Dake - if he retires

Nov 1, 2021
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It's looking more and more likely Dake will be retiring from competition soon, maybe even this year. IF he were to retire and be available for a coaching position do we bring him in for an interview?

I think he could be a David Taylor-esque hire for the program by billing himself as the guy who was undefeated against Taylor. Plus you're taking away another big piece from the NLWC.
 

BrianLafevre

Senior
Jun 30, 2025
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It's looking more and more likely Dake will be retiring from competition soon, maybe even this year. IF he were to retire and be available for a coaching position do we bring him in for an interview?

I think he could be a David Taylor-esque hire for the program by billing himself as the guy who was undefeated against Taylor. Plus you're taking away another big piece from the NLWC.
“We”

You are as much of an Iowa fan as that weird poster that is convinced he is a prominent person in the wrestling world.
 

Corby2

All-American
Jul 14, 2025
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It's looking more and more likely Dake will be retiring from competition soon, maybe even this year. IF he were to retire and be available for a coaching position do we bring him in for an interview?

I think he could be a David Taylor-esque hire for the program by billing himself as the guy who was undefeated against Taylor. Plus you're taking away another big piece from the NLWC.
And he doesn't want to be a head coach unless something has changed recently.
 

Stick Kitty

All-Conference
Jul 7, 2025
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With or without Dake. I'd love to get Yianni D in Iowa City. He will be a great head coach someday.

But yeah sign me up for Dake, assistant Yianni and bring a couple guys over- most notably cut a check to Shapiro for next season.

100% take that right now. Figure the rest out later.

Edit to say. I would take Yianni as head coach if he can get a former veteran D1 coach as his head assistant for a season or 2 to show him the ropes with the non practice room side of things so to speak.
 

Gusaford1

Junior
Jul 1, 2025
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Can you direct me to the article or video where he states that, please?
Lots of press reports that in May 2024 he turned down what he described as a "massive" head coaching job, rumored to be Oklahoma State. Some suggestion that he's concerned about the 24/7 nature of a head coaching gig as he has a young family. I haven't seen anything that says he's definitively ruled it out as a career.
 

Stick Kitty

All-Conference
Jul 7, 2025
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David had kids' program that he showed he can develop talent. Not aware of Dake or Yanni doing that. There are miles between being great wrestler and being great coach.
What you say has merit but its also wrestling. If ya got it- ya got it. They have spent time around great coaches and been in programs there whole life. They get the lifestyle, what it takes and the lifestyle. The college things they would need to hire a coach to help so them the ropes on those aspects. It can be done.

I get what you say and you are right to a point. It would take a special guy to pull it off. But I refuse to act like we should hire Sebolt or Nick Mitchell over Nolf just because experience ya know.

BTW Yianni is coaching as we speak.

You know ISU bball hired Fred Hoiberg with 0.0 coaching experience. And gave him a longtime head coach as his assistant to guide him....

This is the way.
 

vhsalum

All-Conference
Nov 14, 2002
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Dake is going through 2028.

He has NO interest in being a head coach. Like 0. And very little interest in being an assistant coach. He also doesn't want to stray far from his family on the east coast. Right now, he's closer to be a scholastic/club coach when he does finish competing.

He was offered the OU job and would have had Richison's backing ($$$).

What was said above about Dake is true as well - he's a weird dude. Could he change his mind? Possible. But he was offered the same cash DT eventually grabbed and didn't take it because he can't see past winning an Olympic Gold.
 
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Stick Kitty

All-Conference
Jul 7, 2025
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If Dake doesnt want to coach so be it. You wouldnt want a guy here for the money who wasnt fully invested and in love with the gring and the program. Kids can sniff that out when recruiting them.

I really dont think it has to be a huge name. Could be a top assistant somewhere now. As long as they can teach what lacks now in todays sport. Scrambling, turning etc. Also has to have ties to hotbed states for recruiting. Has to be a real good dude to talk with to establish connections on the donation scene. Iowa brand name will prop up recruiting more than we think.

There isnt a perfect name so everyone will require a leap of faith from this fan base. Some of us are reluctant because they arent comfortable and its not perfect on paper. But that doesnt mean it wont be. Everyone wanted Alford and no one wanted Ferentz and see how those coaching careers played out.
 

maxpain

All-American
Jul 6, 2006
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I still think Jon Reader with the right assistants could work out way better than we think. And one of those guys would have to be able to recruit the snot out of PA, OH & NJ as well as IL
That is the new worst suggestion I have seen. Previously it was Cenzo. Congrats on that.
 
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Stick Kitty

All-Conference
Jul 7, 2025
423
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Bring Doug back and the lineup next year is>>

125. Deluca
133. Bailey
141. Land or portal
149. Block
157. Estrada or portal
165. Downey
174. Arnold
184. Ferrari
197. Luddington
HWT. Kueter
 

Wrestleknownothing

All-Conference
Oct 30, 2021
1,484
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What you say has merit but its also wrestling. If ya got it- ya got it. They have spent time around great coaches and been in programs there whole life. They get the lifestyle, what it takes and the lifestyle. The college things they would need to hire a coach to help so them the ropes on those aspects. It can be done.

I get what you say and you are right to a point. It would take a special guy to pull it off. But I refuse to act like we should hire Sebolt or Nick Mitchell over Nolf just because experience ya know.

BTW Yianni is coaching as we speak.

You know ISU bball hired Fred Hoiberg with 0.0 coaching experience. And gave him a longtime head coach as his assistant to guide him....

This is the way.
As a Chicagoan, and a former Bulls fan, this reference hurt a bit.
 
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