.  Elmhurst has been able to attract more quality recruits and players of late.  They deserve to have the coaching/administration level to match up.  I had no problem with Adam promoted to HC, but do have regrets now that he just moved on, leaving EC in a precarious spot. 

[USee]

Sorry to be blunt but I think Elmhurst made the wrong move hiring Adam as head coach. It's not that hard to go through a process that includes determing whether a guy is committed to the school longer term. They certainly knew about the connections Adam had to Lester and the Syracuse staff. It would not have been at all abnormal to discuss those during the interview process and get an understanding of Adam's committment level and his longer term views.

In my opinion, his departure is not about a D3 coach getting his opportunity at a D1 school as much as it is his lack of committment to Elmhurst's program, something that could have been understood before he got the job. Either something at Elmhurst drastically changed (i.e. the administration committment to the football program), or he used Elmhurst as a stepping stone/stopping point and really had no intention of building a program. His actions tell me that. And since Elmhurst seems to have spent a good deal of money getting the school and the program to where it is now, I don't think the school has changed its view.

His actions tell me that FBS assistants make a ton more than D-III HCs do.  Really, nobody should ever be surprised when a younger coach, with a family, decides not to leave hundreds of thousands of dollars on the table and leaves abruptly to take an FBS job. 

Let's say that Elmhurst pays their HC Lance Leipold money ($100K...and I use Leipold because 1- his salary info is one of the few that I've seen reported and 2- it's probably safe to assume that he of many recent championships hits a fairly highwater mark on the pay scale of D-III coaches).  Now, you can poke around and find what some FBS schools are paying assistants.  Rutgers is paying their assistants between $200-300K, Purdue (who is notoriously cheap) is paying a corners coach $225K.  Who (with two kids) turns down a 100% raise?  It seems a little harsh to attack the guy's character for doing the exact thing that every one of us would do if given the same choice.

Don't think I ever questioned his character? Where did you read that? I don't know Joe Adam from Adam and Eve, so I am not making any kind of values assumption. Whether he left for the money or the prestige of D1, my point is that this outcome was a fairly high probability that was knowable in advance. I don't blame Joe Adam at all, it's the lack of forsesight by the school that has them in this position in my opinion.

[79jaybird]

Joe Adam is a first class guy and I don't think anybody who knows him would argue that Joe is a great man/father/etc.  IMO, the discussion is how Adam's departure really puts Elmhurst in a tough spot.   Let's face it, historically Elmhurst has struggled to stay afloat in the conference perennially.  They are not a Wheaton/IWU/Augie, historically that can reload talent year in and year out.  Elmhurst needs a leader who is willing to stay in it for the long haul and really develop the program.  Hiring somebody and then seeing them leave after 1-2 years, limits the amount of growth a program can establish. 
While a boost in pay may have been a factor, my gut feeling is Adam left because he is comfortable with the position, and has an affinity with his co-workers.

For Elmhurst, let us move ahead and look at hiring a qualified coach and not just a spot-Buy.  Hopefully we can land a quality person both on and off the field who is going to encourage young men to get their Degree and then showcase their talents on the field.  Elmhurst is a great school and has a lot to offer, but also in a vulnerable state (the FB team that is) at the moment.

[NCF]

Maybe Elmhurst should hire an interim coach, from the current staff, so they do not have to rush the search for  a new HC.

[izzy stradlin]

I don't think you came blame anyone for the Elmhurst situation.  It's not common that two D3 guys on the same staff have such close relationships with a new head coach at a BCS school.   If anything, it's a credit to Elmhurst for hiring good coaches.  It's just fluke timing for them with Shafer getting that job. 

D3 guys just don't get offers to go straight to D1.  99% of them would go if they could.  Career wise and financially, it's a no-brainer move.

[USee]

Izzy, I don't disagree but when Leater left they know Adam had worked w Shafer previously as well and knew he may be a candidate for the Syracuae staff.  They could have vetted that before they fires Joe Adam. This should be no surprise to anyone.

[wally_wabash]

Sorry to be blunt but I think Elmhurst made the wrong move hiring Adam as head coach. It's not that hard to go through a process that includes determing whether a guy is committed to the school longer term. They certainly knew about the connections Adam had to Lester and the Syracuse staff. It would not have been at all abnormal to discuss those during the interview process and get an understanding of Adam's committment level and his longer term views.

In my opinion, his departure is not about a D3 coach getting his opportunity at a D1 school as much as it is his lack of committment to Elmhurst's program, something that could have been understood before he got the job. Either something at Elmhurst drastically changed (i.e. the administration committment to the football program), or he used Elmhurst as a stepping stone/stopping point and really had no intention of building a program. His actions tell me that. And since Elmhurst seems to have spent a good deal of money getting the school and the program to where it is now, I don't think the school has changed its view.

His actions tell me that FBS assistants make a ton more than D-III HCs do.  Really, nobody should ever be surprised when a younger coach, with a family, decides not to leave hundreds of thousands of dollars on the table and leaves abruptly to take an FBS job. 

Let's say that Elmhurst pays their HC Lance Leipold money ($100K...and I use Leipold because 1- his salary info is one of the few that I've seen reported and 2- it's probably safe to assume that he of many recent championships hits a fairly highwater mark on the pay scale of D-III coaches).  Now, you can poke around and find what some FBS schools are paying assistants.  Rutgers is paying their assistants between $200-300K, Purdue (who is notoriously cheap) is paying a corners coach $225K.  Who (with two kids) turns down a 100% raise?  It seems a little harsh to attack the guy's character for doing the exact thing that every one of us would do if given the same choice.

Don't think I ever questioned his character? Where did you read that? I don't know Joe Adam from Adam and Eve, so I am not making any kind of values assumption. Whether he left for the money or the prestige of D1, my point is that this outcome was a fairly high probability that was knowable in advance. I don't blame Joe Adam at all, it's the lack of forsesight by the school that has them in this position in my opinion.

It just read as if you believe Coach Adam took Elmhurst for a ride.  If that's not what you meant, then that's my bad. 

[formerd3db]

I'm not sure how many of you have been following the hearings on the union organizing bid that some Northwestern University players are trying to pull (no doubt many of you are).  However, I had to laugh at the statement that former outgoing (graduating) QB Kain Colter made in his testimony yesterday that he couldn't take the pre-med curriculum due to his not having enough time to do so because of his football activities!  What a joke and the most lame excuse.  There are plenty of examples of players at his school and the DI level (not to forget mentioning all those football players who do it at DIII and some at DII) who make the time and "make the grade" in pre-med and go on medical school while participating in football all four years.  He seems to forget it is a matter of "time management", which it seems he chose to concentrate merely on his football activities.  Or perhaps he just didn't have what it takes to "cut it" in pre-med, although since he is obviously graduating from Northwestern, that tells me the former premise is really the answer.  You make your own choices and live with the consequences.

Also, I don't know where most of you stand on this issue, however, I'll just offer my own opinion here.  I am not in favor of this union bid, yet if it is allowed, then the players should be made to pay taxes and that taken out of their pay, just like everyone else is mandated to do.  It is interesting because we haven't heard one word at all about that aspect during these hearings-at least it has not been reported on in the media (although the latter doesn't surprise me).  Obviously, we'll have to wait and see how this hearing turns out, although if it is ruled in favor, I think there will be even more of a mess to deal with in college football.   Anyway, what are some of your thoughts anyone?