How much can we afford to pay the new coach? Will Frazier be forced to use the buyout $ to plug budget gaps? Will we be pressured into paying a salary lower than Carey to shore up the budget, leaving us to settle for a lesser candidate?

None of these college coaches should be making more than $1 million. So many of these coaches are way overpaid, but because the large schools are swimming in money and college athletics has become a huge profitable business they drove up the costs.

Pay a head coach only what they are worth. If we hire another D3 coach like Carey then you pay them in the lower end of MAC salaries. None of these guys are staying at NIU even if we could cough up $1 million.

I'd focus on paying more to our assistant coaches to attract the real talent that will be doing most of the recruiting and player development.

Posting because it relates to Hammock:

From Football Scoop:

Quote:Baltimore Ravens: John Harbaugh has shared that assistant head coach / tight ends coach Greg Roman will be the team’s offensive coordinator moving forward. Jeff Zrebiec adds that offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg has been asked to remain a part of the staff in a different role. Also, Eric DeCosta will officially take over as the team’s GM today, and Ozzie Newsome will remain with the organization in a significant role.

(01-10-2019 10:41 AM)BobL Wrote:  I like the idea of Hammock:

Northern Illinois (2005–2006)Running backs coach
Minnesota (2007–2009)Running backs coach
Minnesota (2010)Co-offensive coordinator & running backs coach
Wisconsin (2011–2013)Assistant head coach, running backs coach, recruiting coord.
Baltimore Ravens (2014–present)Running backs coach

Canada has had lots of ups and downs..6 jobs in the last 8 years. As for Kane, he worked for Carey for 4 seasons, the team would be familiar with him, he did build the defense...but he did work for Carey for 4 seasons.

Me too. I love Hammock. Think he would be a great fit. He's done a nice job with the Ravens. Would be fun to have an alum at the helm. Maybe T-Ham could become the MAC's version of Fitz.

I think there are 3 alternative paths, each are viable.

1) Hi-potential with no head coaching experience. This is typically an up and coming OC/DC at an established hi level program looking to take the next career step as a HC (i.e. Dave Doreen). This will allow NIU to fill the position at a reasonable salary level. This has high upside, but high risk, and huge success typically translates to the NIU role being a stepping stone to a P5 job.
2) Experienced Head Coach trying to reestablish (i.e. Butch Jones). This is likely to cost more $, but may have less risk given HC experience. This would take the program in a new/different direction, with a complete overhaul of the staff.
3) NIU ties (i.e. Hammock, Tuke, Canada, Kane). This is the path of least resistance, it should not be too much of a financial stretch, and would be the least disruptive in terms of continuity.

The key question is whether Frasier wants to take the program in a new direction, or stay the path with minimal tweaks.

More info on Hammock from Jeff Zrebiec the Ravens coverage guy.

“There could be other changes on the offensive staff as well. Running back coach Thomas Hammock is reportedly a top candidate for the head coaching job at Northern Illinois, his alma mater.”

“Yes. He can coach. Got a lot out of guys like Forsett, Edwards, Collins, etc. Plus, doesn't take any BS. Isn't afraid to challenge players or other coaches.”

“Yeah, tough to turn down a chance to be head coach at your alma mater. He can recruit too, as he did at Wisconsin. So if he gets that job, he should have no problem winning and bringing in good players.”

I’m just not enamored with the thought of Hammock for whatever reason. Been out of college for quite a few years. His background is all pro style offenses. Don’t get me wrong, I wouldn’t hate it, but it wouldn’t excite me either.

(01-11-2019 10:52 AM)HuskieTap22 Wrote:  More info on Hammock from Jeff Zrebiec the Ravens coverage guy.

“There could be other changes on the offensive staff as well. Running back coach Thomas Hammock is reportedly a top candidate for the head coaching job at Northern Illinois, his alma mater.”

“Yes. He can coach. Got a lot out of guys like Forsett, Edwards, Collins, etc. Plus, doesn't take any BS. Isn't afraid to challenge players or other coaches.”

“Yeah, tough to turn down a chance to be head coach at your alma mater. He can recruit too, as he did at Wisconsin. So if he gets that job, he should have no problem winning and bringing in good players.”

Boom!

For some reason I'm excited about Hammock. Canada is the one that gives me hesitation, not sure why. Kane would be exciting and fine, I do worry a bit about his midwest ties from a recruiting perspective, didn't he recruit other areas when he was here?

The only concern I have with Hammock is that he has never led a team. When you're an OC or DC, you're in charge of that side of the ball and you have a lot more responsibility than a position coach. Very few make the jump from position coach to head coach -- Fleck and Urban Myer come to mind. I'm sure he's an awesome dude but with Canada, Kane, Wisconsin OC, and Cincinnati OC being rumored to covet the job, I'm not sure if Hammock is the right choice.

(01-10-2019 10:39 PM)NIU05 Wrote:  57. He's just a PIA. Question his leadership and character. Had a buddy whose nephew was a QB with him @Pitt just a weird Jekyl and Hyde guy. Had another friend whose son was recruited at Indiania as an OT. Buddy said he complained about Nobak not recommending any staff members for job which Kill landed. He moves around a lot because of his lack of personal qualities. He's got Xs OS but his act wears thin.

Doubt there is anyone today that is acceptable to everyone. Personally know a lot of folks who worked with him that would say you are entirely wrong.
You know a buddy with a nephew who thought he was just a weird Jekly and Hyde guy, maybe your buddy or is his nephew fits that description as well. You know a friend whose son was recruited at OT who claims he complained about Novak, maybe your friend's son misinterpreted something. You believe "his act" wears thin, but major programs keep hiring him, which is why he has moved around a lot.

(01-10-2019 11:55 PM)NIU84 Wrote:  

(01-10-2019 11:46 AM)JKHuskie45 Wrote:  This may sound crazy but I want Jordan Lynch.

Yes he does not have a lot of experience but he is a former alum and hero, has college and head coaching experience, was a great recruiter when he was here, knows the QB position better then anyone, has been a winning head coach in high school, is very personable and well liked by players.

IF the argument is he is not ready to be an HC yet, all other candidates also have NEVER been HC's (and Jordan actually has in High School), so how are they more qualified? Sometimes you have to take a chance, if we are going to take a chance on someone who is inexperienced like all the coaches mentioned, I say it should be Jordan Lynch.

The buyout on Lynch's contract is to pick up the tab for him and his buddies at Reilly's Daughter, and a home and home against Mt Carmel at beautiful Gately Stadium.

I need some other south siders to chime in here with anything I'm missing.

It's actually a "dreamy" idea, there's just something to it, but giving him the keys to the program with a year of HS coaching is just too big a leap.

That's so 80's. Old Brubaker's

Now Dork and Ferry on the other hand.

Although I am pretty sure he isn't a drinker.

I would think Lynch is in training. He is learning the ropes, responsibility. He's only 28. I can see him making a direct jump to HC though in a few years should he succeed at MC, get a much needed title for the Caravan. They see big things for him short term and that's why they let Lenti go. You saw Brother Rice in state championship and that is unacceptable at 63rd and Dante. I also saw they are bringing in stands, lights to the practice turf and will start to play games there instead of Gately. He is being setup to succeed and should he, he will be rewarded.

(01-11-2019 11:14 AM)17Huskies Wrote:  For some reason I'm excited about Hammock. Canada is the one that gives me hesitation, not sure why. Kane would be exciting and fine, I do worry a bit about his midwest ties from a recruiting perspective, didn't he recruit other areas when he was here?

He played at Kansas and spent his entire coaching career before this year at Kansas, Wisconsin, or NIU. I don’t think Midwest ties are an issue.

And unless Carey takes the entire defensive staff with him, I’m sure there would be some holdovers.

I just want a new OC & QB Coach. That is all. Thank you in advance.

(01-11-2019 11:14 AM)badmoonrising13 Wrote:  The only concern I have with Hammock is that he has never led a team. When you're an OC or DC, you're in charge of that side of the ball and you have a lot more responsibility than a position coach. Very few make the jump from position coach to head coach -- Fleck and Urban Myer come to mind. I'm sure he's an awesome dude but with Canada, Kane, Wisconsin OC, and Cincinnati OC being rumored to covet the job, I'm not sure if Hammock is the right choice.

Most head coaches when getting their first shot were position coaches before head coaches including Carey. He was an O-line coach first remember? Had no experience when he took over NIU and we did ok.

"what if I told you, taking a step back is the only way to keep moving forward" #bobcole

Firing Bob Cole was legit Carey’s worst move as head coach lol

I’d be interested to know if there any names not related to NIU interested in the job.

(01-11-2019 01:04 PM)timxlydon Wrote:  I’d be interested to know if there any names not related to NIU interested in the job.

I’ve seen Wisconsin DC’s Jim Leonhard mentioned

(01-11-2019 01:05 PM)7 Wrote:  

(01-11-2019 01:04 PM)timxlydon Wrote:  I’d be interested to know if there any names not related to NIU interested in the job.

I’ve seen Wisconsin DC’s Jim Leonhard mentioned

Going with a Wisconsin DC worked out pretty well last time.