I'm thinking this isn't necessary, and BTN could hire Tom immediately to replace Tim Johnson.
I can only imagine...
New coach or not?
- Thread starter RockySmith
- Start date
I can only imagine...
I keep seeing names like Kolat, Kem and Nolf. Here’s the deal…there are many incredible coaches out there that can develop guys. Guys like Cunningham, Lee Roper etc….
But, this is Iowa. If a change is in order, the name would have to make an incredible splash. The type of splash that would instantly tilt the aura of the program and ignite a recruiting storm. The type of “whoa” that was felt when DT was announced in Stillwater. It has to hit in a way that you just know we are in for exciting times.
In my opinion, there is only one person that fits this description and it’s JB. He checks every box there is to check. He is a true pro with his demeanor and spoken word. Incredible family man, no controversy etc.. he’s won titles with flash and skill and he’s won while injured with pure guts alone. The Iowa we reminisce about dominated the opponents they were supposed to and somehow found ways to win with pure guts when we were the underdog.
He would charm the media like no one else. The trolls (Mineo types) wouldn't dare hate on JB and would proclaim the second coming of Saint Herky. The support staff JB could get would be incredible. Spencer would stay in IC to train for the LA games and the high caliber recruits would stay in place. HWC would be very attractive to bring in resident athletes. I promise you would have several others coming in for brief training stints to work with JB and there would be a nice trickle down to the college guys. (This happened a lot in the past where guys would come in for a week or two at a time to train under Gabe and have access to great training partners.)
I have a deep admiration for TNT but I remember a time where winning titles didn’t even ignite a massive celebration because it was normal and expected. If this is the environment everybody wishes to get back…the answer is JB. Going to take an incredible commitment $$ wise.
But, this is Iowa. If a change is in order, the name would have to make an incredible splash. The type of splash that would instantly tilt the aura of the program and ignite a recruiting storm. The type of “whoa” that was felt when DT was announced in Stillwater. It has to hit in a way that you just know we are in for exciting times.
In my opinion, there is only one person that fits this description and it’s JB. He checks every box there is to check. He is a true pro with his demeanor and spoken word. Incredible family man, no controversy etc.. he’s won titles with flash and skill and he’s won while injured with pure guts alone. The Iowa we reminisce about dominated the opponents they were supposed to and somehow found ways to win with pure guts when we were the underdog.
He would charm the media like no one else. The trolls (Mineo types) wouldn't dare hate on JB and would proclaim the second coming of Saint Herky. The support staff JB could get would be incredible. Spencer would stay in IC to train for the LA games and the high caliber recruits would stay in place. HWC would be very attractive to bring in resident athletes. I promise you would have several others coming in for brief training stints to work with JB and there would be a nice trickle down to the college guys. (This happened a lot in the past where guys would come in for a week or two at a time to train under Gabe and have access to great training partners.)
I have a deep admiration for TNT but I remember a time where winning titles didn’t even ignite a massive celebration because it was normal and expected. If this is the environment everybody wishes to get back…the answer is JB. Going to take an incredible commitment $$ wise.
Ready for what? compete for 4th? We could talk about last night and how Penn State looked comfortable coming into Carver and beating the Hawks, its just another team and another venue. they celebrated like they were at lehigh or something, nothing special. How its the worst defeat in 60 years? Fewest takedowns in the same amount of time. more stall calls than takedowns, its all been mentioned here in the last 12 hours. How some of the guys came to fight, but had no answers on how to setup shots, how to ride longer than 2-3 seconds, not even begin to think about turning and scoring from there.
But its not just one night, how many times this season alone have they gone without a takedown until Mikey took the mat? How many years now have we seen the same stuff? its just getting worse as other teams evolve. I think we all love Tom, and we love what he says in his press conferences, but the stuff he says there, and what we see on the mat are night and day - and if you blame that on compliance, well I'm sorry.
The next coach and assistant coaches need to at the very least have good relationships with the Askrens so they don't flag the next round of world beaters from attending Iowa. I would hope to take at least one assistant from that system. Parker or Keegan would fit that third assistant role. Somebody with a good east coast connection is important too. It would be interesting to know what Dan Gable really thinks about this whole situation.
I’m a Penn State fan. I’m also a wrestling fan. Iowa is more than a few years past the time when the coaching staff should have been, a a minimum, re-worked. You’re aware of the issues. Many of you have stated them here. Loyalty is one thing but blind loyalty can prove fatal. Dake would be a great coach but it I recall correctly has indicated he’s not really interested in coaching right now. Nolf, Retherford would be fantastic but I don’t see them at Iowa. Iowa needs a proven coach who can bring proven recruiting, solid (modern) wresting skills, conditioning, and stability to the program. You’d never entice him away from his current gig but a guy like Pat Satoro is who Iowa needs.I bet half of those that voted to keep our coaches are PSU fans
I will now step back and accept your pummeling.
Last edited:
Yes,.he is coaching but has never done anything of significance at any of the places he has been at.
You have no idea what you are talking about plain and simple. This is proven by this statement just like many others
The Brands are like 57....if they left iowa at the end of the season,.could they find jobs? Sure. But i think you are reaching if you think any current top 10-15 program would hire them at this point.
giant state school...check. easy academic and admission standards....check. Lots of gut courses....check. Plenty of NIL money...check. What am I missing?
I love the university of IOWA but If the powers that be come to the conclusion that TnT are the problem exclusively and dont fix the other more important problems then IOWA will never be capable of competing for the championship again.
Everyone has to look at the big picture, times have changed and the ncaa is corrupt as it’s ever been go listen go listen to Nick Purler.
Wow just wow, it has nothing to do with academics.
Get your head out of your ***
T&T are uncharasmatic and a bit weird. Probably not going to be the best with weird uncharasmatic guys as the face of the program.
Nothing is weirder than our Football coach crying after first downs against mid B1G teams.
Speaking of weird, Imagine complaining about our football coach right now.
Another 8-4 year while winning nothing significant. Sick
You're aware you're on the wrestling board? Are you also aware that a football board exists?
You're a good poster. I'm behind the times on what really needs to change. You've probably already opined on it, but I missed it.
Would you please specifically explain what "the other more important problems" are?
No one going to hire the Brands unless they are willing to take a big pay cut. Lately, our guys are never ready in March. Outside of Buchanan and Lee, we haven’t had a national champion since 2017. 2 national champions in 8 years. Nebraska had 2 last year alone. Penn State had 14 different wrestlers win national championships over that timespan, many of them winning multiple. Buchanan is the only transfer that has improved or not been injured. Most of our guys are injured or do worse in their final year. Brands have had many years to get our wrestlers ready in March. They are unable to do it. Move on or we’ll continue this trend.
Grip can you explain what problems there is that results in our top pfp guys getting no takedowns? Cant blame it on money cause they’re already here and wrestling for us. Dare to blame it on injury? Cause that would look real good if the brands managed to hurt all our top wrestlers yet again. There is literally no excuse for why our top ranked wrestlers aren’t producing points. Not only against PSU but why when a caliber of wrestler like PK wrestles a guy ranked 30th is he not getting fall? Get those extra points for the team. I want to hear from the Brands sympathizers why this is happening. Whose fault is it? Cause it falls on someone and it’s either the coach or wrestler and I find it hard to believe this many of our top wrestlers year after year regress. Open your eyes or enlighten all of us.
For me it isnt about losing it's how we lose. We dont offense.
Beth Goetz won't hesitate to make a change if she feels it's time. She fired offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz in the middle of a football season. She fired the all time winningest men's head basketball coach after last season (when results, fan apathy & attendance were really bad).
However, she would need to line somebody up who would improve things.
Who should be on her short list of candidates?
Last night was the worst loss in 60 years.
Has fan apathy set in? If so, then it's probably time for a change.
Leistikow has been at the Register for a long time.
The full text of the tweet:
Texted a friend of mine, who has always been an Iowa wrestling nut, before last night’s dual to see what he thought about Iowa vs. Penn State.
His reply: “Honestly I’ve checked out. Not even paying attention anymore. Which is sad because Iowa wrestling used to be a big part of my winter.”
Has fan apathy set in? If so, then it's probably time for a change.
Leistikow has been at the Register for a long time.
The full text of the tweet:
Texted a friend of mine, who has always been an Iowa wrestling nut, before last night’s dual to see what he thought about Iowa vs. Penn State.
His reply: “Honestly I’ve checked out. Not even paying attention anymore. Which is sad because Iowa wrestling used to be a big part of my winter.”
there were hundreds if not thousands of tickets available yesterday for less than $20/ea on seatgeek, People around campus were offering me their tickets for free because they didn't want to deal with 6pm start and felt it was going to to as we all saw it go.
A lot of us feel the same as his friend. I was offered free tickets and it wasn’t even a hard decision. Hell I chose to go out to eat at the start of the meet; didn’t even want to watch it on tv.
Coaches get fired when the fan base gets apathetic. Brands is on borrowed time.
And what do you infer from that?I bet half of those that voted to keep our coaches are PSU fans
Beth Goetz did not hesitate when it came to the Iowa men's basketball coach.
She fired him last year the day after their season was over.
I’ll play. I mean it’s only a matter of time and that time feels near.
The same names continue to be thrown around with no clear cut agreement among fans. Here’s how I see it:
Dake - as good as DT was, Dake was better. Top 3 collegiate goat. Innovative. Technician. I think the draw for Dake is taking over the rival program to osu and starting a new chapter of Dake vs Taylor. I could see him bring in Cornell and psu guys. Good blend of both styles and implement somewhat of an unorthodox training method.
Burroughs - post-collegiate goat. Personable. Effective communicator. Motivator. Will draw attention by his words and personality, similar to Brands, but in a more likable, embracing, non-intimidating way. Great with the media. Admin will love him. Community will too and connecting with the Bobs of the world - vitally important in today’s NIL world. Probably brings a style more in line with Iowa style. No idea who he brings in as assistants but will make more of a difference on the style we see on the mat. I think the draw for Burroughs is the spotlight at Wrestletown USA where he’ll shine, be the guy that takes down psu and unseat Cael, and rekindle rivalry with DT and be the guy that takes down psu before Taylor does.
Askren - one of the best innovators. Experienced coach and highly effective translating skills, tactics, adjustments to his wrestlers. Kids love him, respond to him, and trust his insight. Good leader of boys but not men IMO. I think he could be wildly successful with a program like WI but doesn’t feel like a good fit for Iowa. Risky. The community and NIL is a big part of the equation and not sure Iowa would embrace him.
Nolf - maybe too young and not ready for a top perennial program but will get there. Same could have been said for Gable in his day. He’s just solid in every aspect you want in a person and Coach. I get not wanting a psu guy but he doesn’t come off as a Cael minion like DT does. Nolf is different. His style is a blend of psu, Iowa, and Askren. He would undoubtedly put a fun product on the mat and like Cael, get his kids to wrestle free and relaxed without the pressure and stress you can tell they ultimately feel under Brands.
The same names continue to be thrown around with no clear cut agreement among fans. Here’s how I see it:
Dake - as good as DT was, Dake was better. Top 3 collegiate goat. Innovative. Technician. I think the draw for Dake is taking over the rival program to osu and starting a new chapter of Dake vs Taylor. I could see him bring in Cornell and psu guys. Good blend of both styles and implement somewhat of an unorthodox training method.
Burroughs - post-collegiate goat. Personable. Effective communicator. Motivator. Will draw attention by his words and personality, similar to Brands, but in a more likable, embracing, non-intimidating way. Great with the media. Admin will love him. Community will too and connecting with the Bobs of the world - vitally important in today’s NIL world. Probably brings a style more in line with Iowa style. No idea who he brings in as assistants but will make more of a difference on the style we see on the mat. I think the draw for Burroughs is the spotlight at Wrestletown USA where he’ll shine, be the guy that takes down psu and unseat Cael, and rekindle rivalry with DT and be the guy that takes down psu before Taylor does.
Askren - one of the best innovators. Experienced coach and highly effective translating skills, tactics, adjustments to his wrestlers. Kids love him, respond to him, and trust his insight. Good leader of boys but not men IMO. I think he could be wildly successful with a program like WI but doesn’t feel like a good fit for Iowa. Risky. The community and NIL is a big part of the equation and not sure Iowa would embrace him.
Nolf - maybe too young and not ready for a top perennial program but will get there. Same could have been said for Gable in his day. He’s just solid in every aspect you want in a person and Coach. I get not wanting a psu guy but he doesn’t come off as a Cael minion like DT does. Nolf is different. His style is a blend of psu, Iowa, and Askren. He would undoubtedly put a fun product on the mat and like Cael, get his kids to wrestle free and relaxed without the pressure and stress you can tell they ultimately feel under Brands.
Per usual, I stand with Fran.
Askren is far and away the best realistic candidate. I understand his lung transplant might mean he will have to decline. But that will be up to him.
The only reason I bought season tickets again is because I’m 8th row and have a hard time giving those seats up. But my kids are grown and is harder to get them to go.
I haven’t gone to one meet this year. I listen on the radio if I remember it’s on. May go to Minnesota.
Almost complete apathy. Hate that I feel that way for the wrestlers because I know they’re working their butt off and its not their fault.
The Brand is gone. Iowa Wrestling in name only and a shell paraded out living on nostalgia.
I haven’t gone to one meet this year. I listen on the radio if I remember it’s on. May go to Minnesota.
Almost complete apathy. Hate that I feel that way for the wrestlers because I know they’re working their butt off and its not their fault.
The Brand is gone. Iowa Wrestling in name only and a shell paraded out living on nostalgia.
So far Beth's firing decisions have worked out well.
Tim Lester replaced the fired Brian Ferentz and Iowa suddenly has an offense putting up points.
Ben McCollum replaced the fired Fran McCaffery and Iowa (w/ the exception of Mich State) is hanging with the top teams in the country (even at their place). And fans are excited & buying tickets again.
The 5 losses so far:
AP Rank
at...#2..... ......Iowa State.............(66-62)
at.......#5..... .....Purdue............. ............(79-72)
at.... #12.... .....Michigan St.......(71-52)
..............#13.. .Illinois..............................(75-69)
at........ ................ ...Minnesota............(70-67)
Compliance, billionaires, blah blah blah. That has nothing to do with getting a takedown.
tom and terry know how to coach. They are elite coaches. Their loyalties could unfortunately be their coaching career demise.
The issue is their approach, as it clearly is not getting through to the wrestlers and they have assistants that can’t carry forward their approach either.
The short term answer is change of assistants, relook at the diet/strength program and overhaul of HWC. Address those things and the situation will get better and you’ll fill all those empty seats last night.
get rid of tom and you guys will be Nebraska football and probably not have the donor support in the aftermath.
tom and terry know how to coach. They are elite coaches. Their loyalties could unfortunately be their coaching career demise.
The issue is their approach, as it clearly is not getting through to the wrestlers and they have assistants that can’t carry forward their approach either.
The short term answer is change of assistants, relook at the diet/strength program and overhaul of HWC. Address those things and the situation will get better and you’ll fill all those empty seats last night.
get rid of tom and you guys will be Nebraska football and probably not have the donor support in the aftermath.
people have been saying the same thing for awhile, unfortunately their unwillingness to make those changes has gotten to the point where the conversation isn't about small organization changes anymore.
I've been a die hard fan since I can remember. The few shifts since Gable retired were noticeably seismic, Jimmy Z's last few years it was a given change was coming. This extended timeframe with the Brand's brothers is exponentially worse. There's an arrogance of being beyond reproach with them. Never looking ouside their own personality, keeping the circle tight, no growth or bringing in non-Hawks. It's maddening, that and the small, loud circle of sycophant fans makes following the program fatiguing.
I think you do everything in your power to get Dake