MSU Final Four

[catbob]

Drake head coach Rob Ash
Duke assistant coach Larry Kerr
North Dakota head coach Dale Lennon
Carroll College head coach Mike Van Diest

[CopperCat]

xeyebrowx
MVD is still on there, that's good to see. But I don't know alot else about the rest of the list.

[CatFan22]

From MSU:

BOZEMAN, Mont. -- Three successful head coaches and a long-time
Division I assistant comprise the list of finalists for Montana State's
head football coaching vacancy, Bobcat Athletic Director Peter Fields
announced Friday.
Drake head coach Rob Ash, Duke assistant coach Larry Kerr, North
Dakota head coach Dale Lennon, and Carroll College head coach Mike Van
Diest each interview at Montana State next week.
"We began with an excellent pool of candidates, and made a lot
of difficult choices," said Jim Rimpau, MSU's Executive Director of
Planning and Analysis and Chief Information Officer, who chaired the
committee charged with compiling the list of finalists. "I believe we're
all very happy with these candidates."
The winningest head coach two different schools, Ash just
completed his 18th year at Drake in Des Moines, Iowa, with a 125-63-2
career mark. Drake's 9-2 record last year is the third-best in school
history, and the Bulldogs own four conference championships in the
Pioneer Football League under Ash's direction. He is a three-time league
coach of the year at Drake, and also compiled a 51-36-3 mark in eight
years at Juniata (Huntingdon, Pa.). Ash played quarterback at Cornell
College in Iowa, earning First Team Academic All-America and Honorable
Mention Little All-America honors as a senior in 1972. He also earned an
NCAA Post-Graduate Scholarship.
Kerr finished his first season as outside linebackers coach at
Duke last year. He spent the previous three seasons as well as the 1989
campaign as a UCLA assistant, and from 1993-2002 worked as an assistant
for former Bobcat head coach Sonny Lubick at Colorado State. Kerr has
also made stops at Northern Arizona (1990-92), Stanford (1983-8Cool, San
Jose State (1980-82), and Cal State Northrige (1979). A 1975 SJSU
graduate, Kerr's coaching career began in the California high school
ranks.
A former standout at North Dakota, Lennon has led the Fighting
Sioux to one Division II National Championship, one runner-up finish,
and four North Central Conference Championships since returning to his
alma mater as head coach in 1999. Lennon was 12-9 in two seasons at Mary
(1997-9Cool, and served as a North Dakota assistant from 1988-96. He also
served as an assistant at Northern State (1986), Valley City State
(1986), and Dickinson State (1987). Lennon was a team captain, most
valuable offensive back, and honorable mention NCC as a fullback in
1983.
Since taking over the Carroll College program in 1999, Van Diest
has led the Fighting Saints to the pinnacle of NAIA football. The Saints
have won four National Championships and seven Frontier Conference
crowns in his eight seasons at the Helena school. He has won or shared
Frontier Conference Coach of the Year honors seven times. Prior to
returning to his hometown, Van Diest coached at Northwestern (1987-91),
Massachusetts (1986), Montana (1980-85), and served two stints at
Wyoming (1976-79, 1996-9Cool. A 1975 Wyoming graduate, Van Diest was a
three-year letterman for the Cowboys.
"From my perspective, the committee did a good job getting
through nearly 80 candidates," Rimpau said. "It was tough taking to 11
the telephone interviews, and even tougher to take it down to five
finalists. But the committee worked very hard, and we should get a good
football coach out of the process."
Montana State's search committee consisted of Rimpau, Camie
Bechtold (Athletics), Dan Davies (Athletics), Mark Fellows (Quarterback
Club), Sue Monohan (Sociology Dept.), J.C. Murray (M Club), Scott Myers
(Sociology Dept.), Bob Oakberg (Faculty Athletics Representative), Chris
Remely (Bobcat Club), Gene Thayer (Capital Campaign), and Tom White
(Quarterback Club).

[Fresno St. Alum]

I wouldn't want anyone from Duke. I'd take the UND coach

[BearsCountry]

I wouldn't want anyone from Duke. I'd take the UND coach

He was Colorado State's defensive coordinator during their heyday.

[Fresno St. Alum]

No Duke, CSU's heyday was a while back. What have you done for me lately.

[PantherRob82]

Rob Ash is a good coach down at Drake

[OB55]

Bet its between Van Beast and Lennon. Advantage Lennon due to his success at a higher level, but guarantee, Van Diest will have a strong interview, he is a winner. JMHO xcoolx

[OB55]

From MSU:

BOZEMAN, Mont. -- Three successful head coaches and a long-time
Division I assistant comprise the list of finalists for Montana State's
head football coaching vacancy, Bobcat Athletic Director Peter Fields
announced Friday.
Drake head coach Rob Ash, Duke assistant coach Larry Kerr, North
Dakota head coach Dale Lennon, and Carroll College head coach Mike Van
Diest each interview at Montana State next week.
"We began with an excellent pool of candidates, and made a lot
of difficult choices," said Jim Rimpau, MSU's Executive Director of
Planning and Analysis and Chief Information Officer, who chaired the
committee charged with compiling the list of finalists. "I believe we're
all very happy with these candidates."
The winningest head coach two different schools, Ash just
completed his 18th year at Drake in Des Moines, Iowa, with a 125-63-2
career mark. Drake's 9-2 record last year is the third-best in school
history, and the Bulldogs own four conference championships in the
Pioneer Football League under Ash's direction. He is a three-time league
coach of the year at Drake, and also compiled a 51-36-3 mark in eight
years at Juniata (Huntingdon, Pa.). Ash played quarterback at Cornell
College in Iowa, earning First Team Academic All-America and Honorable
Mention Little All-America honors as a senior in 1972. He also earned an
NCAA Post-Graduate Scholarship.
Kerr finished his first season as outside linebackers coach at
Duke last year. He spent the previous three seasons as well as the 1989
campaign as a UCLA assistant, and from 1993-2002 worked as an assistant
for former Bobcat head coach Sonny Lubick at Colorado State. Kerr has
also made stops at Northern Arizona (1990-92), Stanford (1983-8Cool, San
Jose State (1980-82), and Cal State Northrige (1979). A 1975 SJSU
graduate, Kerr's coaching career began in the California high school
ranks.
A former standout at North Dakota, Lennon has led the Fighting
Sioux to one Division II National Championship, one runner-up finish,
and four North Central Conference Championships since returning to his
alma mater as head coach in 1999. Lennon was 12-9 in two seasons at Mary
(1997-9Cool, and served as a North Dakota assistant from 1988-96. He also
served as an assistant at Northern State (1986), Valley City State
(1986), and Dickinson State (1987). Lennon was a team captain, most
valuable offensive back, and honorable mention NCC as a fullback in
1983.
Since taking over the Carroll College program in 1999, Van Diest
has led the Fighting Saints to the pinnacle of NAIA football. The Saints
have won four National Championships and seven Frontier Conference
crowns in his eight seasons at the Helena school. He has won or shared
Frontier Conference Coach of the Year honors seven times. Prior to
returning to his hometown, Van Diest coached at Northwestern (1987-91),
Massachusetts (1986), Montana (1980-85), and served two stints at
Wyoming (1976-79, 1996-9Cool. A 1975 Wyoming graduate, Van Diest was a
three-year letterman for the Cowboys.
"From my perspective, the committee did a good job getting
through nearly 80 candidates," Rimpau said. "It was tough taking to 11
the telephone interviews, and even tougher to take it down to five
finalists. But the committee worked very hard, and we should get a good
football coach out of the process."
Montana State's search committee consisted of Rimpau, Camie
Bechtold (Athletics), Dan Davies (Athletics), Mark Fellows (Quarterback
Club), Sue Monohan (Sociology Dept.), J.C. Murray (M Club), Scott Myers
(Sociology Dept.), Bob Oakberg (Faculty Athletics Representative), Chris
Remely (Bobcat Club), Gene Thayer (Capital Campaign), and Tom White
(Quarterback Club).

So who do you suppose the mystery #5 candidate is???

And why would it be a secret? Hmmmmmmm

Someone who has coached in Bozeman or Missoula in the past?


Mike Breske?

[The Sheriff]

Van Diest I imagine is the favorite amongst the fans and probably alumni. That's quite the program at Carroll College despite being NAIA . Nothing against that level of football, I grew up in a DAC (conference) area. Remember Montana does not have any D2 football schools, so it's FCS or NAIA for those folks.

Dale Lennon is just as qualified as anyone for this job. Something tells me that Grand Forks needs him more though...

[CatFan22]

So who do you suppose the mystery #5 candidate is???

And why would it be a secret? Hmmmmmmm

Someone who has coached in Bozeman or Missoula in the past?


Mike Breske?

That could be. There has been talk that it is Coach Kill from SIU, but there has also been talk that he has pulled his name. So it could be anyone at this point.

[ncbears]

no offense, but why would Kill leave SIU?

[CatFan22]

no offense, but why would Kill leave SIU?

I have no clue. It wasn't my idea. I think the same thing. But that was the rumor and that's all I knew about it.

[catbob]

Carbondale vs Bozeman, hmm....

:)

[BigApp]

that would be an interesting decision...

[catbob]

I wouldn't want anyone from Duke. I'd take the UND coach

The Duke guy has only been there for one year, he has a pretty impressive resume, only no HC experience.

He was DC for CSU when they won 6 conference titles and went to 7 bowl games (in his ten seasons).

He then was DC for UCLA, and in 2005 the Bruins had the 18th best D in the country.

He went to Duke to be an assistant coach, coaching linebackers. Seems like a step down to me, not sure why he'd do that...

Seems like a pretty good candidate to me.

[Mountain Panther]

Drake head coach Rob Ash
Duke assistant coach Larry Kerr
North Dakota head coach Dale Lennon
Carroll College head coach Mike Van Diest

I would take the ND coach.

[MplsBison]

My guess is Van Diest, though it should go to Lennon.


As far as the NAIA goes, it won't be too much longer before the entire association wholesale moves to DII and DIII.

[bisonguy]

Carbondale vs Bozeman, hmm....

:)

What was MSU paying Kramer?

Kill was making $165k in 2005 at SIU.

[already123]

I hear the guy from Carrol is pretty dern good...any truth to that?

I would do some research but I'm too lazy lol

[catbob]

6 straight NAIA final four appearances, 4 consecutive NCs, a 20-2 record in the playoffs. 6 conference titles and is overall 78-16 in the past 7 seasons.

Conference coach of the year 5 times, two time national coach of the year.

Did I mentioned all of this in just 7 seasons as HC?

[CopperCat]

I hear the guy from Carrol is pretty dern good...any truth to that?

I would do some research but I'm too lazy lol

He's not good. He's GREAT, and few coaches are great IMO. He is a no b.s. kind of guy who puts out a good product on and off the field. Hiring him is a no-brainer to me. Yeah, all the other guys are great coaches and I take nothing away from them. But MSU NEEDS a guy like Coach Van Diest to carry the flag for Bobcat football. I guarantee that if we brought in anybody else BUT MVD, MSU fans would be in the dark. MVD would bring new excitement to the program, excitement that we desperately need in lieu of all that has happened here recently.

[TxnYote]

All I know is that whoever steps into the position at MSU is behind the 8-ball. They've got roughly a month to get assistants hired, systems in place and their ducks in a row before they have to start installing the new information at 2-a-days. Not to mention they start the season in one of the most intimidating venues in all of FBS, Kyle Field, the home of the Texas A&M Aggies on September 1st.

TxnYote

[Grizalltheway]

VD is a great coach and a great guy, I played baseball with his son a few years back. I hope he can clean up the program in Bozeman and have success there, except around mid-November. And yes, I am just assuming that he wil get the job.

[th0m]

Good luck to MSU on the decision. Whoever they hire has got his work cut out for him.

[The Sheriff]

Good luck to MSU on the decision. Whoever they hire has got his work cut out for him.

If you were Dale Lennon, here's your two choices:
1) HC a team just beginning the transition and won't be playoff eligible for 5 years (right??) Has a few years of difficult scheduling ahead of him and is at a school where Football is not the main show... But he is coaching at his alma mater which many coaches only dream of doing.

2) take over a team with a month to hire assistants, w/o any spring ball with the team, etc and is downright a mess right now considering personnel and public relations. BUT... it a conference with an autobid and an established FCS program.

Tough decision I think.

[Peems]

VD is a great coach and a great guy, I played baseball with his son a few years back. I hope he can clean up the program in Bozeman and have success there, except around mid-November. And yes, I am just assuming that he wil get the job.

you know shane?

[nevadagriz]

What about the school that might lose their coach to MSU. If they hire one of the three that is a head coach he may take most of his staff and leave the cupboards empty. By the time that school finds a replacement it could be just a few weeks before two a days!

[CopperCat]

What about the school that might lose their coach to MSU. If they hire one of the three that is a head coach he may take most of his staff and leave the cupboards empty. By the time that school finds a replacement it could be just a few weeks before two a days!

Go talk to our idiot AD about that problem.

But it is just a harsh reality when it comes down to it. That is just the way the chips fall sometimes, and schools find a way to deal with it.

[mlbowl]

As far as the NAIA goes, it won't be too much longer before the entire association wholesale moves to DII and DIII.

DIII would be a step down from NAIA

[CopperCat]

One thing that people around Bozeman are saying (including the local radio talk show) is that if MVD came to town there wouldn't need to be a bunch of changes implemented to accomodate a new coach. MVD already has recruiting patterns that involve alot of Montana kids, he runs the same type of defense the Cats already do, and the guy knows alot of the kids that play for MSU. It really is a no brainer to me, because he is a good coach who is more than qualified for the job, he has a history of success in graduating his team, and he can inspire excitement in a program that desperately needs a push forward. I say the job is his. I personally know two of the people on the committee (they were former professors) and I would tend to think they would gravitate towards someone like MVD because of his standards in the classroom. But then again, I can't speak for the rest of the committee.

[nmatsen]

DIII would be a step down from NAIA

Not a very big one, NAIA = D-III = FCS-Non Scholly

IMHO

[CopperCat]

Not a very big one, NAIA = D-III = FCS-Non Scholly

IMHO

Who cares about that? MVD will be taking a couple steps UP when he accepts the job at MSU!!xthumbsupx xbeerchugx

[WyomingGrizFan]

Isn't that a matter of opinion?

The step DOWN,..humm, I mean, LATERAL,....huh, never mind.

[mlbowl]

Isn't that a matter of opinion?

The step DOWN,..humm, I mean, LATERAL,....huh, never mind.

LATERAL...in YOUR opinion. NAIA offers scholarships...Div III is non scholarship footballxreadx

[mlbowl]

Not a very big one, NAIA = D-III = FCS-Non Scholly

IMHO

Are you saying that asking a school that offers scholarships to join a division that, as a rule, does not offer ANY financial aid to it's student athletes is not a step down???

[mlbowl]

Not a very big one, NAIA = D-III = FCS-Non Scholly

IMHO

FCS-Non Scholly programs chose to be non-scholly and i'm pretty sure they can offer some sort of financial aid...Div III allows no financial aid to student athletes

[OB55]

Who cares about that? MVD will be taking a couple steps UP when he accepts the job at MSU!!xthumbsupx xbeerchugx

He will be trading security, for insecurity plus some bucks. Question, is the job that Van Diest has always wanted? xcoffeex

[NE MT GRIZZ]

NAIA offers scholarships...Div III is non scholarship footballxreadx

I went to a private NAIA school, we didn't get athletic scholarships, we received "institutional gifts". I'm sure d-III finds a way to take care of their athletes.

[mlbowl]

I went to a private NAIA school, we didn't get athletic scholarships, we received "institutional gifts". I'm sure d-III finds a way to take care of their athletes.

Just qouting the NCAA page...i'm not trying to be argumentative...but I do know that NAIA allows scholarships and NCAA Div III does not

[AZGrizFan]

I went to a private NAIA school, we didn't get athletic scholarships, we received "institutional gifts". I'm sure d-III finds a way to take care of their athletes.

Hmmmm....is that similar to what Rhet Bomar got? xeyebrowx

Or JD Quinn? xcoolx xcoolx

[NE MT GRIZZ]

Hmmmm....is that similar to what Rhet Bomar got? xeyebrowx

Or JD Quinn? xcoolx xcoolx

I wish it was like that.

I did however pay for the 10 meal per weak plan, and snuck in for the other 9 meals.


xeekx

[CopperCat]

I wish it was like that.

I did however pay for the 10 meal per weak plan, and snuck in for the other 9 meals.


xeekx

You rebel!! Taking advantage of the system.....xsmiley_wix

The zoo is WAY better than the schwag, btw.

[Benne]

I would like to see a source on NAIA going wholesale to division II and III. That's first word to me, and I'm having a difficult time absorbing it.

[Sundown]

Drake head coach Rob Ash
Duke assistant coach Larry Kerr
North Dakota head coach Dale Lennon
Carroll College head coach Mike Van Diest

The Cat's should cross their fingers, knock on wood and pray to God they get MVD or Lennon. Ash wouldn't be all bad either.

I personally hope you guys DON'T get MVD. I've got a few ideas as to where he could go in about a year or so... ;)

Good luck to MSU anyways.

[CopperCat]

The Cat's should cross their fingers, knock on wood and pray to God they get MVD or Lennon. Ash wouldn't be all bad either.

I personally hope you guys DON'T get MVD. I've got a few ideas as to where he could go in about a year or so... ;)

Good luck to MSU anyways.

I have some ideas too, like the Chatty. Only he won't be wearing silver and maroon, if ya know what I mean......xthumbsupx

[CopperCat]

Big and bad MVD is on the hot seat today......I WILL be watching that one.

[Peems]

Fields will be burned at the stake, if he doesn't hire Van Diest

[CrazyCat]

In that case, I'll take Lennon.

[Peems]

In that case, I'll take Lennon.


xlolxxlolxxlolxxlolx. While i'm not trying to diss the other candidates, many "followers"(people who are bobcats but don't follow closely) only want van diest and nothing but van diest. Hell if this were the Griz job right now and those were the candidates i would want van diest. Fields is the reason all of this happened, and even though i don't want MSU to go through financial ruin and all that can come with a lawsuit, I hope Kramer has his revenge

[Bronco]

So far Lennon impressed me the most.
Great record and he has a good personality....

[CrazyCat]

Lennon seems like a solid choice.

"You want to do everything in your power to help that team have success," Lennon, the third of four finalists to interview for Montana State's vacant head coaching position, said. "That's having pride in your university, pride in your teammates, pride in the tradition of the program and that's something that I know can exist here."

http://bozemandailychronicle.com/articles/2007/06/07/sports/000lennon.txt


"I've come up through the wrestlebacks," he joked of his path to the head job at his alma mater. "What it has afforded me to do is really develop my coaching game. I've been an offensive coordinator. I've been a defensive coordinator. Currently I coach kickers and punters. I've coached special teams. I've coached every position on both sides of the ball and it's allowed me to understand the game in a way that's been beneficial to the football program."

Lennon said the chance to compete in the Big Sky Conference, which is NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (formerly I-AA), is appealing.
"That's a big attraction," he said. "I'm impressed in how the fan support has grown here for the Bobcats ... There's a foundation here. I think this team has had a taste of success and they're hungry for more."



http://www.greatfallstribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070607/SPORTS/706070337

[Hansel]

MSU will be a better team with either Lennon or MVD IMHO :)

[CopperCat]

MSU will be a better team with either Lennon or MVD IMHO :)

Right you are sir!xthumbsupx

[AZGrizFan]

Right you are sir!xthumbsupx

As a Griz Fan, I hope it's Lennon. That way when BH is gone we still have MVD!

[CopperCat]

As a Griz Fan, I hope it's Lennon. That way when BH is gone we still have MVD!

Do you think that our search committee doesn't see that?xcoolx

If that committee has any kind of vision and foresight, they will hire MVD. I would consider it done.

[CopperCat]

How did MVD's interview go tonite? Did anybody watch it? I wanted to but was busy w/family.

[CatFan22]

How did MVD's interview go tonite? Did anybody watch it? I wanted to but was busy w/family.

http://www.bobcatnation.com/bobcatboard/viewtopic.php?t=10443

[GOKATS]

VanDiest has withdrawn his name and will stay at Carroll College.

[AZGrizFan]

VanDiest has withdrawn his name and will stay at Carroll College.

BWAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

No, seriously, too bad for Bobcat Nation. xcoolx

[nevadagriz]

VanDiest has withdrawn his name and will stay at Carroll College.

Are you serious????

[Go Bison]

Looks like Van Diest has pulled his name from the hat- http://helenair.com/

Check the red scrolling text at the top of the link.

[laxVik]

Looks like Van Diest has pulled his name from the hat- http://helenair.com/

Check the red scrolling text at the top of the link.What's that about I wonder? Did he read between the lines? Was he pulled back? An NAIA HC says no to a D1 HC position. IF that is the case...a big ouch.

[OB55]

What's that about I wonder? Did he read between the lines? Was he pulled back? An NAIA HC says no to a D1 HC position. IF that is the case...a big ouch.

If that is true, then I nailed it, and props to me please (would pat myself on back, but arms too short!)

Van Diest is in his comfort zone, and I would bet his package at Carroll is one of the best at that level in the nation, hell he probably got a raise out of the deal, they have that kind of dough in that little private school.

The MSU job was not likely his dream job, that may await in Missoula.

OB55s end analysis: Lennon will be new MSU coach, and all will work out swell after the other bum administrators are run off in Bozeman. xnodx

[GOKATS]

Van Diest is firmly rooted at Carroll and has a son who is a R/S Fresh. there. He had made it publically known that he was emotionally torn about leaving Carroll. He's a man of great integrity and I can respect his decision.

[AZGrizFan]

Van Diest is firmly rooted at Carroll and has a son who is a R/S Fresh. there. He had made it publically known that he was emotionally torn about leaving Carroll. He's a man of great integrity and I can respect his decision.


Translation: He's waiting for the Griz job to open up. xnodx xnodx xnodx xnodx xnodx

[DUPFLFan]

Word I am hearing is that Rob Ash from Drake may be the leader...

[BisonBacker]

Word I heard is its Lennon's job to take if he wants it.

[already123]

the griz job opens up next year right??

[BisonBacker]

The griz's coaches contract is up for renewal next year.

[Killsback]

Mentioned this on another thread..Kill was talked to by the AD and was told if he wanted the job it was his...there were too many internal problems with football and the department for him to leave SIU...MSU was apparently willing to ante up and pay him what he wanted...

[kmax]

The griz's coaches contract is up for renewal next year.
The griz's coaches contract is up every year. Last year was the first year multi-year contracts were approved by the regents for coaches in the Montana University systems and from what I heard the one offered to Hauck had a buyout clause that no one in their right mind would have signed. So he is still on yearly contracts. Correct me if I am wrong Griz fans.

[BisonBacker]

That would be the only reason I could see Lennon or anyone else for that matter turning that job down. On the other hand Lennon's looking at a long road if he stays at UND. My money is on him taking the job with a modest pay increase and the hope that the playoffs are in his immediate future as opposed to UND's possibility of making them after they get through the transition. I think Lennon wants to be at a school where football is #1. That will never be the case at UND.

[Ronbo]

the griz job opens up next year right??

Hauck refused to sign a 3 year contract so he's looking to get out of the Minors.

[GOKATS]

Hauck refused to sign a 3 year contract so he's looking to get out of the Minors.

#1- I don't think FCS is the "Minors"

#2- The griz have a great team this year & should do well- good for Hauck

#3- The griz lose damn near everybody after this season- Hauck will bail before the ***** hits the fan.

[bisonranch]

Anyone know what the difference in pay between North Dakota and Montana State is? Things must be tense at UND, I doubt the only reason Lennon is considering leaving is because the attraction of a BSC team in an established conference. Lennon is a stud though Always seems to do more with a little less talent. He runs a tight ship.

[TheCatamount]

I'd like it to be Mike Van Diest

[CopperCat]

What's that about I wonder? Did he read between the lines? Was he pulled back? An NAIA HC says no to a D1 HC position. IF that is the case...a big ouch.

I think it has to do with timing to a degree. I also think that MVD saw something he didn't like, such as the lack of intelligence of our AD and president. Quite frankly, if I knew that I would be working in a system where both the AD and college president wouldn't do anything to help me out, I wouldn't want to be at that school either.

[Ronbo]

#1- I don't think FCS is the "Minors"

#2- The griz have a great team this year & should do well- good for Hauck

#3- The griz lose damn near everybody after this season- Hauck will bail before the ***** hits the fan.

You'll have about a 50% split opinion on #1. We all love our division but really the top 20 teams would compete respectively against the bottom 50 of the FBS level if they could get home and homes with them. It's the Minors, but I'd say the Big 6 Conferences are like AAA Minors. Not bad.

[PantherRob82]

I think Ash has a good shot at the job.

[Gil Dobie]

You'll have about a 50% split opinion on #1. We all love our division but really the top 20 teams would compete respectively against the bottom 50 of the FBS level if they could get home and homes with them. It's the Minors, but I'd say the Big 6 Conferences are like AAA Minors. Not bad.

I would say the FCS could compete with anyone until you get into the top 30-40 FBS teams.

[Gil Dobie]

Lennon could be thinking it over.

Link (http://www.areavoices.com/bisonmedia/)

Footballscoop.com, a coaching Web site that I've found to be rather reliable over the last couple of of years, is reporting Dale Lennon was offered the Montana State head football position today. I'm getting reliable information that the report is accurate and that he is going to spend the weekend thinking it over.

[PantherRob82]

I would say the FCS could compete with anyone until you get into the top 30-40 FBS teams.


agreed. I would say top 30. YSU almost knocked off a top 25 Marshall a few years back.

[GOKATS]

Lennon could be thinking it over.

Link (http://www.areavoices.com/bisonmedia/)

Footballscoop.com, a coaching Web site that I've found to be rather reliable over the last couple of of years, is reporting Dale Lennon was offered the Montana State head football position today. I'm getting reliable information that the report is accurate and that he is going to spend the weekend thinking it over.

For what it's worth from todays Bozeman Chronicle:


Footballscoop.com, a coaching Web site, reported Friday that Lennon was offered the job and will spend the weeking mulling a decision.
When asked about the report, Fields said, “I haven’t had contractual negotiations with anybody.”
And Lennon told the Grand Forks Herald on Friday night that he hasn’t been offered a contract.
Fields, who says he is prepared to offer a three-year contract, plans to have an annoucement Monday.

[Gil Dobie]

For what it's worth from todays Bozeman Chronicle:


Footballscoop.com, a coaching Web site, reported Friday that Lennon was offered the job and will spend the weeking mulling a decision.
When asked about the report, Fields said, “I haven’t had contractual negotiations with anybody.”
And Lennon told the Grand Forks Herald on Friday night that he hasn’t been offered a contract.
Fields, who says he is prepared to offer a three-year contract, plans to have an annoucement Monday.

Some technicalities here, offered a contract and offered the job are two different things if you want to get picky. He could have been offered the job, and would talk contract if he accepted.

[Gil Dobie]

On SiouxSports.com they are saying Lennon is not going to Montana ST
Link (http://siouxsports.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=8721)

[PantherRob82]

On SiouxSports.com they are saying Lennon is not going to Montana ST
Link (http://siouxsports.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=8721)

reliable?

[Peems]

can't believe no one has posted this(or i missed it) but Van Diest withdrew his name from consideration. From the rumors i've heard from people around the state there is something deeper going on at MSU and Van Diest realized he had a good thing at carroll. Also someone said he might have pulled out because he wasn't going to get offered.

http://helenair.com/articles/2007/06/09/helena_top/a01060907_01.txt

[PantherRob82]

So it's down to 2.

[SDFS]

So, do you think MSU got the number two or number three guy? based on the information I read it sounded like they had:

1) Lennon
2) Van Diest - pulls out late after it sounds like Lennon is the winner..
3) Ash

If MSU got the third guy, what does this say about the program when coaches in the NAIA and DII/FCS transition (5/6 years of hell) decline the position. In addition, Lennon pulled two kids out of Montana this year. I wonder if the name recognition from this will help pull more?

[catbob]

I believe we would've had more applicants if the timing were better. It is kind of hard to leave your players in at this stage of the year.

Personally I don't know who the first choice was. Fields/Gamble wanted a guy who would run a clean ship, and from what I understand, Ash was probably #1 in the category. When your coach gets fired for recruiting bad apples and having players not graduate, fixing that problem was probably their #1 priority, regardless of what the fans wanted.

[GOKATS]

So, do you think MSU got the number two or number three guy? based on the information I read it sounded like they had:

1) Lennon
2) Van Diest - pulls out late after it sounds like Lennon is the winner..
3) Ash

If MSU got the third guy, what does this say about the program when coaches in the NAIA and DII/FCS transition (5/6 years of hell) decline the position. In addition, Lennon pulled two kids out of Montana this year. I wonder if the name recognition from this will help pull more?

Other than than the 'homers' for Van Diest (no slam intended, I've met Mike, he's a great guy, but his heart is at Carroll College right now) I think it was a toss up between Lennon and Ash, but I personally liked Kerr.

Ash will be welcomed with open arms and will do a great job at MSU.

Go Cats!!

[Bobcat in NC]

Other than than the 'homers' for Van Diest (no slam intended, I've met Mike, he's a great guy, but his heart is at Carroll College right now) I think it was a toss up between Lennon and Ash, but I personally liked Kerr.

Ash will be welcomed with open arms and will do a great job at MSU.

Go Cats!!

I couldn't agree more. I like Ash and like what he brings to the table. It'll be an exciting fall in Bozeman!

[youwouldno]

I think Lennon is a substantially better coach than Ash, and Van Diest at least had a lot of upside. I don't think this turned out well for MSU.

[OB55]

Oh, I think MSU can color themselves fortunate considering the circumstances, even if Ash was their third choice, and there is really no proof of that, they were one more pull out short of a complete disaster.
At least there is hope now.

IMHO, (xlolx), there is still work to be done in the ranks above the Head Coaching level.

Best of luck Bobcats, hang on with your claws and never let go, nobody wants to see that situation get worse, even the benevolent Griz fans.xnodx

[DUPFLFan]

Word I heard is its Lennon's job to take if he wants it.

Guess not huh...

[DUPFLFan]

So, do you think MSU got the number two or number three guy? based on the information I read it sounded like they had:

1) Lennon
2) Van Diest - pulls out late after it sounds like Lennon is the winner..
3) Ash

If MSU got the third guy, what does this say about the program when coaches in the NAIA and DII/FCS transition (5/6 years of hell) decline the position. In addition, Lennon pulled two kids out of Montana this year. I wonder if the name recognition from this will help pull more?


Most of the time, coaches pull their name out of the process when they find out they are not the #1 or #2 guy. This saves face for their next interview allowing them to say "timing wasn't right.

I think they got their #1 guy.

[DUPFLFan]

I believe we would've had more applicants if the timing were better. It is kind of hard to leave your players in at this stage of the year.

Personally I don't know who the first choice was. Fields/Gamble wanted a guy who would run a clean ship, and from what I understand, Ash was probably #1 in the category. When your coach gets fired for recruiting bad apples and having players not graduate, fixing that problem was probably their #1 priority, regardless of what the fans wanted.

Exactly right...xnodx xnodx xnodx xnodx

[Gil Dobie]

Guess not huh...

True, he withdrew. xeyebrowx

[Mustang Man]

I wonder if this means MSU will go back to scheduling Cal Poly.

[catbob]

I wonder if this means MSU will go back to scheduling Cal Poly.

I hope so, I want a W one of these days!

[slostang]

I hope so, I want a W one of these days!

I hope MSU and Cal Poly start playing again. Good game between two good western teams.xthumbsupx

[CopperCat]

I think Lennon is a substantially better coach than Ash, and Van Diest at least had a lot of upside. I don't think this turned out well for MSU.

Why? Just because Drake is a PFL team?xbawlingx

I was rather angry when I found out that MVD pulled his name. I was irate when I found out Lennon had pulled out too. The more I thought about it, Lennon seemed to be the guy with the solution. He was charismatic and people liked what he had to say. BUT what was all wrong with this was that people were ignoring Ash a little, IMO. Everything Ash was saying was great stuff. He has a strong sense of family, committment to MSU and its players, and he has a work ethic that creates something that all teams want: W's. I really have to disagree with you. In fact, I'd go so far as to say that you are wrong. This didn't just turn out well for MSU, it turned out very good. Coach Ash isn't here because his paycheck is getting bigger. He is here to take MSU to the next level and beyond. I've been reading feverishly this morning (being gone for a week creates a sense of not knowing anything) and everything I read about this guy tells me that we will not be disappointed. Coach Ash wants to be here.