Some at Syracuse wanted SF for their next AD

SF staying at NIU

I hope he stays a LONG time - we need him!!!

Frazier won't be going anywhere until he hires a coach in either football or men's basketball. That's essentially the only thing he hasn't done yet as AD is make a coaching hire for a revenue generating sport. He may get the chance after this season if football goes to another MAC title game and Carey moves up to Indiana or elsewhere.

I truly believe Frazier wants to leave his mark here at NIU before leaving for something much bigger. He already has left a lasting impression but if is able to complete the expansion plan as well as hire another successful football/basketball coach, he may be in line for something MUCH bigger than just Syracuse, which is what I think he may be holding out for.

Please do not prove me wrong Frazier!!

(06-04-2015 03:57 PM)RedandBlackAttack Wrote:  I truly believe Frazier wants to leave his mark here at NIU before leaving for something much bigger. He already has left a lasting impression but if is able to complete the expansion plan as well as hire another successful football/basketball coach, he may be in line for something MUCH bigger than just Syracuse, which is what I think he may be holding out for.

Please do not prove me wrong Frazier!!

You could be right about that. To me it seems like he's building his resume and wants it to be strong so he has a wide choice of options when schools start calling. He has an opportunity at NIU to show he can make a big difference, and he knows it. Although if he went to a big-time program it's likely to be a very different situation than he's in at NIU.

(06-04-2015 03:57 PM)RedandBlackAttack Wrote:  I truly believe Frazier wants to leave his mark here at NIU before leaving for something much bigger. He already has left a lasting impression but if is able to complete the expansion plan as well as hire another successful football/basketball coach, he may be in line for something MUCH bigger than just Syracuse, which is what I think he may be holding out for.

Please do not prove me wrong Frazier!!

He could end up going to a very big program when all is said and done. His resume is already kick ass: Barry Alvarez' #2 at Wisconsin, a finalist for the Rutgers job (and we should all give Rutgers another round of applause and thank you for picking the other finalist over SF), and everything he's done here.

(06-04-2015 04:01 PM)BarsemaBone2 Wrote:  

(06-04-2015 03:57 PM)RedandBlackAttack Wrote:  I truly believe Frazier wants to leave his mark here at NIU before leaving for something much bigger. He already has left a lasting impression but if is able to complete the expansion plan as well as hire another successful football/basketball coach, he may be in line for something MUCH bigger than just Syracuse, which is what I think he may be holding out for.

Please do not prove me wrong Frazier!!

He could end up going to a very big program when all is said and done. His resume is already kick ass: Barry Alvarez' #2 at Wisconsin, a finalist for the Rutgers job (and we should all give Rutgers another round of applause and thank you for picking the other finalist over SF), and everything he's done here.

Also a finalist for BC and Pitt.

I think Frazier really wants to stay for an extended time BUT I think he needs to see some fruit from all of his hard work with people filling the stands.

Not sure where to put this, so I'll be putting it here...

Got my source nice and hammered for the Bhawks game and was shooting the breeze about NIU athletics in between periods. Finally in the second intermission when they were good and annoyed with my perpetual probing they blurted out that if i wanted to know so bad i can just wait until the announcements scheduled around the end of the summer circuit and I'd have all my answers. I probed a little further but i think they figured they'd gone to far and shut up quickly citing it wasn't worth risking their job to spread rumors 0.o

SO THERE YOU HAVE IT, I HAVE NO INFORMATION ABOUT ANYTHING IN PARTICULAR EXCEPT A BIG ANNNOUNCEMENT AROUND THE TIME THE SUMMER CIRCUIT ENDS.

(06-04-2015 03:45 PM)Mark26pt2 Wrote:  Some at Syracuse wanted SF for their next AD

SF staying at NIU

I hope he stays a LONG time - we need him!!!

I agree NIU needs him, a lot of the momentum to make the football program better would be lost.

I think it is foolish to believe he would not take Syracuse, BC, Pitt or any other step up if offered The best way to build a resume is to have success at multiple Schools and money talks. If any of those schools wanted him he would be gone

(06-04-2015 06:04 PM)cagy cager Wrote:  I think it is foolish to believe he would not take Syracuse, BC, Pitt or any other step up if offered The best way to build a resume is to have success at multiple Schools and money talks. If any of those schools wanted him he would be gone

I'm not saying SF is like this, but not everyone is driven by money and status. Maybe he really wants to make something out of NIU, maybe his family really likes their new home, maybe he is content and happy. A lot of things go into a decision about taking a new job.

(06-04-2015 05:53 PM)Stay Cool Wrote:  Not sure where to put this, so I'll be putting it here...

Got my source nice and hammered for the Bhawks game and was shooting the breeze about NIU athletics in between periods. Finally in the second intermission when they were good and annoyed with my perpetual probing they blurted out that if i wanted to know so bad i can just wait until the announcements scheduled around the end of the summer circuit and I'd have all my answers. I probed a little further but i think they figured they'd gone to far and shut up quickly citing it wasn't worth risking their job to spread rumors 0.o

SO THERE YOU HAVE IT, I HAVE NO INFORMATION ABOUT ANYTHING IN PARTICULAR EXCEPT A BIG ANNNOUNCEMENT AROUND THE TIME THE SUMMER CIRCUIT ENDS.

You were probably doing OK until you named a name.

(06-04-2015 09:50 PM)HUSKIEFOOTBALLFAN Wrote:  

(06-04-2015 05:53 PM)Stay Cool Wrote:  Not sure where to put this, so I'll be putting it here...

Got my source nice and hammered for the Bhawks game and was shooting the breeze about NIU athletics in between periods. Finally in the second intermission when they were good and annoyed with my perpetual probing they blurted out that if i wanted to know so bad i can just wait until the announcements scheduled around the end of the summer circuit and I'd have all my answers. I probed a little further but i think they figured they'd gone to far and shut up quickly citing it wasn't worth risking their job to spread rumors 0.o

SO THERE YOU HAVE IT, I HAVE NO INFORMATION ABOUT ANYTHING IN PARTICULAR EXCEPT A BIG ANNNOUNCEMENT AROUND THE TIME THE SUMMER CIRCUIT ENDS.

You were probably doing OK until you named a name.

I said i was sorry =/ I'm not making that mistake again

(06-04-2015 06:04 PM)cagy cager Wrote:  I think it is foolish to believe he would not take Syracuse, BC, Pitt or any other step up if offered The best way to build a resume is to have success at multiple Schools and money talks. If any of those schools wanted him he would be gone

SF has a nice resume and I think he is confident enough to know if he wants a change it will be what fits his desire. I have to believe Wisconsin would be one. But it is refreshing to see someone who itn't chasing every opening out there. Plus I think he likes the challenges NIu provides and the impact he can make here

(06-04-2015 04:17 PM)HuskieJohn Wrote:  I think Frazier really wants to stay for an extended time BUT I think he needs to see some fruit from all of his hard work with people filling the stands.

What exactly has he done? Let's check it off (my admittedly uninformed outside looking in opinion).

List:
1. More butts in seats -- no. not really. No check.
2. Winning? -- We were winning before and continued it. Half a check here.
3. better tv contract? - nope (Due to MAC deal. Better on local rights.) 1/2 check.
4. higher revenues - not sure. Benefit of the doubt- 1/2 check.
5. Resurrected NIU basketballl-- remains to be seen. Incomplete for now.
6. upgraded schedule? hmmm. Yes - on the surface. Will the upgraded schedule lead to increase attendance? increased buzz? not hurt win- loss percentage? better position NIU for better bowl opportunities? (e.g., Did fans come to see Maryland v, NIU because it was "Maryland" or because it was a ranked team that we had a shot at beating?) Scheduling without proper marketing is not a panacea. I will give a check here, but with caveats, and with the hope that marketing can parlay the schedule into attendance, attention, etc.
7. Creating a clear vision for the future? hmm. Can't fault him for trying. Got the Chessick completed. Commissioned future plans. But they are just plans. Phillips planned. Groth planned. Is the vision clear? No. Objectively it is not. But, can it be any clearer? No. Given the current landscape, all you can do is continue to take steps forward. Where it leads you in relation to others, only time will tell. But it will lead you further along than where you are, and than were you would be if you just stand still. So, I will give a cautious check here. But remember, planning without execution is a waste of time.

Sooooo -- in seven categories, he grades at 3 1/2 checks.

Anyone who says he is ready to go and has the record for it, I am not sure that accurately reflects the facts. It appears that if he "wants to accomplish something", then he needs to stay.

(06-05-2015 09:00 AM)chihuskie Wrote:  

(06-04-2015 04:17 PM)HuskieJohn Wrote:  I think Frazier really wants to stay for an extended time BUT I think he needs to see some fruit from all of his hard work with people filling the stands.

What exactly has he done? Let's check it off (my admittedly uninformed outside looking in opinion).

List:
1. More butts in seats -- no. not really. No check.
2. Winning? -- We were winning before and continued it. Half a check here.
3. better tv contract? - nope (Due to MAC deal. Better on local rights.) 1/2 check.
4. higher revenues - not sure. Benefit of the doubt- 1/2 check.
5. Resurrected NIU basketballl-- remains to be seen. Incomplete for now.
6. upgraded schedule? hmmm. Yes - on the surface. Will the upgraded schedule lead to increase attendance? increased buzz? not hurt win- loss percentage? better position NIU for better bowl opportunities? (e.g., Did fans come to see Maryland v, NIU because it was "Maryland" or because it was a ranked team that we had a shot at beating?) Scheduling without proper marketing is not a panacea. I will give a check here, but with caveats, and with the hope that marketing can parlay the schedule into attendance, attention, etc.
7. Creating a clear vision for the future? hmm. Can't fault him for trying. Got the Chessick completed. Commissioned future plans. But they are just plans. Phillips planned. Groth planned. Is the vision clear? No. Objectively it is not. But, can it be any clearer? No. Given the current landscape, all you can do is continue to take steps forward. Where it leads you in relation to others, only time will tell. But it will lead you further along than where you are, and than were you would be if you just stand still. So, I will give a cautious check here. But remember, planning without execution is a waste of time.

Sooooo -- in seven categories, he grades at 3 1/2 checks.

Anyone who says he is ready to go and has the record for it, I am not sure that accurately reflects the facts. It appears that if he "wants to accomplish something", then he needs to stay.

He upgraded the schedule, I'll give him that. Even then, games could be bought out - I'll believe it when I see it. Marketing I think has improved and he seems to be putting forth the effort to advance NIU. So he's done a couple things. At this point his resume rests on those plus what he did at previous stops.

If Syracuse, Pitt, BC, or any of the big boys want SF, in the words of Hawk Harrelson, "he gone." Far easier to build a resume from such a landing point without the risk of a downward spiral in football or basketball here.

The idea that a guy from Alabama who put in years at UW would love to settle down in Dekalb is laughable...money talks as does the lure of bigger lights, more deep pocket alumni and a fanatic fanbase--NIU cannot compete with those.

Also, the opportunity to make a boatload more money won't always be there and SF's next contract at a big boy place could set him up for life...that ain't gonna happen at NIU or if he turns down such an offer, may well never come again.

(06-05-2015 10:32 AM)cagy cager Wrote:  If Syracuse, Pitt, BC, or any of the big boys want SF, in the words of Hawk Harrelson, "he gone." Far easier to build a resume from such a landing point without the risk of a downward spiral in football or basketball here.

The idea that a guy from Alabama who put in years at UW would love to settle down in Dekalb is laughable...money talks as does the lure of bigger lights, more deep pocket alumni and a fanatic fanbase--NIU cannot compete with those.

Also, the opportunity to make a boatload more money won't always be there and SF's next contract at a big boy place could set him up for life...that ain't gonna happen at NIU or if he turns down such an offer, may well never come again.

It's laughable that you think Syracuse, Pitt, or BC are considered "big boys" when they really are not. And don't bring up basketball because basketball is meaningless when compared to football.

They are obviously bigger programs compared to NIU, but on the national scene they are jut another blip on the radar.

(06-05-2015 11:16 AM)RedandBlackAttack Wrote:  

(06-05-2015 10:32 AM)cagy cager Wrote:  If Syracuse, Pitt, BC, or any of the big boys want SF, in the words of Hawk Harrelson, "he gone." Far easier to build a resume from such a landing point without the risk of a downward spiral in football or basketball here.

The idea that a guy from Alabama who put in years at UW would love to settle down in Dekalb is laughable...money talks as does the lure of bigger lights, more deep pocket alumni and a fanatic fanbase--NIU cannot compete with those.

Also, the opportunity to make a boatload more money won't always be there and SF's next contract at a big boy place could set him up for life...that ain't gonna happen at NIU or if he turns down such an offer, may well never come again.

It's laughable that you think Syracuse, Pitt, or BC are considered "big boys" when they really are not. And don't bring up basketball because basketball is meaningless when compared to football.

They are obviously bigger programs compared to NIU, but on the national scene they are jut another blip on the radar.

when its a 'big deal' to bring BC in to Huskie Stadium - that says something on how much bigger BC is magnitude wise than NIU. don't poo pooh those programs. an upgrade is still an upgrade if he were to jump as AD at those schools.

It can be debated how great of an AD Frazier is, and no matter how hard or easy it is to have upgraded the home schedule, the fact is he got it done which is more than we can say for any AD that has been at NIU since 2004. Who knows , maybe Frazier will end up at one of the biggest gigs at all someday @ Wisconsin. The thing I know is that NIU athletics is now bigger than any one man though, and the success of the athletics program is not tied to one individual anymore. The unexplored frontier for any future ADs is the basketball program because I still believe in looking at a longer 20 year vision, that is the future of NIU athletics.